The AK-47: The best process for manufacturing a receiver?

[CouchOperator]

So, as 2016 is drawing down and i have yet to own an AK pattern rifle, i will probably only be purchasing 1. Im not ecstatic about having another caliber to stock up on, magazines included. If i were to do it and make the dive into the AK world, I want a rifle that would make it worth it. Im unsure about the budget, however for the sake of this thread lets say ~$1,500~ tops for the physical rifle. Ammo and mags would be a seperate but similar initial budget.

Basic requirements:
7.62x39 only.
No magpul
I like cold hammer forged barrels in my AR's, so it would be desireable in an AK


My first question to start my search is:

Milled or stamped, and why. Detailed reasons not grounded in emotional attachment to your personally owned rifle are preferred.

Thank you for all feedback.

[Nguyen]

So, as 2016 is drawing down and i have yet to own an AK pattern rifle, i will probably only be purchasing 1. Im not ecstatic about having another caliber to stock up on, magazines included. If i were to do it and make the dive into the AK world, I want a rifle that would make it worth it. Im unsure about the budget, however for the sake of this thread lets say ~$1,500~ tops for the physical rifle. Ammo and mags would be a seperate but similar initial budget.

Basic requirements:
7.62x39 only.
No magpul
I like cold hammer forged barrels in my AR's, so it would be desireable in an AK


My first question to start my search is:

Milled or stamped?

Thank you for all feedback.

The reason why they have milled AK is because they havent perfected the stamping technology at the time. Thats why the modernized AKs are stamped rather than milled. Just a little history.

Now if i had to buy once cry once AK then it'll be a milled. But im going to tell you right now... an arsenal and a wasr are the same thing. What do i mean by that? They are both reliable, they both shoot just a well, and they are well built. Whoever tells you otherwise is lying and probably butthurt to hear the truth.



In other words, if you want extra money on the side for ammo and addons then go Wasr... if you have a lot of money to burn and dont give a darn then go arsenal. Youre paying for the "finish", which is technically crap and the QC.

Also, arsenal has a higher resale value.


Milled: Stronger but heavier
Stamped: Lighter

Milled vs stamp is like... forged lower vs billet lower.

[Stanze]

Sounds like you want a milled Arsenal AK.

Vepr AKs are not milled, however have thicker 1.5mm RPK receivers and trunnion; CHF barrels and are made in Russia for almost half the price of an Arsenal. Can't go wrong with a Russian factory made AK.

The Vepr AK in 7.62x39mm AK did very well in Iraqveteran8888's meltdown video.

https://youtu.be/EwSJiAwoMpY

That said, nothing wrong with a properly made stamped AKM receiver.

[safety-1st]

Since you have zero experience with the AK platform and you are pressed with time. I guess getting an arsenal works best for you since you already budgeted $1500. Seems like you are just looking for online support/convincing to pay such a step price.

Maybe you should take some time off the forums to think this through. You joined calguns in may , 4 months ago, average 6-7 posts a day and are reaching near 1000 posts! Lol take it easy man it's easy to be influenced here on calguns.

I only say this because it seems like your getting caught up in the arsenal hype here on calguns, it's just as hyped as the scar around here. Probably going to be your next purchase too lol

1500+tax+Dros, it's your call.

I would invest in AK receivers.

Goodluck !

[HibikiR]

If you wanted to switch out the furniture for something else like Combloc polymer to wood, or vice versa, then there's more support for stamped.

[Junkie]

Stamped is cheaper and lighter. Milled is a little stiffer and therefore a little more accurate given otherwise equal components.

I'd also consider a VZ58 if you want something AK-ish.

[steelholder]

not sure there's a difference in accuracy between milled and stamped at all.

[alarconedward83]

What about this? https://www.atlanticfirearms.com/com....html?Itemid=0

[ltong29]

At your price point, the Milled Arsenal SAM series would be the best option. The Arsenal Sam series has a Bulgarian made hammer forged and milled receiver, which is very nice. Stamped rifles do vary in manufacture. Most stamped rifles use 1mm flats which are bent into shape. However, some manufacturers, like Vepr, use 1.5mm flats which were used for the RPK. Milled rifles will be heavier since they worked on a solid piece of steel rather than bending sheet metal.

Milled rifles are going to be more expensive than stamped rifles. If you're going downed the milled route, get an Arsenal SAM7. If you're more interested in the stamped route, you can't go wrong with a WASR or a VEPR. Most stamped rifles are great out of the box, but I would avoid Century's RAS47 and any IO like the plague. Those rifles are terrible

[ltong29]

What about this? https://www.atlanticfirearms.com/com....html?Itemid=0

Lee Armory is a newer name in the AK world. They don't have a lot of products/reviews yet. That snake logo at the rear of the receiver near the stock is butt ugly imo

[gwgn02]

Vepr is the best value right now.

[geoint]

I want one of the kvar converted VEPRs coming out. Look fantastic and I can't wait to swap out the polymer furniture for gorgeous red wood

[geoint]

I wouldn't bother with an Arsenal stamped gun. Miller maybe but honestly if you're looking to spend that much just get a galil ace.

[CouchOperator]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I think i was misunderstood/unclear when i mentioned the budget. $1,500 was the most id probably spend, not a mandatory price. I will take everything into account and see if i want to make the dive. To be perfectly honest if it started to creep toward $1700-2,000 after taxes id rather just spend it on another AR and work on building a 100% clone of the primary

[vondong]

I paid $300 for my Arsenal 20 years ago, and it is one of the finest rifles I have ever had the pleasure to shoot. Very accurate, and I like having the milled receiver vs stamped. You won't be disappointed if you get one.