AK-47 help please
- Thread starter Redneck01
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I have the Saiga 223 but it is not the typical ak you see with folding stock and pistol grip.
It is made in the same factory in Russia where the originals were made. It goes bang every time you pull the trigger and has never jammed, (although I haven't shot that many rounds through it, maybe 5 or 6 hundred) It also comes in 7.62 x 39 and 308, and maybe 5.45 x 39.
I bought it about 2 years ago and paid $399 for it, plus tax. They are a little harder to get now but still available if you search hard to find them. I like mine and would recommend it to someone searching for this type of rifle.
It is made in the same factory in Russia where the originals were made. It goes bang every time you pull the trigger and has never jammed, (although I haven't shot that many rounds through it, maybe 5 or 6 hundred) It also comes in 7.62 x 39 and 308, and maybe 5.45 x 39.
I bought it about 2 years ago and paid $399 for it, plus tax. They are a little harder to get now but still available if you search hard to find them. I like mine and would recommend it to someone searching for this type of rifle.
JustinJ
Member
First, forget the gun show unless you enjoy over paying for stuff. Find a local FFL to receive from an online vendor. Then check out atlantic firearms or kvar and get either a Russian or Bulgarian AK47 as they are both top of the line. They may be found else where for less though so google. There are certianly cheaper AKs out there but no better value. If memory serves correct they start at around $800 and are both as good as it gets for an AK. If you really want wood furniture then just find a set online and purchase but if it's imported you may have to run american made mags or add other parts to maintain 922r compliance.
For future reference this belongs in the rifle forum.
For future reference this belongs in the rifle forum.
Atlantic Firearms
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FYI , we try to offer discounts to mebers of this site when possible if you are interested in anything please email our office your user name and what your are looking for and we will email you a price quote .
Ranger30-06
Member
The SGL series are just converted Saigas. It's something to look into if people run from you when you pick up a power drill.
Otherwise, the only true new AK's will be the Saigas. Everything else is assembled from parts kits. YES, some are a lot better than others, but the only true brand new AK you will find for sale in the US is the Saiga. You usually can't go wrong with an AK. Except for the Saiga, they will all shoot the same accuracy and be absurdly reliable. (The Saiga (esp. the .308) can squeeze out 1 moa accuracy with better sights, converted trigger, and good ammo.)
Ohio Gun Guy
Member
I vote WASR.... 450.00 +/-
Classic AK, wood furniture (You may want to finish). The newer 10/63 model are just fine IMO. You still need to look them over, but I have not seen any "bad" ones in a while. Check the sights that they are straight, run the bolt open a few times to check function.
WASRs in my area commonly sell for the same price is on line, so no shipping, and transfer cost.
If the 650+ doesnt dent your wallet then do consider some of the "nicer" versions. If 450 +/- is more your speed then I suggest the WASR.
Classic Arms or Centerfire systems is a good place to see the current common AK offerings (J&G Guns Sales if you are out west)
http://centerfiresystems.com/
http://classicarms.us/
Classic AK, wood furniture (You may want to finish). The newer 10/63 model are just fine IMO. You still need to look them over, but I have not seen any "bad" ones in a while. Check the sights that they are straight, run the bolt open a few times to check function.
WASRs in my area commonly sell for the same price is on line, so no shipping, and transfer cost.
If the 650+ doesnt dent your wallet then do consider some of the "nicer" versions. If 450 +/- is more your speed then I suggest the WASR.
Classic Arms or Centerfire systems is a good place to see the current common AK offerings (J&G Guns Sales if you are out west)
http://centerfiresystems.com/
http://classicarms.us/
Ranger30-06
Member
It varies from area to area. Usually there will be at least 2 or 3 of each brand of AKs between all the tables in a large gun show. Don't pick up the first one you see unless its REALLY nice. Check out everyone else, then go back if there's one that you really like. And by nice, I mean the bolt is super smooth, the magazine doesn't wiggle, and it has a good finish/stock set on it.
1stmarine
Member
I have 14 carbines and I would say they are all pretty good. Molot or Izmash plants produced the best ones. Just stay away from Century arms and others Romanian junk yard leftovers as this is a hit or miss with them. Even a nice yugo or maadi chrome lined will be a better choice.
A new SGL or even a saiga that you can later convert is a pretty safe bet at this point.
It is hard to find a "Bad AK" but why not just simply go for the best ones.
No need to pay preban price tag to have an original russian pedigree.
A new SGL or even a saiga that you can later convert is a pretty safe bet at this point.
It is hard to find a "Bad AK" but why not just simply go for the best ones.
