Getting an AK - point me in the right direction

[goon]

I'm wanting an AK and need some advice on what the current best options are. I've been looking at the SGL-21's that Atlantic Firearms has and am about set on one, but I figured I should see if there is anything comparable available before I spend money.
My requirements:
- 7.62x39 caliber
- Regular furniture
- Stamped 1mm Reciever
- Takes standard magazines
- Chrome lined bore
- Synthetic furniture would be nice, but wood would do OK for now. Eventually it is also going to get a Romanian side folding stock, so I don't want anything screwy going on with the reciever.

Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[Labyrinth666]

had the same question and got pointed in the direction of k-var (google it)

 

[memphisjim]

i say the same thing i always say
get a saiga and convert it yourself then you have real russian ak47 (or as real as semi auto can be)

 

[AKElroy]

get a saiga and convert it yourself then you have real russian ak47 (or as real as semi auto can be)

Or, take the earlier suggestion & go to K-Var for an already converted Saiga. Less cash & no labor. Best fit for your criteria. If you do not own an AK, be sure to check for sight alignment, both the front, the rear gas block, even the rear tang. Some of these look like they have been run over by a truck, particularly the Romanians. Stick with the Saiga conversion for a decent mid-priced AK & you should be good to go.

Bulgarians are well thought of, but you will pay more for them. They typically have a 1.6mm receiver & are very robust.

I will NOT buy another Romy. Mine shot great, but was not straight enough for the optics I wanted.

 

[BushyGuy]

for your first AK get a decent one then if you like it buy one with a stamped reciever.

my friend has an AK he dont like it cuz its not as accurate as his AR15 out to 100 yards,maybe cuz it has more recoil after the first shot?

i dont know if its true but chrome lined barrels on an AK effect accuracy, get one without chrome lined bore.

 

[wacki]

+1 on the Saiga and Ironwooddesigns.com furniture.

Last time I went this route:
~$300 for the Saiga (It's a real Izhmash AK47, just has cosmetic changes for import purposes.)
~$143 for two stocks and 1 hand guard (converting multiple Saigas) made from European Beech just like the real AK's.

I'd like to know how K-Var can beat that price. For the price of their SGL21-62 (~$700) + shipping + a local NICS check, I bet I could buy 2 Saigas and convert both of them.

 

[lumbergh]

RE: Wacki

There is alot more to convert a Saiga Sporter to SGL-21 standards than a rifle and some Ironwood furniture.

About $100+ to do the pistol grip / butt / bullet guide / mag catch / Tapco G2 set (the back end).

Then $100+ more to the front end. New gas block, muzzle brake, handguard retainer and hardware, handguards.

That is just parts. Labor can be quite involved with the ENTIRE front and back end. And now you should refinish to make it look good.

The SGL21 is a factory / Arsenal completed gun.

I could not make the time and math add up in the past.

Thus I bought an SGL21 when they were $499.

Just so you know.

Spend some time at http://forum.saiga-12.com/ to learn more.

Hope this helps.

Lumbergh

 

[goon]

FWIW - this will be my sixth AK (I think).
I've had them before, was unimpressed for various reasons, got out of the AK market for awhile...
Now I want another one.
But I am leaning on the SGL (which is made by Arsenal/KVAR).