Which AK is best bang for buck?

[Juna]

I want a new rifle, and eventually I want an AR-15 and an AK. Since AKs appear to be cheaper, which one would you recommend for a decent, relatively low-priced (but not low quality) AK? I'd want a full stock probably. Which country of origin is the best, and why? How much should I expect to pay for one? Anything I should avoid?

Basically, can you enlighten me as to the basics of what to look for in an AK 47?

Thanks, and sorry for the newbie questions. I tried an advanced search, and it said there were too many answers to list, so I couldn't get it to work.

 

[benelli12]

I dont know what your price limit is but an AK47 SSR 85 C2 by Armory USA would be a good choice. They run 569$ on their website. I have heard nothing but good reviews from these AK's. They are built with a heavy duty 1.6mm reciever. They are extremely reliable and will eat up any ammunition you put through them. They are made by the US so they are good. I plan on getting one someday when i have the spare cash.

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/programming/expand.asp?Prodid=188[/URL]

 

[Juna]

So are the $200-300 ones I see on the gun auction web sites low quality/junk? For $569 I could also probably build an AR. I was hoping to stay in the lower price range, or else I'd probably get an AR (which I can't afford right now).

 

[CornCod]

The $300.00 are not junk at all. Most of these I guess are Romanian. The main criticism of the Romanian WASR's is that they sometimes have their sights on a little crooked.

On Sunday I put 120 rounds through my new $275.00 7.62X39 Saiga (an AK hunting-style rifle) with no jams.

 

[AK103K]

Its going to depend on how much you want to spend and how pretty a gun your looking for. They all usually work, and the cheaper ones can shoot just as well as the more expensive models.

If your not sure, pick up a WASR or SAR and see what you think. I think you will probably find them addictive and it wont be your last.

If you have a few extra bucks, try a Saiga conversion, by Krebs or AK-USA.

http://www.krebscustom.com/KalashnikovRifles.html

http://ak-103.com/

I have one of Krebs's AK103K's and its been a fine rifle.

 

[Juna]

I don't care how ugly it is, as I find the AK pretty ugly to begin with. I just want a low-cost, functional AK 47 that won't fail me and doesn't require more than cleaning. What's a good deal on a WASR? Are used ones a good idea? I know more about pistols, but I wouldn't know how to check out a used AK to see if it was in good shape.

 

[hans1911]

The Romanian rifles are highly regarded. Get one that says SAR 1 (the 7.62x39 version), and stay away from the ones that say WASR. The WASRs are converted from single stack AK's, usually very poorly by Century Arms. They are easy to spot, as they don't have the dimples on the sides of the receiver like a standard stamped receiver AK. The SARs are going for $319 to $349 dealer cost, depending where you look and what assesories it comes with. The newest SARs will have a threaded muzzle and the bayonet lug in tact. Check out ak-47.net for all the buzz on these fine weapons.

hans04
(formerly GHILLIE)

 

[AK103K]

You can get them online or through your dealer. I think the going rate is in the mid to upper $300's to low $400's. I have one of the earlier ones, and it is a good shooter. No trigger slap, decent finish and wood, and of the four I have now, second only to my Krebs gun for accuracy.

Personally, if I was to buy one, I'd rather look at a couple and choose, than order one and take what comes.( I usually do this with anything, not just AK's) I think most these days have straight sights, I'd just check to make sure the mags fit the well OK. The WASR's are converted lo caps to high caps, and the mag wells are enlarged to take standard AK mags.

edit to add:

I didnt know they were bringing the SAR's back in. Is this something new?

 

[cbb]

The GP WASR-10 you see are from Romania and are usually imported by Century Arms. They have cosmetic flaws, you can refinish the wood, but it seems the latest units generally do not have any problems with the sights and gas blocks as with past examples. About $375 to your door. They are made for function, thus the lower prices.