No need to pay preban price tag to have an original russian pedigree.
Ya I'm hearing bad things about century, I have $500 to spend(didn't know show was coming up so soon) anyways I believe its a fairly big show it's the Florida gun and knife show in Miami-dade county, I'm really hoping to see a wide selection I just don't want to get ripped off since this is my first show.
billdeserthills
Member
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- Aug 4, 2006
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- 201
I have had my ffl since 2006 and out of the 300+ Century AK's I have sold I only have had to return 3-4. No way is all the Century bashing deserved, but if you like, the AMD-65's sold by Centerfire have been assembled by TNG, not Century--Not only that, but the AMD-65's look to have been built with the original chrome-lined barrels too.
minutemen1776
Member
The Polish AKMS underfolders now being offered by Century are very nice. I think they are a good deal at around $500. I've been very happy with the one I picked up from Bud's.
Gordon_Freeman
Member
Another recommendation for Arsenal SGL 21. Save your money and order one online. Gun show prices are higher. Take your time and do more research. There are always more gun shows.
Ranger, i wouldn't worry about the "bolt being super smooth" as I have yet to see a new production AK I'd consider "smooth" and have handled several perfectly serviceable rifles where the bolt would actually seem to almost hang up on the hammer when cyucled by hand. This in no way affects the actual functioning of the rifle. A "new" AK typically WILL NOT have what most would call a "smooth" action until broken in somewhat.
rexesq
Member
AKs - Bulgarian, Romanian....
Well I own a Romanian model I bought a few years back.... in the original 7.62 x 39 mm, and I love it, mine has the chrome lined barrel like most AKs...... and it is not one of those Cali ones that is modified so nothing larger than a special single stack 10rd mag will fit... also not one with the bayonet lug neutered like a sad helpless puppy... sadly it has no threading on the end of the barrel, and no compensator of any kind, aside from that I love it.... I take a few 40 rd mags, some 30's and some of my Hungarian AMD 65 20 round mags out and fire away, great fun. ( I bought several Hungarian AMD 65 mags along with a nice Chrome Lined AMD 65 Barrel from a friend, he sold me the barrel, with all the fixins for $35, and threw in 4, 20rd mags, but only one fits perfectly without sticking in so very hard after firing, that I need a hammer or something to get the magazine release to release, so be careful buying those, a second one works okay, but can get stuck occasionally, I have filed and sanded and still have trouble with it too, however I do like the 20 round capacity though for an AK).
I'd reccomend a Bulgarian model if you want the top of the line AK, especially if you wanted an AK 74 style rifle. Arsenal makes some wonderful firearms.... and their AK-74 style rifles aren't like the Romanian ones, much better in my opinion.... I can't think of a better compensator for full auto fire than the one used on the AK74. Of course I assume you are talking about purchasing a semi-auto version, either way... great compensator.... that is if you are looking for a 5.45 x 39 mm model though, but you want the original in 7.62 x 39, understandable. When I last looked into things(years ago), Arsenal made the 'AR M1' which was pretty much a modernized AK47 with a polymer waffle magazine and polymer furniture... of which they had quite a selection of colors... even 'Plum' heh.... but these rifles also had a unique compensator/muzzle brake/flash hider type attachment on the barrel, I wasn't able to check them out enough to see if it was threaded or what, but it sure was a cool look. One nice thing about most AKs is that they can all interchange magazines... so you could get a 40 rd RPK mag or even a 75 rd RPK drum, down to the Hungarian AMD 20's and Chinese 5's et cetera.
Since you are looking for a classic look (wood furniture etc) you could go with a Romanian 'SAR 1' Semi Automatic Rifle 1, this is the 7.62x39mm model with a stamped reciever, great firearm, maybe not as good as the Bulgarian models or others, depending on how you define 'good', but very rugged, reliable, and they have that classic look with the wood furniture (some come with a black plastic pistol grip, but it is easy enough to find a wood pistol grip online that matches the color of your stock and forearm, like my stock is a deep dark reddish color, very beautiful in fact, and I found a fairly close looking wood pistol grip from Bulgaria) you can interchange it with most other AK parts, at least the furniture and stock and such, like right now I have a right side folding stock on mine. Also last I checked the Romanian SAR 1 was a bit less than half the price of the Bulgarian Arsenal brand 'AR M1' funny thing is in all three pics of my AK I add to this post, it has a Bulgarian Arsenal brand 30 round 'waffle' magazine I like it, a hell of alot more than the other polymer AK mags I have tried, but still like the steel mags the most, I am glad I picked up a bunch of 40rd RPK mags a while back, sad that I didn't buy any of the 75rd drums since they seem to have gotten more pricey.
