And the winner is....AK-103

[p4+riot]

I have been doing a lot of research on my first battle rifle
and have elected to go with the AK-103. Based on what I
have read and from talking to other rifle owners, the AK will
be lower maintenance and more durable.

I'm sure loyal AR-15 owners are going to chime in and I would
love to hear your opinions.

My main concern is the availability of 7.65 x 39mm ammo vs. .223.
It seems like I can find .223 anywhere, even WalMart.

If I do decide to go with the AK, is getting ammo going to be an
adventure? If so, I would definitely go with the AR. I know I can
order online but if SHTF, computers may not be a viable option.

 

[mr.trooper]

No. Every gun shop, sporting goods store, and outdoor outfitters will have 7.62x39. Walmart may not have it, but some of the other big box stores do. Meijers comes to mind.

 

[Buffinator]

Actually im not sure if its a recent thing or not but I have been able to easily find 7.62x39 ammunition at walmart.

 

[Atticum]

if you dont mind sharing, where are you getting it from and for what price?

 

[p4+riot]

Unfortunately, the best price I have found so far is about $1200 for
an Arsenal SGL20:

http://www.arsenalinc.com/sgl20.htm

I know that's steep but if anyone knows where I can get it for a
better price, I'm all ears.

 

[briansmithwins]

I went with the SLR107FR. It's a light handy rifle that damn tough and has always worked 100%. I did have to send mine back to Arsenal as the front sight could not be zeroed. Newer rifles should ship with a test target so that shouldn't be a problem anymore.

Mine is a solid 4MOA rifle. I use it at local rifle matches and have hit 12" steel plate at 300 yards with the iron sights. I wasn't the fastest shooter on that stage but I wasn't the slowest either.

Mags and ammo are more expensive right now, but are still semi sane: I'm seeing Commie steel mags for $16 ea and decent ammo is still under $300 per thousand.

If you have any family in the area stash a few thousand rounds of ammo with them.

If you ever need to leave your place due to SHTF conditions, you can be sure every place that sells ammo will either be sold out or looted. You can only carry so much ammo but you can have more stashed for a 'rainy day'. BSW

 

[p4+riot]

That looks a lot like the one I plan on getting.
You mind me asking what you paid for that one?
Is it chambered in 7.62 x 39mm?

 

[briansmithwins]

It is 7.62x39.

I got it thru gunbroker.com for about $850 when Arsenal started shipping them. BSW

 

[Kino74]

AK103 will work real good but $1200 is a little much. Don't forget to check out the small AK manufacturers as they may have one for a little cheaper.

 

[phydaux]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=123472112

 

[p4+riot]

Here's the one I'd like to get:

http://www.targetworld.net/The Russian AK.pdf

*You will need to have Acrobat Reader installed to see this.

From what I understand, they are not actually made by Arsenal but imported right from the Izhmash factory in Russia that makes AK's for the military. I put one side-by-side with another made by Arsenal and the quality is noticable.

Anyone know about these?

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

I suggest buying a Saiga, then converting it. You'll save mucho money.

The conversion process is really easy--especially if you have access to a drill press.

 

[WardenWolf]

You don't need a drill press. Just a vise. I converted my first Saiga in 5 hours. Now that I know an excellent way to do the bolt hold open spring (better than most posted), I could do it in around 4 hours. Definite +1 on the Saiga. Excellent little rifles.

 

[K9-Bob]

The dealer price on the SGL20 is about $839.00. The $1200 price seems a bit high. I would check around and you should be able to find one for around $900.00.

 

[nathan]

That s nice looking.

 

[heron]

It's just a shame how the prices for these things have gone stratospheric . . . I bought my .223 factory Saiga for $270 back in September. The Arsenal model looks nice, full conversion with all the goodies, but still, it shouldn't cost that much.
Get a standard factory Saiga and convert it yourself (or not) and spend the rest on ammo.