Romanian AKs...WTH Happened? - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

boricua9mm · 06-25-2008, 08:47 AM

Back in 2000, I bought a Romanian SAR-3 (5.56mm). Of course, it was a Century gun and I had to do some mods, like replace the hammer, straighten out FSB, and clean up the furniture. I bought a bunch of Weiger mags to make the rifle run like a top. I wound up selling off that AK when I got into ARs, as I just didn't shoot it anymore. It went to someone who was really into it, so all's well that ends well.

Lately I've been thinking of trading into another AK, this time in the standard 7.62x39. I was thinking of trading my Norinco SKS towards something like an older SAR-1. Now, I realize that SAR-1s are not imported at the moment, only the WASRs. Back when the SARs were available, there was talk of the WASRs being even lower quality, so I'm not too thrilled to step into one of those.

Today, looking at used SAR-1s on the market, these things are fetching $500!?? Back in 2000, they could be had for around $350 all day long. What happened with these things? Is it because they aren't imported/sold anymore? Is there any difference in quality between a SAR-1 and a newer model WASR? Why would a $350 beater rifle jump in value $150? Back in 2000, these SARs were bottom-of-the-barrel AKs. How in the world are they fetching MORE money today? Are the WASRs that bad that they've made the SAR rifles more attractive?Whaddyathink?? Maybe I'm better off keeping my SKS rather than switching back to the AK platform??

Ishpeck · 06-25-2008, 08:52 AM

Part of the reason is because dollars are worth less on the world market. It takes more of them to convince anybody to sell something.

**Se2002** · 06-25-2008, 09:02 AM

Everything you said is true. I picked up a WASR, and yah it's kinda rough but it too needed a home and cleaned up rather nicely.

You could look at getting an Arsenal Brand AK, those are well made, dimples and all.

boricua9mm · 06-25-2008, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Se2002

Everything you said is true. I picked up a WASR, and yah it's kinda rough but it too needed a home and cleaned up rather nicely.

You could look at getting an Arsenal Brand AK, those are well made, dimples and all.

I don't mind putting in elbow grease on something, but $500 for a rifle that's USED that was bought for $350 seems a bit ridiculous. Maybe they are just trying to capitalize on the possible outcomes of a new president? I've heard of guns retaining their value pretty well, even when used. Mk 23s, P7s, and M1As come to mind. But a rifle built by a monkey at Century INCREASING in value? That's news to me!

I got to shoot an Arsenal last weekend. Very nice rifle, and a great trigger! I just don't think they are worth the $700+ asking price. I know they're really proud of their rifles, but I'd rather spend $400 and fix'er up myself. If ya don't mind my asking, what did ya have to give for your WASR?

**einheit 13** · 06-25-2008, 02:25 PM

SARs are better AKs, quality wise and use the traditional receiver with dimples...thats all.
They don't make them any more, they will likely never come back into this country, and hey-people pay $500+ for a kit built Romanian gun, so $500 for a used SAR isn't that unreal of a price....

EricCartmann · 06-25-2008, 03:02 PM

The SAR's are milspec receivers with the dimples to lessen mag wobble.

The WASR's in it's original configuration only accepted single stacked 10 round magazine, but when the sunset of the ban occurred, all the WASR's got their magwell enlarged by the way of a dremel to accept the double-stacked 30 rounders.

If you can get the SAR, if not a WASR will do just fine. They both go bang the same.

EricCartmann · 06-25-2008, 03:08 PM

Also forgot to mention that both uses chrom lined barrels. And $500 for a used SAR is not out of the norm. Around my way it is worse as brand new WASR's are going for $500.

I myself would not pay $500 for either as Vectors and Lancasters, both excellent quality go for about $500.

**Se2002** · 06-25-2008, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boricua9mm

If ya don't mind my asking, what did ya have to give for your WASR?

I believe it was $399 plus I got two Magazines and sling... One Mag so awsomely aged, it makes me grin everytime I see it.

Chrome Barrel and fuctionality are it's high points, apart from being sexy.

Bad things about it are, no bayo-lug, no slant comp, no dimples (however, I was lucky, both my included mags are very tight).

