What is a good AK-47?

E.Williams

Since I found that Federal loads 7.62X39 I want a AK-47 now.I know nothing about them whats good bad whatever.I see the Romanian AK's in Shotgun News for $300.00 are these any good?I dont want a Yugoslavian(dont trust since the Yugo cars) or a Poly-Tech(too exspensive)What is the best cheapest AK-47 out there?

Eric S. Williams

Der Gebirgsjager

Wow! It's going to be the old Ford or Chevy arguement. Personally, I had a MAC-90 which I traded for a ParaOrd P-13. Now I've got a made-in-Russia by Izhmash AK. The barrel is shortened to a length of 16.25" and has a muzzle brake welded on bringing the length to 18.25". Unlike the MAK, which had a thumbhole stock, this has the original style pistol grip and buttstock, and the forestock is kind of space age looking. The stocks are all black synthetic and the metal is all black oxide. Very evil looking. Takes regular 30 rd. mags. It was accompanied by a Treasury letter stating that certain original parts have been replaced with U.S. made parts making it all legal. Shoots really well. I paid $368.85 which included shipping. These are currently available--I got mine from SOG after waiting about 6 months (back ordered). I do see others advertising them.

Der Gebirgsjager

Oh! Say, what's the deal with Federal? Win. and Rem. have been selling loaded ammo and components for quite awhile, and Hornady sells bullets. ????????

E.Williams

I didnt know any American ammo companies loaded the 7.62X39 till I saw the federal add in Shotgun News.Til then I was always under the impression the only ammo was import.Thats why I never bought a AK-47 was I was worried about ammo drying up.Now I know American companies are loading Ive gt to get one.I appreciate the info on the other ammunition companies too.

Eric S. Williams

Der Gebirgsjager

Go for it! There is still plenty of time to catch the AK wave. In fact, the best may yet be to come. I'd really like to see a high quality totally American made model, preferably with a milled receiver (mine is stamped). You are wise to ask for opinions, as there are so many makes and variations. As soon as the other forum members become aware of your need, this thread could easily surpass 25 posts before Capt.Kirk can lock it up! He might even have an opinion!

E.Williams

DER GEBIRGSJAGER I hope this doesnt seem ike a dumb question but I have been curious does your screen name meen "The Gunslinger" and if it does is that in German or Dutch?

Eric S. Williams

Edited by - E.Williams on 07/20/2002 14:04:43

Edited by - E.Williams on 07/20/2002 14:06:12

garandfan

I was asking the same question you did about a week ago. After researching it, I decided to go with an sar-1. I ordered it from wholesale guns and ammo and paid $315 including shipping and ffl fee. I am still waiting for it, so I can't tell you of the quality. Everybody I talked to said that for the money, the Romanians are some of the best ak-47s that you can buy . The only complaints I have heard about some Romanian are ugly stocks (I plan on refinishing mine), trigger slap on some(can be fixed with a Dremel tool), and canted sights (heard around that this problem was on the earlier ones and have now been fixed, but I'm not sure). I also plan on getting a new trigger group from RSA that everybody says is the best thing that you can do for an ak and it gives your ak a sweet trigger pull with no trigger slap. It can be adjusted to a one or two stage trigger. But I have also heard that if you have the money, that the VEPR is a very good one. I didn't like it because I wanted a traditional style looking ak with the wood stock and pistol grip. I didn't like the VEPR's synthetic stock. Hope some of this helps.
Remember, I don't have much first hand experience but after researching it for awhile, this seems to be the norm on what you will hear.

Here's a good site dedicated to Romanian ak47s. Everything a beginner needs to know.
http://linx310.nothingbutguns.com/

"To be prepared for War is one of the most
effectual means of preserving peace"-George Washington

Edited by - garandfan on 07/20/2002 14:23:20

E.Williams

I too want to get an original style like from Vietnam.I think that for intimidation factor alone the only way you can beat the AK's looks is if you have a howitzer pointing at your eye.I have seen the VEPR's and they do look good but I like my rifle stocks to be wood.Thanks for that link I think Im getting a Romanian SAR-1 from Shotgun News for $300.00 so far that seems to be the most reccomended.I might wind up getting a VEPR also down the road.

Eric S. Williams

Edited by - E.Williams on 07/20/2002 14:28:45

garandfan

Just in case you want to take a look SOG has them listed at 280 with the sling, cleaning kit, and a 10 and 30 round mag.

"To be prepared for War is one of the most
effectual means of preserving peace"-George Washington

E.Williams

Hey man Im always willing to take a look at saving some money.Thanks.

Eric S. Williams

leeblackman

I swear I remember hearing about a Texas based company who make high quality AK's and AKM's. As a matter of fact, if memory serves, I remember holding one. Anybody know who I'm talking about or am I just flat brain dead...

If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.

The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !

E.Williams

Im not sure if these are the ones but there is Arsenal Inc. out of Las Vegas,Nevada and there is a rifle Im not sureif its Texas but its made in the U.S called the RPK Rifle it looks just like an AK-47 but cost $700.00 those are the only 2 I have seen so far made in the U.S.And theres the Robinson Armament VEPR but it says origin is Russia and the U.S

Eric S. Williams

airborne

With a Bulgarian you will get a milled receiver.

B - BreatheR - RelaxA - AimS - SightS - Squeeze

E.Williams

How much do the Bulgarian variants generally run and where could I find one?

Eric S. Williams