Should I buy this AK?

[Texas Bob]

I hadn't considered owning an AK74, having already an AR-15 that I use for "three gun" or house security, when I was offered a Bulgarian (sp?) AK-74 with great looking furniture, four 30 round mags, and 90 rds of ammo for $300. The seller I know to be a fellow "range buddy" says the only reason he wants to part with it is the lack of available ammo. My next question is as a "right-handed" left eye dominate shooter, with a pistol I tilt my head to the side and shoot with both eyes open. With a rifle or shotgun I shoot left handed, would I be "eating brass" firing the AK74 left handed? Your input would help, Thank you.

 

[MartinS]

My kid shoots lefty, never been hit by his SAR 2. A good rifle.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

For a Bulgy AK-74, that's a good price. 5.45x39 can be hard to find, but if you buy it by the case you should always have some around to make noise with.

I shoot left-handed and have never had a rifle hit me with brass. The Kalashnikov is actually one of the most lefty friendly rifles out there. I can manipulate all the controls and do anything that needs to be done to operate the weapon without the muzzle ever leaving the direction of the target and without my firing hand ever leaving the pistol grip. I've shot thousands of rounds through multiple AKs and have never had a single case hit me in the head. I did have one hit me in the side once when I was bump firing and it burned so bad it left a scar, but that was my fault.

 

[beltfed74]

All my AK's are 7.62(47)but they throw the brass forward and well away from me. I figure the 74 probablys does also. If hes a range buddy maybe you can test drive it.

 

[Don't Tread On Me]

I doubt you will eat brass. The AK doesn't pull back the spent casings toward 5 O'clock like an AR-15 does with an extra-power extractor. Different AK's vary, but I've never seen them go backwards.

$300 for 4 mags, 90 rounds, and a Bulgarian rifle is a GREAT deal, provided of course the rifle isn't broken, or the finish isn't completely wrecked.

5.45 is very hard to find these days, so that is why many people are dumping these rifles. Consider that Arsenal 5.45's (post-ban style, aka no flash hider/brake, no scope rail) sell for $450 brand new. I even see that price locally where dealers totally price gouge around here.

Without ammo, a gun is merely a clubbing weapon.

This is almost like predicting stocks. Like being a speculator. If you think that the Russian ammo shortage will come to an end later this year, and that eventually there will be plenty of 5.45 again...this will be a good investment. If you think that the ammo will continue to be in short supply, with 5.45 being scarce..then buying that rifle will only bring you headaches as finding ammo will be difficult and expensive.

 

[clange]

What model is it?

If it isnt an arsenal INC, 'bulgarian' would refer to the parts used in a build. Who built it? Rivet build? Got any pics?

 

[Lancer]

I'd have to say no because 5.45 x 39mm is and will always be hard to get. Grab a Romanian AK-47 instead.

 

[rangerruck]

that is such a good price, i think you should feel guilty to buy it, and give me the guy's address.

 

[AK-74me]

Good price, wouldn't let it pass

5.45 will sooner or later be more abundant here. I say get it, you won't be sorry.

 

[Gary G23]

I think what clange said is the most important info in determining the value of the gun. Bulgarian 74's with Bulgarian receivers are very rare.
HOW IS THE RECEIVER MARKED?
ETA: The guns that came from Joeken had soft receivers and soft ejectors. The ejectors would actually wear out after 300 rounds rendering the gun unreliable.

 

[MAUSER88]

If it's an SAR 2, grab it. Plently of ammo is on the way in from Russian.

 

[jobu07]

I'd have to say no because 5.45 x 39mm is and will always be hard to get. Grab a Romanian AK-47 instead.

There has always seemed to be cheap and plentiful 5.45 russian available for me!

 

[Texas Bob]

It is an SAR 2,whatever that means?

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

AKs are generally pretty friendly to cross-dominant shooters since the rear sight is mounted fairly far forward compared to an AR15.