Best AK for $650 or less, Saiga-->AK or Roma, Yugo, Bulgar, Chicom ?

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I had someone at work ask me what would be the best AK-47 to buy for under $650 in 7.62x39mm .

The guy had planned to buy a Saiga and convert it to AK-47 magazines, stock, and pistol grip. To me that seemed a bit backwards and costly, but I stayed out of it.

Apparently after finding out that there are substantial differences between a Saiga and an AK, he decided to forgoe that idea.

He wants to spend $650 on the best AK in 7.62-39 that he can get, with the gun he buys hopefully being very easy to convert to "classic AK-47 style" pistol grip and stock.

Any suggestions would be appreciated, as I know nothing about AK's and have maintained that all along.
 
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/beta/storeproduct432.aspx

Classic look, with 25 to spare.

or, pre converted saiga

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/beta/storeproduct433.aspx

I have a saiga i converted and i like it very much.it cost me about 500 total, but being in NY my price on the rifle was about 50 dollars higher then avg at the time. Mine looks professional besides the botton of the reciever which i have yet to paint because im lazy =[

If he wants to have a fun time working on a rifle and having a nice outcome i say go for the saiga. It was the first gun i ever did anything but take apart and it was well worth it and quite the learning experience!
 
Apparently after finding out that there are substantial differences between a Saiga and an AK, he decided to forgoe that idea.
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Saigas are AK's. Sure you have to tweak them a little to get them back to military trim, but they remain the best value in the AK category, IMO.
 
Saiga backwards? Nope...forwards. You get to put on YOUR parts, on a NEW AK platform. Mine is fantastic. I get compliments all the time from guys that own 'regular' AK's. Spend a lot, spend a little, it's your call. Mine cost ~$150 to convert and it's been flawless in operation.

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I'm looking at maybe a Saiga, the 20" .223 version. Course, I just need to add the skeleton stock and an optic and I'm about done. :p

What I'd really like to do is get a wood PSL-like stock and forearm set for it. No need to convert for bigger mags, but with that I could change the trigger group, which I hear is a big plus.


From what I've read, Saiga conversion can be super cheap, or nearly mind-boggling in expense(IIRC, they need special forearms since the gas tube is different. I dislike the appearence of the converted Saiga with stock forearm.)


I don't think any of the other options would be bad, though. From what I read, even the lowly WASR-10 runs just fine, just need to check out the mag well and look for canted front sights before buying, if possible.
 
If you want to convert a saiga and make it look more like an ak, go to Dinzag arms. He makes and offers many products to help with the conversion and install conventional 2-pc handguards.

For the conversion, start here for the basics.

A converted saiga may not be the best, but truly best bang for the buck if you do the conversion yourself.
 
Saiga, without a doubt, scope rail allready on it, best bbl made on an under 600 dollar ak, all for 300 or less, what's not to like?
 
plus, if you don't convert it, and keep it as is, if you ever get pulled over by cops, they may not freak out so bad, if they see it in the backseat! also the ergonomics of the layout, for some reason, when you go to shoot it off of bags from a bench, the rifle really sits down in the bags very well, jumps very little, and is quite comfortable to shoot from a bench/bags.
 
Have 2 S12s, and 3 223's(2 converted by tromix, 1 stock)

All have been flawless to date.

Hhhhmmm....
New AK, built to my specs. Perfect.
 
I believe Centerfire has Saigas that are already converted for $549 if someone doesn't want to do that themselves. I have all of the parts for the conversion, but haven't done it yet.
 
My vote goes for either a Yugo or Bulgarian. I have one of each these days and both are excellent weapons. I like the Yugo because the receiver is more substantial, and I like my Bulgarian because it is tight and true. Either will serve you well fro years.

I too considered the Saiga, which is a very decent rifle... I want one in .308. But I decided to go with a more traditional AK platform.
 
Saigas are great realy like mine. Lot depends on wat style he wants straight stock side folder under folder etc.
 
Saiga

The guy had planned to buy a Saiga and convert it to AK-47 magazines, stock, and pistol grip. To me that seemed a bit backwards and costly, but I stayed out of it.
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I would say just the opposite. You get to set it up just how you like form the get go and if price is the main objective it can be done rather inexpensively. At a budget of $650 one can do a very nice saiga conversion.

Apparently after finding out that there are substantial differences between a Saiga and an AK, he decided to forgoe that idea.
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I suppose that depends on you definition of substanitial. After a basic conversion there are not differences that I would call substantial. If hand guards and muzzle devices are issues they can be added as well.
 
I have a Arsenal SAM 7S and a Saiga. One cost 1/3 of the other. When it comes to shooting preference I like the stock Saiga better and it is just, if not a bit more accurate than the more expensive one.
 
I got a Lancaster Arms (bulgarian receiver) from Atlantic Firearms for $650 and I have been absolutely happy with the firearm.

I didn't want to go the route of Saiga's, but they are great too.

Vector has sold their business and Lancaster makes quality firearms. Plus they have a lifetime warranty. I like a company that backs up what they sell.

For $650, you can get a great AK. IMHO.
 
In my opinion, an AK is an AK is an AK. The fit and finish gets nicer as you go up in price, but the basic function is the same. That being said, if it was my $650 I would spent about $350 on a Romanian WASR (of whatever the going rate is) and spend the leftover 300 bucks on mags and ammo. However, its not my $650 and to stay with the OP's question, Ill toss my vote in for the Yugo, as I cant speak to the Bulgarian or Saiga. I have a Yugo M70B1 and its sweet. I love it.
 
I have heard that the WASR is not the best, but mine was a great buy.

The day I bought it, I took it to the range. Ran about 200 rounds throught it, without cleaning the packing grease out of it first. It was flawless.

My WASR takes the normal AK mags, not the single stack crap. The mags have a little play in the receiver, but theres no harm to the function of the gun.

If I knew what I know now about AK's, I probably would have bought a Yugo.

But over all, the WASR has become my new favorite rifle.

You can't go wrong with an AK variant. Their maker was a genius.
 

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Atlantic firearms has some good looking guns.

I like the tactical model with the UTG forearm.:)

Russian woman agree... AK's are sexy:D
 

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In my opinion, an AK is an AK is an AK.
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Not even close to accurate. The difference between a quality AK like a Yugo or Bulgee is night and day versus a bottom line WASR. Lets not mention top end AK's like an Israeli Galil or a nice Russian specimen.

Night and Day.
 
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