DDI AK-47 Quality?

[Panzerschwein]

Hello all!

I have finally decided that I'm going to get an AK to supplement my PTR-91 rifle. I love my PTR-91, but it gets expensive to shoot even with the cheap steel cased ammo I buy for it, and is a heavy and long gun. I have long admired the AK-47, and loved shooting my buddy's AK back in high school years ago. Since then I've had the opportunity to fire both AK-47 and AK-74s and always they've left a smile on my face. They always seemed so handy, and relatively light.

So, I decided to do some research. It turns out there is a company called DDI that is pretty new to the game of AK builds. I hear some good things about them. I am making this thread to see if anyone else out there knows anything about DDI AKs, both good and/or bad.

I am planning to buy a new DDI stamped AK in 7.62x39mm, the version that comes without furniture. I actually have a Russian made plum colored polymer stock set on the way to my front door now, so I'm serious about this! I just need to know weather or not DDI is a good brand for the price.

If you all could please help me, that would be awesome. Thanks so much!!

 

[snorko]

I have a milled underfolder made by DDI. Very good fit and finish. Military Arms Channel did a brief review of this model a while back and they compared it favorably with the Bulgarian Sam7 underfolder.

 

[ilmonster]

I too am intrigued by AK's, and might pick one up. In researching these, I found very good opinions of DDI's on ARF.com and AKfiles.com where folks who are much more well versed than I on AK's own them and use them (amongst other brands). Also some interesting reviews on youtube if you look up reviews by AK Operators Union. Cheers!

 

[Panzerschwein]

Thanks gang.

I went ahead and got a DDI stamped AK and a Russian plum stock set.

 

[HGM22]

Keep us posted!

I've been toying with the idea of selling my unconverted Saiga and picking up an AK. Basically I've been looking at going cheap (WASR) or going upper tier (Arsenal or DDI). With all the problems Arsenal has had with poor QC, and the very favorable reviews that DDI is getting from people that should know, I think you did just fine.

 

[scallop]

DDI is top notch. Great customer service, very good quality. I believe you will be happy with your purchase.

 

[Jackal]

Cost to performance, my personal AK rank goes like this:

1. Norinco
2. Wasr
3. DDI
4. Arsenal/Saiga

AK's are weird. Cost does not really equal quality. I've seen great Wasr's and poor Arsenals. Buying an AK blind is a scary proposition.

 

[HankC]

Cost to performance, my personal AK rank goes like this:

1. Norinco
2. Wasr
3. DDI
4. Arsenal/Saiga

AK's are weird. Cost does not really equal quality. I've seen great Wasr's and poor Arsenals. Buying an AK blind is a scary proposition.

Norinco price today or 20+ years ago before ban? No love to N/O-PAP, VZ or PSA?

 

[Jackal]

Norinco price today or 20+ years ago before ban? No love to N/O-PAP, VZ or PSA?

Depending on your area, Norinco's often come up at great prices. My NHM-90 was $550 and my Mak-90 was $500. I have no love for any AK using a cast trunnion. DDI is the exception, due to their great customer service.

 

[HOOfan_1]

Norinco price today or 20+ years ago before ban? No love to N/O-PAP, VZ or PSA?

VZs aren't AKs though

 

[Panzerschwein]

Thanks, gang. The rifle should be in early next week. My stock and sling are in transit as well.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Hey gang! A quick question for you all who are smart about these things:

I am buying the "naked" DDI stamped AK, that comes w/o furniture. If I were to add a Russian made handguard, buttstock, and pistol grip, would the gun still be 922r compliant? Thanks!

 

[Jackal]

If I were to add a Russian made handguard, buttstock, and pistol grip, would the gun still be 922r compliant? Thanks!

Its US made, you dont have to play the parts game. 922r applies to imports.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Its US made, you dont have to play the parts game. 922r applies to imports.

Really? I have heard that if the gun is identical to an imported gun like the AK than it still applies.

It shall be unlawful for any person to assemble from imported parts any semiautomatic rifle or any shotgun which is identical to any rifle or shotgun prohibited from importation under section 925(d)(3) of this chapter as not being particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes except that this subsection shall not apply to -

 

[carbine85]

I was fondling a couple of DDI rifles yesterday at a local gun show. They appeared to be very well made. The rivets are well made and the finish was awesome. I think the price was $669 and $729. The more expensive one had magpul furniture.