Why are Poly Tech AK's so expensive on the used market?

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ijosef

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From the research I've done the net, they were among the best pre-AWB semi-auto AK clones on the market, especially the Poly Tech Legend. My question is, do they justify the $1500-$2000 price they are taking on gunbroker?

An older guy I go to the range with bought one just prior to Clinton's AWB. He's not into the AK, but figured he should get one in case they're never allowed again in the traditional configuration. He went to a gun shop and picked one out of a crate and paid $300 plus $75 for 1000 rounds of milsurp ammo. When I told him what prices those guns were going for, he was floored. Even the stamped, non-Legend models are taking around $900.

So, are they worth that price, especially when you can buy a professional converted Saiga for less than half that?
 
I'm not sure if this analogy is totally valid, but Poly tech is to the AK what Colt is to the AR - it's the brand associated with the gun.
 
I guess it makes sense for diehard collectors. I suppose once guns enter that price range, they're not really for the occasional shooter anymore. Whatever the market will bear, I suppose. If I could go back in time and buy a crate full of them for $300 a piece and flip them for $1500 per unit, I'd be plenty happy!
 
Poly tech is to the AK what Colt is to the AR - it's the brand associated with the gun.
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Only for people who were already old enough in the 1980's to read gun magazines. Few entering the market today have probably ever heard of Poly Tech.

Having said that, Poly Techs command a premium for the same reason that 1965 Corvettes do---they are nice, the supply is limited, and they aren't making any more of them.
 
Too bad there wasn't a sunset on that law. We would still be importing tons of Polytech's after 2004.
 
Yep, never heard of polytechs. I can't imagine what is so wrong with other AK's to justify $1000. I'd rather have 3 or 4 AK's.
 
Yep, never heard of polytechs. I can't imagine what is so wrong with other AK's to justify $1000. I'd rather have 3 or 4 AK's.
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pre-ban+ limited number + high quality build + you will never see them again = high price.
 
Had a post ban one. They are finished better than any other AK, the action is smooth crisp, the barrel is heavier, the reviever is thicker, the mags fit well, everything is as nice as an AK comes...........but its still an AK..... a very nice ak......but an AK. :rolleyes:

Would I shell out 1500-2000 for a milled preban AK47? Maybe if 2,000 wasnt a lot of money to me. And to some 2,000 isn't that much money. I wouldnt argue with them buying what is perhaps the nicest AK available for the money. For my hard earned dollars however, I would rather have a couple WASRs and money to get a few other rifles.

Just my humble opinion.
 
well they are nice, but not the nicest AK. That title goes to the valmets.
 
Polytech AKs are based off of the Chinese Type 56 (at least the pre-89s are). They are built with thicker receivers and barrels. In general the metalwork is just "better" than a standard AK. Polytech is also part of China North Industries (aka Norinco), the corporate end of the People's Army. So you basically get a real military gun when you buy a Polytech.
 
I have a Poly Tech from the early to mid-80's imported by Kengs Firearms, Atlanta - it is very well made, fit and finish-wise, and shoots an honest 3" group at 100 yds with Wolf and Chinese ammo. It has been shot probably 200-300 rds & that's it. No scratches, no dings, and the wood is a very nice blond. Compared to some of the eastern European versions, it is a crown jewel among swine. I came into it via a trade and am not an afficionado of AKs, but its quality speaks for itself.
 
They are the best quality AK ever available to the US market...period. They are 100% military grade and very, very well made and nicely finished. Plus, none have been imported since 1989, nor will they ever be again.

I know people say Arsenals are nice, Valmets (only AK based), Vepr, etc. These people are not wrong...but these guns cannot match the Polytech as far as quality. Especially if we're comparing them to the milled Polytech Legend.
 
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Gelgoog said:
well they are nice, but not the nicest AK. That title goes to the valmets.
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Valmets aren't Kalashnikovs.

They're rifles based on the Kalashnikov.

No disputing they're nice, though (just not an AK).



The PolyTechs are actual Kalashnikov klones.
 
If you ever shot a really slick milled AK you would know why they go for that price.
 
They are the best quality AK ever available to the US market...period. They are 100% military grade and very, very well made and nicely finished. Plus, none have been inported since 1989, nor will they ever be again.

I know people say Arsenals are nice, Valmets (only AK based), Vepr, etc. These people are not wrong...but these guns cannot match the Polytech as far as quality. Especially if we're comparing them to the milled Polytech Legend.
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Lets not forget about the Steyr Maadi AK's, emphases on Steyr imported AK's. Some things about the Chinese ones are inarguably better. But there is just something about a Maadi they were the closest thing to a real Russian and were made on Russian tooling.
 
THey are so sweet to shoot. THe trigger breaks like glass. Oh yeah, CHicom babies are hard to find nowadays. NO more cheap AKs from China so the prices shooots way up there.
 
chihuahuatn said:
Lets not forget about the Steyr Maadi AK's, emphases on Steyr imported AK's. Some things about the Chinese ones are inarguably better. But there is just something about a Maadi they were the closest thing to a real Russian and were made on Russian tooling.
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Good catch, I totally forgot about the preban Steyr Maadi rifles. They were very good as well. And as you mentioned, very close to a Soviet AKM.
 
Can you imagine what kind of impact the lifting of the Chinese import ban would have?
http://www.marstar.ca/gf-norinco/index.shtm

I know those are Canuckistan dollars, but imagine $139 Norinco SKSs, $350 1911s, etc. I'm sure the AKs would be down in the basement as well. It would sure anger a lot of dealers with old "pre-ban" inventory though, as I'm sure prices would plummet. It would be hard to sell that crusty old SKS for $250 when people could order them in better condition for half that.
 
ijosef said:
Can you imagine what kind of impact the lifting of the Chinese import ban would have?
http://www.marstar.ca/gf-norinco/index.shtm

I know those are Canuckistan dollars, but imagine $139 Norinco SKSs, $350 1911s, etc. I'm sure the AKs would be down in the basement as well. It would sure anger a lot of dealers with old "pre-ban" inventory though, as I'm sure prices would plummet. It would be hard to sell that crusty old SKS for $250 when people could order them in better condition for half that.
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This would be very awesome. Even if we couldn't get the Chinese AK, the SKS new production at low prices would be outstanding.
 
That would be cool too...nice forged receiver at a reasonable price....can't beat that.
 
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