AK Kits

[spartanpride]

I was looking at some Romanian AK kits that have a new US made barrel, and all the other parts minus receiver. Is it worth it to buy a kit like this and a receiver and save an extra 100 bucks, or are all the parts like the bolt and gas tube, etc. crap and it would just be worth it to spend an extra $100 and buy a WASR?
Thanks much

 

[nalioth]

You're forgetting that you'll need several hundred dollars worth of tooling / jigs to build it.


You'd be best buying a Saiga and having your way with it.

 

[ECVMatt]

You're forgetting that you'll need several hundred dollars worth of tooling / jigs to build it.
You'd be best buying a Saiga and having your way with it.

I think nalioth has it right. Buy the Saiga and use that for your build. They are incredible rifles for the price and you end up with a real russian AK.

 

[7.62x54mmR]

nooooo dont buy a WASR

 

[jwsturr]

I don't think there are any bad ak's. Wasr, lancaster, arsenal, they all will fire no matter what you throw at them. If you want to build an ak and build it right, you'll have to spend money on tools. Ak building tools can get expensive. Unless you have access to these tools for free I wouldn't bother. If you're going to build more than one rifle or really want to customize your own project, then invest in the equipment. It's a lot more involved than slapping some parts together. My .02, buy a fully functional wasr, refinish the stock and fire the hell out of it.

 

[spartanpride]

I have got all of the tools and the know-how, I have built one before but everything was brand new, but completely disassembled. I am just wondering if these Romanian AK kits are worth $200 or if all of the parts like the bolt are so heavily used and abused that they will be useless.(the barrels with them are new)

 

[Ian]

The Romanian kits I've seen and built have been in very good condition. I don't think I've ever seen one with anything but an excellent barrel (unlike a lot of the Yugo kits). In fact, I'd pay a premium for an original Romy barrel over a new American one. Several of my Romy kits didn't even have the finish worn off the bottom of the bolt carrier where it contacts the hammer.

 

[spartanpride]

Thank you very much Ian for exactly the answer I was looking for!

 

[Alex123456]

I've built 5 Romanian kits. They aren't the same as a WASR, even thought they are Romanian. Make sure you pick a good receiver to build on. Nodak is probably the best. The kits are usually in very good condition, maybe a bit ugly but functionally very good.

 

[Hizzie]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a WASR, provided that you inspect it prior to purchase. If you can find 1 where the FSB RSB and GB are all straight and the mag latch isn't too short they are just fine. AIM has them for $379.99.