I think I need an AK, and need help - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

genesis · 05-11-2008, 06:42 AM

Recently I have really been into collecting firearms, mostly handguns. However, i just got a SIG 556 in a trade and am now obsessed with long guns, especially the scary black kind that makes my friends cringe at the mere mention. This has made me decide I dearly NEED an AK. I was going to get a WASR 10 with Dragunov stock from my local Dunham's for around $220, but they don't seem to get the best reviews.
After doing more research, I think I am looking at getting a Vector AK, but can't seem to figure out where to buy one. After Google'ing it I can't seem to get to a site that allows me to order one. Any ideas?
Most importantly, do I need to order one now, or is there a good chance I will still be able to get one at the end of the year, after my birthday?
Basically, I want the best quality I can find under $600 with wood stocks, but with the ability to change to a folder later if I feel like it. Value for the money is great. If i have to pay a little more for a far superior weapon I'm happy to do it. If you disagree with my choice, and other ideas are appreciated. As long as it fires when I pull the trigger and looks nice I'll be happy

yeahYeah · 05-11-2008, 07:29 AM

I am also "in need" of an AK. After research and pricing/availability out here, i decided on a Yugoslavian for its cost/quality. The Romanians are common, but they do not seem as well built. I am opting for the wood stock as i do not like the folder over type (uncomfortable for me). All said and done, the Yugo with the options I want will be like $575 - which i am cool with. A similar Romanians WASR will run me $475.

For the $, go with a yugoslavian... chinese are too expensive.

**einheit 13** · 05-11-2008, 08:20 AM

Genesis, what state are you in??

Don't be scared of WaSRs, they do the job and are built just as good as any other AK, fit and finish are whats lacking. And to be honest, the Century Yugo AKs aren't that great either, good yes, but still far from great.

Chinese guns run in the same price range you want, they are more scarce since they are no longer imported and, depending on who imported them, model, calibre and certain markings, the prices have a drastic difference. Common MAK-90s and NHM-91s (RPK clone) go from 375-500 depending on condition and mods. Some PolyTech rifles go from 400-to as high as 1500 for the same thing, but because of the 'collectors' variables' and the fact that more people are beginning to notice these small things....the prices reflect it. Also your location has a rather large influence. Also think about what your main use is for, Shooter, Collection (a just have representation), or as an investment (collector, such as myself)....that should be the deciding factor for purchase/pricing.

Wanna play 'AR' (dress up sidewalk commando style to impress others) with it and shoot no farther than 160m or use for an 'OH Scheiße!' situation...get what you can reasonably afford. And another factor is ammo...you don't want it to be like walking into a Ferrari dealer and ask about gas mileage...usually an $800 gun doesn't shoot drastically better than its $400 counterpart. Seen this many times with $500-$600 Glocks/XDs/Sigs on the range against $250-$300 FEG HP clones and $350 Witness pistols....

As an example, I once bought an 'old Russian' M91 rifle for $100 in good conditin made in 1924. Good deal period. After I got it home (shipped), I discovered to my amazement that it was a Finnish M24 'Lotta' rifle with a Bohler'Stahl barrel, 3 Civil Guard marks and 4 service area marks, and all matching numbers with no import marks. That $100 investment turned into a $450 sale (I already had 3 of them) with in 2 days. Just because of its markings.....

And just FYI, all these 'add ons' that people buy for their guns add little value for resale. Say you buy a $400 SAR-1 AK, you get an Ultimak rail (100), buffer (20), Railed lower HG (40), ACE folding stock set up (150), 'tacticool' PG (30)...honestly, you've only added about 150 to the gun..so keep that in mind also....accessories are just that, the more common and available, the more it really doesn't help unless you have all the factory parts and have done no irreversible mods to the gun (such as cutting the tang for certain ACE set ups).

shyi3t · 05-11-2008, 08:21 AM

if you wanted a vector have you tried their website? www.vectorarms.com

i got romanian, yugo, amd, rpk . etc ..... i don't shoot all of them but i like shooting my romanian . it maybe cheap but it hasn't failed me yet. and later on i did change my romanian and put a side folder

you could try a bulgarian ak or amd . or just get a romanian and buy alot of ammo.

**einheit 13** · 05-11-2008, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shyi3t

if you wanted a vector have you tried their website? www.vectorarms.com

i got romanian, yugo, amd, rpk . etc ..... i don't shoot all of them but i like shooting my romanian . it maybe cheap but it hasn't failed me yet. and later on i did change my romanian and put a side folder

you could try a bulgarian ak or amd . or just get a romanian and buy alot of ammo.

Did you ever get an AK-74 or Wz88 (Tantal) yet??

shyi3t · 05-11-2008, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by einheit 13

Did you ever get an AK-74 or Wz88 (Tantal) yet??

no i did get an ak-74 style one . decided i want to keep it in the 7.62x39 ammo. around jun i am going to try and get a bulgarian or find an arsenal or maybe one in the .223 caliber

genesis · 05-11-2008, 09:07 AM

[quote=einheit 13;1098069]Genesis, what state are you in??

