AK74

[drw2514]

I'm getting an AK-74. Truth is, what turned me on to these rifles in the first place was the cheap prices I was seeing everywhere... Now with all the research I've done and learning about problems with Century and Lancaster AKs that are built from kits (.224 diameter bores causing keyholes, spotty build quality, heavily used parts, etc...) I find myself looking at an Arsenal... all new parts and a surprisingly good reputation from what I can see...

So... I want to know... is an SGL31 worth the money for $800? Compared to say a Bulgarian kit gun from widener's: http://wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=10000021&dir=700|701 or a Polish Tantal: http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct875.aspx ? Apples to oranges, I know, but is it worth it to pay several hundred dollars more to have what Arsenal provides, or would you buy one of the cheaper rifles and run the risk of getting a POS?

There have obviously been good and bad rifles, but any first hand AK-74 experience here?

I understand YGWYPF; I am simply looking for first hand experience and opinion as I have no way of handling these rifles beforehand.

 

[shootr]

Think before I spent $600+ on a kit or $389 on the Widener, I'd pop for the sure thing. JMHO.

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

My advice:

run the risk of getting a POS?

People on the interweb like to moan. Most of the cheap AK's are completely fine. However you only hear about the problems. Get the $400 one from Wideners or aimsurplus.com or centerfiresystems.com or classicarms.us or whomever. Most likely the one you get is fine, and you save $400. If it is not send it to Rifledynamics for a $3-400 upgrade. It will cost the same and will be as good as an Arsenal.

 

[*Klutch*]

Sebastian said about the dumbest thing he could have with that statement. Do not follow this advice. Here are a few AK's that are not Arsenals and don't cost $800
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct964.aspx expansive of the 3

This is the one I recommend
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct949.aspx
or if you like the polymer look
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct950.aspx
The both of these smoke the hell out of those crap ass WASR's and are very comparable to the Arsenal's and do not command the price tag.
My first AK was a WASR with 5 mags from J$G Sales for $489 delivered to my FFL, it went bang every time but it had the typical Romanian issues with canted front sight and mag wobble; mag wobble does not effect the function of the firearm at all but it will effect your ability to get the mags in, if they don't go in the right way they will hang up.
My second AK was a Bulgarian Arsenal 74 SLR-105R, it's no longer in production. It was a great example of what an AK should be; the only issue I had was the finish was a cheap Duracoat looking finish. It came off in some spots but nothing bad or to even worry about but when you pay $800 for an Arsenal I don't want my finish to come off that easy.
Check out those Interarms AK's they are nice and the finish I believe is parkerized which will not come off that easy and they do not have the issues of the WASR.
Here's a video of a youtube guy reviewing the Interarms 74 check him out. If you have questions ask him he's very knowledgeable and has about 6-8 AK's including Arsenals.

 

[dnthmn]

I had 2 Tantals. Both were good. I'd get another if I had the funds without a doubt. Fun, cheap to shoot and easy to maintain. Also if you bugger up your Arsenal you're going to be a lot more upset than I would be with my Tantal.

BTW I've owned 7 AK's and the only one I had any trouble with was the only one built on an American receiver. YMMV

 

[drw2514]

Those Interarms rifles look pretty nice... Watched the (positive) review from sturmgeweher, and his reviews on some other rifles, including his Century Tantal... came away rather impressed.

I think this mid-level business might be the answer to my conundrum.

 

[*Klutch*]

just be careful with the Century Tantal, he had some issues with his and I believe got it taken care of but Century gave him a real hard time over it. The Interarms are real nice and the $550 price tag make it even better, and it's not Century.

 

[CnRnut]

Get a Saiga and add the $250ish in parts.

 

[dfariswheel]

My opinion: Shop around for a lower price on the Arsenal Inc rifle.
Sometimes you can find them on sale.

Buy an Arsenal. It's as close as we'll ever come to a genuine Russian AK-74 military rifle.
You'll be able to open the box and have a no worries-no problem AK rifle and it'll be top quality and good for a lifetime.

I've very seldom been disappointed when I bought the top-of-the-line Cadillac option in anything.
I've very often been disappointed when I bought the "just as good as" Chevy option.

 

[mcdonl]

Get a Saiga and add the $250ish in parts.

I just did a conversion at the parts were under $200.....

 

[nalioth]

Buy an Arsenal. It's as close as we'll ever come to a genuine Russian AK-74 military rifle.

Ahh, more generalities. You meant to say "Buy an Arsenal-imported Saiga."

You'll be able to open the box and have a no worries-no problem AK rifle and it'll be top quality and good for a lifetime.

"No worries-no problem" other than the usual issues that can affect any Kalashnikov, anyway.

Arsenal is not immune to the aforementioned "issues".

Get a Saiga and add the $250ish in parts.

I just did a conversion at the parts were under $200.....

Yes, yes, you can convert a factory Saiga from anywhere from $50 on up. How much you spend depends on how you want to convert it, and your bargaining/construction skills.