Price check, MAK 90

[USAF_Vet]

I've kinda got an itch for an AK, and missed the Saiga for $599 at the LGS by a couple days.

Currently they've got a MAK 90 loaded up with a bunch of crappy after market junk that would need to be replaced, and would likely cost an additional $150-$200.

The price tag on it is $799, and they won't budge. So for now, I've passed.

I'm not well versed on AKs and their various quality ranges, so I don't know if the MAK 90 is a collectible rifle, and worth putting the money into or not. Personally, I don't see any AK worth a grand or more. This one is not in pristine condition, shows a lot of use, but the bore looks good. Needed to be cleaned.

It's got a crummy aftermarket Dragunov style plastic stock, a cheap feeling plastic fore end, and a tri railed dust cover. :vomit:

So new furniture and a new dust cover (the rail is rivited on) would be a must.

I'm looking for a range plinker in 7.62x39, and an SKS isn't cutting it. I got back and.forth with the SKS, and it's great for what it is, but I want a cheap AK. I'd be happy with a WASR 10, which I also missed out on at the LGS. Too slow I guess.

Aside from being a milled receiver (are all MAK 90s milled?) and the fact that they aren't being imported anymore, and haven't been for years, what, if anything, would make it worth $800 in its current condition?

 

[gotmine]

Not all are milled. Well done little rifles. Mine meets all of my expectations at least.
There all still a few decent deals to find if you search hard enough.

 

[MJD]

700-800 is what I've seen for a used one in decent shape.

2 years ago, I passed on a nice one for $450 (with the thumbhole stock) and passed on it because I didn't know what it was.

If you're going to replace the furniture anyways and you're not opposed to waiting for a better deal, I'd pass on that one.

 

[silicosys4]

Mak-90's are good guns with several features that put them above the cheap AK's sold today, imo.
Standard chrome lined bore and chamber
thicker receiver walls (stamped versions)
heavier barrel
Double hook trigger
30rd magazines accepted

there are some cons as well,
Possible slant cut receiver; if slant cut, that will limit your aftermarket stock options.
No muzzle device,
no bayonet lug

More info here:
http://www.mouseguns.com/mak90web/mak90.htm

When I picked up a stock, good condition Mak-90 years ago, it was a good deal for $500. After adding $300 worth of goodies in the form of a new stock, trigger, and handguards, I think it was a good buy.
Paying $800 for one and having to spend another $300 to fix someone else's cheap build? To me, not so much. That's me though, and I already have a Mak-90.

It's one saving grace is if it is indeed milled...they are somewhat rare, and are considered more desireable by some, and which could bump it up into the "worth it" category, but that's entirely up to you. It does nothing a stamped receiver won't except weigh and cost more,
and since it is no longer factory original, it has lost at least some of it's collectors value.

Milled receiver Mak-90's were going for $800 when sheet metal Mak-90's were going for $500, fwiw.
Now when I see a milled receiver Mak-90 for sale in its original configuration, they are going for $1200+
So if it's a milled receiver, yes its probably worth what they want for it. If you really want to convert it back to factory, there is no shortage of Norinco thumbhole stocks or handguards...I've got a set sitting somewhere myself.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=536561790

and that one isn't in the greatest shape!