Is there AK buyer's guide of idiots?

[chrisintx]

Hi,
if you want to just se my question scroll down, 'cause this first part might just be "venting".

Ok. Here's the deal. I'm 29, the only gun I've ever owned was a .50 cal T/C muzzle loading black powder rifle (think early 1800's style) when I was a kid. I've been spending the last 6 or more months researching 9mm pistols to decide which one I buy, and that lead me to this site (xd9). I've always wanted an AK-47 (maybe because of movies, or playing with G.I. Joe's, I don't know). While reading a lot of post on this site, I'm worried as well if I don't get an AK now, I may not be able to down the road. As I work very hard, but do not have a lot of extra cash (thats an understatement) to spend on such things as I would like, it would be another year or more till I was able to fund a second gun (and I already have my next 5 in mind).

I'm reading all these post on AK's, and there are WAY too many model numbers, makes, symbols to remember. Is there a website, other than this one, for unknowing gun wannabies like myself thats stripes it down to A.B.C. of things to buy/ look for.

Thanks

[mullarz]

An AK is an AK! Some are better than others. If you just want one get a WASR-10 and shoot it. Later down the road, when you have more cash, you can send it off to Jim Fuller at RIFLE DYNAMICS - Tools and Training for the Professional Warrior to have a fluff and buff to make it a great AK. There are other guys out there that can do the same, but if you just have to have one, get one! But just know that a $350.00 AK will be just fine for the range, later you might spend up to another $300.00 to make it better than average. You could also get a Siaga, a true Russian and have it changed into the AK that you are looking for later.

[chrisintx]

I know these things are build like tanks, but you're say I can get just about any AK, and it "should" be ok and if not I can get little things fixed for not alot of cash?


It doesn't really matter how many rounds have been through it?

(once again, sorry. I haven't a clue)

[einheit 13]

Originally Posted by chrisintx

I know these things are build like tanks, but you're say I can get just about any AK, and it "should" be ok and if not I can get little things fixed for not alot of cash?


It doesn't really matter how many rounds have been through it?

(once again, sorry. I haven't a clue)

With the exception of Hesse built AKs, an AK is pretty much an AK. And as long as their is rifling in the barrel, round count does not matter.

[longtalltechsan]

einheit,
what places can you recommend online as a good place to buy from? I know about aimsurplus and classic arms, but what other places can you recommend? And I am referring to dealers that sell AK's. Thanks.

[chrisintx]

Once again, Thank you.

I think the one or two gray hairs coming in are due to the kid, but I think my hair line maybe reseeding because of this.lol.
Once again, I'm a moron. Was the "as long as the rifling is good" a joke, or is that something I need (how to) to check.

[einheit 13]

Militarygunsupply.com
Centerfiresystems.com
Ohiorapidfire.com
Southernohiogun.com
eastcoastfirearms.com
atlanticfirearms.com
jgsales.com
Krebscustom.com
rsrgroup.com
gzanders.com
lewhorton.com
stonewallarms.com
ak-103.com
firinglineoklahoma.com
saigacentral.com
centuryarms.com

[longtalltechsan]

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for.

[mullarz]

For the most part, the rifeling of an AK doesn't get shot out like say a 300 win mag because of the speed of the bullet. What you need to look for is pits in the rifleing due to poor cleaning and long term storage. IE rust pits. In the near future most AKs for purchase will have new US made barrel due to the import laws. When buying one if the rifleing looks good buy it, most not all AKs have crome lined barrels these days. If you are buying in person, check the forward gas tube and front sight, some are canted to the right, not a huge deal but you are looking for one that is in straight line from the rear sight.

[einheit 13]

Originally Posted by mullarz

For the most part, the rifeling of an AK doesn't get shot out like say a 300 win mag because of the speed of the bullet. What you need to look for is pits in the rifleing due to poor cleaning and long term storage. IE rust pits. In the near future most AKs for purchase will have new US made barrel due to the import laws. When buying one if the rifleing looks good buy it, most not all AKs have crome lined barrels these days. If you are buying in person, check the forward gas tube and front sight, some are canted to the right, not a huge deal but you are looking for one that is in straight line from the rear sight.

Bore diameter is more of a concern than pitting or flat lands. I have many rifles with badly pitted and missing rifling. They shoot just as good as some that I have with like new bores. Bore ize is the key-you don't want any 'flopping' once the bullet passes the gas port or at least from the centre of the barrel to the muzzle. Thats why using 7.62 NATO bullets in reloads in AKs, Mosins, and 303 Enfields gives you a wandering pattern. .308-.310 don't cut it with a .310-.312 bore. This is also a problem over looked in calibre conversions on Enfields. Yea, its easy to ream a chamber and replace a bolt head to go from 303 to 308. With a bullet that barely touches the rifling...accuracy sucks!