Deciding on an AK.

[skipbo32]

get chrome barrel for sure. the arsenal sgl series is what i would look at. they are converted saigas....so you you have a good quality saiga reciever with authentic AK parts added to it. i have the sgl20 and love it. cant go wrong there.

 

[Hammerhead6814]

I'm still waiting for Saiga's to drop into the lower $300's again. It's ridiculous that some shops are still trying to sell a unconverted 7.62x39 Saiga for $400+.

 

[nalioth]

I'm still waiting for Saiga's to drop into the lower $300's again.

You've not been paying attention.

Many Saiga vendors have had their prices around $329 for the past few weeks. . .

 

[Girodin]

I regularly see Saigas for $320 or so. No it is not the days of getting them for $250 but I wouldn't pay much more than $320.

The saiga has a chrome lined barrel in case you have any confusion on that point.

Between an Arsenal and saiga the most pertinent question is probably whether you find a gun that is visually closer to an AK103 to be more desirable than a gun in another configuration. If the answer to that question is no that the Ak103 look isn't of particular value to you then the saiga becomes a clearer bargain over the arsenal.

I do not place particular value on the AK 103 look as I like to outfit my guns to suit my needs thus a saiga that I convert to pistol grip configuration makes much more sense and represents a much better value.

even if the AK103 look is what you are after then the Arsenal is not forcedly the clear cut winner. You need to look at what is involved with making a saiga into that and add up costs and time of doing it yourself. Some may find the Arsenal to be a better value others might not.

In terms of function the Arsenal has basically no particularly noteworthy advantages over a saiga with even a very basic pistol grip conversion.

 

[Kino74]

If price is no object and providing you can legally possess SBR in your local, why not consider a AKS74U Krinkov type? Or if this is going to be your only AK, why not go Russian? You could purchase a Saiga and have it converted to any number of configurations such as this AK105 (wood one is my personal one) or the black stock. Those rifles will run you around $1100 to $1300.

Honestly any competently assembled AK will run just as well as the next with the biggest "quality" difference is more of finish.

One point and its entirely subjective and a bit petty BUT if you do go the Saiga route, you can then say you own a Russian AK. I have over a dozen AKs and when some one asks if they can see one,they will nearly always ask "Got a Russian AK?" They never or almost never say, "Do you have milled, stamped, Hungarian, Romanian, Chinese, etc.?"

Go Russian. You won't regret getting a Russian.

 

[MM1794]

Hmmm... Can someone get me a link to a Russian AKS-74U type?

Looking at these:



http://www.centerfiresystems.com/akagun-us.aspx

OR

http://www.centerfiresystems.com/akagun-pol.aspx

The latter is a Polish AK, milled, wood furnishings.

The first is the same, US made I believe, with Picatinny rails on the front handguard, milled as well. Also, it has a black polymer stock.

Figured they are the best deal, as I did researhc and agree that no one should pay $1,550 for an AK. I could get a sweet AR for that.

jggunsales has a good selection.. I'm in need of some more AK guidance.

 

[dogsoldier0513]

Back when I was prepping for Y2K, I'd have said a Hungarian SA-85. Now? I've had NO problems with any of the Century AKs I've owned, but if $$$ was no problem, I'd look at a Krebbs....or a Valmet.

 

[nalioth]

Looking at these:

LINK REMOVED

The latter is a Polish AK, milled, wood furnishings.

I'm afraid you're being bamboozled.

That is a Century mix-master. The wood may have started life in Poland, and maybe some of the smaller fixtures, but the receiver and barrel and FCG are all made in the USA and assembled by low-wage employees who are after quantity not quality.

 

[MM1794]

Damn. Nalioth, I shoulve doen more research, because I have come across some posts on other forums and sites that say Centurion AKS are surplus and US parts slapped together even if they arent compatible.. thanks.

How abnout this one? Looks like a great deal. ATI

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct904.aspx

Itd b nice if someone can put to rest my worries on the best under 1000 AK manufacturer. Arsenal AKs and just polished up, had one today in my hands.

Romanian?

Polish?

Bulgarian?

 

[kwelz]

I ran a fresh from the box Arsenal through an AK class this last weekend. It ran like a top although it needs some upgrades for sure.

 

[MM1794]

arsenal=too pricey for AKs!

im in the upper tax bracket but im still frugal! originalyl i was going to get the SAM7-13 till i found out how overpriced it was!

 

[MM1794]

i just hope to christ its not green mountain barrel..