If you had $600 for an AK47

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Hey cbrgator.

I don't know where you are in Florida, but if you're anywhere in the southwest, I can convert your Saiga in less than 3 hours. I have all the conversion parts needed, less the furniture which is up to you.

To answer your question, I think the Saiga is the best bang for the buck in a new AK format right now. If you're not into converting one, then the WASR-10 is probably the most common AK in America, tons of aftermarket parts for it, piles of tech support, and I'm pretty sure Classic Arms will exchange or refund if you get one of the funky WASR's with a canted sight.
 
Local dealer wanted $695 for a WASR today. Then went on and on about how 7.62mm wasn't available "anywhere"....

Gunbroker and a 15 minute internet search said differently.
 
Hey Kymasabe, I'm actually in in southeastern Florida, but I certainly appreciate your offer.

I've been entertaining the WASR idea. I know a lot of people say tons of negative things about them, yet they continue to fly off the shelves so I'm not sure what to think.
 
wasr's are great guns, i love mines except for the fact that the finish and furniture could be better. if i could, i would add another hundred of so and gotten a different one. you can't go wrong with a wasr though.
 
Amd-65

Right now I would get the FEG marked AMD65, it is rumored that they are assembled in Hungary and have chromed bores. I have one on the way and can't believe more people aren't trying to get one of these things if they are assembled in Hungary.
 
I've been seeing the AMD go in the 700+ range, which is above my limit. Do you know of anywhere that they are cheaper?
 
Peach State Guns has AMD-65's for $579.00 right now on their website (just checked a couple of minutes ago). I paid a little more than that for mine at a local shop, but wanted to be able to actually examine the one I was going to purchase.
 
I have a Savage 30-06.

Can anybody do a comparison for me of the WASR and AMD?

It says the AMD is manufactured by Tennessee Guns. Thoughts on them?
 
In a nutshell, the WASR is a more traditional looking AK from Romania. The AMD is a short-barrel (legal only because of the 3" muzzle break attached to the end) model with a folding stock and front and rear pistol-grips from Hungary. I'm relatively new to the AK platform, but there are more knowledgeable folks than me on this and other forums.
 
I just bought a Lancaster Russian Red AK from Atlantic Firearms -- could not be more pleased with it. Top notch folks to deal with as well. They get my highest recommendation.
Click to expand...

Is the Russian Red AK from Atlantic a converted piece? They also sell Saiga conversions, so I'm assuming not. I'm wondering if the whole weapon is put together in the states from various parts or if they fabricate everything themselves (or contract out).

Everybody's right though - AK prices are INSANE. In 2004 I would see WASRs for $199 all over the place in pawn shops (I was living in Wisconsin at the time), and you could probably get them for less if you haggled. I was never impressed because with those because the wood furniture was usually awful. You could pick up a nice converted Saiga for $350-400.

Nowadays, some dealers on Gunbroker are listing their WASR-10s for close to $800! :eek: You have to spend $1000 or more to get a converted Saiga it seems.
 
buy a Saiga rifle, then convert it to an AK, and spend the rest on mags and a sling.
 
If you can swing the extra $150 the Yugo M70 ab2 underfolder is a great AK, and at todays prices it is still worth it. The yugo is built like a tank using a heavier receiver. They are one of the best AKs on the market right now, and Century did a great job having them built. I've got one and and it is one of my favorites out of the 9 that I have. You will not be dissapointed if you get one. Also you can get wood furniture for it later on.
 
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I have a WASR, Norinco AK and a Saiga (unconverted). They all shoot, the WASR is the worst built of the bunch but it is easy minute of man. The prices where ya'll live must be better than in S. GA as $600 would barely cover the Saiga and if I could buy 2 for 600 as one person said, I might and have three. WASR are in the area but most run a little more than 600. Now the guy that said buy a SKS with 1K+ of ammo is my guy. Even get a "duckbill" 30 rder if you think you need the firepower. Let me say, if it gets so that 10 rds and stripper clips will not keep up, I don't need to be there anyway. IMHO Thanks

To answer the question, with 600 about all the AK's will be the same. Most in this range is a crap shoot, some are real good and some are well not so good.
 
The only real problem with a AMD is the non ability of quick change mags. The front hand grip only gives you about 1/2 inch clearance. Of course this is just my experiance when I carrired one shortly in the sandbox.
 
JWJacobVT, this is so true. That is one of the many reasons why I am trying to find a wooden handguard set for mine. It isn't so bad with 20 rounders, but the 30s take your complete attention for a few seconds at least. I love the damn thing otherwise.

And for the OP, I have owned a WASR, and I currently own an AMD 65. The AMD beats it fair and square in my opinion. The fit, finish, and furniture on the WASR looked and felt very cheap, but the gun wasn't terrible. But the AMD is worth the extra $150, IMO.
 
It also helps if you wrap the left side of the stock with para cord. It feels better on your face and it also protects your cheek if your AK is out in the sun, the metal can get a little hot.
 
I noticed at the range that the handguard actually gets brutally hot after 3 magazines. I think it needs a rail and a vertical grip or something, it was crazy hot.
 
Got this two weeks ago at Scott's Outdoor Sports in Jay, FL.

It is an IO, INC. parts gun, stamped receiver....$599....one mag.

AK47-right-small.jpg

They got 40 in and expected to be out in less than a week. The next shipment they get will be $50-100 more I was told.
 
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