skidooman603
Member
Going to get an AK 47 for the son. Looking to spend $500-$700. What is my best option? Thanks Y'all
AK 47 newbie question
- Thread starter skidooman603
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WASR-10 for ~$500
Saiga and convert yourself for ~$500-650 and a few hours of hands-skilled labor
Norinco for about $700 if you find a reasonable price on them; most sell for more, though
Yugoslavian M70AB1 or the AB2 underfolder for about $675-750
The WASR is a good, basic beater rifle
The saiga is gonna be the best bet because of its quality and overall fit and finish compared to other AKs (it's still an AK though, not a beauty queen, but they do have a much nicer fit and finish). plus, it's an as-close-as-possible real-deal IZHMASH Russian AK. The only downside is that you'll have to convert it yourself. I say this because most of the 'affordable' pre-converted Saigas out there are shoddy at times, although they will be in your price range and can still be fixed up. But all in all, converting yourself is going to give it more consistency, teach you the joy of the AK, and save you way more money.
The Yugos are overbuilt tanks with really nice worksmanship. They do not have a chrome-lined barrel, so be wary and give the barrel a bit more attention. The lack of chrome can make it very accurate (for an AK) though. Another thing to keep in mind is that they are antiques and are going fast. They have doubled in price in the past two years (when I first got into guns you never saw them for more than $400, and WASRs were still $320).
The Norinco ones are very nice as well, but you'll be at odds finding one in your price range.
All of the AKs out there will shoot about 3-4" moa. You may get a little more out of the Yugos and Saigas, but overall you will not be out-shooting any ARs with one.
Saiga and convert yourself for ~$500-650 and a few hours of hands-skilled labor
Norinco for about $700 if you find a reasonable price on them; most sell for more, though
Yugoslavian M70AB1 or the AB2 underfolder for about $675-750
The WASR is a good, basic beater rifle
The saiga is gonna be the best bet because of its quality and overall fit and finish compared to other AKs (it's still an AK though, not a beauty queen, but they do have a much nicer fit and finish). plus, it's an as-close-as-possible real-deal IZHMASH Russian AK. The only downside is that you'll have to convert it yourself. I say this because most of the 'affordable' pre-converted Saigas out there are shoddy at times, although they will be in your price range and can still be fixed up. But all in all, converting yourself is going to give it more consistency, teach you the joy of the AK, and save you way more money.
The Yugos are overbuilt tanks with really nice worksmanship. They do not have a chrome-lined barrel, so be wary and give the barrel a bit more attention. The lack of chrome can make it very accurate (for an AK) though. Another thing to keep in mind is that they are antiques and are going fast. They have doubled in price in the past two years (when I first got into guns you never saw them for more than $400, and WASRs were still $320).
The Norinco ones are very nice as well, but you'll be at odds finding one in your price range.
All of the AKs out there will shoot about 3-4" moa. You may get a little more out of the Yugos and Saigas, but overall you will not be out-shooting any ARs with one.
SFilpansick
Member
I have the Vector Arms underfolding AK, and I absolutely love it! I have put a couple thousand rounds through it, and have had ZERO problems. But, if you do, they have a pretty impressive 5 yr warranty as well.
I bought mine a few years back, so I'm sure the price has gone up with Obamamania, but mine was like $650 IIRC.
I bought mine a few years back, so I'm sure the price has gone up with Obamamania, but mine was like $650 IIRC.
Publius1688
Member
I have a WASR 10, and love it. Spend a little time cleaning up the furniture, if you wish, and run with it.
However, I agree with the post above about the Saiga's. I like them, too, but prefer them chambered in .308 or 12 gauge.
However, I agree with the post above about the Saiga's. I like them, too, but prefer them chambered in .308 or 12 gauge.
there is a lot of common tooling for AR-types out there, though.
AKs have mostly relied on parts kit importation, and that is why they are/were so cheap. The kits are going up, but very few AK-churners are gonna tool up to make full rifles because it would cost too much with American labor. The selling point of an AK is a 'cheap enough, good enough' rifle. If they start costing as much as ARs like they would if American labor became more responsible, then the AK would be an expensive novelty and lose its selling point. They are going to ride the kit importation to its grave i.e. until they get banned or dry up (there is a very finite supply) before they begin making the rifles completely themselves.
AKs have mostly relied on parts kit importation, and that is why they are/were so cheap. The kits are going up, but very few AK-churners are gonna tool up to make full rifles because it would cost too much with American labor. The selling point of an AK is a 'cheap enough, good enough' rifle. If they start costing as much as ARs like they would if American labor became more responsible, then the AK would be an expensive novelty and lose its selling point. They are going to ride the kit importation to its grave i.e. until they get banned or dry up (there is a very finite supply) before they begin making the rifles completely themselves.
nalioth
Member
Lawsuit took them out.mp5a3 said:
SFilpansick
Member
I don't think the lawsuit took them out... their website is current; it just doesn't have any of the HK knockoffs listed anymore.
skidooman603
Member
Looking seriously at WASR 10. Function is good? I wouldn't mind finishing up the furniture on it a touch 
skidooman603
Member
I like a tung oil finish on my Mil-Surp stuff anyway
SimpleIsGood229
Member
WASR's are very reliable. However, they tend to be somewhat lacking in the fit & finish field.
