What to look for in an AK?

[analog_kidd]

I was thinking of getting an inexpensive AK for plinking with. I originally was thinking of a Saiga, but I think I've been talked out of it because of the huge availability of AK acutrements that cannot be found for the Saiga.

So that opened up my field of choices considerably. Looking around on the net there are so many AK variants out there it is making my head spin.

What do I need to look for in and AK, and what do I need to stay away from? Low price is going to be a big deal for me, and I don't mind slightly used.

Any thoughts?

[Guest NoLimitSoldier]

Well I have only owned a romanain SAR-1 (7.62x39mm) and it was the greatest thing ever. Just be sure the front sight isn't canted, that is the only thing I ever ran into when shopping. Also know your prices, and don't get ripped off. Alot of people think these things are worth alot more then they are.

[Guest bkelm18]

I was thinking of getting an inexpensive AK for plinking with. I originally was thinking of a Saiga, but I think I've been talked out of it because of the huge availability of AK acutrements that cannot be found for the Saiga.

So that opened up my field of choices considerably. Looking around on the net there are so many AK variants out there it is making my head spin.

What do I need to look for in and AK, and what do I need to stay away from? Low price is going to be a big deal for me, and I don't mind slightly used.

Any thoughts?

With the exception of handguards, any standard AK part will fit on a converted Saiga. If you can't find one already converted, the conversion is cheap and really easy to do yourself.

Edited August 24, 2008 by bkelm18

[Guest Abominable_Hillbilly]

One of the things about buying the cheaper AK's is actually finding one to fondle. I've run across very few that were local to me. In the economy AK realm, you really need to handle an individual AK to check for things like canted FSB's and gas blocks, mag wobble, poor receiver fitment, etc.

[Westwindmike]

I bought one yesterday. A WASR-10 High Cap with a lot of accessories and ammo for $420. I think that was a good deal.

Edited August 25, 2008 by Westwindmike
Added Pic

[Magiccarpetrides]

If you want a really nice out of the box AK look for a Bulgarian. Otherwise I highly recommend a Saiga.

PM Sent

[my82cam]

I bought one yesterday. A WASR-10 High Cap with a lot of accessories and ammo for $420. I think that was a good deal.

yea, i would say that is a good deal, i would have bought it

[mousegunner]

Hey WestwindMike,

In my opinion you got yourself a REALLY REALLY good deal. I've seen the gun alone selling in Chattanooga for $499. And the WASR10 is about the least expensive AK you can find anywhere these days.

[Guest Loki]

Get that East German stock off there, quick! Man, I hate those!

[Westwindmike]

Get that East German stock off there, quick! Man, I hate those!

I want to take it off and go back to the wood stock and handguards but the guy lost the originals and put the Romy G style on it.

Anybody got an old rough set of handguards to sell cheap?

[Guest Loki]

Check ironwood designs. They sell "Seconds" cheap. I'd get a whole set and stain them the same color.

[Westwindmike]

Check ironwood designs. They sell "Seconds" cheap. I'd get a whole set and stain them the same color.

Well if it were mine I would, but I bought this one for my brother. He needs a really cheap set. Like the set that somebody took off theirs and threw over in the corner for the dog to gnaw on. That cheap.

[R1100R]

This soldier has built a one for me. Top notch work. He is out of country right now,

but his wife is handling the shop.

http://www.neverenoughguns.com/default.html

[fizik]

nice find mike. and a random question, cause I see it on that gun. Why are some AK barrels sliced off diagonally at the muzzle? that's the best way I can describe it lol.

[Guest c_o_jones]

That is actually just a common type of muzzle brake for the AK.

[DRM]

Well if it were mine I would, but I bought this one for my brother. He needs a really cheap set. Like the set that somebody took off theirs and threw over in the corner for the dog to gnaw on. That cheap.

Why don't you just cut the "dong" off, shape, sand, and stain to match? That's about as cheap as you can get.

[Westwindmike]

Why don't you just cut the "dong" off, shape, sand, and stain to match? That's about as cheap as you can get.

Even if I do that, I'm still short a top handguard. The one you see is the red/brown plastic one from the E.German set.

[DRM]

Even if I do that, I'm still short a top handguard. The one you see is the red/brown plastic one from the E.German set.

I see now. Wish I could help, but I don't have any laying around.

BTW - did you know that picture makes it looks like someone Bedazzled your stock?

[Westwindmike]

I

BTW - did you know that picture makes it looks like someone Bedazzled your stock?

Those wacky E. Germans!!!

[TripleDigitRide]

nice find mike. and a random question, cause I see it on that gun. Why are some AK barrels sliced off diagonally at the muzzle? that's the best way I can describe it lol.

They are cut at an angle to help prevent muzzle rise.

[DRM]

Is he wanting to get rid of the black plastic furniture? I might consider doing some trading with him/you in exchange for my AK74 wood, all in pretty good shape.

[Westwindmike]

Is he wanting to get rid of the black plastic furniture? I might consider doing some trading with him/you in exchange for my AK74 wood, all in pretty good shape.

I'll ask him what he wants to do. For some reason he likes the ATI Black plastic stock. Or are you talking about the dark red plastic?

[Guest mikedwood]

I have 2 Wzar 10's and a Mac 90. Love them all. So far they are all reliable (can't say the same for surplus ammo) and bang, bang, bang.

The only problem I have had is the scope mount (It's an add on) that fits on the side real sung covers the iron sights

I love an AK or varient. Never met one it didn't like and the cheaper the better.

Edited August 28, 2008 by mikedwood
added

[DRM]

I'll ask him what he wants to do. For some reason he likes the ATI Black plastic stock. Or are you talking about the dark red plastic?

The black plastic.

i really should keep my wood, since it's in good shape and with all matching numbers down to the knife & sheath - it's kinda cool to keep it OEM (well, except for the receiver and compliance parts, of course).

[creeky]

I know most people say "Great receiver"... but I look for

personality first... after your ammo is gone that is really all you have left.