In the market for an AK

[Jack Package]

I want to get another AK style rifle. I already have a AKS-74 and love it. Now I want the 7.62 bigger brother. While I do know a lot about AK style rifles I dont know what would be the best to get. I mainly want it for plinking and hog hunting. I want it to the classic style. Wood stock and grips, bayonet lug etc... I was thinking about the new WASRs but still am unsure about there shaky past. I dont like Yugos because of the stocks and do not want a underfold or any kind of folding stock. Price range is no more than $900. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[bannockburn]

Jack Package

If I were in the market for an AK I would first check out some place like Atlantic Firearms for their latest offerings. They have a lot of different models and corresponding price range for the type of AK that you're looking for.

 

[MIL-DOT]

The Romanian/WASR's so-called "shaky past" is largely just overblown nonsense thanks to the internet. I had 2 or 3 older WASR's and they were straight, tight and reliable, and I sold/traded them to buddies that still love them.
Sure, there were some canted sights and gas tubes back in the day, and some over-hammered rivets, and the laminated stocks were never much to look at, but genuine issues weren't widespread, even during the worst of all this. But stories get repeated and spread like wildfire on the internet, and now everybody and his brother think the WASR's are all garbage.
If you find one that's straight and looks well assembled, even an older one, it's probably a perfectly good rifle (and i say that as an AK "snob" that's owned numerous higer-end AK's, including a couple Polytechs.)
And the WASR's that have been coming in the past few years, (the one's with the solid wood stocks and brand new chrome-lined barrels), are actually very nicely done, and have been getting stellar reviews (including from me.)
But, that being said, I'm seeing WASR's on the used market in the $650-750 range lately, which is kinda crazy, since for not too much more you can often find nicer stuff like Arsenals, Hungarian SA85M's, various Chinese models, etc.

 

[Ignition Override]

Jack P.:

Prices for the newer WASR 10s have really jumped up. Maybe you knew this.

Staff in three gun shops in/near Memphis told me in the last two months that Romania stopped imports of them to the US.
Their business to other countries reportedly has expanded.

Prices for nice Mak 90s aren't more than $50-100 abouve current prices for WASR 10s.
You might find a slightly-used WASR 10 on Armslist near you. The issue might only be the seller's bottom price. And...he/she might be unaware that Romania is not exporting them now (to the US).

 

[Huntolive]

You say you want classic beefy AK with wood stock and bayonet lugs, and in the same breath say you don't like Yugos:banghead:
You must not be familiar with the Zastava O-Pap. This is rugged all business AK w/ classic wood styling and capable of launching grenades with the right set up.

I would get a Zastava O-Pap if I wanted wood. Otherwise I'd get something from Russia with love like an all black Saiga. These guns will always shoot any ammo, and always make me want to throw away or sell my AR's.

 

[Mosin Bubba]

Believe me, Century's still putting out a few lemons.

I brought a Century GP 1975 rifle (I think it's pretty much just a WASR with a wood foregrip) and got burned. The gun would bind up right after one round was fired and would not cycle at all. I sent it back to the manufacturer, and if I remember their diagnosis was that the gas tube wasn't welded on straight. Regardless, there is no way that gun could have passed a test firing.

Century's customer service was a pain to work with and it took a lot of phone calls and probably a month before I could send my gun back. But to their credit they did make things right, and the gun shoots fine now. That experience is probably my last with Century though.

As far as WASRs, I've seen an older one that a friend had and it was one of the roughest guns I've seen. Unfinished plywood stock, BBQ paint on the metal, a cheap plastic pistol grip, and everything on that gun rattled. I expected something similar when I ordered my GP 1975, but I was honestly shocked when I opened the box. The wood actually had some figure and a semi-glossy finish, a nice flat grey finish on the metal (parkerizing?) and all the controls worked smoothly. I don't know whether Century's new WASRs are closer to the old WASR or that GP, but the difference between the two finish-wise is night and day.

If you have $900 though, I'd consider getting a MAK-90. To me, it feels like a better built gun than the GP I've got (smooth trigger, and there is no play in the safety or rear sight) and I shoot it better as well. I don't like the thumbhole stock, but I think that can be replaced with standard AK furniture. With WASRs going for about $650 to $700 new, it's not that big of a step up price wise, and the improvement in quality is noticeable.

 

[TreeDoc]

I was in the boat as the OP a few years ago. I tried the N-pap and the O-pap,they were ok, but heavier than I expected. Lastly I got a WASR, no canted sights, put together very well. The wood, rugged plywood looking stuff. The rifle came with a used bayonet and a oil can all for under 6 bills.

 

[Inebriated]

Newer N-PAP's come with AKM-profile stocks, if I remember right. You're still stuck with Yugo-specific stocks, but it's not as bad. WASR's, on average, are much better than in years past, and my general recommendation for a new AK. Imports are on hold for awhile, but they're not unobtanium yet. I'd also look at VEPR's, if you're okay with the form factor, or DDI if you just can't find any of the others. DDI's are Hungarian kit builds, IIRC, on their own receivers and barrels. They're generally decent guns, but new to the game. I wouldn't feel bad about having one if I couldn't get my hands on something else.

 

[brunowbe]

Get a Vepr. Beautiful Russian AKs for the price of lesser fare. I believe k-var has them in stock for $699. its not traditional looking, but you can make it that way for around $900. You could also look for a used Arsenal. I just purchased an SLR104FR and it is a fantastic rifle (it's 5.45 though), I believe there is an SLR series model in 7.62x39.

