What Ak/Ak Variant currently is best bang for your buck?

Status
Not open for further replies.

dallssheep

Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
54
I have been an sks guy for years but am finally looking to pull the trigger on a x39 rifle with detachable mags and have been seeing a lot of WASR 10, VZ58/VZ2008, and PAP M70s that look relatively affordable.


Which of these, or if there are other models that i didnt mention that are still good deals for a decent rifle? I am just looking for one AK thats nice and functional. I dont care about aesthetics extras as long as its reliable and relatively inexpensive. Any advice?
 
First, the VZ58 is not an AK and doesn't even share the magazine. Great rifle. Not an AK.

Between the WASR and the PAP's, I'd take a PAP. But they are just like apples in a barrel: Pick one and take it home. Neither is much different than the other. At the entry level, just buy whatever comes easy.


Willie

.
 
The Russian Saiga is available a pretty good bang for your buck by today's standards.
 
Zastava O-pap has a 1.5mm receiver vs the N-pap's 1mm. But neither have chrome lined barrels if that is important to you. If so, do a Saiga conversion.
 
The Waffen Werks rifles look very nice for the money. That is probably the way I'd go right now if I wanted an AK. Chrome lined barrels and all... I wouldn't own an AK without one... or any other rifle that was going to see mostly cheap steel cased ammo.
 
The saiga is a little cheaper but then you have the cost of conversion parts so in the end the saiga will be just a tad more expensive. The end result though has a chrome lined russian barrel. If it were me I would look at a russian or bulgarian import. On another note there are some good used ones available from time to time. Ive always wanted to try a chinese but never did.
 
The Zastava N-pap AK is a good buy if you can find one in stock.

Also the Centurion39 is a decent AK with a milled receiver and is made in the USA.
 
You could build one yourself. The parts will cost you under $500 and with the right kit, you could build a $1200 gun.
 
What kind of tools would i need to build a kit? I dont have anything special, just standard stuff.
 
Agreed, Saiga conversion. I had one for a few years. That being said I really wish I had gone the VZ route.

The VZ seems well made and the price is right. There are two reasons I didn't buy one. They are not compatible with Tech Sights (which I think is the odeal sight for an Ak) and the safety is made similar to an AR safety except it's on the right side, not very ergonomic.
 
Around here the PAP and the WASR-10 are $30 between the two. I like the
PAP but, prefer the the WASR. I like the stock fit just a little better. That probably sounds odd considering it's an AK stock but side by side there is a noticeable difference.
As far as best bang for the buck, the WASR gives you all the AK you need for the least amount of money. It's basic and cheap, or as cheap as it gets these days, just like it should be.
 
'Unconverting' a Saiga isn't rocket science. Dinzag offers a bullet guide kit that works well. You'll need a die tap, available at Lowes. A cordless drill and Dremel with cutoff wheel, and judicious application of instructions.

Really the toughest part of the conversion I did was reshaping the trigger guard which must have been made of AR500 steel or something. A vice comes in handy.

Tip of the Day: when tapping the receiver, DON'T turn more than a 1/4 turn at a time. Twist a bit, back off. Otherwise you risk snapping off the teeny tap in the receiver. It's easy, but take it slow.
 
Couldn't find a Zastava in stock so ended up with a Wasr-10. Shot it this weekend and it functioned just fine and I was rather impressed by the trigger on this gun. So far I like it.
 
While not AK variant the best deal I have seen was civilian Samopal 58 with mags, bayonet, sling for 450 USD. Extra mags were about 60 per three pack.
 
Would a drill press help any in the unconversion process?

A drill press would be useful in restoring a Saiga rifle to proper AK configuration, but it certainly isn't required. I've used a handheld power drill and dremel tool for removal of rivet heads and the trigger guard and they work just fine. The main thing is that you get a drill bit tough enough to handle the heat-treated steel components. Carolina Shooter's Supply sells the bit you'll need (and includes them in some of the conversion kits).
 
If you are looking for the cheapest AK you can buy that is still reliable, then the WASR is a good choice. I believe you can get them for $499 right now from Slickguns with free mags. It also comes with a chrome-lined barrel with is a big advantage when shooting AK ammo.

If you don't mind paying a little more, Get the Saiga AK47. IIRC they are $619 for one that is already converted.
 
OP, if you're seeing lots of WASRs locally and they're selling for around $500 that's a pretty good deal. I got one about 7 years ago and have had no problems. (Due to the time it was a post ban configuration with a barrel nut but that's been fixed and won't be a consideration for you.) Of course do the standard tests, look at the magwell and check for canted sights, etc. I got mine at a gun show and was able to look at a few before choosing the one I liked.
 
VZ's are a terrific value for the money, in these days of everyone and their brother keeping AK demand elevated. They are a much nicer rifle (especially for the cost), have a number of superior design features, are quite reliable, and seem to be getting more and more mainstream all the time now that AKs have risen above cost-parity with them. Don't buy one if you really insist on having an AK for AK's sake, since a VZ is most definitely not one.

TCB
 
The Wasr is good to go, I could not stand the wood stock! Got a great folder (expensive) but it works fine, sits in the safe with a twenty round mag, makes for a more handy feel. An extra 30 rounder is good.

Always wanted an AK.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top