~**~ I include a few pics with the folding stock and with the original stock it came with, I hope that is okay. In the first photo it has the Green sling that the rifle came with, the other two pictures I have a brown HK rifle sling on it. All shots also show it with a 30 rd Arsenal 'waffle' magazine. ~**~
Ah as far as price.... as I said it was years ago that I bought mine, but it was under $400 then, and came with a 40 rd mag and a 10 rd mag, a cleaning kit which, as usual, fits into the wooden buttstock, and a green sling. I later bought a North Korean Bayonet which I find very cool, I also bought a Bulgarian military bayonet with the wire cutter feature.... not that I plan on going into AK bayonet combat anytime soon.....
Like 1stmarine said, it is hard to find a 'Bad AK' when it comes to buying a new rifle, but there are some mfgs that seem to be made to a higher standard than others. However I have had good luck with the Romanian SAR 1 models in 7.62 x 39mm, but I have heard lots of bad things about the other SAR models, the ones converted to .223 and 5.45 x 39mm...... but I have owned my SAR 1 for a long time and it has had a great record of service, I couldn't even guess at how many thousands and thousands of rounds I have fired through that bad girl without any trouble.... I know it's not the hottest looking or highest quality AK on the block, but it suits me just fine.... it all depends on what you are looking for, as 1stmarine pointed out. I wouldn't mind a Soviet or Arsenal model though
~Sorry for such a long post~
-rex (AJ)
Well I own a Romanian model I bought a few years back.... in the original 7.62 x 39 mm, and I love it, mine has the chrome lined barrel like most AKs...... and it is not one of those Cali ones that is modified so nothing larger than a special single stack 10rd mag will fit... also not one with the bayonet lug neutered like a sad helpless puppy... sadly it has no threading on the end of the barrel, and no compensator of any kind, aside from that I love it.... I take a few 40 rd mags, some 30's and some of my Hungarian AMD 65 20 round mags out and fire away, great fun. ( I bought several Hungarian AMD 65 mags along with a nice Chrome Lined AMD 65 Barrel from a friend, he sold me the barrel, with all the fixins for $35, and threw in 4, 20rd mags, but only one fits perfectly without sticking in so very hard after firing, that I need a hammer or something to get the magazine release to release, so be careful buying those, a second one works okay, but can get stuck occasionally, I have filed and sanded and still have trouble with it too, however I do like the 20 round capacity though for an AK).
I'd reccomend a Bulgarian model if you want the top of the line AK, especially if you wanted an AK 74 style rifle. Arsenal makes some wonderful firearms.... and their AK-74 style rifles aren't like the Romanian ones, much better in my opinion.... I can't think of a better compensator for full auto fire than the one used on the AK74. Of course I assume you are talking about purchasing a semi-auto version, either way... great compensator.... that is if you are looking for a 5.45 x 39 mm model though, but you want the original in 7.62 x 39, understandable. When I last looked into things(years ago), Arsenal made the 'AR M1' which was pretty much a modernized AK47 with a polymer waffle magazine and polymer furniture... of which they had quite a selection of colors... even 'Plum' heh.... but these rifles also had a unique compensator/muzzle brake/flash hider type attachment on the barrel, I wasn't able to check them out enough to see if it was threaded or what, but it sure was a cool look. One nice thing about most AKs is that they can all interchange magazines... so you could get a 40 rd RPK mag or even a 75 rd RPK drum, down to the Hungarian AMD 20's and Chinese 5's et cetera.
Since you are looking for a classic look (wood furniture etc) you could go with a Romanian 'SAR 1' Semi Automatic Rifle 1, this is the 7.62x39mm model with a stamped reciever, great firearm, maybe not as good as the Bulgarian models or others, depending on how you define 'good', but very rugged, reliable, and they have that classic look with the wood furniture (some come with a black plastic pistol grip, but it is easy enough to find a wood pistol grip online that matches the color of your stock and forearm, like my stock is a deep dark reddish color, very beautiful in fact, and I found a fairly close looking wood pistol grip from Bulgaria) you can interchange it with most other AK parts, at least the furniture and stock and such, like right now I have a right side folding stock on mine. Also last I checked the Romanian SAR 1 was a bit less than half the price of the Bulgarian Arsenal brand 'AR M1' funny thing is in all three pics of my AK I add to this post, it has a Bulgarian Arsenal brand 30 round 'waffle' magazine
I like it, a hell of alot more than the other polymer AK mags I have tried, but still like the steel mags the most, I am glad I picked up a bunch of 40rd RPK mags a while back, sad that I didn't buy any of the 75rd drums since they seem to have gotten more pricey.~**~ I include a few pics with the folding stock and with the original stock it came with, I hope that is okay. In the first photo it has the Green sling that the rifle came with, the other two pictures I have a brown HK rifle sling on it. All shots also show it with a 30 rd Arsenal 'waffle' magazine. ~**~
Ah as far as price.... as I said it was years ago that I bought mine, but it was under $400 then, and came with a 40 rd mag and a 10 rd mag, a cleaning kit which, as usual, fits into the wooden buttstock, and a green sling. I later bought a North Korean Bayonet which I find very cool, I also bought a Bulgarian military bayonet with the wire cutter feature.... not that I plan on going into AK bayonet combat anytime soon.....
