Need AK-47 Advice

[Daniel964]

The local gunstore has an ad in todays paper and I would like advice on these.

Such as are these good AK's or bad ones? Is it a good price etc.?


*Romanian with 30 RD mag $349.99

*Romanian with Flash supresson and two 30 RD mags $379.99

*Romanian with Folding Stock and two 30RD mags $449.99

Thanks for any information or advice you can give me.

 

[tommyt]

There are several things to consider here....See the ak47.net (it was once ak47.net) page for info on romanian aks. You can get there through ar15.com.

also check

http://www.gunsnet.net/Linx310/index.shtml

There are a few different types of romanian aks. The recievers are made of metal foldings and there are generaly SAR and WASR styles. If it is a SAR 1 349 isn't that bad. Aimsurplus.com has wasrs listed for 329 and now they have bayo lugs and breaks (haven't seen any SAR1 in a while for some reason).

 

[john l]

Unless you need a folding stock for compactability, or a "cool" factor, I would not recommend a folding stock AK. I shot a friend's underfolder AK and I couldn't believe the play in the stock. That can't be good for accuracy. I know, AKs aren't tackdrivers, but why worsen it? I don't know anything about the side folders. Maybe they are stout.

I would recommend the one with the flash hider. Even better if it is a muzzle brake. Anything to tame the muzzle flip for a faster follow up shot. AK recoil is not even close to punishing, but I still think that a muzzle brake is a good thing.

I like the Romanian AKs. They represent a great deal. For the price, you cant beat the opportunity to purchase a rifle that will give you 100% reliability.

Another option is get the fixed stock. Then buy a folding stock-side or underfolder. Then you have both options and you can decide what's best for you.

AK's are great. Take it camping with you. Travel with it when legal. Cheap to feed and more and more accessories being made for it all the time.

john l

 

[Gewehr98]

A folding stock is not worth $100...

I have a Romanian SAR-1, and I put the wire sidefolder on it for less than $40.00, to become my new pickup-truck rifle. 30-round magazines don't cost that much, either, especially since the demise of the AWB.

Regarding folding stocks, I've found the wire sidefolder and skeletonized Krinkov-style sidefolders to be the most solid and comfortable when in the extended and locked position. Underfolders tended to hurt a goodly amount under recoil. Maybe a liberal application of parachute cord, like BadgerArms did with his sidefolder, would help in that regard.

 

[ak47nevada]

Daniel964,

For a bit more info (and pictures) about the WASR AK's for sale you are interested in these two places I believe are selling the identical ones you mentioned:

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/AK_WASR_RIFLE_w__Folding_Stock__Bayonet_Lug__Break.html

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/NEW_AK_WASR_RIFLE_w__Bayonet_Lug___Muzzle_Break.html

http://catalog.jgsales.com/

 

[benEzra]

I have a SAR-1 (Romanian AK-47 lookalike, in 7.62x39mm) and love it. It's a 2002 model, with no muzzle brake since the AWB was in force at the time it was made.

$350 is a good price for a SAR. Magazines are inexpensive ($10 for a 30-rounder from Tapco or at gun shows), so don't let the number of magazines it comes with influence your choice unduly. The main thing to look for is that the front sight block and the gas block are both on straight (these rifles are assembled in the U.S. by the importer, and quality control is sometimes iffy).

The SAR is quite handy even with the fixed stock (it has a shorter buttstock than most U.S.-made rifles, which are designed for long-armed galoots) due to the 16.5" barrel, and nicely balanced. Perfectly reliable, too, and looks great.

You can tell the difference between SAR's and WASR's by looking at the outside of the magazine well, on the sides of the rifle. A SAR has a big oval dimple on each side, like an AK-74, whereas a WASR is smooth-sided with a couple of rivets there (I think).

I would like someday to pick up a SAR-2 or equivalent (AK-74 lookalike in 5.45x39mm) to keep the SAR-1 company, but the 7.62x39 is probably a more versatile rifle since you can also hunt with it if you're so inclined.

 

[CZ52GUY]

http://www.ohiorapidfire.com/ak.htm

I don't know how far you are from these guys, but over at ak-47.net, they have a good reputation.

If you are just looking for fun, nothing wrong with a WASR or a SAR...for a some more $$, you can step up to something even better. Arsenal Inc.'s SLR101 is a terrific rifle in the $550 delivered range.

http://www.arsenalinc.com/slr101sb.html

Global trades sells some good rifles similarly priced:

http://www.globaltrades.com/

I had a SAR-1 that I ultimately traded toward an AR. I kept a SAM-7S (a much more expensive AK - $750) and an SSR-56 from Global Trades.

I don't miss the SAR-1...dealing with cant and trigger slap...both which I ultimately remedied...was an interesting challenge, but I like the quality of the better rifles. They tip the trigger pull scale at between 3-3.5#, are well made, and have been stone cold reliable.

If you have an itch you need to scratch right away, go ahead and get a WASR/SAR-1...they make a great first AK and are loads of fun to tweak and customize. If you want a rock-solid reliable AK out of the box, consider adding a little to your budget, you won't regret it.

Good luck!

CZ52'