74 or 47?

[MagKnightX]

For a first AK-variant rifle, purchased post-ban, under $500, would it make more sense to get an AK-74 type (SAR-2) or an AK-47 type (SAR-1, WASR-10 hicap)? I personally think that the 74 might be nicer because, at least from what I hear, it is more accurate than the 47, and the 74 has a nicer muzzle-brake, although the same type of brake can be attached to the 47...

But the 47 has more durable magazines, slightly cheaper ammunition, and surplus drum magazines. So I'm a little torn. I suppose it would generally come down to personal preference, but what's your opinion on the matter?

Also, I understand that Friends don't let Friends buy Hesse, but is a gun made from Bulgarian parts on a Hesse receiver going to be trouble?

And where would I want to have my FFL order from?

 

[c_yeager]

I would say that a 47 would be a better FIRST AK. There is absoultely NOTHING wrong with getting 74 but the cheaper/more available mags combined with more available and slightly cheaper ammunition make a big enough difference that i think the 47 would have more "fun factor".

As far as accuracy is concerned there does seem to be SOME difference b/t the two but, neither is a tack driver anyways. Unless your big on measuring groups or benching a rifle it wont make a difference (and if that IS your thing then neither will make you all that happy).

Since your considering the romanains i dont think the accuracy difference is going to be enough to make a noticable difference in how much fun you have with the rifle. And neither round produces much recoil. Plus, you can hunt with 7.62x39 wheras you can't (in many States) with the 5.45

With a $500 price tag your starting to get close to some rifles that are quite a bit better than the current Romanian offerings. You might want to consider looking at some used arsenal rifles or even a new Vepr. Also some of the Saiga conversions shouldnt be TOO far off the mark either.

I have HEARD some nasty things about Hesse rifles. MANY of these nasty things revolve around the actual recievers and assembly of the rifle. So i can't recomend them. But, i have never owned myself so YMMV.

Long story short, if you want a FUN rifle i don't think you would be dissapointed with a SAR/WASR 1.

 

[Ol'Sarge2K]

SUPPOSEDLY, Russian Special Forces fighting in Chechnya have gone back to the 7.62 by 39 after disappointing results with the 5.45 in urban environments.

 

[natedog]

I haven't heard that anything in Chechneya, but in SGN not too long ago a Russian soldier was interviewed on the weapons and equipment. He said that he liked the AK-74 because it was just as lethal as the 47, yet had lighter ammunition.

Course, my ancedote is just as useless as yours .

 

[Gary G23]

I personally prefer the 74. Ammo is not that much higher. I normally pay 11 - 12 cents per round. I just bought four brand new 74 30rd mags with pouch for $30. I would definitely wait for the Arsenal Inc AK-74 to arrive though. Quality should be much better than most and at a reasonable price too.

 

[Dr.Rob]

The Ak 74 has better ammo available... the magazines are cheap, durable. Of course I'd like an AK74SU.

My first AK was in 223.

 

[mrapathy2000]

The Ak 74 has better ammo available... the magazines are cheap, durable. Of course I'd like an AK74SU.

My first AK was in 223.

good luck finding any ammo made in usa or load data.

ak47 more plentifull. magazines just as inexpensive.

I love my saiga's 1 in 7.62x39 and other in 223remington.

prefer ak100 series myself over older models.

 

[c_yeager]

good luck finding any made in usa or load data.

No kidding. And if that isnt fun enough try finding actual boxern primed brass of any kind (there isnt any) or dies. You can't even form 5.45 out of anything (at least not without massive headaches and poor feeding).

I mean really there is better ammo available for the 47 by a LONG margin. There is plenty of surplus and cheap new manufacture Russian ammo as well as domestic hunting ammunition. And you have the option of reloading with a wide range of bullet shapes and types if thats your thing.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

47, ammo will always be around as will mags and parts.

Also, I like the bigger bullet.

I'm looking at the Arsenal SAM (think that's right). However, waiting for the ban to die so I can get it in the full configuration.

Advantage of either of them is if you have a folding stock they are much shorter than any AR-15 variant.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Meaning as a deer killing bullet? No. I was comparing military ammo. Meaning as a highly unstable bullet, long for caliber that you can carry a lot of ammunition... the 74 edges out the 47.

The 74's "poison bullet" has been proving itself for a long time.

Though I'd ask Max Popken.... the Russians seem to be looking at a 9mmx39 rifle round as a subsonic sniper/supressed assault rifle.

With the amount of surplus 5.45x39 around and very FEW "match grade rifles" made that accept the cartridge there isn't much market for a civilian "varmint" load or whatever.

 

[MAKOwner]

I'm a little torn on this one, being a owner of an AK in both calibers. On one hand one in the standard 7.62x39 seems to be the best choice for a first AK. But frankly now a days you can find plenty of ammo and magazines for the 5.45 guns so it's getting to the point that there isn't any reason not to get one of those as your first/only AK instead (assuming you plan to order ammo online/mailorder anyway, not going to find it any local shops most likely). I absolutely love my 5.45 SAR2, it's a sweet sweet shooter.

Currently there is a little bit of shortage on the 5.45 guns it seems (no SAR2s coming in for awhile, US production '74s seem to be few and far between, but with a couple slated to be coming out shortly). So right now I'd say you're more likely to see more 7.62 AKs for good prices. But do you have an SKS or anything in 7.62x39 already? If so I'd be even more tempted to say snag the 5.45 AK if you find a decent one for a fair price...

I really don't think you'd be making a mistake either way you go...

 

[c_yeager]

Meaning as a deer killing bullet? No. I was comparing military ammo. Meaning as a highly unstable bullet, long for caliber that you can carry a lot of ammunition... the 74 edges out the 47.

Thats great. But i think the original poster is more interested in recreational shooting than dragging his SAR1 to Iraq.