Picking an assault rifle

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RP88

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quick intro: Hi, I'm new. I'm currently a college student who has always had an interest in warfare/weapons history as well as shooting for a hobby, and I've been thinking about buying a rifle in the near future.

I've been thinking on getting an SKS as something to start out and get used to, then maybe an AK-47 down the road. (I'm not a competitive shooter, so I'm not planning on buying an M4/AR15 or anything along those lines...at least not yet)

My main concern comes with AK's accuracy; I cant find anything off the net other than opinions from 16-year olds who play too much Counter Strike, so I figured I'd ask some knowledgable people myself.

so, here is my main questions: which model(s) are best-made and have the best accuracy? How much would said models cost on average so i know that I'm not paying too much for something cheap?

I know, its ironic...an AK with accuracy. But if anyone could give me some information or links to help me out, I'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
 
Overall consensus seems to label the Saigas one of the most accurate. Only problem is that they come "unconverted". However, very inexpensive for the potential. Expect around $300 for an unconverted Saiga. I've heard many reports of even WASRs getting 2-3 MOA. These are the models that look like crap, but also are the most inexpensive "real" AKs. WASRs are in the neighborhood of $300. I like the Yugos, as they are well built and finished, but they don't use all standard parts. The Yugos also have thicker recievers. I got my Yugo underfolder for $500. Arsenals start around $600, and are very good rifles, but are obviously priced as such. Same goes with VEPRs, Krebs, ect.
 
Consider starting with the SKS. For the money there is little out there that gives as much "bang for the buck".

Then if you decide you want to move into AK world you will have 2 rifles in the same caliber.
 
or convert your sks to a "look a like" ak sks is better IMO as you get the last round lock back
 
One of the biggest problems with SKS / AK accuracy is the crappy Russian Wolf, Brown Bear, & Bernel ammo everyone shoots in them.

At best, it is 2 - 3 MOA ammo.

I have seen it shoot 4" 100 yard groups in a CZ bolt-action, when the same rifle would shoot under an inch with handloads & American bullets.

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rcmodel
 
Perhaps you meant "sporting rifle"?

"Assault rifles" are rifles which can fire full auto (you know, a machine gun). They are no longer allowed to be made for civilians and can only be manufactured/imported for police and government.

You can, however legally own an 'assault rifle', but they are mighty expensive these days, since the registry closed (supply and demand and all that).

Please don't give anyone more fuel for the fire "OH Marge, come look at this, it says you CAN buy assault rifles! It's on the interweb, so it must be true!"
 
Here's my 2 cents: An SKS and AK are very similar in accuracy neither are tack drivers even with the best ammo. Surplus/bulk ammo in 7.62x39mm isn't going to be all that accurate either. I have 2 SKS's, 1 AK, and 2 AR's + many other rifles. If I were back in your shoes I'd get the SKS even though it isn't MOA because they are lots of fun and easy on the wallet. Just don't try to turn it into an AK with aftermarket mods. Save your $$$ and buy a decent AK later.
 
I still call them assault rifles. But yea, I was referring to semi-auto sporting models, not select-fire military ones.

what exactly do you mean by 'crappy' when you talk about the WASR model's appearance? Is it the overall cosmetic design, or the materials?

Also, do any of the models come with rails as part of the package, or do those need to be purchased separately?
 
Former comblock rifles with sloppy loose tolerances shooting inconsistent eastern-European ammo = poor accuracy.
 
Perhaps you meant "sporting rifle"?
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Oh please. Most of these rifles are not "sporting". They might not be "assault rifles", but they ain't "sporting rifles" either, otherwise you would still be able to import any semi auto AK you want. But you can't, because most are not suitable for "sport". Even without the BS legal reasons, "sporting" is a stupid term, and every bit as stupid as "assault weapon". But if someone calls it an "assault rifle", at least get your facts straight if you are going to chastise someone for it.

Besides, a lot of us own this type of weapon specifically for the defense of our liberty, not for sport. So where does that leave a rifle in terms of definition?
 
what exactly do you mean by 'crappy' when you talk about the WASR model's appearance? Is it the overall cosmetic design, or the materials?
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Cosmetic for the most part -- lowest quality finish of an AK, the wood furniture is usually not too impressive, etc.

They can also have more important mechanical issues, like canted front site posts or even problems cycling but that's less common.
 
