atlanticfire
Member
Get a wasr and "tinker" with it. And you can't go wrong with a saiga, better converted though.
First AK advice
- Thread starter Dr.Mall Ninja
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AnaxImperator
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nalioth said:
Why are they overpriced? Because stamped Yugo AKs can be had for $300?
Why are they obsolete? Because milled Arsenal AKs aren't found with folding/collapsible stocks, optics rails, AK-74/Tantal/slant muzzle-brakes, dual-hook triggers?....
Oh.... wait.
Arsenal AKs w/ milled receivers can be had with all of the above. And they fire the same 7.62x39mm round, accept standard-capacity/40rd magazines & 75rd drums (without needing an adapter), can be fitted with accessory-rails.... some even come with bayonet-lugs & cleaning rods! 
Daryl Licht said:
I've seen them used, with the cheapest sold for between $400-$500. Not very often, but they do show up. Still, if I already had $400, why not save up another $200 or so and buy an Arsenal?
Dr.Mall Ninja
Member
thank you everybody very much, the links are nice and i will be shopping them soon
Ash
Member
The Milled AK is obsolete only in that it was discarded by the Soviets very quickly for the stamped models. The result was a lighter weapon that was equally accurate, but not likely to last as long. Given the cheaper production costs, though, this did not really matter.
The problem I have with the Bulgarians (and having owned both an SA-93 and a SLR-95) is that while they are very nicely made with nice triggers and lacking any of that rugged charm of the Romy's, they are both post-ban in configuration while still having to adhere to 922r, start off pricey, and are expensive to convert. For that kind of money, I would (and did) get a VZ-58 which is not only milled, but lighter than an AK (though not an AK at all).
For the price range, I would get an AES-10B (mind the B, now), it is more expensive than the reg. WASR's but a better rifle. Of course, it is heavier with a longer barrel, so that could easily matter (won't handle like an AK). A Yugo AK is probably the best compromise between price and quality.
Ash
The problem I have with the Bulgarians (and having owned both an SA-93 and a SLR-95) is that while they are very nicely made with nice triggers and lacking any of that rugged charm of the Romy's, they are both post-ban in configuration while still having to adhere to 922r, start off pricey, and are expensive to convert. For that kind of money, I would (and did) get a VZ-58 which is not only milled, but lighter than an AK (though not an AK at all).
For the price range, I would get an AES-10B (mind the B, now), it is more expensive than the reg. WASR's but a better rifle. Of course, it is heavier with a longer barrel, so that could easily matter (won't handle like an AK). A Yugo AK is probably the best compromise between price and quality.
Ash
1858remington
Member
I just bout a WASR-10/63UF for $350.
I went to the store to buy an AK pistol, but the pistol was $600.
My Wasr has the underfolding stock, so who needs the pistol right.
Took it to the range, didn't bother to clean the packing grease out, and it functioned flawless. After 90 rounds the grease melted away, sure it smoked a bit, but it got shot clean.
I never before thought about an AK. What made me buy it was the chance that an Obama like Clinton ban might happen again.
After shooting it, I LOVE THIS GUN!!!!
If your in Delaware State, goto "The War Relics Shop" in Milford DE. He's got great prices and a great selection of surplus firearms.
For Mags, "The Sportsmans Guide" has some great deals.
I went to the store to buy an AK pistol, but the pistol was $600.
My Wasr has the underfolding stock, so who needs the pistol right.
Took it to the range, didn't bother to clean the packing grease out, and it functioned flawless. After 90 rounds the grease melted away, sure it smoked a bit, but it got shot clean.
I never before thought about an AK. What made me buy it was the chance that an Obama like Clinton ban might happen again.
After shooting it, I LOVE THIS GUN!!!!
If your in Delaware State, goto "The War Relics Shop" in Milford DE. He's got great prices and a great selection of surplus firearms.
For Mags, "The Sportsmans Guide" has some great deals.
nalioth
Member
AnaxImperator said:
Right. That is why all those folks around with the world are still running around with 49 year old AKMs. I'm quite sure both will last as long as the other.Ash said:
704338
Member
Okay, allow me to ruin this thread by asking...
