What's the low-down on these latest WASR AK's ?

[MIL-DOT]

I've been through lots of AK's, from humble WASR's to premium Polytechs, and am considering getting another beater AK while we're seeing these low prices.
I'm seeing some WASR's now that have solid wood (beech? birch?) instead of the typical laminate stocks, though companies advertising them are still posting pics of the old laminate versions. Anyone know if these newer ones are all coming in with the solid wood, or is it just an option? ( I'd call and ask, but the companies I'm looking at only allow e-mail querries).
Also, as I always understood, WASR's were assmembled from the used parts of de-milled rifles, with some brand new US-made parts. Some descriptions i read say that as well. But I'm also told that these are now completely new guns, with crisp shiny chromed bores. I've been told a little research will bear that out, but I haven't been able to find anything verifying that. Anyone know for sure?
My next option would be one of the Serbian NPAP's that seem to be well regarded, but the WASR's are cheaper, and I prefer the WASR's chromed bore, if possible, especially if they're really brand new and have the nicer stocks.
As always, any info, advice,etc. is much appreciated.......

 

[wally]

If Century Arms is involved anywhere in the supply chain, I strongly recommend inspecting it before purchase.

Buying one from the lowest priced vendor sight unseen, is one of the best ways to get a lemon. With S&W warranty you can buy on price alone, but with Century's you are basically on your own as any warranty may have expired before it comes to you.

 

[Willie Sutton]

WASR's for the last year(s) have been pretty darned good. Take advantage of the ignorance of folks who are still worried about QC problems long past, and buy one. They are cheap, reliable, and built to a quality level that anyone issued an AK in years gone by on the other side of the fence would have been more than satisfied with.

Willie

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[MIL-DOT]

Thanks Willie, but I was already aware that the infamous "hamfisted chimps at Century" had largely tightened up their act . I sold 2 WASR's a few years ago, that were both great shooters, without any of the notorious WASR "issues". I've even tried to trade one guy out of his rifle, but he won't let 'er go.
But, what I'm wondering if these new solid-wood stocks I'm seeing are standard,or an option only seen on some of them, and if they are currently being made with new barrels, as I've been told.

 

[Fishbed77]

If they only had dimples...

 

[sappyg]

I've had a new WASR for about 3 months now. Has solid (unfinished) wood and the barrel looks new. I'm not sure if the wood was an option. That's the way they were displayed on the rack.
How do you check for a chrome lined bore? I'll be more than happy to look if I knew what I was looking for.

 

[scaper]

I bought a wasr from J&G about a week ago. The furniture is solid wood, unfinished, and the bore is definitely chrome. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, so that's all I know, other than that I like the way the action feels, and its easy to take apart.

 

[BP Hunter]

I had a WASR in wooden stock and traded it for an undefolder version, which I have had a few years. I thnk I cleaned it only ONCE, but it always keep on shooting. Also , don't believe that the AK is not an accurate rifle. It isn't made for sub MOA shooting. But with the stock iron sights I can constantly hit 8"x 10" gongs up to 200 yards. These guns are fun to shoot and ammo is comparably must cheaper than other centerfire rilfes.