 

[rangerruck]

look at Saiga.http://forum.saiga-12.com/

 

[hans1911]

AK103K, I don't think they are bringing in the SARs anymore, but every now and then they pop up at AIMSURPLUS, J&G and Sarco. Were I looking for an AK, and didn't want to buy one of the fantastic Arsenal, or comparable builds, I would search for an SAR. They also can be seen at the gun shows from time to time, and on the auction sites. A couple of months ago, J&G advertised some "Yugo" underfolders, and in the same ad had two different prices for Romanian AK's. When my best friend called about the Yugo's, they were out, so he asked about the price difference in the Romanians. He was told that the ones for $329 ( I think was the price) was for a WASR, and the ones that were around $349 were SARs. Both of these were the wood stocked models, not the cheesy side folder. He didn't order one because he really wanted a Yugo underfolder, so I don't know if they actually had the SARs in stock or not.

hans04
(formerly GHILLIE)

 

[sefus]

SARs are awesome, but for the price, you can get a new Saiga for under $250.

 

[aka108]

Take a look at Vector or Arsenal, Inc out of Las Vegas. Arsenal is about as good as you can get. Vector is nice and less expensive.

 

[Gene_WI]

Currently the Yugo underfoler is the best deal in my opinion.

 

[AK103K]

If you consider a underfolder, I'd look at one in person first. I personally dont find them comfortable or comfortable to shoot with. I have yet to see a tight one, or at least, one that stays tight. They also are receiver dedicated and if you want to put a standard stock on, you cant.

If you go with one of the wire folders, they can be interchanged at will between the full stock and the folder. They are the correct length, are rock solid, open or closed, and shoulder and shoot just like a full stocked gun. They also allow access to all the controls, open or closed, and you can still use a side mounted scope. The only down side to them is they are fugly. Functional but fugly.

 

[Don't Tread On Me]

For low cost & high quality, it is simply impossible to beat the Saiga and a do it yourself simple conversion. It isn't hard at all.



If you are opposed to any type of working on the gun, then I'd say the Vector or the Armory would be it in the $500-$550 range. Arsenals, Krebs, and all these other shops are tier 1 AK's and most range at $700 or more, often more.

 

[aaronrkelly]

If your wanting to spend the bare minimum for a decent, useable AK then WASR is the way to go. I had $300 in mine.

My experience with my WASR:

*finish was crude on the wood and metal....a few scratches on the receiver

*magwell had some wabble (the WASR are converted to high cap by cutting open the magwell to accept double stack magazines) but didnt effect function

*sights were straight, others report canted sights

*mine functioned 100% with Wolf soft-point and full metal jacket.....but hiccuped frequently with Wolf hollow point

For the money I looked over the petty flaws and just shot FMJ in the thing....cant complain.

Then I located a Norinco AK for $250 used. The Norinco was a far better finished gun so I sold my WASR.

Later I bought a Vector Polish underfolder and the Vectors are superb guns....but your looking at $550.

 

[Juna]

SARs are awesome, but for the price, you can get a new Saiga for under $250.

Where can I find one of these for a price like that?

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Juna, where are you located? Send Correia a PM about siagas. The boys at FBMG should be able to help you out.

 

[Loanshark]

I second the vote for a Saiga... Excellent guns. I got mine from my local gun store. It took em a couple weeks to get my first one. But it was worth the wait.

It took them a month to get my second one. I wonder how long it'll take to get my third??



Oh a word of caution, Saiga's are adictive.

 

[.45 AUTO]

The WASR-10, marked $380 in the store ad, got it for $330 due to employee mistake. I was going to get the wood stock model. It has a collapsable M-4 style Tapco stock, black synthetic pistol grip and is regulary $550. The only real complaint I have is the cheap wood handguards which I am replacing.Also comes with two thirty-rounders, manual, bayonet, I got two with mine, one fits one does not, cleaning kit, clip pouch. Overall, good quality, and reliable of course.