AK-47 choices?

[JOLLYROGER]

I know its been talked about , but please bare with me..new to the ak47 world, and would like to purchase one..looking for opinions on types brands, no saiga....looking at wasr-10 or something like that..anyone have one,have something else, whats good?want that russian look with wood.

please chime in...

[luckystrike]

I like Arsenal, some people had their egos damaged and got butthurt when they told them "no we dont deal with ca" and therefore dont like them. The only place I would get a wasr is henderson defense because they inspect them prior to shipping, and if you want to waste alot of time to save money you could build one.

[CSACANNONEER]

I like Arsenal, some people had their egos damaged and got butthurt when they told them "no we dont deal with ca" and therefore dont like them. The only place I would get a wasr is henderson defense because they inspect them prior to shipping, and if you want to waste alot of time to save money you could build one.

Arsenal AKs are just Saigas and the OP has already stated that he does not want a Saiga.

WASRs are fine as long as you can look at them first. Stamped Arsenals are just converted Saigas. IOs, like the ones at Turner's and Big5 should be avoided like the plague. Personally, I'd just tell you to go find a used one at your local shop or build your own.

[JOLLYROGER]

ive heard people say building them is hard, special tools needed..is that true?

[pyro3k2]

WASR all the way then if saiga's are out of the question. But if you are planning on only buying one and being done with it then may I suggest a very nice one at a good price.
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct876.aspx If I could do it all over again, knowing then what I know now this would be my second AK....right after my WASR.

[kalieracer]

Overland makes a great rifle.. Or have them build you one with Bulgarian kit or Romy.. There are also lots of Bulgarian factory ones that are great and out in the wild for sale. What is wrong with a properly converted Saiga if it has a mil spec barrel on it? Siaga's are made in the same factory as all other AK's and if the conversion is good are just as good as any of the best factory AK rifles you will get anywhere. If you can find a Armory or Global Trades gun buy it...

Good Looking gun

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct655.aspx

[luckystrike]

Arsenal AKs are just Saigas and the OP has already stated that he does not want a Saiga.

WASRs are fine as long as you can look at them first. Stamped Arsenals are just converted Saigas. IOs, like the ones at Turner's and Big5 should be avoided like the plague. Personally, I'd just tell you to go find a used one at your local shop or build your own.

im guessing he was thinking about the sporter config saiga, but yes avoid CASARs from big 5 at all costs haha

[motorwerks]

From what I hear building isn't that hard, IF you have some sort of understanding of the tools going into it, and you can find a good build party. I'm getting ready to build one myself. It's just a matter of time.

[FiveSeven]

kalieracer I Agree. Saiga is the cheapest and best stamped AK anyone can get.
Some people complain about extra holes in the receiver, how difficult is to plug them? I don't see a single drawback.
Saiga, if converted properly have hold open bolt option, something a built AK won't have.
I don't care how long you been building AK's, you will never come close to quality of Saiga barrel and receiver.
My converted Saiga is excellent, better in fit and finish to any AK built by Century or other Manufactures I've seen in stores. I know it's not OP's cup of tea nor most who like AK's but it fits my needs just perfect.

The link you posted, IMHO it's overpriced for something you can do yourself in a few hours with no more than spending $260-70 more in parts.

[ZX-10R]

WASR...Just do a search here on WASRs and join an AK specific site for more unbiased info. This site is biased toward Saigas you will not see that kind of bias anywhere else.

if you know what to look for you will be fine...

AK pattern 2-5 inch groups and do not expect AR quality. 3 AK patterns currently 1 PSL and 2 WASRs...All group and shot accurately out to 250 yards except my stock WASR which I take only to 50 yrds...With red dot it groups.

[infernl]

ive heard people say building them is hard, special tools needed..is that true?

I'll let you know as soon as I get mine done!
(1979 Romanian G build)

[kalieracer]

kalieracer I Agree. Saiga is the cheapest and best stamped AK anyone can get.
Some people complain about extra holes in the receiver, how difficult is to plug them? I don't see a single drawback.
Saiga, if converted properly have hold open bolt option, something a built AK won't have.
I don't care how long you been building AK's, you will never come close to quality of Saiga barrel and receiver.

Agreed 100% with FiveSeven... Izhmash makes top rate rifles and parts.

I have rifles that were built on kits and factory rifles. The newest member in the AK family is AK-102. 5.56 Saiga with 1/7 twist barrel and all the correct AK-74 series parts. I would not think twice about getting one. I also own Factory built Bulgarian rifles so I can speak with some authority on those. As for the WSAR's they are fine too, if you get it from a good shop that checks them for defects, like sight cant and what not.

[venturasurf]

Building is fun and easy if you have the right tools and guidance. Get yourself a kit and go to a build party. All the tools and resources are there. Walk in with your kit, observe, ask questions, listen, get help and enjoy. You'll end up with a rifle that's better than what's available for retail these days... and you can say "I made this".

[CSACANNONEER]

The proper research before hand, buying the proper parts you'll need to finish and one long day at a biuld party is all that it should take to build your own completely finished AK with no serial number, no registration or paper trail at all. That's if you start with a matchin numbers parts kit with an original barrel. While attending a build party and completing a rifle is not really cheaper than buying a WASR, it's a hell of a lot more fun. BTW, I have built a few myself plus, I own 3 WASRs and one unconverted Saiga (with no plans to convert it).

[nicoroshi]

Building is fun and easy if you have the right tools and guidance. Get yourself a kit and go to a build party. All the tools and resources are there. Walk in with your kit, observe, ask questions, listen, get help and enjoy. You'll end up with a rifle that's better than what's available for retail these days... and you can say "I made this".

This^^^
It's amazing when you're building your own rifle over buying one that was mass produced the subtle differences in quality, and craftsmanship that can be achieved.
I have built a few myself, and would take any one of my builds up over something 'purchased' any day.
Why?
I know exactly how it was constructed.
I know exactly the time, and care with which it was built.
I know that every part was hand fitted with care for a flawless functioning, smooth cycling, trouble free rifle.
I know every part of that rifle as well as I know my own children. I am my own gunsmith, and warranty card (although I haven't had to fix one that I have built yet).
And finally I know that my legally constructed rifle(s) technically doesn't (/don't) exist as far as any paperwork is concerned.
I take pride in my builds, and their quality.
Do the factory workers who are turning out rifles as fast as they can say that?