I want an AK for my birthday

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whm1974

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Ok I want a rifle for my birthday next month and I want AK. I can easy afford one, but my biggest problem is where to shoot it.

However I would like to get one before the prices go up and/or the importion of them gets banned.

So what is a good cheap one? The WASR and SAR-1 are priced right but I have heard problem with the SAR-1. What the Saiga? I understand it is easy to mod the rifle to use standerd AK mags. While I prefer pistol grips, I can live without them if I can get the rifle cheap.

-Bill
 
No issues with my SAR-1. If you can find it, scoop one up.
Better quality compared to my friends' WASR-10's. All three had trouble seating magazines. Mine is also slightly more accurate.
Click to expand...

What is the problem with seating magazines? When I go looking for an AK what should I look for as far as QC issues go?

-Bill
 
I would go with a Sar-1 as has been suggested...Wasr 10's are for those of us that want an Ak but dont have the chedder for the better ones...I have fired a Wasr and it worked fine...Doubt that I would own one though...The finish wasnt that great and it was difficult to get a decent group from it...


Arsenal INC is one of the better choices for an AK, as well as the Vepr..


Good luck...As we speak I am looking at getting another Mak90 for me to play with
 
Well I'm budgeting around ~$400 for this including sales tax, NICS fees, etc.

So a SAR-1 would be the best buy for the money?

-Bill
 
On an SAR-1, you will want to look for canted sights. This means that sights will be 'leaning' to one side. This doesn't necessarily mean it won't shoot straight, as I have heard reports of some that do, but I couldn't tolerate that. You will be able to 'eyeball' and see if they are not vertical.

Another problem is trigger slap, which is when the trigger bites your finger when that bolt comes back after a fired shot. I don't really know if you can tell if this will happen until you actually shoot it. Either way, all you do to fix it is buy a new fire control group, which can be had from tapco for $30 and would greatly improve the trigger pull anyhow.

If youre looking for a reliable rifle that will be a beater, they're great. If you want something for tight bench groups and pretty looks, which the AK wasn't designed for, get an AR or something. However, some pricier models like the VEPR and Arsenal will get you close to those groups and those who appreciate such things will find them very pretty!

I have a Saiga .308 that I like very much. The mag conversion can be done, and the pistol grip conversion can as well. It requires a good drill, dremel and necessary parts. I have a link to a good step-by-step and will post it later. The Saiga fit and finish is much better than something like the SAR, but not close to the more expensive makes.

Stop by somewhere like ak-47.net if you've got more questions that we can't answer well enough.

Hope this is mildly helpful.
 
In that price range the SAR sounds like your best bet. Take your time purchasing. Stop by the website given above, I think they have a much better 'buyer's guide' somewhere around there. Enjoy-
 
Yo Spooky,
are you talking about a Mag conversion for the .308?? I could have sworn that they never got that to work right...

whm1974,
Saiga is a good choice IN A FEW MONTHS...They are not being imported right now...Hopefully they will be again late summer...And I plan to buy 3 different models if they are...(.223,.308 adn the 12guage)

Yea for the price of $400.00 Sar's are the best bet..however with a bit of searching you can prolly find a used ArsenalINC for around that as well
 
Azreal,

I wasn't being clear but I meant the 7.62x39 saiga. There is a fellow who got M14 mags to work well in the .308 without modifying the rifle itself, however. Either way there is a gentlemen working on producing synthetic 20 rnders right now that should be done, god willing, in the next couple of months. They should also be cheaper than a new 8 rnd mag right now.

The new distributor, last I heard, was supposed to be up and running by the end of April, but I think the red tape is taking a while so that might be closer to 2-3 months. They will be located here in KY as well, I believe.
 
AHHH ok got ya bro...

