Best sub-$600 AK-47

[Motodeficient]

Looking for options for the best quality AK-47 for $600 or less. I do not want one that century arms put their hands on. Wood furniture preferred.

Post some links!

Been looking at these two

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct847.aspx

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct840.aspx

 

[spartanpride]

I don't see whats wrong with going with something Century like the WASR and saving $200. My WASR has never jammed after probably 1500 rounds, and its plenty accurate for an AK. My guess is the first link was also made from a kit (probably Romanian). You could get on gunbroker, or something like that and get a kit and receiver build it yourself if you feel up to the task, then you could have an AK that you know has quality because you built it, plus you can finish it the way you want, and you would save some cash too!

 

[Motodeficient]

I have had two century AK-47s. The first one the gas block was extremely canted to the right, and the second one is on its way back to century because new out of the box it won't even chamber a round 70% of the time. How a company can let a gun go out the door that won't even chamber a round is beyond me.

 

[MIL-DOT]

The Century wasr's are now coming out considerably more acceptable than the previous versions that have generated their deservedly atrocious reputation.
The last two I owned had minimal mag wobble,acceptably straight gas tubes and front sight posts, and flawless function.
As I've said before....if you have an AK that shoots straight and reliably,well,then you got an AK. From that point on, it really doesn't make much difference if it's an $1800 Polytech, or a cheeseball $370 wasr.

 

[rangerruck]

find someone who converts Saigas, otherwise I would look for a hungarian or polish...

 

[Z-Michigan]

Spend the small extra cost to get an SGL-21 (Russian made Saiga sold in original AK stock format) which is here:

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct838.aspx

It will be better in most respects. You will not regret spending an extra $100 on it. If you really want wood furniture, start with the rifle above and then buy US made wood furniture from Ironwood:

http://www.ironwooddesigns.com/IWDsite/IWDHome.html

Of the two rifles you linked I would choose the Lancaster. However, I really think you would be happier with the SGL21. It's brand new, made by Izhmash (original maker of the AK-47 and Russian maker to this day), all new parts, properly assembled, has the AK-100 series updates, etc. etc.

 

[Yo Mama]

find someone who converts Saigas, otherwise I would look for a hungarian or polish...

...or Yugo...maybe m70! I love mine. Century build also, and very happy.

 

[goon]

I just talked to Atlantic Arms about those two AK's you mentioned the other day. Both are made by Lancaster. The Russian Red doesn't have a chrome-lined bore so I'd rule it out on that alone. Some will argue you don't need a chrome-lined bore unless you shoot corrosive surplus ammo - I say chrome is harder and resists corrosion from regular use better so I'm damn well gonna insist on it!
The Egyptian one is listed with that though.
I've also been looking at the SLG-21 series that Atlantic has. They're a little more but the stuff I've read about them is very positive.
http://www.arsenalinc.com/sgl21.htm

 

[Motodeficient]

The red also says it has the tapco G2 trigger while the Egyptian does not. Hmmmm decisions.....

 

[goon]

I'd call and check on that if you're interested. The Egyptian has to have some kind of US made trigger to be legal.
Atlantic also told me via email that the standard Russian Red are out of stock. I'm not sure about the Rough Rider version but I think the Egyptian was in stock. FWIW, the options they have are the only options you have to choose from - eventhough Lancaster does list Rough Riders (Parkerized finish instead of gunkote) with chrome lined barrels, Atlantic apparently can't get them or it isn't worth it to them to get them.
I probably would have bought a Russian Red with a chromed lined barrel with this coming paycheck if they had them in stock.

 

[Motodeficient]

When I emailed them about these two rifles yesterday they said they were both in stock

So these two AKs that I linked to at the top are gun-kote finished?

 

[goon]

I'm not sure about the finish. According to Lancaster's site the Rough Rider's standard finish is parkerizing. Not sure what it is on the Egyptian.
And I think the one Atlantic told me was out of stock was the standard Russian Red, which goes for about $100 more than the Rough Rider. It would be worth it to me to have paid that much more for a chrome-lined bore. Like I said, that's a big deal to me.
As it is, I'm planning to put in a call to them shortly to check on the SLG-21 rifles. The word on the street is that Lancaster makes pretty decent rifles usually but that their customer service redefines the word "suck" (FWIW, I emailed Lancaster the other day and Chet responded - I redirected him to a couple threads on here that mention this in hopes that maybe some changes will be made). I haven't heard anything bad about Arsenal's customer service though and my experience with guns has taught me that customer service is just as important as the actual gun.

 

[Motodeficient]

I think I am going to order the egyptian one.

 

[paintballdude902]

id get the rough rider

 

[Motodeficient]

Are you referring to this

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct847.aspx