What is a converted conversion WASR and Saiga? What about them are converted? Why do they need to be converted? I don't understand. I love AK's but now all this conversion **** has me skeptical. What's up?
What is a converted conversion WASR and Saiga? What about them are converted? Why do they need to be converted? I don't understand. I love AK's but now all this conversion **** has me skeptical. What's up?
nalioth
Member
Thanks to our wonderful laws, we cannot import Kalashnikov style rifles as they are made. They have to meet "sporting purpose" criteria.704338 said:
Both the WASR and Saiga are imported in "sporting rifle" configuration.
"Conversion" means to make them capable of accepting 'non sporting' magazines (military surplus mags) in accordance with the law.
Century converts the WASRs for us.
Nothing wrong with a factory Saiga if you've no experience with other Kalashnikov type rifles.
(in other words, no need to convert a Saiga at all - unless you just want to)
I rolled the dice on AIM's latest batch of WASR-10/63s and couldn't be happier.
Everything is tight (including the magwell), everything works, and there are no canted gas tubes or sight posts.
Check this out:
Look carefully: you'll see a Cugir military proof and a date stamp of 1966 (I photoshopped the serial out because I'm paranoid ) - yes, the trunnions, sight blocks and apparently the gas tube are all recycled military parts. The serial on the bolt and bolt carrier match the trunnion, some of the other parts have different serials. I couldn't find any rust or indication of wear and use, so they're probably parts taken from demilled Romanian AKMs that were never issued. The receiver is definitely new, however. It lacks dimples, the auto sear hole and the mag well was clearly milled out to hold double stacks.
The wood and finish (notice the scratches) are typical WASR, but at this price who can complain?
Everything is tight (including the magwell), everything works, and there are no canted gas tubes or sight posts.
Check this out:
Look carefully: you'll see a Cugir military proof and a date stamp of 1966 (I photoshopped the serial out because I'm paranoid
) - yes, the trunnions, sight blocks and apparently the gas tube are all recycled military parts. The serial on the bolt and bolt carrier match the trunnion, some of the other parts have different serials. I couldn't find any rust or indication of wear and use, so they're probably parts taken from demilled Romanian AKMs that were never issued. The receiver is definitely new, however. It lacks dimples, the auto sear hole and the mag well was clearly milled out to hold double stacks.The wood and finish (notice the scratches) are typical WASR, but at this price who can complain?
frankcostanza
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res45 said
I agree. They have a good selection and good prices. People love to hate WASRs, and just about anything else put together by Century. Both my WASR and Yugo are Century builds and they are both great. The Yugo is a little more solid feeling, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with a WASR. It is more of a crapshoot if you have to buy one sight unseen, but even if there is something wrong with it, it shouldnt be anything that is impossible to corrext. The point is, an AK is an AK is an AK. A WASR will go bang when you pull the trigger just like an Arsenal will. The fit and finish gets nicer as you go up in price, but AKs arent supposed to be pretty. Theyre supposed to go bang every time.
I agree. They have a good selection and good prices. People love to hate WASRs, and just about anything else put together by Century. Both my WASR and Yugo are Century builds and they are both great. The Yugo is a little more solid feeling, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with a WASR. It is more of a crapshoot if you have to buy one sight unseen, but even if there is something wrong with it, it shouldnt be anything that is impossible to corrext. The point is, an AK is an AK is an AK. A WASR will go bang when you pull the trigger just like an Arsenal will. The fit and finish gets nicer as you go up in price, but AKs arent supposed to be pretty. Theyre supposed to go bang every time.
nalioth
Member
For the umpteenth time:frankcostanza said:
CENTURY DOES NOT BUILD WASRS - THEY IMPORT THEM
frankcostanza
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Right, sorry. The WASR isn't assembled by Century, but (correct me if Im wrong) they do modify the WASR to be 922 compliant and to accept double stack mags. Thats where Centurys drunk monkeys have their way with the rifles.
Regardless, my point was that the WASR is a decent gun for the price, despite what people may say about it.
macadore
Member
The low capacity WSARs had small magazine wells that would only accept 10 round magazines. The high capacity WSARs had their magazine well ground out to accept the high capacity (i.e., military) magazines. That’s why the magazines rattle in many of them. Unless you’re sneaking up on someone, that’s usually not a problem.
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