AK-47, different types

[The Deer Hunter]

I keep hearing the term WASR, WASR-2, as the name for an AK-47 and was wondering why they aren't all called different names but i think are the same gun. I know what a Saiga is. Is the differences between the types the caliber?
Because i know they come in 5.56, 7.62 and 5.54.

But I still like them all.

 

[texlurch]

WASR is a Romanian built AK, WASR-1 or 10 is 7.62x39, -2 is 5.45 Russian, -3 is 5.56 .223 AR round. Decent guns for the money.

You also have Hungarian, Polish, Yugoslavian, Eygptian, Chinese... and a bunch of US built.

They are all on the AK design, just different manufacturers...


The only "true" AK is from the Izmash factory in Russia... good luck finding one... unless you buy a Saiga...

 

[The Deer Hunter]

So Saigas are Russian you say? Now I see why the demand is so high.

 

[texlurch]

So Saigas are Russian you say?

Yes sir. Stamped Izmash right on the side, direct from Mother Russia.


They are just "neutered" a bit, to ease the import Police...

 

[cheygriz]

The best fit and finished, and most accurate are "Made in USA."

Take a hard look at the Arsenal USA, AKs, and you probably won't be satisfied with anything else. The robinson Arms VEPR is a wonderful AK as well, but they're heavy since they're built on the RPK LMG receiver.

 

[JWarren]

While many "made in the USA" AKs are nicely finished and accurate, that isn't a perfect rule of thumb.

My Russian Saiga 308 is doing 1 MOA. And this is a common condition in them as I read others' experiences.


BTW... don't quote me as an authority on VEPRs, but it is my understanding that they, like the Saigas, are Russian manufacture. Robinson Arms was only the importer, not the builder.

By following the importer logic, my Saiga is USA made. It was imported by EAA of Cocoa Beach, FL

John

 

[benEzra]

As far as real AK-47's go (the real NFA Title 2/Class III restricted kind)--an "AK-47" is the original, milled receiver, selective-fire version. The "AKM" or "AKM-47" is the more familiar variant, with the stamped receiver. The AK-74 is the 5.45x39mm derivative.

As far as non-automatic, civilian AK lookalikes (guys, correct me if I get any of these wrong):

SAR-1, Romanian AKM lookalike in 7.62x39mm
SAR-2, Romanian AKM lookalike in 5.45x39mm
SAR-3, Romanian AKM lookalike in 5.56x45mm/.223 Remington

WASR-xx, any of a series of Romanian AKM lookalikes that came after the SAR's stopped being made/imported.

Saiga - Russian sporter-style rifles built on civilian AKM type receivers; some have straight Mauser-style stocks, and some have been converted in the U.S. to regular AKM-style configuration, with a separate pistol grip.

Vepr - Russian rifle built on a thick RPK-style stamped receiver (can be identified by the slant-cut receiver rear and other cosmetic differences)

MAK-90, NHM-90 - Chinese AKM lookalikes; some were in AKM-style configuration and some had thumbhole stocks; importation ceased in 1990's.

There are also some Polish and Hungarian AKM lookalikes that I can't recall the names of at the moment.