Classics big surprise is now US build AK-47 & 74 variant for $499

[Dezrat]

Is there seriously that much interest in CHF AK barrels? I'm not an AK guy so I wouldn't know. I am however doing some Engineering consulting for someone in CA who is getting a CHF barrel production plant on line. I could "put a bug in his ear" if there's actually a wide market for them at a reasonable price.

[anothergunnut]

I'm not sure what the IO talk is; the rifle is a Waffen Works AK-74. There's a long thread about them on the AK files and the consensus is that they are hit or miss. The upside is that DDI purchased Waffen Works and is providing the warranty on these rifles and they will fix them if there's a problem. So, if you are willing to take some risk and put up with having to return them for warranty repairs, they could be a good deal.

Here's the AK files thread: http://www.akfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=220027

[peppermintman]

Is there seriously that much interest in CHF AK barrels? I'm not an AK guy so I wouldn't know. I am however doing some Engineering consulting for someone in CA who is getting a CHF barrel production plant on line. I could "put a bug in his ear" if there's actually a wide market for them at a reasonable price.

Not for me there aint

[MrPlink]

Is there seriously that much interest in CHF AK barrels? I'm not an AK guy so I wouldn't know. I am however doing some Engineering consulting for someone in CA who is getting a CHF barrel production plant on line. I could "put a bug in his ear" if there's actually a wide market for them at a reasonable price.

I would say yes. CHF barrels are a hallmark of the traditional AK design spec. It wasn't an issue for a long time since original barrels were easily imported and came with most kits, but those days are gone. With factory made AKs becoming harder and harder to come by over time domestic made AKs are probably the future for the American civi market. Yes, there are
some good non-CHF options, but outside of paying a lot of money for an imported barrel there are no CHF options if you are trying to stay true to an original AK.

[BigPimping]

Wow did this guy really just recomend an IO ??????

That's affirmative ghost rider.......

[dtrump]

Im tempted to get the DDI for $499. Im really after a 5.56 ak though but maybe ill shoot it for a year and have it rebarreled with the akbuilder 5.56 barrel.

As far as the IO goes... hasnt atlantic been saying the new ones are actually of good quality hence them deciding to carry them as they previously refused to do? I thought it was IO, maybe not. But still i wouldnt wanna stick my neck out for them until the issues habe been thoroughly resolved threw thousands and thousands of rounds have been put through hundreds of their rifles without issue (excluding normal issues that is). Also i think with wasrs at the price they are, and the quality that they are, it really wont matter what IO does, most will continue to stay away.

[SIGman Freud]

So, has anyone recently purchased these formerly - Waffen Works-now-DDI AK 74's? How do they compare with the poor performing guns of the not-too-distant past? I read from some that the older Waffen Works units have pretty much dried up and what Classic is offering are the better DDI guns. Anyone confirm this?

These have still got to be better than the IO AKs, yes?

[peppermintman]

Yes. But all I hear about is building with NDS receivers? Maybe getting the correct barrel, parts kits? S..t I know theres some real almost real AK variants with the G2 and US made pistol grip and other stuff But for the money not a bad deal. When I see a member post a FEG receiver pic I smile. But in reality...I enjoy seeing the positive comments

[Steponmytoes]

someday there will be an american company that will produce a real AK - cheap, uber reliable and minute of human @ 100 yards... Someday but not today... Ive heard IO has gotten a lot better but they put out some terrible rifles in the beginning. hard to come back from that