I might buy this AK-47, here are the details

[ba ba booey]

So a colleague of mine wants to sell his WASR Romanian Ak-47 with a folding stock. He bought it new and has put 1000 rounds through the barrel. 6 magazines and approx. 300 rounds are included with the rifle. This guy takes care of his weapons and so I know that would not be an issue.

I've always wanted an AK, but my understanding is that WASRs are bottom of the barrel in the AK department. I have only fired one AK several years ago. I find the ergonomics to be less than ideal but the weapons toughness is very appealing and I like the 7.62X39. I also definately prefer the AK to the SKS.

So at $650 for the rifle, mags and ammo, especially with todays prices I am wondering if I should do this deal. I'm not sure if I'll be able to find this again. Also want some opinons on the WASR in general and for the price it is being offered at.

 

[SilentScream]

That's a really good deal at that price. Borderline steal.

 

[jodavk]

If he will let you, shoot it. Make sure the front sight isn't canted and it shoots OK. If you like it, buy it. You both will be getting an OK deal.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Don't agree with SilentScream that it's a "really good deal", but I'd call it fair if that's what you want. WASRs were going for ~$400 pre-panic, with mags at about $15-$20/ea and ammo at ~$0.25/rd. That'd be over $600 after tax or shipping/transfer.

WASRs aren't junk, but they're not refined, either. They tend to have trigger slap, rough finishes and mediocre fitment, but they do function. Last one I had I gave $200 for back in 2004; it was reliable, and as accurate as expected (~3 MOA @ 100). I traded it for a car in 2007.

Get a Tapco G2 trigger group and enough other US parts to be 922(R) compliant, and you'll have a pretty decent rifle.

 

[meanmrmustard]

^^^^But pre-panic doesn't mean jack right now. ARs were several hundred less months ago, but try using that logic on someone who won't sell their stuff for "pre-panic" prices. Bet it doesn't go well.

It's a decent deal, for this time frame and for what some are trying to sell WASRs for. Be warned: prices may fall, or rise...we won't know right now.

It's several hundred less than what I'm seeing for FTF sales. I'd buy it.

 

[ba ba booey]

How do WASRs hold up compared to other variations? I know that (like most) AKs the reciever is stamped, but I am still learing about AKs. Right now I dont even know how to break one down but I've read/heard before just how simple they are

 

[MachIVshooter]

^^^^But pre-panic doesn't mean jack right now..................Be warned: prices may fall, or rise...we won't know right now.

That was my point; The price on this package wouldn't have been much better 6 months ago, and almost certainly won't be better in the future. Hence, if it's something he wants, it's a fair price.

How do WASRs hold up compared to other variations?

They hold up fine. Unless something has changed, they use 1 mil receivers like most other economy AKs. They're not cheap junk, they're just unrefined

Right now I dont even know how to break one down but I've read/heard before just how simple they are

Easy to field strip, not so easy to reconfigure (like an AR). Barrels & rear trunions are swedged and riveted, rather then threaded or retained by a nut. Changing furniture is no big deal, though, unless you're talking going from a fixed stock to a side or under folder.

 

[Sam Cade]

Get a Tapco G2 trigger group and enough other US parts to be 922(R) compliant, and you'll have a pretty decent rifle.

CAI WASR10s rifles have all had G2 triggers standard for years.

Changing furniture is no big deal, though, unless you're talking going from a fixed stock to a side or under folder.

Romanian (and EG) side folders mount onto standard fixed stock trunnions.

 

[meanmrmustard]

That was my point; The price on this package wouldn't have been much better 6 months ago, and almost certainly won't be better in the future. Hence, if it's something he wants, it's a fair price.



They hold up fine. Unless something has changed, they use 1 mil receivers like most other economy AKs. They're not cheap junk, they're just unrefined



Easy to field strip, not so easy to reconfigure (like an AR). Barrels & rear trunions are swedged and riveted, rather then threaded or retained by a nut. Changing furniture is no big deal, though, unless you're talking going from a fixed stock to a side or under folder.

I see, makes sense now.

Still and all, its a decent deal. Try on $900 for size! That's what some jack butts think they'll get for the lowly WASR. While its still a good rifle, it is no Krebs or Arsenal.

 

[Dentite]

I think it's a good price for a good rifle. You want "the ultimate" AK then sure, look for a more expensive version but I've been happy with my WASR 10-63. Had it for about three years and it goes bang every time. I did replace the black plastic pistol grip as it was too thin for my taste with an Ironwood Designs laminate "fat" grip.

I think pre-panic was more like close to $500 from what I had been seeing. So I think it's a good price.

If you are looking for a solid AK for good value, I'd say it's a good buy.

 

[JHenry]

good price for what it is. surplus steel mags are going for at minimum $20 now so if theyre all steel mags than that's basically $120, I wouldn't pay more than $500 for a WASR so we'll say that $620 plus 300 rounds of ammo should more than make up the difference.

personally I don't like WASR but at the price its a good deal

 

[leadcounsel]

I have several WASRs and they work well. In fact, I've found them quite accurate. The wood is abit on the ugly side, but you can replace that.

A few things to note... make sure it can take hi-cap mags. Some were modified to only take 10 round single stack mags. Make sure sights are not canted. Finally, note that many WASRs won't take plastic Tapco mags, only metal mags.