Also think about what your main use is for, Shooter, Collection (a just have representation), or as an investment (collector, such as myself)....that should be the deciding factor for purchase/pricing.
[quote]

I'm in Michigan.
My main use will be for shooting and a little for the collectability. That's why I want a nicer one. I don't need all the "collector" markings, but I want to feel like I've got a nice weapon when I take it to the range. It may just be my vanity, but looks (fit and finish) do mean something to me when I'm buying.
I don't want all the Mall Ninja accessories, I think they look pretty nice all on their own with the nice wood stocks. I just never thought about an AK before I got the SIG. Should also be cheaper to shoot for right now.
Thanks for the Vector site. For some reason when I google'd vector, I couldn't get it on the list
I think this is what I'm looking for
AKFW--AK-47 Fixed Stock Blonde [AK-47 Fixed Stock Blonde] - $584.00 : Zen Cart!, The Art of E-commerce
I'm wondering if this would be a good rifle for someone new to rifles. I want something I can shoot right out of the box, and be happy for many years. If anyone has a link to a similar rifle I'd be more than happy to look.

XDConvert9mm · 05-11-2008, 09:26 AM

I saw this Vector Arms for sale over at GT, link is below. I have no idea if this is a good price or not. Might be worth looking into though.

FS New Vector Ak 47 550.00 Shipped - Glock Talk

**Mamba** · 05-11-2008, 09:36 AM

>I dearly NEED an AK

IF I were to buy one I would definitely NEED one...to protect myself from one irate spousal unit on the warpath.

genesis · 05-11-2008, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mamba

>I dearly NEED an AK

IF I were to buy one I would definitely NEED one...to protect myself from one irate spousal unit on the warpath.

Ain't that the truth. I am still trying to figure out how to get her to agree to this one.
I've already used the "It's for protection", "It's my Grandpa's old gun", "I got a really good deal", "Oh no, I've had this one for a long time", and recently was the "It will double in value if a democrat is elected".
I think she's starting to catch on though.

05-11-2008, 06:42 AM	#1
genesis XDTalk Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 64	I think I need an AK, and need help Recently I have really been into collecting firearms, mostly handguns. However, i just got a SIG 556 in a trade and am now obsessed with long guns, especially the scary black kind that makes my friends cringe at the mere mention. This has made me decide I dearly NEED an AK. I was going to get a WASR 10 with Dragunov stock from my local Dunham's for around $220, but they don't seem to get the best reviews. After doing more research, I think I am looking at getting a Vector AK, but can't seem to figure out where to buy one. After Google'ing it I can't seem to get to a site that allows me to order one. Any ideas? Most importantly, do I need to order one now, or is there a good chance I will still be able to get one at the end of the year, after my birthday? Basically, I want the best quality I can find under $600 with wood stocks, but with the ability to change to a folder later if I feel like it. Value for the money is great. If i have to pay a little more for a far superior weapon I'm happy to do it. If you disagree with my choice, and other ideas are appreciated. As long as it fires when I pull the trigger and looks nice I'll be happy __________________ Myth: Three Americans every year die from rabies. Fact: Four Americans every year die from rabies. - Dwight Shrute the office

05-11-2008, 07:29 AM	#2
yeahYeah XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vegas Posts: 2,970	I am also "in need" of an AK. After research and pricing/availability out here, i decided on a Yugoslavian for its cost/quality. The Romanians are common, but they do not seem as well built. I am opting for the wood stock as i do not like the folder over type (uncomfortable for me). All said and done, the Yugo with the options I want will be like $575 - which i am cool with. A similar Romanians WASR will run me $475. For the $, go with a yugoslavian... chinese are too expensive. __________________ "Around this turn where the cross will cast your shadow The people will all gather To remember such a day Where the flames grew as high as trees And the world stopped for you and me... ...Pain has never been so brilliant I made sure you were buckled in Now you can walk hand in hand Hand in hand with Him"

