What to look for in a good AK-47..?

T

Tactical Jackalope

New member
Going to keep this short and simple gentlemen...I have a stew of pistols (don't have them all listed in my siggy) and I finally want a rifle..Something cheap and good...Yes! I want an AR-15, but I want my cherry popped with actually owning a .223 / 5.56 and I assume AK-47 because it's a lot commonly used and I personally have seen them for ridicuously low prices.

I HAD a Romanian SKS that I sold way back when. Before I knew I'd be this much into firearms as I am.

I saw an AK-47 today at my buddies shop going for $450, it had a platic stock and looked funny...I like the wooden ones, like how I had the SKS I so stupidly sold.



So, I guess this is a double question..AK-47, what to look for in one?

And/or AR-15 is there one at a darn good price that's good?
 
The AK47 with a plastic sporter stock in .223 you saw was probably a Saiga. They are available in .223 - 5.45x39 - 7.62x39 and .308. The receiver is indeed an AK47 on Saiga rifles. They are fine rifles, every bit as reliable as any AK47 on the market. Be advised, you can not use AK magazines in a Saiga. In an AK, the feed ramp is in the receiver. In a Saiga the feed ramp is part of the magazine. AK mags will fit in a Saiga, but not function. Also, many people “convert” a Saiga into the AK configuration. Be careful doing such, if you try. There are crazy laws that must be followed to do it legally. I have a Saiga 223 with a 16 inch barrel, not converted, I like it the way it comes. Very fun rifle to shoot.
 
What features to look for?

Chrome bore, a standard magazine well, standard 14-1mm left hand threading at the muzzle, straight sights, and possibly a milled receiver (though stamped is fine,too). You'll also pay more for underfolder style receivers.

The $450 is pretty much the bottom of the barrel guns (Century Arms imports). You'll pay $600+ for milled receiver or US built AKs.
Going cheap usually works out ok on AKs. I wouldn't go cheap on an AR however...
 
If you want to buy a real "quality" AK variant, you'll need to buy a Saiga then get it converted to a traditional configuration or buy one made by Arsenal/K-VAR that is top quality right out of the box.

That said, even the "lowest quality" AKs like the WASR are very reliable. If you don't mind an AK-74, you can usually find good deals on Polish Tantals, which are pretty nice.

However, there is IMHO an appreciable difference in the top quality AKs and lesser quality AKs.
 
(by Poodleshooter) Going cheap usually works out ok on AKs. I wouldn't go cheap on an AR however...
Click to expand...

I'd say that's excellent advice for anyone starting out with AKs and ARs. Of course you can deviate from it once you truly gain knowledge but always keep it in the back of your mind.
 
I also like Arsenal a SLR 101 or 95 is a nice AK or a VEPR I feel there as nice or better ... there built like a tank with the RPK receiver , heavy chrome lined barrel , if you get the Robinson Arms version you get really cool plastic stock .
Just stay away from any of the CIA crap unless you find a earlly M70 Yugo , they were pretty good builds , I still have a couple of those .
 
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