Help me decide!

[KingAirDriver]

I'm looking for my first AK. I really don't know enough about them right now to know the difference in models...I gather that WASRs are lower quality, but how are they? Is $500 for NIB a good deal right now? I've seen some on AR15.com going for that.

Also, 7.62 vs 5.45. Which round? I don't know much on the 5.45 other than what I searched for briefly on this site. I've seen 1,080 round cans of 5.45 for pretty good deals lately, but the 7.62 is what the AK's known for.

Just throw a couple Do's and Don'ts at me real quick...gun show tomorrow.

Thanks!

[speedracer211]

Wasr's fit and finish are what most people complain about, besides mag wobble. Some wasrs are single stack others take regular imported double stack mags. $500 for a wasr today I guess you could say that is a good price. Wow I cant believe I just typed that. Anyways I like many others here build ak's and no way would i buy a Wasr for $500. $200 maybe, $500 no way. However if it will be your first I am sure it will fit you well. Gunbroker has had wasrs go for well over the $500 mark. Oh check for canted front sight as well. 5.45 is much cheaper to shoot than 7.62

[handcruser]

My decision would be to upgrade to a KA 350.

Side note, just found out the guy that bought our 177RG ran it into the ground. He missed the "always trust your instruments" chapter.

Each caliber has their merits. I like the 7.62, just me.

[KingAirDriver]

Originally Posted by handcruser

My decision would be to upgrade to a KA 350.

Don't worry, old picture. I'm single-pilot typed in the 350.

[KingAirDriver]

Originally Posted by speedracer211

Wasr's fit and finish are what most people complain about, besides mag wobble. Some wasrs are single stack others take regular imported double stack mags. $500 for a wasr today I guess you could say that is a good price. Wow I cant believe I just typed that. Anyways I like many others here build ak's and no way would i buy a Wasr for $500. $200 maybe, $500 no way. However if it will be your first I am sure it will fit you well. Gunbroker has had wasrs go for well over the $500 mark. Oh check for canted front sight as well. 5.45 is much cheaper to shoot than 7.62

Great info, thanks for the post. Dadgumit, of all the times to look for an AK...sounds like I'll pay a lot for crap, haha. At least I got my AR a year ago! What would be the next step or two up from a WASR?

[speedracer211]

Originally Posted by KingAirDriver

Great info, thanks for the post. Dadgumit, of all the times to look for an AK...sounds like I'll pay a lot for crap, haha. At least I got my AR a year ago! What would be the next step or two up from a WASR?

If you spend a little time with the wasr you can fix the fit and finish, try to adjust the canted site. Most people recommend to never buy one without actually being able to hold it and check it out as some seem okay from the get go and others can be a mess.

[John A.]

Originally Posted by KingAirDriver

Great info, thanks for the post. Dadgumit, of all the times to look for an AK...sounds like I'll pay a lot for crap, haha. At least I got my AR a year ago! What would be the next step or two up from a WASR?

Kingair, I remember talking to you when you were researching AR's way before you bought one. LOL

Now I see you in the AK section.

Don't worry, I won't tell anyone.

As has been stated WASR's just aren't as pretty as some other ones out there. Even with sideways sights (which we know that AR's sometimes has too) I've yet to hear anyone say that wasr's are junk because they won't shoot. Just that there are prettier ones out there.

Do you want pretty, or do you want something that goes bang when you pull the trigger?

[KingAirDriver]

Originally Posted by John A.

Kingair, I remember talking to you when you were researching AR's way before you bought one. LOL

Now I see you in the AK section.

Don't worry, I won't tell anyone.

As has been stated WASR's just aren't as pretty as some other ones out there. Even with sideways sights (which we know that AR's sometimes has too) I've yet to hear anyone say that wasr's are junk because they won't shoot. Just that there are prettier ones out there.

Do you want pretty, or do you want something that goes bang when you pull the trigger?

Haha, I'll never abandon the AR side! I just want another flavor.

Yeah, I pretty much want something that goes bang. I saw a few nice AKs at the show today (and some beaters) for around $600 on up, but I honestly don't know the difference in them. I saw some Norincos with the "thumb hole stock" (??), and I can stand that look so I passed. Of course, I had to pass on EVERYTHING anyway since I didn't get my USP Compact sold, lol.

Oh well, I'll hold out for the next show in March, unless I find one online first.

[John A.]

I didn't imply that it was a bad idea. Matter of fact, I think it's a good idea.

I don't know all that much about AK's, but most of the differences in them are better machining, better finish, etc. It would be kind of hard to get one that was a pure lemon.

As for the thumb hole stocks, don't fret that. Buy it and change it to something else.

matter of fact, I have a wooden AK stock I'll trade you straight up for a 30 round mag (AR or AK)

[KingArthur]

Man, it has got be tough having BRD in this market. I feel fortunate I got my AK and AR back before the first ban. Now, there seems the choice in AK's have gone down in quality and way up in price. Best of luck to you, and I would recommend, IMHO, that you go with the 7.62x39 espeically if you already have your AR and are stocked up on .223. 7.62x39 seems cheaper and more plentiful, additionally it is a harder hitting round. Not as accurate or the distance of a .223, however, it puts your target down.