I bounce around over at Saiga-12 from time to time...Several months ago I passed on a Saga 308 for $150.00... :banghead:

Hopefully the dude making the 20 rounders will turn his attention to the 12 guage next :D


OHH yea...Fireflyarms.com is doing good conversions on Saiga's IIRC...I have absolutely NO mechanical ability with hand tools :confused:
 
If youre looking for a reliable rifle that will be a beater, they're great. If you want something for tight bench groups and pretty looks, which the AK wasn't designed for, get an AR or something.
Click to expand...

As long as I can hit a target 100 to 200 yards with it then I'm happy. And evil looking rifles have a beauty of there own.

I want an AR-15 as well, but an AK is more affordable.

-Bill
 
Those are about my feelings. I like the AK because it absolutely works every time, and I really like the 7.62x39. Plus, you can practice all day long and not break the bank. It will probably be a 3-4 MOA gun, but that is something I can live with on that rifle. I don't think you'll be dissapointed with the SAR, and even if you are you can sell it without too much trouble.
 
I'm not looking for a nail driver anyway. I just want something I can shoot.

-Bill
 
SAR-1 if you can find one, otherwise a WASR-10. You'd probably want to check out either rifle in person, but the SAR would be more likely to have straight blocks and a better finish.

Although, out of my SAR and a few WASRs i've handled, none had canted blocks, or if they did it wasnt enough to easily notice. I've checked mags in 2 WASRs and they were fine.
 
Looking at AIM surplus site they WASRs with muzzle brakes. Would these be useful? How hard do AKs kick?

-Bill
 
The 'new' no-ban WASRs are much improved. Mine has a good finish on it, laminated matching wood stocks, and the gas block and sights are on straight. It also has not exhibited ANY trigger slap yet. I have heard rumors that these new Romy WASRs are getting the Tapco triggers installed by Century, but I have not confirmed that with CAI yet...

I got my WASR in Jan, and it was one of the Kits that has 2 20 round mags, sling, bayonette, etc. Got it complete out the door, with tax for $403.

I am extremely happy with it.

When you get one, pick up a LULA for your normal mags, and definitely pick up a 75 round drum! They are so much fun!

EDITED TO ADD: They don't kick much more than an AR. Mine has the slant brake on it, and it seems to help a bit with muzzle climb. But, that particular brake is designed for full auto control...
 
Trigger slap test

I figured this one out tuning the Mac11, it might work for AKs too...

To test for trigger slap, pull the charging handle back and check to be sure the weapon is unloaded, and let the slide close. Pull the trigger and hold it all the way back. Now, with the trigger still back, pull the slide all the way to the rear (try different speeds, when shot it will come back FAST) and feel if it pushes the trigger forward...

I'm not sure how'd you'd fix it on an AK, but on the mac, it just took some careful filing and quite a bit of time.

-Colin
 
I like my SAR-1 (2002 model). 100% reliability so far, and best group (cold barrel) is a respectible 2.5 MOA with Wolf ammunition, though it's probably closer to 5 MOA when the barrel warms up. Can't beat it for looks, either.
 
My SAR1 (year 2000) shoots fine, straight sights, but has trigger slap. I just grumble about it and keep shooting. Maybe some day I'll get a new trigger. Is the $30 Tapco made in the USA, or does it count against the USA-content rules?

Regards.
 
I've read about trigger slap, and it's nice to I can fix it.

-Bill
 
Mak 90

I love My Mak 90. I paid $400 for it but have heard of them going for much less at gun shows. They are very nice. After handeling a few Wasrs I am very glad I got the Mak 90. I trimmed and refinished the thumbhole stock to better fit my hand and I am very happy with it.
 
Last time I was at gunshow Mak 90s were going for $600 or more. I also don't like thumhole stocks.

-Bill
 
Bill,
around here (home of the National Champion UNC TARHEELS!!!) they are going for around $400.00..

Gonna snap me one up if I can find it for around $300.-$350...A decent stock for one will only set ya back around $80.

I had one and loved it...Wish I hadn't gotten rid of it :mad:
 
Well guys I just send off my tax return last night. When I get my refund I'll buy an AK.

-Bill
 
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