Like 1stmarine said, it is hard to find a 'Bad AK' when it comes to buying a new rifle, but there are some mfgs that seem to be made to a higher standard than others. However I have had good luck with the Romanian SAR 1 models in 7.62 x 39mm, but I have heard lots of bad things about the other SAR models, the ones converted to .223 and 5.45 x 39mm...... but I have owned my SAR 1 for a long time and it has had a great record of service, I couldn't even guess at how many thousands and thousands of rounds I have fired through that bad girl without any trouble.... I know it's not the hottest looking or highest quality AK on the block, but it suits me just fine.... it all depends on what you are looking for, as 1stmarine pointed out. I wouldn't mind a Soviet or Arsenal model though
~Sorry for such a long post~
-rex (AJ)
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JHenry
Member
Itll be hard(at least from my expierence) to find a good AK in wood furniture. Your best bet is to get a saiga sporter and convert it, or an arsenal if you wish to avoid that process and order a wooden stock set. If you can find a mak 90 it is another good option, but you will most likely need to order a stock set for it as well
ccsniper
member
One thing to know, stay away from WASR will say made in CUGIR on it somewhere. People will tell they are good guns as long as you don't mind canted sights, mag wobble, 5" groups at 50 yards, failure to feed HP's, horrible wood, and general over all monkey made quality. Other than that they make really good wall hangers or nice paper weights. I have had 3, all suffered from the things mentioned and the WASR 3 I had emptied 20 rounds of ammo on one trigger squeeze. NEVER again.
i have 3 romanian type ak rifles all from the cugir factory never had any issues with them, maybe thats why i keep gettin more next will be a 10/63
allot of people seem to have good experience with theirs
read the reviews
http://www.jgsales.com/product_info...62x39-caliber-/cPath/209_214/products_id/3448
next will be a 10/63allot of people seem to have good experience with theirs
read the reviews
http://www.jgsales.com/product_info...62x39-caliber-/cPath/209_214/products_id/3448
Averageman
Member
I have purchased from Atlantic, they seem to be the best out there.
If you want an excellant AK get a Saiga conversion from Atlantic and do the furniture exchange.
Saiga's are imported as a complete rifle and several builders will be happy to do a quality conversion for you.
The WASR is a kit gun, meaning a disassembled AK of various parts is imported and then reassembled on a U.S. reciever, going this route is a quality crap shoot and you might be very disappointed. Canted sights, canted gas blocks, welded op rods and magazine well issues are pretty standard.
If you want an excellant AK get a Saiga conversion from Atlantic and do the furniture exchange.
Saiga's are imported as a complete rifle and several builders will be happy to do a quality conversion for you.
The WASR is a kit gun, meaning a disassembled AK of various parts is imported and then reassembled on a U.S. reciever, going this route is a quality crap shoot and you might be very disappointed. Canted sights, canted gas blocks, welded op rods and magazine well issues are pretty standard.
Not even close....WASRs are imported as complete rifles, then have the appropriate number of US parts swapped and the mag well milled out. They are not even REMOTELY "kit guns"....they are imported as a fully functioning, albeit single stack AK rifles. I own one...no mag wobble, no cant anywhere, never fails to function (even with hollow or soft points), and is accurate as any AK I've shot......Mine is basically the exact oppsoite of how CCsniper described his. Sorry about your luck, but they certainly aren't all like that....not by a long shot. Some may be worse than others, but I'm happy with mine, as it does anything I could reasonably expect an AK to do. Is it a 500 yard sniper rifle? No.....
Will it hold minute of man at 250-300 yards...easily! Does it ever fail to fire? Nope Furniture was swapped out long ago as well, so the wood isn't an issue either.
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