New I.O. M247 AK-47 Opinions please

[geo57]

I am in all likelihood going to purchase a new AK-47 platform rifle very soon in the $500-$600 range. I have done research on the WASR, the O and N Pap rifles among others. For one reason or another none are quite what I want and / or have issues that seem to be somewhat common.

I also am aware of the very spotty quality control issues Inter Ordnance suffered in the past on the rifles made in North Carolina. I would like to hear from you owners & shooters your opinions of the plain Jane I.O. M247 ( no rail ) that have been made in the last couple of years since their move to Florida. The reviews I have read come mostly from wholesale sites so I would like to eliminate as much bias and screening as possible.

How has yours been as far as reliability, durability, rivet work, rail straightness, etc., etc. ? How many rounds has it seen ? I want to hear the good the bad and the ugly .

Thanks.

 

[Fishbed77]

IO is the bottom-of-the-barrel as far as new AKs go. I highly recommend you avoid them altogether or at least do your research on akfiles.com if you are still considering one.

The WASR (new ones are very good and a far cry from those sold just a few years ago), O-PAP, and N-PAP are MUCH better choices.

 

[Jackal]

Just based on past reviews and quality control/customer service (or lack thereof) I'd rule out anything made by I.O. Plus, ANY AK made without a side rail is a deal breaker from the get go.

 

[Davek1977]

Given the wide variety of AK's available today, there is no reason to go with this company whatsoever.