Which AK should I get as my first?

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I like AK's and the 7.62 Russian round, but ended up selling mine off in favor of AR's which I shoot more and are easier to customize.
 
SharpDog said:
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https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/wts-wtt-saiga-izhmash-7-62x39-wv.851597/#post-11178756
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This looks interesting. Thanks.
 
OP might want to check out Polish WBP AKs over at Atlantic Firearms. They also have a number of Romy options, classic wood WASR, underfolder, etc.
 
If you want AK in 7.62x39, new production WASR will do everything any other AK will do. It’s built in ex comm bloc factory and will last you a lifetime. It won’t look as purdy as an Arsenal, Vepr, SGL, insert expensive AK variant....but it will be just as good functionally and accuracy wise. It’s an AK and not meant to look pristine, it’s suppose to look used. Use the money you save buying WASR on mags and ammo. Don’t pay over $700, you should be able to find one in mid $600 range brand new.

You’ll have some that will bang the get an AR drum, but if you want AK, get AK. They’re plenty accurate and imho a lot more fun to shoot than a boring toy like LEGO gun with no personality.
 
I’d look at Arsenal or a QC inspected WASR from Atlantic firearms.

Then I’d buy a dozen mags, 1000 rounds, and start gaining some familiarity and proficiency.
 
It's sort of a complicated question.
One the one hand, it almost makes sense to recommend a beater (think Maadi here) first. Then be amazed when you move up to a better example (Valmet, SIG, Galil).
That way you are not disappointed when the bar comes in lower than what you have some to expect.

Mind, the othere question is one of do you want a military configuarion or not. That changes the range of things to look at.
 
CapnMac said:
It's sort of a complicated question.
One the one hand, it almost makes sense to recommend a beater (think Maadi here) first. Then be amazed when you move up to a better example (Valmet, SIG, Galil).
That way you are not disappointed when the bar comes in lower than what you have some to expect.

Mind, the othere question is one of do you want a military configuarion or not. That changes the range of things to look at.
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Galil... I was so excited to get mine. Fantastic build...accurate as heck...great to hold...BUT would not fit my Circle 10 mags ( which I purchased dozens as my exclusive AK mag). Sold it...didn't want to deal with the limitation.
 
brunowbe said:
Why? It does nothing a stamped receiver does but cost more, unless you get suckered into a Century murican AK, then it will eventually destroy itself.
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OMG, they so smooooth!!! lol! My stamped AKs run 100%, how can it get better?
 
Mullo98 said:
Milled AKs are stronger, in theory it would outlast a stamped by several more rounds.
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The myth lives on, let me guess, more accurate too?

Just a couple of quotes:

From Ron at Battfield Vegas (caveat it’s comparing a milled RPD v. stamped WASR, both full auto): “The one thing I can say about the AK’s is that they hold up MUCH BETTER than the RPD’s. I thought for sure that RPD’s would last so much longer because of the milled receivers but the receivers only last about half the life (if that) of a Romanian WASR.”

From another article (http://blog.mountsplus.com/milled-versus-stamped-receivers-for-the-ak-47/): “Although heavier and made from thicker pieces of steel, a milled receiver is not necessarily stronger than a stamped one. This is because the difference in impact it would take to damage one, but not the other is rather small and would probably wreck the weapon regardless. However, according to manuals that were crafted during the time of the Soviet Union, stamped receivers generally last longer in terms of number of rounds that are fired.”

I could keep quoting more, but it’s a myth. Most shooter report milled being smoother and sometimes more accurate, but that is due to being heavier (less felt recoil usually keeps one on target).
 
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CapnMac said:
It's sort of a complicated question.
One the one hand, it almost makes sense to recommend a beater (think Maadi here) first. Then be amazed when you move up to a better example (Valmet, SIG, Galil).
That way you are not disappointed when the bar comes in lower than what you have some to expect.

Mind, the othere question is one of do you want a military configuarion or not. That changes the range of things to look at.
Click to expand...
Have you seen what Maadis go for these days, Capn? Definitely not beater prices, lol!

Incidentally, my old Maadi was the ugliest AK Ive ever had, and the most accurate out of the box- go figure.:D
 
I’d like to hear from anyone on the forum that has worn out either a stamped or milled AK. I bet not many of either. I like quality and with Arsenal, I don’t worry about canted sights or over/under-milled mag-Wells. Milled Sam7s are simply easier to find than stamped SLR 107s. If I had an SLR 107, I wouldn’t feel that it’s inferior to my Sam7. As for both being “better” than a WASR or another type, yes....they are built to a higher standard with more consistency. It’s the Hi-point/HK discussion. Most Hi-Points will shoot all day long with a level of accuracy. HKs are just built better. Do you want to get from point A to Point B? They will all get you there just fine.
 
guyfromohio said:
As for both being “better” than a WASR or another type, yes....they are built to a higher standard with more consistency. It’s the Hi-point/HK discussion. Most Hi-Points will shoot all day long with a level of accuracy. HKs are just built better.
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Lol. This is funny. Both are military factories that supply arms. Arsenals over the last few years have had several complaints over poor paint/finish quality and bubbling of the paint/finish when being ran hard. Arsenals also come canted sights at times. I get it that those who pay a premium on their AKs say that the more expensive ones are the greatest, but it’s simply not true. I’ve got both an Arsenal (SLR104FR) and a WASR2. Is the Arsenal a nicer looking rifle with more features (folding stock, threaded barrel, muzzle brake,etc.)? Yep. Does my WASR have a canted front sight? Yep. Did the WASR zero? Yes it did, so rifle is fine. Are they both fully functional with zero malfunctions? Yes, they’ve both been flawless. They’re both very accurate. I wouldn’t hesitate to trust either one to defend myself or my family with. The difference? $649. WASR2 was $400 and SLR104FR was $1049, both purchased within a year of each other.

