AK47, Questions on what to look out for when shopping?

K

Kimio

New member
Looking around the AR15 is definitely a fine rifle, but what about the AK47?

I observed at my local gun shop and a bit more recently at a local gun show, much like the AR15, rifles can be anywhere from the low of $600 to upwards into the thousands.

What should a buyer look out for when looking for an AK47 of decent quality? As one of the store clerks that I spoke with said, the difference can be in what kinds of materials were used in the stock, and how the rifle was manufactured.

Also perhaps even its origins, be it a Chinese clone, or a rifle that was made in Czechoslovakia or what have you. Any particular companies that I should look into?

How much should I expect to pay for a decent AK?
 
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“The bitterness of poor quality Lingers long after The sweetness of low price is forgotten.” -John Ruskin
 
I never said I was looking for a "cheap" AK47. I want to know what the price range is for a decent AK47 and what I should look out for so I don't get ripped off for something that is not worth the price tag.

All my knowledge thus far is about the AR15, I don't know what manufacturers to look into, nor really what makes a good AK47.

So again, What should I be looking for when shopping for at least a decent AK47
 
I observed at my local gun shop and a bit more recently at a local gun show, much like the AR15, rifles can be anywhere from the low of $600 to upwards into the thousands.
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The Search function holds the info you seek. And Google has a bunch more.
 
The days of cheap AKs are long over. Good quality ones will run $400-$600 depending on furniture and country of origin. Hungarian, Bulgarian, and Yugos are all great quality. If you can find a Russian they are great too but have become collector's items and are priced as such. Chinese and Norinco AKs can be decent quality but you will really have to look at them carefully. Stocks are not what they used to be. Most are cheap plywood or plastic, it's hard to find good laminates anymore.

Be aware that AKs are great because the ammo is cheap, but its also the biggest limiting factor. So many people shoot dirt cheap milsurp ammo then complain that they cannot get good accuracy. Use cheap stuff to plink and good stuff for groups and you will be much happier.
 
There are many that will suit. I would look at the sights to make sure they are straight. Often the front sight tower will be canted one way or other which will assure hours of frustration and anxiety.

A chrome lined barrel is considered a good feature, as are the TAPCO fcg. Look to see whether the gas block is in line with the sights as well. It probably won't affect function, but why take a chance?

Mag wobble is an annoying issue, and if too aggravated can cause feeding issues.

As far as accuracy goes, I've seen a young man (age 21 approximately) shoot an 8" 440 yard group shooting a Romanian "G" parts build and "Hotshot" ammo. The hotshot ammo I ran over my chronograph, and while I no longer have that data file, the ammo shot 3 of 5 rounds at *exactly* the same velocity and the other two were within 30 feet per second.

Don't let people tell you this is an inaccurate rifle. I've personally shot a CAI Yugo build at 350 yards and shot several holes in a Arm and Hammer yellow colored detergent bottle. That's a headshot at that distance.

Enjoy what you get and have a lot of fun. Life is short.
 
WARNING - THE FOLLOWING IS JUST MY OPINION:

Personally, I look (looked) for the following things when I purchased my US made Clone AK:

1.5mm receiver (I like DCI) - I don't like the look or fee of the 1mm receivers - there may be nothing wrong with them, but they look/feel flimsy to me.

Professional build

Underfolder - real AK's are underfolders! Full-stock AK's are .308 battle rifle wannabees. :D

Chrome lined barrel.....not an American Made barrel....one more time - chrome lined barrel

Good quality internals - mine was built using an excellent condition polish parts set and tapco trigger - everything is rock solid about this AK.

I like the black plastic furniture, so that's what mine came with.

If you are looking for the best quality AK's imported into this country and have money to burn, buy the Polytech stamped or milled receiver AK's. They were built on receivers thicker than 1.5mm, their internal parts are superior, the bolt carrieer and bolts are better made than most, the barrels are thicker and chrome lined, and the finish is pretty nice - not black painted duracoat like most of the American built AK's.


Prices:

Chinese AK: Polytech milled underfolder - $1,500 - $1,800; Polytech stamped underfolder - $1,000 - 1,200

Good US made AK: Arsenal milled underfolder - $1,100; Good stamped underfolder - polish parts, original chrome lined barrel - $700 - $800

Those are the ones I know and like.
 
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