Current WASR's are fine. The older ones had a few issues but I have heard of no problems regarding fit, finish, reliability with the newer ones.
The new Century kit builds are fine also. There may be a problem child get through the QA now and again (I haven't seen any), but I have personally inspected a few and all those I looked at were fine. I bought one of the M70AB2T underfolders that are built using a M70AB2 kit and a new receiver and barrel. Mine works fine and for $550, I am happy with it.
Anything made by Zastava is good to go.
Arsenals are great rifles but are 2X the price of Zastavas and don't do anything any better than the less expensive AK47's except cost more money.
Romanian AES-10B's are one of the coolest AK variants out there. I just love mine.
yep, what he^ said. I'm fully aware that early WASR's had some serious issues, but Century finally pulled their heads out of their wazzoos and started assembling a decent product, years ago, in fact.
Most of the bad stuff you hear about WASR's is just repeated drivel some guy read on the internet or heard from some guy.
I've had 3 WASR's, over several years, and they've all been,solid,tight,straight and reliable, and the newer ones are quite nice, coming in with solid hardwood ( versus tha old laminated stuff) that refinished VERY nicely. They also currently seem to be including a nice OD green nylon sling, bayonet, full cleaning kit including rod, and often at or even under $499 (sometimes w/free shipping).
As stated above, those NPAPs are a great deal on a nice AK, but I prefer a chromed bore.
I've owned numerous AK's, up to and including a couple uber-premium Polytechs, and while they were obviously very well made, in my opinion, they just ain't worth the money. The fact is, if you have an AK that shoots striaght and reliably.....then you got an AK.
I love me some AK's, but spending $1000+ on one is just plain ridiculous.