Advice for Buying AK-type rifle

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The Rabbi

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Once again lunacy has gotten to me and I decided I want an AK style rifle, with underfolder stock and sling. I need one like I need a hole in the head but they look neat, etc. Besides, one of the bad guys in Heat had one.
I had a Mak-90 with thumbhole stock that I liked a lot but again, not much use for it. But it was fun to shoot so back I go. Any ideas on where to go for something inexpensive? Any ideas on what to avoid?
 
Don't buy one of the Romanian rifle sight unseen. Between the crude Romy workmanship and Century's drunken monkeys you want to make sure you get one that's put together straight. Other than that you should be ok.

If you get a chance, take a look at one of the higher end AKs like the Bulgarian rifles. I bought a milled Arsenal, Inc. SLR-101SG last Fall and comparing it with a Romy AK is like comparing a Lexus to a Yugo. The Bulgie is that much nicer in fit and finish. (Now, if I can actually get it to the range and shoot it life would be good. :banghead: )

That said, the Romanian rifles are usually ultra-reliable.
 
i have a Chinese AKS that i have no real use for, so i know what you mean. a couple times a year i take mine out to blow the cobwebs out of it. if i come across an AK that takes cheap AK47 mags, i would like that. a shooting buddy of mine says his has a chromed bore. i could not tell, but i could tell the difference in hundred yard groups. he could have had better ammo. dunno, it is just a curiosity anyway and not the one i would bug out with. there seems to be many variations if the Kalishnikov invention and they all work as advertised (good). wish i had some real info to report, sorry i cant really help you. there is also a wide variation in prices. country of manufacture seems to matter quite a bit to the real officionados. one of these is bound to chime in here with desirable comments.
 
The main problem I've seen with some (incl. Arsenal rifles) is the bad trigger slap on re-set. Fixable.

Get one with side rails, as the standard sights aren't very good.
 
If you can still find one, I got a 7.62x39 Saiga last week. It takes proprietary magazines limited to 10 rounds which can be modified to hold 15 rounds ( legality is kind of up in the air on that - though EAA was bringing in 30 rounders post AWB before they dropped the Saiga's like a hot potato and ran off screaming with wet pants ).

I paid $222 out the door with one mag. Looks to be exceptional quality

A new firm is gearing up to restart their importation in a month to six weeks - it is said. I'll hope, but believe it when I see it.
 
Don't get an underfolding stock.Get a wood stock and put on on of the Romanian folders.I've had good luck with Romanians.just buy it in person,don't order one sight unseen over the internet.
 
For an underfolder the only pre-built option that I can think of are from vector arms. They are built on Polish parts kits and by all accounts they are outstanding guns. Last time I checked they were backordered but, they should be back in stock pretty soon IIRC. Atlantic Arms was selling them for IIRC about $499. Aside from the standard issues with underfoling stocks in general I havent heard a single complaint about one.

A lot of people will tell you not to get an underfolder. I feel that if it's what you want then you will not be satisfied with anything less, so go for it. There are thousands of regular stocked and folding stocked AKs out there and if you ever change your mind I doubt you will have any problem unloading an underfolder for darn close to what you paid for it.
 
What issues are there with underfolders? I can anticipate some, that would be the same with any folding stock.
 
underfolder

I just got a MAK 90 from a guy here in Memphis, he is also selling a underfolder, IIRC $1100. I don't know what model it was all his other AKs were Chinese. He also had a NIB Mak 90 and one in pistol grip configuration. I still have his number somewhere if your intrested.
 
Underfolder problems? Odd cheekweld, or lack thereof. Some are unstable/flimsy, supposedly. Comfort, or lack thereof. Inability to fold with mags in place, depending on type.

Mike
 
I just got a MAK 90 from a guy here in Memphis, he is also selling a underfolder, IIRC $1100.
Click to expand...

I was sure I said something inexpensive. At $1100 I would be looking at the new Robinson Arms rifle in .223.
 
Gewehr,
How did you know what I was looking for to post a pic?? That is pretty much exactly what I want, altho I admit it may not be quite evil enough. What is that? How does it work?
 
It's a Romanian sidefolder.

Probably one of the easiest sidefolders to install on a stamped European AK variant.

Just remove the two top wood screws that hold the buttstock in, then use a socket extension and mallet to drive the buttstock out of the receiver. (They're THAT tight!) The Romanian wire sidefolder then fits in place of the original buttstock, with two machine screws that replace the ones used earlier. Voila'!

There's a pushbutton on the tail end of the receiver mount that locks the stock in a very solid open position, as well as locking it in a very solid closed (stowed) position. That little rubber piece in the top part of the buttplate keeps the buttstock from banging against the receiver when in the stowed position.

I'd fired an underfolder once, and decided it wasn't for me. Well, actually, my face decided. I've had no such problems with this sidefolder, plus it looks pretty well-done, too!
 
Don't expect what you buy to look like the gun from Heat...IIRC, that guy (Tom Sizemore) used a Galil.

Does anyone have any experience with the AKs that Vector is putting together?
 
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I almost talked myself out of the underfolder after I ordered it. I'm glad I didn't. The stock locks up tight, and it folds with 30 round mags in place with no problems. The cheek weld isn't as comfortable as a regular stock, but it does fit me perfectly. Just got it a few weeks ago. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet.
It's a Vector, took me about 3 months to finally get it. Paid $478 from my local dealer.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=21038
 
You can't beat a Classic (Arsenal, Inc. SAM-7 Classic, that is)
AKbig.jpg

Cost more than I care to recall -- but worth every penny! :)
I believe they also made an underfolding classic.
 
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