AKs-Current Imports

[poak]

So, I've been reading through a few threads, and there seems to be a lot of talk about the current crop of imported AKs being junk. Hmmmm... I'm starting to wish I had never sold my MAK. Anyways, as I am always on the verge of purchasing another firearm, I was wondering which imports to steer clear of. Does anyone have anything to say about quality on the "Saiga" line? They are comparitively cheap, easy enough to convert back to pistol grip formation, and come chambered just about anyway you want one. I personally would be sticking w/ 7.62x39 of course. Thoughts?

[Guest bkelm18]

So, I've been reading through a few threads, and there seems to be a lot of talk about the current crop of imported AKs being junk. Hmmmm... I'm starting to wish I had never sold my MAK. Anyways, as I am always on the verge of purchasing another firearm, I was wondering which imports to steer clear of. Does anyone have anything to say about quality on the "Saiga" line? They are comparitively cheap, easy enough to convert back to pistol grip formation, and come chambered just about anyway you want one. I personally would be sticking w/ 7.62x39 of course. Thoughts?

The Saiga line is probably the best bang for the buck for AKs. I have one and the quality is excellent. You really can't go wrong with one. The complete cost of mine after conversion was under $500, that's hard to beat for a true Russian made AK variant.

[molonlabetn]

Saigas seem to be some of the best AKs for the money... steer clear of Romanian/Century guns. Arsenal makes some nice AKs, as well... but you'll pay as much as an AR for one.

I had a Polish Tantal that was one of the best put-together AKs I'd ever seen, I'd get another one if I had any interest in rifles.

[poak]

I had a Norinco MAK that is soley responsible for current philosophy on firearm aquisition: "Buy them. Don't sell or trade them."

I like AKs, but I cant see myself spending more on one than an AR because, well, because it's an AK, and the low price/crudeness of the weapon is part of it's appeal to me!

So, so far this sounds like the winning combo for me:

Saiga AK chambered 7.62X39

+Tapco SAW pistol grip

+Tapco Galil forend

+Tromix folding stock

Sound about right? Anyone had any expierence w/ sight and/or accesory rails for the AK?

[Magiccarpetrides]

Yeah I keep thinking a Tantal will be my next rifle purchase.....need to sell more vehicles....

[ZenDog]

I bought a couple of AKs from this fellow Mark Graham- he is a gunsmith in AZ who puts his own special touches into the AK's he assembles- they are good to go out of the box if he sells them to you.

http://arizonaresponsesystems.com/

Visit the above link and then click the 'store' button to find the firearms he currently has in stock.

[poak]

Those look pretty nice, but for 575+FFL transfer, +cost of the Tapco & Tromix goodies I so desire, I think the Saiga project might suit me better. Plus, after I do one conversion, depending on how easy it is, I may just have to get myself a Saiga-12 & an SBR tax stamp & another trip to Tromix to buy some more of their goodies.

[R1100R]

Need to look at this site. He is a active duty soldier @ Ft. Campbell. About a hour from Nashville.

I was told by many his work is superb and not easily matched.

http://neverenoughguns.com/

I am going to buy one.

[Magiccarpetrides]

I like my Saiga's....a LOT....just need to get to converting them. Heads up though if your wanting one...the prices seem to be continually going up on them. As far as Saiga 12's go they still seem really hard to get a hold of so if you run across one at a decent price you should snap it up quick. FWIW

[poak]

Thanks for the link R1100R, I had never seen that site before, and I promptly sent him an email.

Yeah Magiccarpetrides, the 1st time I saw the Saiga Line for sale a few years ago, I think they were right around $200. Looks like the median price is now closer to $300.

Wow, I did'nt know the Saiga-12s were drying up so quickly! A quick search @ gunbroker shows what you say is true! Maybe I should prioritize snatching one of those babies up...

[Urse]

Need to look at this site. He is a active duty soldier @ Ft. Campbell. About a hour from Nashville.

I was told by many his work is superb and not easily matched.

http://neverenoughguns.com/

I am going to buy one.

I think I am going to buy the Polish underfolder from him. Thanks.

[poak]

To those who may have an interest in Saiga:

After doing a little searching around the net, I have found information from a few different forums where people have said that the scarcity of their products has been due to decreased production because of factory retooling that will ultimately result in an increase in production by summer time. Hopefully they can catch up on all those orders out there before the next election...

[gunsablazin]

I bought a Romanian WASR-10 some time ago, it's cheap, ugly and roughly made, but it shoots just fine thank you very much. I prefer the AR for fun time at the range, but if all you want is a SHTF rifle a WASR should be fine.

[poak]

My personal opinion in the great AR vs. AK debate is...

BOTH!

I think they both, with their respective strengths and weaknesses, make great SHTF rifles.

[Guest dotsun]

I love my Century Yugo underfolder. I bought mine locally though to check for the common problems people have reported from them.

[Smith]

I have a 7.62x39 and 12g Saiga converted out. Really easy to do and excellent gun all round. Get one ......or many. You can get them in 5.56, 7.62, 7.62x39, .410, 20g, and 12g.

[poak]

Haha, I'm leaning towards MANY Nate.

[Guest mikedwood]

Finally got to shot my old Romanian WASR-10 today and wow! Flawless.