Choosing an AK

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.

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

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.