Best AK74???

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TheSigmaEnigma

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What is the best AK-74 for around $600? I would prefer a folding stock model, but I won't be too picky. I would appreciate any help!

Thanks,

Enigma
 
Best in terms of best reputation, accuracy, etc. Just the best overall. Actually, I'm not too fond of the Saigas. Anything other then the Siagas. I heard that the Polish Tantals are good, is that true? Anybody had any problems with them? Anything better then the Tantals?
 
TheSigmaEnigma said:
I heard that the Polish Tantals are good, is that true? Anybody had any problems with them? Anything better then the Tantals?
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Have you searched any at all?

The Tantals are a gamble due to one vendor using the wrong caliber barrels in their versions.

To be brutally honest, any US-built AK74 is going to be built from a used parts kit on a an American receiver, most likely with an American barrel.

The Saiga is a brand new Russian made rifle, utilizing a brand new AK74 barrel and receiver. It's not been hacked up and put back together with substandard parts.
AND, it'll probably be the least expensive option. You can have a folding stock installed on a Saiga, too.

If you do decide to ignore the Saiga in favor of an American mixmaster, look for a rifle produced by a builder with a good reputation.
 
nalioth said:
Have you searched any at all?

The Tantals are a gamble due to one vendor using the wrong caliber barrels in their versions.

To be brutally honest, any US-built AK74 is going to be built from a used parts kit on a an American receiver, most likely with an American barrel.

The Saiga is a brand new Russian made rifle, utilizing a brand new AK74 barrel and receiver. It's not been hacked up and put back together with substandard parts.
AND, it'll probably be the least expensive option. You can have a folding stock installed on a Saiga, too.

If you do decide to ignore the Saiga in favor of an American mixmaster, look for a rifle produced by a builder with a good reputation.
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Nalioth, I know you are pretty much an AK genius so I was wondering what your opinion is on the IAC / Interarms AK-74's?

Also why is the 5.45 round available so cheap and in spam cans but not the 7.62x39mm?
 
AR27 said:
Nalioth, what your opinion is on the IAC / Interarms AK-74's?
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I've never seen one in person.

OTOH - you don't see any complaints on the interwebz.
AR27 said:
Also why is the 5.45 round available so cheap and in spam cans but not the 7.62x39mm?
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Because a few years ago, a sequence of events came to pass where a couple countries divested themselves of their entire hoard of 5.45x39 ammunition. Bulgaria and Poland dumped it all due to their switching calibers in their issue rifles (Poland switched to 5.56x45 and Bulgaria went back to using type 3 AK-47s).
At around the same time, Russia surplussed several hundred thousand tons of their older 5.45x39 ammo.

All of it was in spam cans. All of it arriving on our shores (US buyers got most of it) has led to cheap prices, and the sheer amount of it has kept prices low.

If you want it cheap, buy it now and stack it deep, for as soon as the warehousemen can start seeing the floors and inform their bosses, the price'll start going up.

7.62x39 in spam cans is military spec, and it can't be imported due to its steel construction (no "armor piercing" pistol ammo can be imported today). While the 7.62x39 military ammo isn't actually "armor piercing", its components and construction meets the law's definition of "armor piercing".
 
nalioth said:
I've never seen one in person.

OTOH - you don't see any complaints on the interwebz.
Because a few years ago, a sequence of events came to pass where a couple countries divested themselves of their entire hoard of 5.45x39 ammunition. Bulgaria and Poland dumped it all due to their switching calibers in their issue rifles (Poland switched to 5.56x45 and Bulgaria went back to using type 3 AK-47s).
At around the same time, Russia surplussed several hundred thousand tons of their older 5.45x39 ammo.

All of it was in spam cans. All of it arriving on our shores (US buyers got most of it) has led to cheap prices, and the sheer amount of it has kept prices low.

If you want it cheap, buy it now and stack it deep, for as soon as the warehousemen can start seeing the floors and inform their bosses, the price'll start going up.

7.62x39 in spam cans is military spec, and it can't be imported due to its steel construction (no "armor piercing" pistol ammo can be imported today). While the 7.62x39 military ammo isn't actually "armor piercing", its components and construction meets the law's definition of "armor piercing".
Click to expand...
So in your opinion the 5.45 will eventually return to the same price level as the 7.62x39mm, Do you have a ballpark guess as to when you think this could happen? Im just wondering if selling off my 7.62 for a 5.45 because of ammo prices is even worth it, I dont think it would be if the prices will be back up within a few years as I much prefer the bigger 7.62x39

Thank you for sharing some of your knowledge with me.
 
AR27 said:
So in your opinion the 5.45 will eventually return to the same price level as the 7.62x39mm, Do you have a ballpark guess as to when you think this could happen? Im just wondering if selling off my 7.62 for a 5.45 because of ammo prices is even worth it, I dont think it would be if the prices will be back up within a few years as I much prefer the bigger 7.62x39
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My opinion would be: If you want a 5.45x39 AK, buy a 5.45x39 Saiga (the boat is due any time) and convert it.

Keep your 7.62x39 AK.
 
I bought an Interarms AK-74 from Atlantic Firearms about two weeks ago. I've got about 500 rounds through it and it has been fantastic. Highly recommended. Mine came with plum furniture and a side rail.
 
I checked out the Saiga ones some more, and I'm just not a fan. I don't mean to be stubborn, and I appreciate your opinions, but I'm just not into them. I saw the Atlantic Firearms selection and I like a lot of them. Now I just need to find the money lol. I appreciate all of the help and I'll keep you guys posted if I ever get one! :D

Thanks,

Enigma
 
nalioth; could you please tell me what you think of the lancaster ak47s . thanks spence
 
spence said:
nalioth; could you please tell me what you think of the lancaster ak47s . thanks spence
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Haven't personally seen one of those, either.

Do a search, you'll find the company's reputation interesting.
 
TheSigmaEnigma said:
I heard that the Polish Tantals are good, is that true? Anybody had any problems with them?
Click to expand...

My brother has a Tantal. Works really good. No key-holing, and its accurate. At 50yds using iron sights and a cardboard box for a rest, he put 3 rounds into 1 inch.

Note: He feels he got lucky considering the large amount of key-holing Tantals reported online.
 
What is key-holing? I've never heard the term? I should probably do some more research before I drop several hundred lol ...
 
TheSigmaEnigma said:
What is key-holing? I've never heard the term? I should probably do some more research before I drop several hundred lol ...
Click to expand...

Key-holing is where the bullet starts 'flopping' side to side in flight. In other words, if you have an over sized barrel, the bullet won't engage the rifling. It then won't get a fast enough spin to stabilise the bullet, hence the bullet will literately flop horizontally or vertically during flight. On impact, the bullet will hit the target sideways creating a hole that looks like an old-fashioned key-hole, thus getting it's name.
 
I agree with nailoth.

The best 5.45x39mm rifle currently available is the Saiga-545.

If you do not care for how it looks/handles in it's imported "sporting purpose" configuration, then invest a few hundred dollars and convert it back to it's true AK-74M form.

If you do not want to convert it yourself, then get an Arsenal SGL-31.


IMO...
Stay away from the Century Arms International (surplus Bulgarian parts kit) AK74 and (surplus Polish parts kit) Tantal.
The non-chrome lined US made barrels is a downside to the parts kit builds.
 
YEah, the AK 74 caliber is so much fun to shoot. Like a .22 Magnum with a little more kick.
 
Me with my Bulgy 74 and my friend's M 4s were shoootng one day. I just love the sexy look of the 74 , and the recoil and sounds are so much milder.
 
the koraynovich arms bulgy AK74 it is the best ak i've ever seen it was at atlantic firearms when i got it but it is not there now

if you cant find it atlantic has a waffen werks AK74 thats looks really good
 
I was thinking about the Century Arms AK-74 until I saw one up close for the first time and I changed my mind and orderd the Saiga IZ240. They are definitely the way to go. Just convert them however you want. I gave $349 for mine from Centerfire Systems.
 
You can probably find a used Arsenal for near that price. I have a russian arsenal ak74 and it is my go to, end of the world gun.
 
You are probably looking at either a WASR 10/63 or a Saiga.

I bought my WASR for 400 bucks. It shoots great, just soak it in gun oil before you use it.

Bought one of my Saigas for 480. Convert for 100-300 bucks depending on what you want to do with it.

The Saiga is the superior of the two. Soon I will be publishing a very in depth tutorial on how to convert a Saiga. (With pictures!)
 
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