Still it is great to have, it's just not the Cadilac of the bunch. I felt like timing to purchase one was good considering...

Dhunter55 · 06-25-2008, 04:08 PM

I think it's fair to say that any AK or AR will only go up in price. Just how fast might be determined come November.

06-25-2008, 08:47 AM	#1
boricua9mm XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: St. Petersburg, FL Posts: 563	Romanian AKs...WTH Happened? Back in 2000, I bought a Romanian SAR-3 (5.56mm). Of course, it was a Century gun and I had to do some mods, like replace the hammer, straighten out FSB, and clean up the furniture. I bought a bunch of Weiger mags to make the rifle run like a top. I wound up selling off that AK when I got into ARs, as I just didn't shoot it anymore. It went to someone who was really into it, so all's well that ends well. Lately I've been thinking of trading into another AK, this time in the standard 7.62x39. I was thinking of trading my Norinco SKS towards something like an older SAR-1. Now, I realize that SAR-1s are not imported at the moment, only the WASRs. Back when the SARs were available, there was talk of the WASRs being even lower quality, so I'm not too thrilled to step into one of those. Today, looking at used SAR-1s on the market, these things are fetching $500!?? Back in 2000, they could be had for around $350 all day long. What happened with these things? Is it because they aren't imported/sold anymore? Is there any difference in quality between a SAR-1 and a newer model WASR? Why would a $350 beater rifle jump in value $150? Back in 2000, these SARs were bottom-of-the-barrel AKs. How in the world are they fetching MORE money today? Are the WASRs that bad that they've made the SAR rifles more attractive?Whaddyathink?? Maybe I'm better off keeping my SKS rather than switching back to the AK platform?? __________________ Videographer/Multimedia Producer http://www.ricanhavocproductions.com

06-25-2008, 08:52 AM	#2
Ishpeck XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Earth Posts: 3,780	Part of the reason is because dollars are worth less on the world market. It takes more of them to convince anybody to sell something. __________________ Fire. Fire is the solution. Politics is ugly. Fire is pretty. Seems like a good trade to me. http://www.ishpeck.net/

06-25-2008, 09:02 AM	#3
Se2002 XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: AL Posts: 1,122 Blog Entries: 1	Everything you said is true. I picked up a WASR, and yah it's kinda rough but it too needed a home and cleaned up rather nicely. You could look at getting an Arsenal Brand AK, those are well made, dimples and all. __________________ If the prospect of having your thumb hit by the bolt is unacceptable do not attempt to load your Garand.

06-25-2008, 02:25 PM	#5
einheit 13 XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Virginia, C.S.A. Posts: 5,542	SARs are better AKs, quality wise and use the traditional receiver with dimples...thats all. They don't make them any more, they will likely never come back into this country, and hey-people pay $500+ for a kit built Romanian gun, so $500 for a used SAR isn't that unreal of a price.... __________________ Die Erde wird das sanfte erben! (the earth shall inherit the meek!) “It is the lack of will power, and not the lack of arms which render us incapable of offering any serious resistance.”

06-25-2008, 04:08 PM	#9
Dhunter55 XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bikini Paradise Posts: 3,570	I think it's fair to say that any AK or AR will only go up in price. Just how fast might be determined come November. __________________ "Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost" John Quincy Adams Just say NO to Osama, Obama, and Megan's Poppa. Ron Paul 2008

06-25-2008, 03:02 PM	#6
EricCartmann XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: My Mom's Basement Posts: 1,398	The SAR's are milspec receivers with the dimples to lessen mag wobble. The WASR's in it's original configuration only accepted single stacked 10 round magazine, but when the sunset of the ban occurred, all the WASR's got their magwell enlarged by the way of a dremel to accept the double-stacked 30 rounders. If you can get the SAR, if not a WASR will do just fine. They both go bang the same.

06-25-2008, 03:08 PM	#7
EricCartmann XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: My Mom's Basement Posts: 1,398	Also forgot to mention that both uses chrom lined barrels. And $500 for a used SAR is not out of the norm. Around my way it is worse as brand new WASR's are going for $500. I myself would not pay $500 for either as Vectors and Lancasters, both excellent quality go for about $500.

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