Original Romak-II - Modify or not modify?

[wojownik]

Winter is setting in, and I'm thinking of some mini-projects to play with. I have a Romak-II (AK-74) in original, out-of-the box condition (bottom rifle, pictured below). It has the original ban-era features, including PSL style stock and tacked muzzle nut.

I'm torn between bringing it to a more standard AK-configuration, or leaving it as is. Leaving it as-is is definitely an option, as you don't see many unaltered around these days. What would you do, and why?

The top rifle is a Romak I (7.62x39) with Polish furniture and compliance parts.
Middle is a build on a Romy G kit
Bottom is the aforementioned Romak II.

 

[Swampman]

I didn't vote, mainly because I have no definitive preference between black and plum, I really like wood, but admit the practicality of synthetics, especially in folding stocks.

I can't see any particular reason to keep the rifle in its "as imported" condition unless you just like it that way.
It's not a "classic" by any means, it's just "neutered".
If you prefer a weapon with its ergonomics and features designed by politicians that don't like guns and know absolutely nothing about them, then by all means keep it stock. If your thought is that someday it'll be worth big bucks as an unaltered collector's piece, I fear that you'll probably be disappointed.

The bottom line is that it's YOUR gun, if it works well for you as is and you like it, by all means keep it stock. I've got a plug-ugly Saiga 12 that's still bone stock and I've had it for 6 or 8 years. I've kept it that way as a loaner gun for friends when bird hunting. It was cheap, it's reliable and it feels a whole lot better swinging on a dove than my folding stock, pistol gripped, tacticool version.

Its all in what you like and what works for you.

 

[js8588]

Leave it be!

 

[Scooter22]

Have you seen the prices on those? Id leave it. Theres plenty of other AKs that would make a nice winter project.

 

[wojownik]

Have you seen the prices on those? Id leave it. Theres plenty of other AKs that would make a nice winter project.

No I haven't kept up on the pricing for this particular rifle. How is it trending these days?

 

[Swampman]

Originally posted by:Scooter22
Have you seen the prices on those? Id leave it. Theres plenty of other AKs that would make a nice winter project.

A search on gunbroker doesn't give a very realistic view of current pricing. No one's actually paying $999.99 for a used Romak II.

These are brand new in the box for $399.95 and they haven't been out of stock that long.

www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=ZN155