Educate Me on the AK-47

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tc54

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I'm wanting an AK.

Nothing fancy, just a "plain jane" version that will be "dependable". All I'll do with this gun is step outside my back door and blow some holes in the field every now and then. I won't be mounting scope/light/etc. and I'm not wanting one with a folding stock.

I'm looking for wood stock and forearm if possible and capable of accepting the 30 rd mag.

Used would be OK, or even reconditioned. I just want the thing to fire every time.

What do you suggest I look for?
Where might I find the model/version you suggest?
What price can I expect to pay?

Thanks.
 
Get a WASR 10/63 from aimsurplus.com. They can be had for around $400 or less in a variety of configurations. They'll fit your bill just perfectly.
 
I prefer the fixed stock to the underfolder. But the under folder is very stable and work pretty well, just get some no slip grip for tennis rackets and wrap around the part that makes contact with your face. It just makes it feel more comfortable.
 
I just bought an underfolder. I haven't fired it yet (ammo comes in tomorrow), but it's rock solid and very comfortable. I like it a lot. Stability is not an issue.
 
I'd have a hard time not buying a 7.62x39, but that's just the purist in me. :) Perhaps the economist as well, considering the cost of ammo these days.
 
The adage that quality is remembered after price is forgotten is a good one, but I'm not so sure it applies to AKs. By that I mean, higher price does not necessarily mean a better rifle. If you can find a good Yugo with the fixed stock I think you will be happy. It is accurate, has night sights, reliable, etc. The RPK trunnion and the thicker sheet metal receiver combine to give you a great rifle. Too, I think the sights are a tad better than others I've shot.

YMMV.
 
I'd have a hard time not buying a 7.62x39, but that's just the purist in me. Perhaps the economist as well, considering the cost of ammo these days.
5.45's a lot cheaper than 7.62X39 nowadays...
 
Take a look at Henderson Defense. They have the WASR's for about the same price as AIM. However HDI goes through all of the guns they get and check everything out. If you buy from them they certify that the gun will work and not have any of the issues WASR's are know for like canted sights etc.

http://shop.hendersondefense.biz/main.sc
 
I just bought an underfolder. I haven't fired it yet (ammo comes in tomorrow), but it's rock solid and very comfortable. I like it a lot. Stability is not an issue.
The underfolders will eventually wear and loosen up.
 
The Romy with all the accessories at Classic for 389 is tough to beat, and they are great folks to deal with.
 
Cheapest AK's online are from Classicarms.us. Cheapest AK's when found would be Saiga's. But you'll spend another $100 converting them.
 
I've never fired an underfolder AK. How stable is the stock compared to a fixed model?

I don't like the way the underfolder feels, but they do look cool. I much prefer the fixed stocks and side folding stocks.
 
Get a WASR 10/63 from aimsurplus.com. They can be had for around $400 or less in a variety of configurations. They'll fit your bill just perfectly.

I agree with Mike --- for what you want one for , the WASR 10/63 will be fine.
 
what caliber? 7.62x39 is basic, but you can get them in .223, or 5.45x39, or is that the AK-74, I really dont remember.
Are there any American companies that make 5.45x39mm? Bill Clinton banned Norinco from selling cheap ammo during his term. There's no reason to trust Obama not to do the same to Russian companies. There is plenty of American companies selling 5.56. There are some American companies selling 7.62x39mm. The 5.45 caliber seems like a fun round but I believe you are largely relying on that boat coming in from Russia when buying ammo.
Just something to think about.
 
I've never fired an underfolder AK. How stable is the stock compared to a fixed model?

Stability is usually good at first, but can degrade over time. However, stability is not the real concern with an underfolder stock on an AK. Proper cheek weld is. A full stock provides that, and underfolder does not. Not a terribly big issue if you are fully versed in the operation of an AK but one that deserves consideration. If you have an underfolder, I'd have an easily installed full stock on hand, just in case.
 
what part of an UF touches your face? Mine goes on the inside of my shoulder and slightly down by my armpit/bicep region, but nothing touches the face. I wouldn't want any part of the stock touching my face either.
and mine is from 1986 and the UF stock is still rock solid. Maybe I got lucky and got a real good one or something.
 
what part of an UF touches your face? Mine goes on the inside of my shoulder and slightly down by my armpit/bicep region, but nothing touches the face. I wouldn't want any part of the stock touching my face either.

Ahhh, yes. That's what folks are discribing as "cheek weld" -- meaning the solid connection of your cheek firmly against the stock of a long-arm which allows your eye to align quickly and repeatably with the rear sight. Without a good cheek weld, you're forced to hold your head "floating" somewhere above the stock, trying to keep your eye stable on the sight axis.

Some rifles -- AR-15s are a good example -- often favor the use of a "chin weld" instead of a "cheek weld" because their sight axis is quite a bit higher than the comb of the stock. Still, the shooter strives to have a very repeatable connection point to stabilized his head against the stock.

From a decent site covering basic shooting techniques:

Improper cheek weld: Ideally your cheek should ‘weld’ to the gun-stock in exactly the same place each time you bring the sights up. This can be practiced at home with an empty gun. Hold the weapon at ready. Aim at a spot on the wall our out a window etc. (a small spot!) Concentrate on aiming correctly. Then lower the weapon. Now close you eyes and bring the weapon back up again. Visualize aiming at the exact same place as before. Now open your eyes and critique yourself. If you do this every day, you will notice a great improvement next time you shoot at the range.

Improper, poor, insufficient, and/or difficult cheek weld is a large contributing factor to the AKs' reputation for poor accuracy. Many of the underfolders, and especially the wire-style side folders like on a Tantal, are not comfortable or easy to use with good marksmanship practices. Folks used to a more ergonomic stock design then find them hard to stabilize, and their accuracy suffers. Then you get to read of how their AK "couldn't hold better than an 8 inch group at 100 yds." or whatever.

Like most other problems in life, make sure you're doing it right before you blame the equipment! ;)

-Sam
 
The EAA Zastava PAP can be had new for under $350. Wood thumbhole stock and handguard, single-stack 10 round mag. From what I understand, fitting a double-stack mag is just a matter of opening up the mag well. They have a decent reputation on the AK website.
 
Thanks for the responses men. I appreciate it! Have a good one!
 
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