[scott39641]

What should I look for when choosing an AK?

 

[msredneck]

lots of 7.62x39 ammo for starters

www.classicarms.us

 

[captain-03]

I guess the first thing I would need to know - what it is intended purpose? They can be had for $299 up to $3,000 .... you will pay for quality ... Now, if you just want something fun to shoot and say you have an AK, most any of the low end will fit your need.

http://www.jgsales.com/index.php/rifles/ak-pattern-rifles/cPath/209_214

http://www.arsenalinc.com/index.htm

 

[scott39641]

Well I know nothing bout them. Wanting some fun to shoot and I heard they made a decent close range hunting rifle. So I guess not really looking for anything real expensive just dependable

 

[mgeoffriau]

Even WASR's are plenty tough and reliable, just watch out for canted gas blocks.

If you want a little more quality (chrome lined barrel, Russian factory built) and like working on projects, buy a Saiga rifle and convert it to AK config yourself. It's not difficult at all. Or, if you don't want to mess with that, you can also buy already-converted Saiga AK, but you'll be paying a bit more for someone else to do the work.

 

[scott39641]

Are the Romanian AK's decent rifle's. That's all I have around here so far?

 

[mgeoffriau]

Meant to include this link in my earlier post but I was posting from my phone....

If you want to see what's involved with a Saiga conversion, I posted up some pics here:

http://www.msgunowners.com/t10117-converting-a-saiga-rifle-to-ak-configuration-at-home

 

[§ºµ†hè®ñ_ߺý]

I've had good luck with the Yugo AKs. Seem to be better quality than the Romanians. Heavy receivers, 1.6 mm and heavy barrels.

 

[captain-03]

Are the Romanian AK's decent rifle's. That's all I have around here so far?

I got a couple of them -- they are just fine for what they are ... they look and feel like an AK!! Mine will digest anything you put into them - fairly accurate for a gun with loose tollerances. They are fun!! ... and cheap!

 

[Scharfschütze]

Last time I bought a Romanian AK, (2005), I went to the range with some friends. Best 100 yd group was about 20". No malfunctions, but...I shoot HP rifle, among other disciplines, and I just can't have something like that in the safe. I sold it the following Monday to someone who just wanted a bullet hose.
On the other hand, my Arsenal AK74 will shoot >90% at the NRA reduced 200 yd target from prone with WOLF ammunition. I'd like to have another one in 7,62x39, but it has to hold a group...They are fun, very reliable, and as Captain notes, you pretty much get what you pay for. My 2 cents-

 

[scott39641]

All I have come across are the Romanian and some US made. The US made don't have a manufacture name on them just have what state they were made in.

 

[msredneck]

I would not consider an AK suitable for hunting...its an assault weapon. Most ammo u see is FMJ...

not a good choice for hunting...

In war, wounding counts about as good as killing...I don't want wounded animals

a more accurate rifle is its cousin the SKS...It just doesn't have the "evil" factor the AK has

 

[mgeoffriau]

There's plenty of good hunting-appropriate ammo in 7.62x39. But you might have to order it:

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/index.php/cName/rifle-ammo-762x39

The bigger issue for me in using an AK as a hunting rifle is the relative lack of good options for mounting optics. Most of the receiver mounts position the scope quite high, making it difficult to get a good check weld while seeing clearly through the scope.

I have an Ultimak gas tube mount on my AK, but it positions the scope or optic in a forward position that would only be appropriate for red dot sights or pistol/scout style scopes with long eye relief.

Of course, you don't have to use a scope for hunting, but I know a lot of people prefer to have a scope if possible.

 

[scott39641]

I guess my deal is I just want to find a decent AK. But don't know what to look for. I found a couple used ones for $450 but don't know if that's a good price or not.

 

[msredneck]

I guess u did not look at any of the links Captain-03 and I provided..

plenty of new ones to be had...cheaper than $450

U are talking the most popular Commie Battle weapon of all time...

I didn't say u couldn't hunt with it.... just that there are a lot better choices

throw down and get one...or two

 

[scott39641]

I looked and read all the info I have been given. I was talking bout the AK's I have found locally. All the info has been helpful.

 

[Scharfschütze]

Hey Scott,
I see you are in Jayess; go to McComb and talk to Kevin at Southern Cash& Pawn, some of the "American made" ones seem to be pretty well-made and may actually be accurate enough to hunt with.

 

[1985 4runner]

I've owned a few AK's over the years & I think my Norincos are some of the best.

I love the AK for what it is, an affordable, reliable & accurate "enough" battle rifle. :thumbup:

My stamped Mak 90, with Midwest Industries PALM handguard, (waiting on a Primary Arms micro red-dot to arrive), Magpul foreward grip, Tapco 6 position stock:


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My more traditional milled Mak 90 with Ironwood furniture:


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Not an AK, but a cousin... Norinco SKS Sporter that is manufactured to accept AK mags:


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[rdj94a]

polytech

 

[1985 4runner]

I've almost finished mine:


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dbarnes357, I'd love to see the specs on that setup you posted! :thumbup: