Is this a good trade for a Norinco MAK-90 NIB?

G

Greywolf

New member
I've got the following up for sale/trade locally:

http://floridaguntrader.com/index.php?a=2&b=82720

CZ-75B satin/nickel, Kadet conversion kit, mags.

A guy offered me a NIB Norinco MAK-90 "pre-ban" (whatever that may mean) ??

Fair trade?

I've been looking for an AK for awhile and was about to pull the trigger on a SGL-21 from AIM Surplus, new, for $740.

I like the fact that the SGL has a side-mount rail, but I assume I could either get one put on the MAK-90 or find another way to mount a dot sight, correct?

If I do get the MAK-90, how easy is it to replace the rear stock/pistol grip?
 
Pre-ban just means that the MAK-90 was imported during the no-longer-extant 1994 AWB. Basically, it has no bayonet lug, an unthreaded muzzle, and the thumbhole stock. No 30 round mag was shipped with it, but it can use any standard AK mag.

Replacing the stock and pistol grip is easy.* You just need to determine whether it is a milled or stamped receiver, and buy the appropriate stock and pistol grip (you may have to file a bit on the stock, but it will fit without much trouble.

*Note: because the MAK-90 was imported as a sporting rifle, changing the thumbhole stock to a more AK-like separate stock and pistol grip means you then have an imported nonsporting weapon, which is prohibited by section 922r of the USC. You can get around this by bringing the parts count of imported parts on the rifle to 10 or less. As imported, the MAK-90 is considered to have 15 parts, so you need to change out 5. I would use a US made stock and pistol grip and change out the trigger group with a US made one (3 parts right there), and you're legal with whatever mags you use (the magazines themselves are 3 parts, so you could just use US mags, but I'd just swap the trigger group out).

Now, as to whether it is a good trade, if you're in the market for an AK, the MAK-90 is considered to be one of the better examples, so I'd probably consider it a decent trade. As you noted, the MAK doesn't have a side rail- you could have one put on or just get an Ultimak railed gas tube mount for a red dot.
 
I have A Norinco Mak-90 and love it to death--tightest shooting AK varient I've ever encountered. Clay pigeons set out at 200 yards are too easy with junk ammo and open sights. It's indestructible, and just plain fun. I paid $400 for it quite a few years ago, and currently they seem to go from $400-700 depending on condition and accessories. Compare the value of that against the trade. To me, it's well worth it. Hope that helps.
 
Techno -
Preban means it was imported PRIOR to the 1992 ban. Postban would be the neutered version.

My opinion, no, it's a bad trade. If he were to throw down a couple hundred extra with that $200 rifle would cover the cost of your CZ, and I would take a CZ 75 handgun over a Norinco AK. But that's me.
 
Weedwhacker>> If you can find a Mak-90 for $200 anywhere that isn't just a melted, rusting paperweight, let me know. I could use a couple more... ;) Mine shoots in the 3-MOA range with even junk ammo, and even better with my hand loads. That puts most any AK variant to shame--if you believe the hype, it shouldn't be able to hit Minute-of-Volkswagon. If you aren't an AK guy, just say so and leave it be. But--all things considered, we all have our opinions... :D
 
I have a MAK-90 and really like it a lot... very accurate (and I actually LIKE the stock styling as-it-is)... consider it a classic. However, I agree with Weeds on this... that the guy needs to throw in @$200 (ballpark) in order to make it a reasonable trade... and that's assuming the MAK is in really good shape.

But, anyhow... Are you SURE you want to let that CZ go?... It's great gun!
 
Thanks, guys. Yeah, as much as I like the CZ, I'm switching over to all Glock 19s (and a 26 for the wife's carry gun) for many reasons. I never shoot the CZ anymore, it is too heavy to carry, etc.

I think I'm going to end up just getting the SGL from AIM surplus - great price, brand new, has all the features I'm looking for.
 
Heh, I did get that exactly backwards, didn't I?
Click to expand...

I've done worse ;)

ETA:

All MAK-90s were neutered. They had to be in order to be importable after 1989.
Click to expand...

So what about the Norinco and Century imports that have muzzle brakes and the like? Were they exempt from said 1989 import laws?

I think I'm going to end up just getting the SGL from AIM surplus - great price, brand new, has all the features I'm looking for.
Click to expand...

I have an SGL-31, the 5.45 model. Fantastic piece of work by Arsenal. Thinking about getting an SGL-21 but I'm a bit leery on the parts compatibility. They are not identical to the AK-47 in small parts (90 degree gas port for the most glaring example). But if you aren't too concerned nor as paranoid as I, it's a good buy.
 
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I got an unfired Mak-90 for $250 at an auction. They had about 20 of them there and I got the serial numbered one I wanted.

It shoots great and is ultra reliable. They are going for a pretty hefty price compared to what I paid but I got lucky.

If you want an AK variant, the Mak-90 is the ticket. It has the milled receiver so make sure you get the right stock for it. I had to do some parts swapping to keep it compliant too. Trigger, stock and forearm grips for me. I'm a lefty shooter and the thumbhole stock just wasn't working for me.

The choice is yours.
 
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W/ some cash on his part and Mak90, might be OK. Otherwise, I would get Arsenal instead. Some Mak90 has slanted receiver which you can not easily put the Romanian folder on- if that's what you are looking to do.

I had Mak90 and 91 (milled receiver) and they were OK. Prefer Arsenal SGL more, better yet SLR106/7 w/ side folder built in.
 
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