Opinions on Vector Arms AK's wanted

[Hokkmike]

I have a chance to pick up the AK described below. Currently I have a WASR10. Is this one of a significantly better quality (is it a good quality at all) that I would want to add to my collection? I would appreciate any comments you have on what is described below. Thanks all!

It’s a new rifle built on an Armory receiver. It’s in excellent condition. the caliber is 7.62x39, the barrel is chrome lined, the bayonet is a knife type detachable, the receiver is stamped and several magazines, original sling and ammo would go with the gun. It’s a Polish underfolder made by Vector arms. It has the slant type muzzle brake and the muzzle is threaded so the brake is removable. The bayonet is Chinese but fits perfect.

 

[JWarren]

Hi.

I have a Polish Vector underfolder in the polymer furniture. I ordered it directly from Vector Arms.

I'd say its a fine rifle. Period. I've had a SAR-1, which is probably more comparable to your WASR, and in terms of finish, they don't even compare. The Vector is parkerized and the finish is very smooth. I personally plan to Duracoat mine later, since I perfer that to Parkerizing.

I honestly can't say one way or the other about accuracy, etc. since I never really did much testing of my SAR, but let me say this about the Vector:

For what I bought it for, it has met its needs well. I use mine as a "truck gun" and home defense rifle. Over the last couple years, I've killed about 15 or so cottonmouth moccasins and rattlesnakes around my property.

I doubt that it is as accurate as my Saiga 308, but then again, it wasn't purchased to meet the same role as the Saiga.

Downside to a Vector underfolder (or any Vector):

No Vector Arms rifle I have seen has a side-rail for mounting optics. You can't put one easily on an underfolder anyway, but I haven't seen side-rails on any Vectors.

Hope this helps!

John

 

[Hokkmike]

Thanks John. My own personal preference would be NOT to put any optic on an AK anyway. To me, that is like putting a scope on a western looking lever action. Ugly, and does not serve the caliber well.

 

[JWarren]

Mike,

NP. I'd say if optics aren't a concern for ya, then the Vector Arms is a great way to go.

I HAD put a top-cover rail mount red-dot on mine, but decided that it really did nothing for the rifle. Top-rails won't hold zero at all.

I think I am just going to put Mojo peep sights on the rifle, since I really don't care for standard AK sights. I'll be doing the same on a Romanian "G" that I am building atm.

I do have a side-rail scope on my Saiga 308, but again-- that's a different animal than the other AKs. For its purpose, optics make sense on it, and its accuracy and caliber warrents a scope for distance shooting.

I considered adding a side-rail on the romanian kit rifle I am building, and I still may do it-- just to have the OPTION of putting a red-dot or reflex sight on it-- but as you said-- it does take away from the aesthetics of a standard AK IMHO. A peep would probably do the job just as well and be less prone to bump-damage on an AK.


I forgot to mention this about underfolders in general:

Underfolders do have a tendency to have a little "play" in them when both extended and folded. It really doesn't affect anything, however. You just tension the stock as you fire it. I took mine apart to get a look as the folding mechanism and even though it plays a little, it DOES lock up solidly in both positions due to its design.

I don't know if side-folders do that. As was mentioned on another thread, a side-folder does have some inherent advantages over an underfolder in that you can change out stocks if you so choose. With an underfolder, you are commited to that type of folder due to the reciever holes.

That said, I personally LOVE the traditional look of a underfolder AK. If I were going all-out tactical, I may do a side-folder-- but it would never have the aesthetics of the underfolder IMO.

I'm considering taking the polymer furniture off my Vector Underfolder and going with all Wood. I think that would make a very beautiful and traditional rifle.


John