I would offer more info on 7.62 x 39 versions from multiple other sources (including Rob Ski’s review of the WASR), but for that caliber I use my Saiga or Vepr which were purchased when they were filthy cheap. If I was in the market today for AK in 7.62, I would buy a WASR.
 
Most of the prices I’m seeing for AKs seem ridiculously high. I was looking at the prices for a Zastava NPAP at my LGS and the price was $850. If that was a few hundred dollars lower, I would just go out and buy one of those, but at $850 I feel like I might as well just spend another $150 on an Arsenal.
 
There are other vendors for each of these below, at near the same price; I just linked to the lowest price when searching gun.deals

WASR-10 $643.99 https://www.dahlonegaarmory.com/products/rifles-century-ri1805n-787450074477-2448
PSA AK47 Gen 3 $599.99 https://palmettostatearmory.com/psak-47-gf3-forged-brown-wood-rifle.html
Molot Vepr $1,599.99 https://www.themodernsportsmanonline.com/products/shotguns-fime-group-fm-ak47-21-2954
Zastava ZPAP $799.99 https://www.atlanticfirearms.com/products/zastava-arms-ak47-zpap-wood-stock
 
guyfromohio said:
I’d like to hear from anyone on the forum that has worn out either a stamped or milled AK. I bet not many of either. I like quality and with Arsenal, I don’t worry about canted sights or over/under-milled mag-Wells. Milled Sam7s are simply easier to find than stamped SLR 107s. If I had an SLR 107, I wouldn’t feel that it’s inferior to my Sam7. As for both being “better” than a WASR or another type, yes....they are built to a higher standard with more consistency. It’s the Hi-point/HK discussion. Most Hi-Points will shoot all day long with a level of accuracy. HKs are just built better. Do you want to get from point A to Point B? They will all get you there just fine.
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Ive seen stamped AKs with loose trunion rivets- though granted, they were assembled from parts kits.
 
brunowbe said:
Lol. This is funny. Both are military factories that supply arms. Arsenals over the last few years have had several complaints over poor paint/finish quality and bubbling of the paint/finish when being ran hard. Arsenals also come canted sights at times. I get it that those who pay a premium on their AKs say that the more expensive ones are the greatest, but it’s simply not true. I’ve got both an Arsenal (SLR104FR) and a WASR2. Is the Arsenal a nicer looking rifle with more features (folding stock, threaded barrel, muzzle brake,etc.)? Yep. Does my WASR have a canted front sight? Yep. Did the WASR zero? Yes it did, so rifle is fine. Are they both fully functional with zero malfunctions? Yes, they’ve both been flawless. They’re both very accurate. I wouldn’t hesitate to trust either one to defend myself or my family with. The difference? $649. WASR2 was $400 and SLR104FR was $1049, both purchased within a year of each other.

I would offer more info on 7.62 x 39 versions from multiple other sources (including Rob Ski’s review of the WASR), but for that caliber I use my Saiga or Vepr which were purchased when they were filthy cheap. If I was in the market today for AK in 7.62, I would buy a WASR.
Click to expand...

My brand new car needed to have a full alignment to drive straight, but it’s just as good as your Ford 150 that was great from the dealer? Que?
 
<*(((>< said:
There are other vendors for each of these below, at near the same price; I just linked to the lowest price when searching gun.deals

WASR-10 $643.99 https://www.dahlonegaarmory.com/products/rifles-century-ri1805n-787450074477-2448
PSA AK47 Gen 3 $599.99 https://palmettostatearmory.com/psak-47-gf3-forged-brown-wood-rifle.html
Molot Vepr $1,599.99 https://www.themodernsportsmanonline.com/products/shotguns-fime-group-fm-ak47-21-2954
Zastava ZPAP $799.99 https://www.atlanticfirearms.com/products/zastava-arms-ak47-zpap-wood-stock
Click to expand...

All of those prices seem a little too high for what the product is...A lot of people seem to recommend the WASR, but I’m extremely skeptical about it. It seems like a smart idea to wait until prices get a little more reasonable.
 
bos19 said:
All of those prices seem a little too high for what the product is...A lot of people seem to recommend the WASR, but I’m extremely skeptical about it. It seems like a smart idea to wait until prices get a little more reasonable.
Click to expand...

That is why initially on my first couple of posts suggested buying that Saiga that was being sold on this site and doing the conversion. Saigas are of known quality, their hammer forged barrels are really great. You would be in it a little bit more than what a WASR is but in my opinion have a better product in the end. But a conversion isn't for everyone. There are companies that will do the conversion for you, but you have to pay labor costs on top of parts.
 
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