Help me pick my 1st AK

[cameramonkey]

Well I finally made it out to the gun shop yesterday and was able to inquire about some of the different AK brands. If any of you are from Maryland, I can't recommend a better place to shop than the Gun Rack in Burtonsville. The guys there are very honest and helpful, and they're not into just pushing one brand over another. They were very knowledgeable and had great advice.

I've narrowed it down between the Robinson Armament VEPR http://www.robarm.com/mainpage.htm or the Arsenal SAR or SAM series http://www.arsenalinc.com/index1.html .
Both are extremely well made. However, the VEPR was much heavier due to the RPK reciever. I liked the Arsenal's lighter weight better, but I was wondering how the accuracy is compared to the reports I've seen of the VEPR.

My last question is which caliber to get them in. The imfamous 7.62 vs. .223 debate. Most people have told me to stick to the original 7.62 caliber. But I was wondering if the .223 is more accurate. If the accuracy is not going to be that much different between these 2 calibers, then I'd like to stick to 7.62, because finding good .223 magazines seems to be a challenge.

Anyway, I thank you all in advance for the help.

 

[benEzra]

Of the ones you mention, I'd go with the SAM-7, just because I like the lighter weight.

As far as 7.62x39 vs. .223, if you like the flatter trajectory and softer recoil of the smallbore, you can get the best of both worlds and find a 5.45x39 AK (AK-74 lookalike). Unlike .223s, the 5.45x39 is an actual eastern-bloc issue cartridge, and so the magazines are mil-spec (and therefore reliable) instead of cobbled together.

I personally have a Romanian SAR-1 in 7.62x39 and like it, though the 5.45's are reputed to be more accurate.

 

[cameramonkey]

Thanks benEzra. I thought about the 5.45, but heard that ammo was scarce. Pretty much internet or gun show only.

 

[benEzra]

My SAR is 7.62x39, and I get ammunition at gun shows only--not because I can't get it anywhere else, but because it costs twice as much anywhere else. (I like Wolf 122-grain JHP, $44 for 500 rounds, which is cheaper than even Wal-Mart white box value-pack .223.) So even if you get the 7.62x39, you'll probably save a lot of money by getting ammunition at gun shows or mailorder...

 

[cameramonkey]

That's a good point.... hmmm. Thanks.

 

[cameramonkey]

sorry, double tap

 

[cslinger]

I love my VEPR

I have a standard VEPR II in 7.62x39 and love it. That being said since you mentioned weight and the fact that the VEPR is more RPK clone then AK clone I voted for the Arsenal AK in 7.62x39.

Why the .30 caliber? Well basically it comes down to cheap magazines and cheaper ammo. It will allow you to shoot lots and stockpile plenty of mags and parts for cheap.

At 100 yards you are not going to get AR accuracy but you should still be able to get reasonably accuracy and have lots of fun. I also tend to stick to what the weapon was originally designed for.

I would suggest that whatever you get make sure it has an optics rail. I really like the AK optics rail setup, quick release, holds zero(in my case), lots of optics that will fit it from scopes to red dots.

Have fun with it.

 

[cslinger]

One other thing as far as accuracy potential of the .223. Robarms has gotten great results with the VEPR but I really think the main drawback to AK accuracy is the way that gas pistol comes back with the force of Thor, rattling the gun and it's loose tolerances pretty violently. Of course loose tolerance and vigorous gas system are also it's biggest strengths as far as reliability goes.

I just don't see you getting any kind of apprciable edge in accuracy by going .223 in an AK and I don't think the cost of ammo/magazines justifies it.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Chris

 

[cameramonkey]

Thanks for all of the replies and info so far. Well it looks like the Arsenal is beating the VEPR. I guess the heavier weight of the VEPR must really turn people off huh? What are the pros/cons of the Arsenal over the VEPR? Why do you like it better?

 

[cameramonkey]

Anyone???

 

[cameramonkey]

 

[cslinger]

I actually like the VEPR better and have found it to be very accurate. I voted for the Arsenal since it is more of a true AK and alot of people don't like the weight of the VEPR.

If you can get over the weight of the VEPR I think it is the superior choice.

 

[wally]

Wolf 5.45x39 is same price as .223, 7.62x39 is cheaper by $20 per case or more.

I'd avoid a .223 AK because of the mag issue. 5.45x39 & 762x39 mags are plentiful at $8-10 each.

Don't be afraid of buying ammo via the net. Buy cases as its cheaper that way and won't go bad under any reasonable storage conditions.

--wally.

 

[cslinger]

Where are you from in MD Cameramonkey? I may be making a trip home in the next month or so and I could bring my VEPR to let you give it a try.


Chris

 

[cameramonkey]

I live right near Andrews Air Force Base. That would be cool!!!!!

 

[cameramonkey]

Thanks for all the votes