Is this AK worth it?

[fastboy]

Been in the market for a AK. Don't want the cheap WASR since I have read some comments in this forum indicating its questionable performance. Then I came across this one from this online vendor:

"Russian AK 47 Rifle, Folder , 762 x 39 , semi auto,100% new, Imported Semi auto"
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/prog...asp?Prodid=138

Anyone could offer any insight on this AK? It says "Russian built at the Izmash arsenal", could it be true? I thought all AKs now have to have certain number of American parts to be legal?

Is this gun worth the price tag? I don't mind spending the $$ but don't want to be a sucker. Also if any of you AK experts have any source for quality AK please let me know. Much appreciated.

Fastboy

[Boma]

AK's are worth it to me. Just make sure you find cheap ammo. I can't find cheap ammo available at local stores, I have to wait until the gunshow or just buy it online.

[blefferd]

i would say no after reading what this guy has to say about them.

http://kalashnikov.guns.ru/wwwboard/messages/11541.html

[XDman1000]

Something doesn't seem right to me, but either way IMO that's a little high for a stamped AK unless there is more proof on it's origin and build quality.

[Polymerhead]

Have you checked out the VEPR? Their availability/importation status is questionable, but if you can find one I think they're pretty high quality and cheaper than what you're looking at. Kind of hefty because the're built on an RPK receiver, but I think they're worth the asking price.

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/prog....asp?Prodid=18

For what it's worth, I have a SAR-3 in .223 that I picked up at a gun show. About 1000 rounds without a hiccup and I would trust it against roving biker gangs or invading Germans. I know some people are having troubles with the new WASRs, but if you can find a Romanian SAR imported in like '00 - '03, you might want to consider it. Should only set you back $400 - $500.

[einheit 13]

Originally Posted by fastboy

Been in the market for a AK. Don't want the cheap WASR since I have read some comments in this forum indicating its questionable performance. Then I came across this one from this online vendor:

"Russian AK 47 Rifle, Folder , 762 x 39 , semi auto,100% new, Imported Semi auto"
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/prog...asp?Prodid=138

Anyone could offer any insight on this AK? It says "Russian built at the Izmash arsenal", could it be true? I thought all AKs now have to have certain number of American parts to be legal?

Is this gun worth the price tag? I don't mind spending the $$ but don't want to be a sucker. Also if any of you AK experts have any source for quality AK please let me know. Much appreciated.

Fastboy

Yes its Russian, its a little pricey, but it has an under folder and the correct AK handguards, gas block, fronst sight with threads........on a Saiga receiver. I wouldn't buy one. Nothing wrong with them other than the price. Buy a Vector, Arsenal or something built by Red Jacket and so on. Stay away from Vulcan (aka Hesse), Elite and Wiselite, JoKen (Ewbanks).

WASRs are good guns, a lot have problems with fit and finnish but can be made into great weapons. At less than $400, its a deal. to me personally, I don't care about finnishes, I shoot my guns alot and I can refinnish them anytime. I only have one I fuss over because its a real collector AK, a 1950's Russian Tula kit I built one a 100% accurate repro milled receiver.

Now, you need to fondle an under folder, some like the feel, some don't, I don't. So mine is a fixed stock that I swap a side folder to, at $59 and attaches in place of the fixed......good deal, even if you don't own one I'd buy one just because sooner or later they'll turn a good proffit when they get hard to find. And the folding stocks will, just like E German AK 74 mags.......thats another story.

I would reccomend a WASR if you just want a shooter. If you want more than that, get the Arsenal - Global SSR 85, any thing by Vector, SAR 1, SAR 2 (ammo is hard to find and getting expensive), a SAR 3, and then a VePR.....VePRs are hard to modify because of thier receivers....the rears are angled and can take regular stocks but look crappy with them. The only advantage to a VePR is that it is a 100% new firearm, not a kit, but that means nothing to me.

Good luck and post pics when you get one. Need any help or parts-just ask....

[fastboy]

Thanks for all your good advice. I will not be spending the kind of asking price on this. If blefferd's article is any indication, this gun is a Hesse gun then? einheit you mentioned going for a Vector, Arsenal or something built by Red Jacket and staying away from Vulcan (aka Hesse), Elite and Wiselite, JoKen (Ewbanks) etc, is it because of price along (the quality not worth the $$), or is there quality difference between these guys?

I currently have a Arsenal SLR-95 that I acquired from a friend 7-8 years ago for $200. This gun was pratically brand new when I bought it from him; he said he had only fired 50-60 rounds through it and didn't like the recoil. This is my first and only AK so far, and it's how I get my good impression on the AK. I must have had more than 3,000 rounds through it so far and, like Polymerhead says, not a hiccup.

What's your thought on AK74? Is the 5.45mm worth considering given that the round seems to be less than mainstream? Obviously what I am wondering about is the future supply of such ammo.

[einheit 13]

Thanks for all your good advice. I will not be spending the kind of asking price on this. If blefferd's article is any indication, this gun is a Hesse gun then? einheit you mentioned going for a Vector, Arsenal or something built by Red Jacket and staying away from Vulcan (aka Hesse), Elite and Wiselite, JoKen (Ewbanks) etc, is it because of price along (the quality not worth the $$), or is there quality difference between these guys?

Questionible quality of the product and crappy service..........

I currently have a Arsenal SLR-95 that I acquired from a friend 7-8 years ago for $200. This gun was pratically brand new when I bought it from him; he said he had only fired 50-60 rounds through it and didn't like the recoil. This is my first and only AK so far, and it's how I get my good impression on the AK. I must have had more than 3,000 rounds through it so far and, like Polymerhead says, not a hiccup.

Good deal, good gun........

What's your thought on AK74? Is the 5.45mm worth considering given that the round seems to be less than mainstream? Obviously what I am wondering about is the future supply of such ammo.

Well I just bought 1,080 more rounds of 5.45and it cost me almost $200..... Ammo supply is questionible, but its a great caliber. You can get a 74 and swap the barrel and bolt for .223 and modify the 5.45 mags to work. My favorite AK is my Bulgarian AKS-74, its my range slut.

[Polymerhead]

Everything I hear from people in the industry is that the current ammo shortage will be a fleeting thing. I think Wolf has put a lot of resources into their Gold and other premium/sporting lines, so acquiring milsurp ammo in .223, 5.45x39 and 7.62x39 has been put on the back burner right now. I really think that they will get back into it soon. If they don't happen to want to keep offering this ammo, the market will be snatched up by another importer/producer soon enough.

So, I'm not worried about stockpiling ammo right now, especially since mine shoots .223. I think 5.45x39 is suffering the most right now but I still wouldn't be opposed to picking up an AK74 if I came across a good deal.

[fastboy]

Well I guess I will wait on the 5.45mm for now and still search for a 7.62mm. At least until the ammo situation is clearer.

Is Century Arms Yugo M-70 underfolder worth looking into? Saw a dealer selling it on Guns America for $480; the best price I have seen other than AIM Surplus (before they sold out, of course).

I really appreciate getting all these advices from you guys.

fastboy.