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.
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
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.
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!
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-
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.
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.
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.
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:
This is a bit of a tangent considering the subject of this thread, but: shoot your rifle in any service rifle match; down here at SW Gun Club we shoot US Army Precision Combat matches 2x a year and the AK would be ok for that but for service rifle matches you want an M1 or AR type - it will develop your skills immensely. If one only shoots at targets from a bench on the range under no time or rule constraints, one never betters one's self; if you compete - no matter where you are at the end of the match - you are improving your marksmanship. Ask anyone who competes in ANY of the disciplines - pistol (bullseye, air, combat, etc), shotgun, or rifle - if you go to a match to challenge yourSELF, to he%& with the rankings, just to score higher each time, you will improve. It is very rewarding and will improve you as a "rifleman".
Agree with you Stonewall; with ammo you pretty much get what you pay for. As for sights, if you put a decent diopter on ANY rifle you will improve your scores.
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