AK questions

[Nick1911]

Hey all, I finally decided that i couldn't resist the urge to buy an AK, i've been doing alot of reading about them and am a bit confused though. There are many varients from many manufactures, and i want to make sure I get the best one for the money. So far i've found these varients talked about on the internet:
- AKM-47
- SAR-1
- SAR-2
- WASR-10
- MAK-90
and probably many many more. I want to spend ~$250-350 on one, but would definitly consider spending more if there is a big hike in quality. I'm thinking the SAR-1 looks like a good choice, but i need to check prices in the local gunshops. Whadda yall think?
-Nick

 

[Nick1911]

Oh yea, FYI, wood furniture, 7.62 x 39, and (of course) MUST accept hi-cap mags...
Thanks

 

[wasrjoe]

In my opinion, the Romanians - that is, the SARs and WASRs - are the best buy. You will either want an SAR-1 or a WASR-10 convertion. All SAR-1s are highcap, but not all WASR-10s are. All WASR-10s were originally low-cap single-stack AKs, but many of them have been legally converted. The only differences between the SAR-1s and the WASR-10s are that the SARs have the dimples to hold the magazines in while the WASRs do not, and WASRs also have a nut welded over some threadings on the muzzle.

While these can be fine firearms, you want to look out for gas tube and front sight cant. Cant is where it is off center. If neither of these are present then you are set.

 

[ProCharger]

what is there to look out for gas tube on the rifles? I have heard people talk about it, just not sure what it is.

Brett

 

[wasrjoe]

You just have to make sure that it is vertically straight and not bent. For AKs the only real concern is that it is vertically straight.

 

[glocksman]

My WASR hicap has an unthreaded muzzle, not a muzzle cap.

The gas block is canted. This along with the welded bolt carrier/gas piston combo results in less than stellar reliability (bolt jams open on a partially chambered cartridge). It also has a wicked trigger slap.

I'm going to send it off to Globaltrades and have them straighten the gas block, install a new Bulgarian bolt carrier with properly pinned US made gas piston, install a US made AK-74 style muzzle break, install their US made double hook FCG, and refinish it as the original finish is rough, to say the least.

I just wish I'd had the dealer order me a Bulgarian rifle and waited instead of buying this Romanian piece of junk off the shelf.

 

[Nick1911]

so what's the going price for a SAR-1 and WASR-10? And what does the gas block being canted mean?

 

[ProCharger]

I just bought my SAR-1 for 367 total after everything was said and done. Came with a 30 round mag. and 10 round mag, sling, cleaning kit, and test fire sheet. It was new in box, unfored except for the test fires. I was looking at a different local gun shop that had the wasr10 for 360 before tax. I would guess you can find an SAR-1 on the net for around 300 even but even then its going to cost for the FFL papers, and the shipping so I dont think i did too bad.

Brett

 

[chapperjoe]

my friend and I just got the WASR10 - NO COMPLAINTS. IT rocks! no trigger slap like the SAR-1's I've fired, half the recoil, better stock (dragunov-ish) , takes the high-mags . LOVE IT!

 

[Rebeldon]

I have a Robinson Arms VEPR II. It's an awesome variant of the AK. It has the heavy duty RPK receiver with extra reinforcing. It comes with scope rails already attached. I got mine with the muzzle break. It cost me $599, plus shipping. It is by far the best AK for the money. It's accuracy outdoes any AK varient I've shot yet.

 

[SteelyDan]

My experience is limited to shooting two Romanians (WASR-10 and SAR-1). Both had a little trigger slap, both had mediocre furniture. Therefore, I can only give them an overall "9.9" in terms of fun for the price. Just get one, and try to avoid the thumbhole stock. (And if you go the WASR route, make sure you're getting a high capacity model, not a 10-rounder.)

 

[ProCharger]

explain trigger slap.......i have yet to experience this.

 

[glocksman]

From Here

Trigger Slap is caused by out of spec Fire Control Group parts, specifically it occurs when the rifle's bolt recoils hits the hammer, which in turn moves down and locks under the disconnector. When the hammer moves the disconnector so It can be locked into place ready for the next shot, the back of the disconnector catches slightly on the trigger and causes it to "slap" back against your finger. This can cause pain and discomfort when shooting.

 

[benEzra]

I have a SAR-1. No trigger slap at all (trigger is better than the one on my mini-14 Ranch Rifle). $379.00 from a local gunshop. Fit and finish is pretty good, and it is perfectly reliable. There are tool marks here and there under the phosphate finish, but not too bad. My best group so far is 1.25" at 50 yd (5 shots) with Norinco lead core 7.62x39 and a POSP 4x24 scope, out of a moderately warm barrel. Normal-cap magazines are currently running 5.99 for a 20-rounder or about $12 for a 30.

The SAR-2 is basically the same except that it takes the higher-velocity, smaller-caliber 5.45x39 round. Full-cap mags for the SAR-2 are also readily available.