Ak47/74 which is better 7.62x39 vs 5.45x39?

[Guest bkelm18]

I'd stay away from it. Not only does it not have a chrome lined barrel, it has a nato length stock, and more importantly, they don't list who built it.

Spend a few more dollars on a known quantity rifle from a reputable builder.

Mike

I much prefer NATOs over Warsaws. I have longer arms and the NATO length stocks fit me great.

[Guest bkelm18]

who builds good ak74s in 5.45x39 that are reasonable in price?

You can always buy a Saiga and convert it. Arsenals are converted Saigas, they just have all the bells and whistles. A basic bottom end Tapco conversion could be done for about $100 in parts (in addition to the rifle which is ~$400). If you decide to go that route, I can help you out since you're local. I've done a few of them.

[TN Outlaw]

what does convert mean ? sorry im just new to some things

[TN Outlaw]

my arms are long and im a big guy to so it wouldnt bother me to have NATO length

[Guest bkelm18]

what does convert mean ? sorry im just new to some things

Saiga rifles are imported into this country in a sporting configuration (by law they have to):

To convert them into standard AK format, the trigger group has to be replaced with a standard AK FCG (fire control group), a pistol grip and standard AK buttstock are added, the mag catch might need to be modified very slightly to accept regular AK mags, and a bullet guide needs to be installed so that there won't be any feeding problems with regular AK mags. That's it. You'll have to drill out a couple spot welds and drill and tap a hole for the bullet guide, but beyond that, it's just swapping parts. Really easy. Takes maybe an hour or so.

Edited to add: Saigas have funky forends, and to replace them with standard ones is extra money. You pretty much have to have a gunsmith do that part if you desire (the front sight block has to be removed to install retaining rings, etc). There are bolt on retaining rings but I've never looked at them to see how well they stand up.

Edited August 31, 2011 by bkelm18

[TN Outlaw]

ya sounds easy enough lol im no big expert on doing something like that so if i went that route i would have to be calling upon some help of the TGO pros on here on what to do

[TN Outlaw]

i appreciate the info

[Guest bkelm18]

ya sounds easy enough lol im no big expert on doing something like that so if i went that route i would have to be calling upon some help of the TGO pros on here on what to do

No problem. It's really, really simple to do with basic tools. I did my first one with a cordless drill, a hammer, a punch, and a file on a TV dinner stand. There are some good vids on YouTube for doing it.

[Mike]

Edited to add: Saigas have funky forends, and to replace them with standard ones is extra money. You pretty much have to have a gunsmith do that part if you desire (the front sight block has to be removed to install retaining rings, etc). There are bolt on retaining rings but I've never looked at them to see how well they stand up.

I like the saiga forends. More stuff to grab hold of out there that won't leave scars if the rifle is hot.

I'm preferential to the Warsaw length. I'm a bigger guy myself, 6'2" with a 6'4" span. It personal preference I guess. I like getting up on the rifle quite a bit.

Mike

Edited August 31, 2011 by Mike

[Guest bkelm18]

I like the saiga forends. More stuff to grab hold of out there that won't leave scars if the rifle is hot.

Im Preferential to the warsaw length. I'm a bigger guy myself, 6'2" with a 6'4" span. It personal preference I guess. I like getting up on the rifle quite a bit.

Mike

I like the Saiga forends as well, I've always left them as is. The Warsaw stocks are good for maneuverability. It does let you get good and tight with it. The NATOs just give me a better feel with that extra little bit of length.