Buying first AK 47. Tactical version or not?

G

glerb

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After researching quite a bit, I've decided to go with I.O. AKM 247. I know it's a budget AK, and they completely sucked. However the new reviews for the all USA made updated versions seem pretty stellar though.

What I'm stuck on is should I get the AKM 247 (regular black)?

https://www.classicfirearms.com/aksporterriflew-balckpolystockbyiooncakm247

Or the AKM 247-T (tactical)?

https://www.classicfirearms.com/akm247-t-tacticalriflew-balckpolystockbyioonc

I noticed the front sight on the tactical version is shorter distanced, and that is kind of annoying. I'm not sure how much accuracy will be lost over a few inches of sight distance anyway? The tactical rails and different grip are useful. Besides that, I actually prefer the regular model's stock. One other thing is that you get 2 mags with the tactical instead of one.

I'm mostly disgruntled by the sights, because I assume a little goes a long way. I'm by FAR an expert though. Is the extra $50 is worth it?
 
If the accessories work worth anything, I'd say the tactical version is worth the price difference. You get two magazines, quad and scope rail, and the flash hider/muzzle brake. You can always swap out the stock later. You can get stocks for the AK for next to nothing.
 
Handled an IO Inc. AK the other day, darn smooth for an AK. I handled the Standard version, pretty comfortable and the sights were decent-good. I've never shot an AK, but it "felt" good. If that counts for anything, I doubt it.
 
If you plan on red dotting the gun then get the "tactical".

I put a ulti-mac rail on my AK in Afghanistan and LOVED it with a reddot.
 
I put a ulti-mac rail on my AK in Afghanistan and LOVED it with a reddot.
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Ill second this, and would prefer the Ultimak, over most of the other aftermarket rails you see for the AK. I have them on a couple of AK's with Aimpoints on top, and they work very well.

It should also work on the AK in the first link you posted, if you went that route and found you wanted a red dot later.

I personally prefer the AK's as close to their original configuration as possible, like in your first link (although, Im not a fan of the US assembled guns). The Ultimak really changes nothing as far as how the gun works or handles, and brings the AK more in line with AR's, or any of the other rifles that are red dot equipped.
 
Rails will make the gun feel muzzle heavy.

Being that IO ak has a receiver optics mount, I'd go with whichever version is less expensive.

RS Regulate makes a good optics mount for using the receiver rail. Mounts the red dot further back making the rifle a little less muzzle heavy.

Here is a not so hot review on that AK:
http://modernrifleman.net/2015/05/24/inter-ordnance-akm247-review/
Note the author removed the buffer - which resulted in his failures.
 
Rails will make the gun feel muzzle heavy.
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I havent found that to be the case. The advantages of the red dot being mounted low and forward, are instantly noticeable when you shoulder and shoot the rifle.

With the Ultimaks, which are lighter than the handguard they replace by the way, the optic is/can be, mounted as low as possible, and with something like the Aimpoints on a low ring, will allow you to cowitness your iron sights to the dot.

When you shoulder the rifle, you get the same cheek weld as you get with the irons, or very close to it.

Because the sight is forward, it opens up your field of view, and allows for very fast, and natural shooting. Snap shots on targets are very easy.

With the sight forward, its also out of the way when handling the rifle, and you dont have to remove it for cleaning/maintenance.

Most of my experience with the rear mounts, has been with the Russian mounts, and I know some of the newer, aftermarket mounts have improved, but they still have the same issues a rear mounted optic brings.

As far as the buffer goes, that seems to be an issue to that specific gun. My Arsenal/Global Trades SSR-85C came with one installed, and it caused the gun to be unreliable. Trying them in a couple of other AK's, I found the same thing. Best not to go there if you want a reliable gun.
 
AK103K said:
I havent found that to be the case. The advantages of the red dot being mounted low and forward, are instantly noticeable when you shoulder and shoot the rifle.

With the Ultimaks, which are lighter than the handguard they replace by the way, the optic is/can be, mounted as low as possible, and with something like the Aimpoints on a low ring, will allow you to cowitness your iron sights to the dot.

When you shoulder the rifle, you get the same cheek weld as you get with the irons, or very close to it.

Because the sight is forward, it opens up your field of view, and allows for very fast, and natural shooting. Snap shots on targets are very easy.

With the sight forward, its also out of the way when handling the rifle, and you dont have to remove it for cleaning/maintenance.

Most of my experience with the rear mounts, has been with the Russian mounts, and I know some of the newer, aftermarket mounts have improved, but they still have the same issues a rear mounted optic brings.
Click to expand...

I won't say Ultimaks are bad...
Ultimaks are great for AK's that aren't equipped with a receiver mounted rail.


You ought give an RS regulate with an M3 Aimpoint try, it has all the same benefits you mentioned: Co-witness, snap shots, same head position, etc. Also less heat as it's not mounted on top of the gas tube.

It has the added boon of being much easier to remove (flip a lever) for complete cleaning as compared to the Ultimak.

I've had railed lower forearms on my AK in the past. Find I like a poly lower better. Drops a little weight.
 
I consider most "add-on's" to be marketing eye candy.. I would stick with a traditional AK variant and give careful consideration to any add on's I consider to be necessary. If I want a better stock, rail or other accessory, I will select it myself after research. I like a bone stock AK in wood. My only add on is a good sling.
 
My suggestion; make it an underfolder. If you have the money make it an underfolder with a CHROME LINED BARREL/BORE and with a milled receiver.

Buy a good, heavy underfolder with chrome barrel and put it away. Then, buy buy a cheap AK and tacticalize it to your heart's content.
 
All rifles are "tactical". There's no such thing as a strategic rifle.
What are you planning on doing with an AK? Decided on your budget and that first.
 
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