As far as price, in PRE-PANIC prices, the best WASR prices were $350-$450 around here, and those were incredible bargains, the kind you snatch up as long as everything checks out, immediately. I sold a WASR for $600 in November before the election. I wish I had held it for a few more weeks, but I didn't believe Obama would be elected, and of course could not have predicted Sandy Hook. Pre-panic ammo was 30 cents per round.

I've seen them for as much as $900 since the panic, and ammo 50 cents to $1 per round.

In current value, a good WASR is valued fairly at $700-900. Mags are $15-20 each (metal mags are more). Ammo - 300 rounds is worth about $100-150.

For $650, as long as it works and is not defective, buy the package. You can't lose money on it in the current environment. Shoot it soon, and if you don't like it, sell it off.

For those people that think AKs should be $300 rifles, this isn't 10 years ago. The dollar has lost a lot of value in the last decade, and the 2008 and 2012 gun scares have permanently driven up costs significantly.

Finally, snap up EVERY scary rifle and mag you can right now... it's only a matter of time before another shooting, another big tragedy, another Dem is in power, and more gun grabbers drive up prices again. These rifles and mags aren't coming down much in price soon, if ever...

 

[SabbathWolf]

I see, makes sense now.

Still and all, its a decent deal. Try on $900 for size! That's what some jack butts think they'll get for the lowly WASR. While its still a good rifle, it is no Krebs or Arsenal.

It's not a terrible deal if he really wants an AK just to have an AK.
But I agree. If somebody tried asking $900 for a WASR, I'd just have to laugh in their face. For just a little more, you could get a nice Arsenal or Krebs just like you say and be waaaaaaaay happier with it.

 

[akv3g4n]

I agree with others that it seems to be a fair deal. I don't think it's a steal given the overall quality of the rifle, but it's not out of line in the current climate. I would buy it for that price. It will be a ton of fun to shoot and should serve you well.

As others have stated, make sure that you can check it out and ensure that the front sight isn't canted to one side or the other. You'll probably also want to check for mag wobble (usually doesn't affect function anyway but can be annoying if things like that bother you). Other than that scoop it up and take it to the range. If you hate it you will easily be able to recover your money (and probably make a small profit.)

 

[GCMkc]

Rifle, mags, and ammo for $650. DO IT. I paid $550 for my WASR-10 the first time Obama was elected and only got $300 out of it when I sold it a couple years later (regret it now).

The rifle itself functioned flawlessly, had no trigger slap, little mag wobble, but did have slightly canted sights which did not affect point of impact. These rifles aren't show guns and were never intended to be. I think that is a great deal.

 

[Okiegunner]

In today's market it seems like a decent deal. If you like it...buy it!!

 

[Hokkmike]

It is definitely NOT a real good deal but unfortunately an average price for these times.

If you have the advantage of being able to shoot it and get 300 rounds to boot that sweetens it a bit.

Figure that the ammo is worth at a minimum $100. I can get it locally for $34 per hundred rounds.

Six magazines are all you are going to need, more sugar.....

As I add these up in my mind cost wise I am thinking maybe it IS a real good deal.

Good luck.....

(former owner of 3 WASR's one SAR and now a Norinco AK)

 

[Neo-Luddite]

Do it.

I've abused my WASR and haven't yet cleaned it since new ~ maybe seven years back. Fed only non-corrosive and oiled a bit, it has not EVER failed. Clunky, cheap wood, but super reliable. Likes cheap commie block mags best of all. You can't go wrong and the deal is super. As said, Tapco trigger is likely in there and plastic mags don't fit the bored out well (metal e. block fit just right). Eats Wolf Mil Classic hollow point like a fat man at a serve yourself sunday bar.

 

[ba ba booey]

OP here, I bought it

So bought the rifle, which came with 5 mags (not six) and six hundred rounds of ammo. I think I got a decent deal and it helped him out with his m14 fund as well

at $650 I dont think I could have done much better right now.

This may seem stupid to some, but what is the best guide for AK47 maintenance and dissasembly? (I know they are simple

 

[InkEd]

I would offer him $575 and negotiate up to $615. I bet he'll bite at the $615. WASRs are much to brag about really.

 

[Dentite]

Good deal...you did good. Enjoy it. Look on youtube for disassembly vids.

 

[leadcounsel]

Wow, great deal OP. Figure that 600 rounds is fairly valued at $200 or so right now, that means you got the rifle for pre-panic prices. Good work. Now go enjoy!

 

[The-Reaver]

Dude, take it. If the sites are canted fix them. The price is a great one. You won't find any better for quite awhile.

 

[JHenry]

So bought the rifle, which came with 5 mags (not six) and six hundred rounds of ammo. I think I got a decent deal and it helped him out with his m14 fund as well

at $650 I dont think I could have done much better right now.

This may seem stupid to some, but what is the best guide for AK47 maintenance and dissasembly? (I know they are simple

For disassembly all you gotta do is press the square looking button thing near the back of the receiver in to pop off the dust cover, push it in again to remove the recoil spring/guide, pull out the bolt carrier, on the RSB there is a small lever to release the upper handguard/gas tube, with that removed there is another small lever inside the lower handguard to release it.

Just play with it for 10 mins and youll figure it out tbh

 

[bannockburn]

ba ba booey

At $650, in todays market, I think you did just fine with everything you got in the deal. And you helped a friend out so he can buy another gun. Pretty much a win-win situation for both of you. Enjoy.