Stay away from US made AKs or kit builds and get something com bloc built in a factory by people who have been building them right for many years.

 

[MIL-DOT]

yep, whay he^ said. Avoid the recent US-made AK's. In your price range, there are plenty of good ones out there. Again, I'd look for an Arsenal, something Chinese like a MAK90,an old Hungarian SA85M (even ban-era) , or a converted Saiga. ALL of these are excellent options, and inside your price range.
The VEPR's 'brunowbe' mentions above are very high quality, but visually they're not exactly an "AK" as most people think of them.
The Zastavas that have been mentioned are solid quality, but all things being more or less equal, I much prefer a chromed bore, which these don't have. Also, they use some funky dimensions, which prevents you from using many common parts and upgrades, another deal-breaker, IMO.

 

[Huntolive]

I definitely agree to get a MAK 90, just be sure to get a good one, they can be great, and 1 mint one I had is the only gun I sold that I regret selling.
I also concur not to get any us type in general as stated above.
But anyone who thinks that wasr garbage can stand up to an O-Pap is smoking something. The O-Pap, if you can even find one, is built like a tank and has quality wood and parts.

If you want an expensive rattle, get the wasr; if you want a reliable weapon get the MAK 90 or O-Pap, and get it before November

 

[entropy]

Avoid the recent US-made AK's.

Yeah, Marc Krebs puts out junk.

Seriously, for a couple hundred more, you could get one of his; sometimes you can find Arsenals down in your price range.

I built my AK, but I'd like one of Marc's someday.

 

[mshootnit]

My 20 year quest of the AK began and ended with Arsenal. and one saiga 308. lots of others came and went.

 

[aka108]

Get a Saiga in 7.62x39 and leave it stock as it came from the factory. Liberals would think of it as a "nice" gun since it does not look exactly like a AK. On the other hand, it is a wolf in sheeps clothing.

 

[Ignition Override]

As for the very popular Arsenal AK clones, they use Saigas as the foundation.
Saigas are sporterized, but are all-matching, originals from the Izhmash Kalashnikov factory in Russia.

The Unmodified Saiga is my only .223 rifle. Had to add the 7.62x39 version, weeks later.

aka108:hope you don't mind my use of your quote Wolf in sheep's clothing.

 

[Inebriated]

As for the very popular Arsenal AK clones, they use Saigas as the foundation.

Saigas are spprterized, but are all-matching, originals from the Izhmash Kalashnikov factory in Russia.

SGL's were Saigas. SLR's are Bulgarian, as are SAM7's.

Saigas are no longer imported, so used market prices are way up.



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[waffentomas]

I can't speak to a lot of the various types, save mine. I bought a Norinco a few years back that I have been very happy with, an NHM-91. I don't see them much, but Norinco AKs, and SKSs coming through my local store all seem to be well built specimens. With your budget, I'd look to buy a good com bloc AK as they will be great shooters and their value will continue to rise with H in office.

 

[Huntolive]

Nice 2 know my Saigas just made me some $ If I can ever bear to part w/ em, got a twin set in 7.62X39 and 308.
I still shoot my Zastava O-Paps more, especially like the para trooper underfolder for scramble gun, nothing can stop em

Sure, an arsenal, but is that in op price range?

 

[Inebriated]

Sure, an arsenal, but is that in op price range?

It's close enough to be mentioned. A marginal price increase would get him some significantly different options, if he's interested.


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[Ignition Override]

Inebriated: I had only read that one of those types used the Saiga. Thanks for the review.

King Obama, Leader Of The Free World, found the perfect excuse (Russian invasion of eastern Ukraine) to ban Saigas, which are sporting rifles. Remember, the Far Left doesn't need dramatic Overnight victories. They can wait fifty, or a hundred years to achieve their mostly Unstated goals of total control and eradication of most of the Second Amendment.

Both of my then 'nib' Saigas had been sitting in the pawn shop last winter, each listed at $780. They discounted each to approx. $650 as I negotiated.

They needed to drop the prices because demand for these dried up as the prices went increased, not only in terms of the high list prices, but because the total investment cost (and time) after a full conversion became unreasonable for most people.

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

Jack,

There are not a lot of alluring options new AK options out there - especially if you don't like Yugos, and want wood furniture.

Your best bet will be the used market. I'd try to get either a converted Saiga (which probably does not have wood), or something 10+ years old. I can't remember exactly when they banned the import of AK barrels, but it was about then. Saiga's were designed to get around this, so they have factory barrels/trunnions etc.

 

[mshootnit]

A lot of people say Arsenal is too expensive. By the time you have bought and traded off a WASR, a Yugo, and an AMD to end up with the Arsenal you are better off just starting off with the Arsenal.

 

[jehu]

Get a Chinese Norinco 56 or a Polytech Legend. You will pay but these are the best AK's brought into this country. Next best would be the Arsenal SGL Legion 21 which are not as pricey as the Chicom but still not cheap. WASR's were always s*** and still are, sorry Bubba!

 

[Moparnut]

I have a WASR and even though it is not perfect, I have yet to have a failure out of it. I bought it as the last panic was coming to a close. My only real complaint is that I can not use Magpul or Tapco mags in it. Other than that, it works for all of my shooting needs so far.