AK - Do these specifics matter much?

[elmerfudd]

Saying that AK's were designed for reliability and that you shouldn't worry about accuracy is a little like saying AR's were designed for accuracy and you shouldn't worry about reliability. The overwhelming majority of us want both reasonable accuracy and reasonable reliability. Because the AK is somewhat lacking in this area doesn't mean it's less important but rather more important. Almost all AK's are reliable. The difference between a good one and a bad one is mostly how well it shoots.

Of course you have to be reasonable. An iron sighted WASR, MAK90 or other cheap AK in 7.62x39 shooting Wolf ammo is probably only going to shoot about 6 MOA and that's assuming the person knows how to shoot with iron sights. Use a well mounted scope and quality ammo and those same rifles will probably do 4 MOA or better.

At the other end of the spectrum, a scoped Saiga or Vepr in .223, shooting Black Hills Match or handloads will probably do 2 MOA or better.

 

[H2O MAN]

I wouldn't put WASR and MAK90s in the same category. They may be in the same price bracket, but the
MAK90 is a superior AKM. I also don't consider AKs in calibers other than 7.62x39, but that's just me

 

[FEG]

The only really important trait that I look for in a European AKM is the side rail for mounting optics.

Milled rifles seem to take a little longer to heat up, but once they do, they are no more accurate than a stamped AK.

None of the other stuff really matters, at least to me.

 

[elmerfudd]

In terms of quality, you're right that the MAK90 is much better, but my own experience was that they weren't any more accurate. I sold my MAK90 years ago because 4 MOA was the best I could get out of it on a good day.

 

[camslam]

The only really important trait that I look for in a European AKM is the side rail for mounting optics.

I'm looking at putting a Kobra optic on this AK-47, so how do I know if the gun comes with the side rail? Is it something that could be included with the optic and attached to the gun at that point?

 

[FEG]

The rails appear to be riveted on most stamped models. As long as you can find the rail mount itself, you should be able to install it. I don't shop for AK stuff like I used to, because I don't actually own a high cap model at the moment. (I have a Saiga that needs an operation, though.) You used to be able to buy them separately a few years ago.

 

[H2O MAN]

elmerfudd In terms of quality, you're right that the MAK90 is much better, but my own experience was that they weren't any more accurate. I sold my MAK90 years ago because 4 MOA was the best I could get out of it on a good day.

Understood