CAI AK-47's?

[extremefishin00]

At the last gun show, I saw a bunch of CAI AK's, both in pre-ban and post-ban configuration. The pre-bans were 350.00, while the the post-bans were 305.00. On a couple of them, the stock had a little bit of a wiggle. Otherwise, the fit and finish looked okay. My question is, has anyone had any issues with the CAI rifles, and are they compatible with most of the aftermarket accessories that are out there for the AK's? I'm really tempted to pick one up, but I just want to make sure it will be worth it.


Chris

 

[NH AR Shooter]

Yes they are compatable with most AK parts and acessories, most of these shoot just fine.

Make sure the one you buy accepts standard lg capacity mags, some of them dont, being limited to 10rd single stack mags.

The new no-ban guns are more desirable because you have a threaded barrel that can accept muzzle brakes and flash hiders. You can also mount a bayonet. these will have greater resale value than the "neutered" post ban guns.

I hope this helps you.

 

[jobu07]

The "neutered" post ban rifles are awfully desirable because of the $50 to $70 less price tag and they do all the same things too! Woot!

 

[Lonestar.45]

I bought a GP WASR from AIM a few weeks back (they get them from CAI), with the bayo lug and slant muzzle brake. Fit and finish was about what I expected. Not outstanding, but functional. The buttstock fit well into the receiver, no shake. I've since taken all the wood off, sanded it down fine, and I'm on my 6th coat of tung oil, taking my time and throwing on a coat maybe every 2 days or so when I have time. It should look better when I'm done.

Mine has a siderail, so I bought a low-profile scope mount w/a weaver rail. It fits perfectly. I'm not sure how any other accessories would fit, but I think the WASR is pretty standard and most would fit. The mags have a *slight* wiggle when they're in the receiver, but nothing major. I bought 3 Hungarian 30 rounders at the gunshow and they seem to fit tighter.

The bayo that came with it is okay, but doesn't look new. The leather frog has a tear through one of the holes, and is useless. The leather sling, while it appears new, also looks like it sat in a damp storage area for 5 years or so. I won't be using it. The canvas mag pouch looks like a rat chewed one of the corners, it's not pretty, but it would work if I wanted to use it.

All in all, not a bad deal. I bought it knowing the possible shortcomings, and I really just wanted a shooter to go along with my SKS's, and something to work on because I like to tinker. I've seen some fixed up really really nice, if you're into that. If you want a looker right out of the box with a little more quality, get something else, but if you like to mess with your guns and fix them up, then the WASR is good.

 

[extremefishin00]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm thinking about picking one up and adding synthetic furniture and a scope. I just wanted to make sure the CAI's were guns that would accept aftermarket accessories.

Chris

 

[rbernie]

I'm surprised that nobody has (yet) commented on the CAI geneology of the subject rifles... Were I in your shoes, I would run away from anything that had the initials CAI on it UNLESS it could be verified that they had NEVER touched a thing on the rifle other than to stamp their importer's mark on it.

And, yes - this advice is from personal experience.

 

[Bear Gulch]

You might want to check Saiga for the new civvy models.

 

[extremefishin00]

Bear Gulch,

Funny you should mention that. I've been seeing pics of Saiga conversions done by Krebs and members on other forums, and have been thinking about picking one up instead of a CAI. It would take more work to get it to be an AK, but then again I like tinkering with that kind of stuff, and in the end I would have a gun that would be exactly how I wanted it.

Chris

 

[wally]

Main thing to watch for on CAI Aks is cockeyed sight block and.or front sight.

I had to look at six to find one that was straight.

IMHO forget about CAI if you have to order blind. If you can look at it first then you can get a good one.

--wally.

 

[MAKOwner]

These are just Romanian AKs, CAI does nothing but install a US made pistol grip, US made fire control group (hammer, trigger, disconnector), and a US made gas piston, and in the case of the WASRs they mill the mag well out to accept standard mags..

Probably what you were looking at were WASRs as I believe the SARs are long gone. The WASRs lack mag dimples in the side of the receiver above the mag opening, but it's merely cosmetic. As stated they can be had in low-cap only models, but most have been milled to accept standard mags. They are Euro-spec AKMs basically and will accept all standard parts.

The Fire Control Group that Century uses isn't the best, but functions just fine. They often suffer from "trigger slap" (where the trigger seems to bite back at your finger as you're shooting), which you can fix with a little attention to the rear of the disconnector with a file/dremel or you can swap in any number of other US made FCGs... I polished mine up a bit and am fairly happy with it.

Every once and awhile someone will complain that the magwell on the WASRs seems a little tight, usually with drums. You can also clean that right up if get unlucky.

It has nothing to do with being CAI or not but what I would concentrate on is getting one that has a nice non-canted front sight base and gastube. Alot of AKs (not just Romanian) suffer from the front sight being installed canted to the side just a bit on the barrel, which results in you having to move the front sight post itself to one side or of the other to get it zeroed, that bothers some people...

I have a SAR1 still and had a SAR2 (5.45x39 version) and I really like them. If you're not expecting a rifle with a really nice fit and finish (it is an AK afterall) they are great for cheap IMO. They're also fun to tinker with. I never had a jam or malfunction of any kind in either of mine, combined total of around 4000 rnds through them...

If you're interested at all I'd get one. I don't care for the funky handguard you're more less stuck with if you get a Saiga, and they seem to have dried up somewhat anyway.

For all the info on Romanian AKs visit here: http://www.gunsnet.net/Linx310/