If it were me, I would go with the Saiga (which I have). Converting it isn't that difficult, especially if you have access to a drill press. The press, however, is not necessary.
If it were me, I would go with the Saiga (which I have
). Converting it isn't that difficult, especially if you have access to a drill press. The press, however, is not necessary.Gryffydd
Member
I stripped, stained and applied Tru-Oil to mine. Looks pretty decent. The WASR 10 is a great value.
My vote goes to a WASR 10, especially if you can inspect it before buying it--
Mine was $400 last summer off of GB-- it was normal WASR rough, but it shot well (the seller let me fire it before I bought it-- which is very rare)-- it does pie plate accurate at 100 yards-- not sure what that is in MOA, but I am happy--
Its not the prettiest AK out there, but it works great-- and since I am a dad of 4 (plus a wife and an ex wife) I have to get a good value on my purchases...
Mine was $400 last summer off of GB-- it was normal WASR rough, but it shot well (the seller let me fire it before I bought it-- which is very rare)-- it does pie plate accurate at 100 yards-- not sure what that is in MOA, but I am happy--
Its not the prettiest AK out there, but it works great-- and since I am a dad of 4 (plus a wife and an ex wife) I have to get a good value on my purchases...
skidooman603
Member
AIM Surplus seems to have a pretty good rep out there for a reliable source to purchase. Anyone deal with them?
Z-Michigan
Member
What RP88 said in all respects.
I have purchased lots of things from AIM Surplus and they have been an A+ company to deal with. Generally great prices too. If they have what you want, I would not hesitate to buy from them.
I've also had good experiences with Atlantic Firearms and Classic Arms. Atlantic Firearms' owner is a member of THR and usually offers discounts to THR members - send him a PM for info.
I have purchased lots of things from AIM Surplus and they have been an A+ company to deal with. Generally great prices too. If they have what you want, I would not hesitate to buy from them.
I've also had good experiences with Atlantic Firearms and Classic Arms. Atlantic Firearms' owner is a member of THR and usually offers discounts to THR members - send him a PM for info.
Atlantic Firearms
Member
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2006
- Messages
- 314
skidoomman , we offer the widest selection of AK rifles in the US at this time , you may want to visit our site and look at some of them to get a rough idea of the various AK's out there . We would be glad to speak with you via phone to hash out what AK will best fit your needs & budget and we do offer discounts to HR members , feel free to call our office or send a email you can ask for Blaine , Jay or Matt .
www.atlanticfirearms.com
[email protected]
office 410 352 5183
www.atlanticfirearms.com
[email protected]
office 410 352 5183
skidooman603
Member
What is difference between WASR 10/63 and Model WASR 10 RI 1188?
Gryffydd
Member
From the Atlantic Firearms website:
Seriously?
Z-Michigan
Member
They're not the only ones to use that description... Classic Arms has done similarly.
To me, knowing that the VZ58 uses different mags and a fairly different operating system (still a gas piston, but a tilting bolt and various other differences) it is like calling a Mini-14 an "AR style rifle." But to people who don't know much and just want a 7.62x39mm to shoot, I suppose it could be seen as similar.
To me, knowing that the VZ58 uses different mags and a fairly different operating system (still a gas piston, but a tilting bolt and various other differences) it is like calling a Mini-14 an "AR style rifle." But to people who don't know much and just want a 7.62x39mm to shoot, I suppose it could be seen as similar.
Johny
member
I converted a saiga. Took a few hours It was hard but It worked it nicely. It's better than some ak-47 you pay $600+ overpriced peice of junk they used to be $250-$350 I wouldnt pay more than that. Get a saiga you can get them for like $400 and convert <$150 BTW get it in 7.62.39m so it fits ak-47 mags (after convertion) There are videos on the internet how to convert a saiga. Make sure you paint under the trigger guard. Because it looks like rust when you remove that plate.
XxWINxX94
Member
Ok your best with the Romy, its cheap and reliable. No need to baby it or be afraid to shoot it or anyhting. I got mine for $550 at a local gun shop. Keep in mind if you live in the US, then your going to have to have 6 US parts on it. So if your looking for authencity (sorry dont know how to spell that) then go with the Saiga IZMASH. Its going to run you more than the price range but the parts are the real deal Russian stuff. Otherwise, yull be quite satisfied with the WASR-10.
Best get it whiles you still can
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Best get it whiles you still can
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"Work harder! Millions on welfare depend on YOU!"
Atlantic Firearms
Member
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Gryffydd
Member
Join Date: 01-07-09
Location: W. Washington
Posts: 666 From the Atlantic Firearms website:
Quote:
VZ 58 Rifle Czechoslovakian Milled AK47 Style Rifle
Seriously?
__________________
The Judge
Yes seriously,,, and we completley explain the whole deal with the VZ 58 in the item description
Member
Join Date: 01-07-09
Location: W. Washington
Posts: 666 From the Atlantic Firearms website:
Quote:
VZ 58 Rifle Czechoslovakian Milled AK47 Style Rifle
Seriously?
__________________
The Judge
Yes seriously,,, and we completley explain the whole deal with the VZ 58 in the item description
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