WASR vs SAR

[Langenator]

OK, I think I know the difference between the two-the SAR receiver was built for standard cap mags, while the WASR was built for single stack and modified.

So, how do you tell them apart? I see a lot of places that just advertize "Romanian AK" and it makes it hard to price shop.

 

[GigaBuist]

So, how do you tell them apart? I see a lot of places that just advertize "Romanian AK" and it makes it hard to price shop.

Well, the size of the magazine "well" will be different. The normal AK-47 will be, well, normal sized, and the castrated version will be more narrow.

Grab yourself a 30 round nice, solid, steel 30 round AK magazine for $8 bucks. Take it to the shop and if it fits in there, it's good. The single-stack magazine rifles will probably be much cheaper.

Now, if the AWB goes away, that single stack magazine will be able to take new 30 round magazines ... just not the same kind as the regular AK's. Maybe somebody will make a nice drum for 'em or something.

 

[MacPelto]

The SAR will have dimples on the sides of the reciever, where the mag well is. These keep the mag from wobbling.


Look here for more info...

www.gunsnet.net/Linx310/links.htm

 

[RustyHammer]

This has got to be a trick question. You mean BESIDES the fact that one says "SAR-1" on the receiver, the other says "WASR" .... right?

 

[MacPelto]

I think he means in pictures/on the web...which still doesn't really matter, since the pic won't necessarily match the end product.

 

[Langenator]

Yeah, I was talking about pictures on the web...and you're right, most sellers probably do just have one 'stock' AK picture they use.

Maybe I'll just wait for the next gunshow in May.

 

[Mulliga]

It's all relative from rifle to rifle. Take some double stack mags (not all 30 rounders...try some 10 and 20 rounders, too) and see if they fit the WASR-10 correectly. If they do, and the fit is decent (doesn't have to be perfect, this is an AK, after all ), you're gravy

Other tips:

Make sure the FSB and gas tube aren't canted - also check for excessive trigger slap by charging the gun and seeing how much the trigger moves. A little is okay, but too much and you'll have to work on/replace the FCG (many do this anyway).

As far as fit and finish goes, my WASR-10 stock is a bit lighter (that is, less dense) than my friend's SAR-1 stock. My WASR-10 kicks pretty hard for an AK, but nothing too bad.

 

[SteelyDan]

Rusty, you made me laugh. I was mentally thinking about the differences between the two, and the "name on the side" didn't even occur to me...

In terms of function, reliability, likelihood of having the cant or trigger slap, and quality of stocks (or lack thereof), I think the differences between the two are virtually nonexistent, assuming of course we're talking about the high-cap WASRs.

 

[Texas Gunman]

I have handled & shot both Sar1 & wasr high cap, Sar1 has the dimple on side of mag well. The wasr has a wider mag well opening.
I have used assorted AK mags, noticed the waffle mags and Polish special forces synthedic mags fit tight in the wars, had to make a few mods, so they would lock in. The steel mags all worked, so were tighter, but easily installed & removed.

I liked the wars the best,but their really isnt much differnce between the two.

TG