05-11-2008, 08:20 AM	#3
einheit 13 XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Virginia, C.S.A. Posts: 5,368	Genesis, what state are you in?? Don't be scared of WaSRs, they do the job and are built just as good as any other AK, fit and finish are whats lacking. And to be honest, the Century Yugo AKs aren't that great either, good yes, but still far from great. Chinese guns run in the same price range you want, they are more scarce since they are no longer imported and, depending on who imported them, model, calibre and certain markings, the prices have a drastic difference. Common MAK-90s and NHM-91s (RPK clone) go from 375-500 depending on condition and mods. Some PolyTech rifles go from 400-to as high as 1500 for the same thing, but because of the 'collectors' variables' and the fact that more people are beginning to notice these small things....the prices reflect it. Also your location has a rather large influence. Also think about what your main use is for, Shooter, Collection (a just have representation), or as an investment (collector, such as myself)....that should be the deciding factor for purchase/pricing. Wanna play 'AR' (dress up sidewalk commando style to impress others) with it and shoot no farther than 160m or use for an 'OH Scheiße!' situation...get what you can reasonably afford. And another factor is ammo...you don't want it to be like walking into a Ferrari dealer and ask about gas mileage...usually an $800 gun doesn't shoot drastically better than its $400 counterpart. Seen this many times with $500-$600 Glocks/XDs/Sigs on the range against $250-$300 FEG HP clones and $350 Witness pistols.... As an example, I once bought an 'old Russian' M91 rifle for $100 in good conditin made in 1924. Good deal period. After I got it home (shipped), I discovered to my amazement that it was a Finnish M24 'Lotta' rifle with a Bohler'Stahl barrel, 3 Civil Guard marks and 4 service area marks, and all matching numbers with no import marks. That $100 investment turned into a $450 sale (I already had 3 of them) with in 2 days. Just because of its markings..... And just FYI, all these 'add ons' that people buy for their guns add little value for resale. Say you buy a $400 SAR-1 AK, you get an Ultimak rail (100), buffer (20), Railed lower HG (40), ACE folding stock set up (150), 'tacticool' PG (30)...honestly, you've only added about 150 to the gun..so keep that in mind also....accessories are just that, the more common and available, the more it really doesn't help unless you have all the factory parts and have done no irreversible mods to the gun (such as cutting the tang for certain ACE set ups). __________________ Wer nicht zweifeln kann, ist ein dummer mann! (He who cannot doubt, is a stupid man!) “It is the lack of will power, and not the lack of arms which render us incapable of offering any serious resistance.” Last edited by einheit 13 : 05-11-2008 at 08:23 AM.

05-11-2008, 08:21 AM	#4
shyi3t XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 2,139	if you wanted a vector have you tried their website? www.vectorarms.com i got romanian, yugo, amd, rpk . etc ..... i don't shoot all of them but i like shooting my romanian . it maybe cheap but it hasn't failed me yet. and later on i did change my romanian and put a side folder you could try a bulgarian ak or amd . or just get a romanian and buy alot of ammo. __________________ SA-XD sub-compact 9mm SA-XD service 9mm "Guns in the right hands prevent death." Survival means continuing to live no matter what. Running away is not cowardly — it is prudent. It may go against the grain of the macho types out there, but protection of your family IS YOUR ONLY DUTY.

05-11-2008, 09:07 AM	#7
genesis XDTalk Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 64	[quote=einheit 13;1098069]Genesis, what state are you in?? Also think about what your main use is for, Shooter, Collection (a just have representation), or as an investment (collector, such as myself)....that should be the deciding factor for purchase/pricing. [quote] I'm in Michigan. My main use will be for shooting and a little for the collectability. That's why I want a nicer one. I don't need all the "collector" markings, but I want to feel like I've got a nice weapon when I take it to the range. It may just be my vanity, but looks (fit and finish) do mean something to me when I'm buying. I don't want all the Mall Ninja accessories, I think they look pretty nice all on their own with the nice wood stocks. I just never thought about an AK before I got the SIG. Should also be cheaper to shoot for right now. Thanks for the Vector site. For some reason when I google'd vector, I couldn't get it on the list I think this is what I'm looking for AKFW--AK-47 Fixed Stock Blonde [AK-47 Fixed Stock Blonde] - $584.00 : Zen Cart!, The Art of E-commerce I'm wondering if this would be a good rifle for someone new to rifles. I want something I can shoot right out of the box, and be happy for many years. If anyone has a link to a similar rifle I'd be more than happy to look. __________________ Myth: Three Americans every year die from rabies. Fact: Four Americans every year die from rabies. - Dwight Shrute the office

05-11-2008, 09:26 AM	#8
XDConvert9mm XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NW Atlanta Suburbs Posts: 2,528	I saw this Vector Arms for sale over at GT, link is below. I have no idea if this is a good price or not. Might be worth looking into though. FS New Vector Ak 47 550.00 Shipped - Glock Talk __________________ "There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power government has is the power to crack down on criminals. When there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws."

05-11-2008, 09:36 AM	#9
Mamba XDTalk Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 79	>I dearly NEED an AK IF I were to buy one I would definitely NEED one...to protect myself from one irate spousal unit on the warpath. __________________ Malcom: "Jayne, how many weapons you plan on bringing? You only got the two arms." Jayne: "I just get excitable as to choice - like to have my options open." --Serenity ----- Member: USCCA, HCA, NRA, FRGC \| Admin: FRGCForum "I aim to misbehave" \| XD .45C \| KT P-11 \| Bersa Thunder .380 \| Sterling 302B

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