Yeah great post Outlaw I have been on the receiving end of a thread beat down for the same thing you just said. I say get a pair and stand up and call it what it is.......a semi auto combat rifle! Folks that are pro gun and use "Sporting " in place of Assault are no diffrent in my eyes than folks that use "the children" as an excuse

The title of the thread is
Picking an assault rifle
Click to expand...
thats AN not ON!
 
Outlaws said:
Besides, a lot of us own this type of weapon specifically for the defense of our liberty, not for sport. So where does that leave a rifle in terms of definition?
Click to expand...
HDR ( Homeland Defense Rifle )
 
Get yourself a Saiga. Even if you don't convert it, you'll still have one of the best AK's out there. Then get one in 308, then 223, then move on to the shotguns. All are affordable and reliable.
 
I read a bit on Saigas. I've never seen any in my local gun stores, so I figure I'd have to order one. Apparently, they cost about as much as a WASR version--perhaps a little less from what I gathered. But, from the thread I read in this forum, the performance of it compared to a WASR isnt in my opinion worth the extra 200 bucks to convert it. But thats just me and my "price-efficient" preference

I also dont see the big deal about the ammo if the rifle still gets away with nothing much worse than 2-3 MOA. If you consider in scale the effective range and desired purpose of an AK or SKS, a 2-3 MOA does fine for hitting a person-sized target within its intermediate and/or max range. If either was designed for shooting out as far as the M-16/AR-15, HKs, or AK-74 do with their smaller caliber ammo, then there would be a major problem.
 
One man's good rifle is another man's "junk gun."

Even the cheapest AK's, shooting the cheapest ammo, will stay on a paper plate at 50 yards, even using a shoe box as a rifle rest.

If you want to shot the peas off the plate one at a time, you'll need a more expensive rifle, with better ammo.
 
HDR = Homeland Defense Rifle = more politically correct stupidity. In terms of the question asked, get the SKS, cheap to shoot, plenty accurate enough to get the job done, built like tanks, very rugged, can be had for around $150.:D
 
IMHO.......with the possibility of a 2nd Reign of Terror (Klinton #2)........perhaps an AK rather than an SKS, is a better investment in FREEDOM.
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Yeah, that's what I was thinking myself. I'd kicked around the idea of a semi-auto AK for a while, figuring "ah, I'll just get one next year." Then I considered that many of our presidential candidates aren't exactly RKBA friendly. So yeah, in that regard it might be a good idea to pick up an AK now. You may not be able to next year. And buy extra hi-cap mags to go with it, they are cheap and plentiful (now anyway).

Buying an AK clone is my way giving the "your #1" hand signal to the antis :evil:.

On the other hand, an excellent condition Yugo SKS can be picked up for $200-ish. My father has a Chinese SKS that is one sweet shooter. Most people will say that the SKS is a bit more accurate, and I really cannot argue with that. And honestly, I think both are more mechanically accurate than people give them credit for. Crappy ammo and crude sights are probably more responsible for bad accuracy than anything else, though being an AK/SKS noob, that is just an observation on my part.

With either, I would purchase a front sight adjustment tool:

http://www.combathunting.com/AK_47_MAC_MAADI-AK_47_SKS_RIFLE_FRONT_SIGHT_TOOL.html

Supposedly you don't need the tool, but I was told that it is a whole lot easier with the tool. It will adjust elevation and windage. When I shoot my father's SKS, it groups about 2.5" at 50 yds with Norinco ammo, but the POI is about 8" high and 2" right (the rear sight leaf is in it's lowest position). So hopefully, it will be a useful addition to my toolbox.

On the other hand, a lot of people purchase aftermarket peep sights. For some I image, that can make a big difference in POA vs POI.
 
I dont think there will be any new proposals against civilian ARs for awhile. Last time I checked, there were only 40 people who signed the re-proposal out of the 535 in congress (senate and house). They would need over 60% to pass it, and most of them dont care because they wont be able to truly ban them.

I saw a Yugo SKS running for $185. It was so new that it still had the excess bolt grease smothering the interior. It also included the folding bayonet, which I did not know was still allowed.

Guess I'll try and clear it with my parentals then head out and see if I can find a similar deal. (still live at home...they arent the biggest fans of guns, so I'm not sure how they'll react)
 
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