AK-type pros and cons?

[Solidc]

So let's say I'm in the Market for an AK-type rifle (havent decided 5.45 or 7.62, I also havent decided exactly what I want to end up with, I hope this thread will help me decide). I intend to get either a Saiga, or a WASR, Tantal or other inexpensive surplus version. The first thing I'm gonna do is send it off to a customizer to fix it up real purdy and take care of any functional deficiencies. My question is... What advice would you give someone in my situation? Are there any brands I should avoid at all costs? I dont mind getting a semi-crappy rifle if the customizer can handle the issues without doing too much damage to my bank account. Let's hear your thoughts, and let's keep it civil!

[smattenson]

Well if you planning already on sending it off I would ask why don't you just get it done right in the first place? How about picking up an arsenal? Ready to go from the start and works beautiful ( I love mine). Or picking up a wasr from henderson thats been checked over ( you can still send it out for the little things like rifle dynamics does). Or if you are mechanically inclined (or just want to do it) you could go to a build party that calguns has. As far as 7.62x39 vs 5.45? I would say the 7.62x39 since it is so plentiful all around, and it hits hard (also very fun to shoot ). I like the 5.45 myself and one day I might pick up an ak that fires it I dunno, but I like the fact that 7.62 is easy/ier to find. Most people will tell you if it's your first ak and most likely going to be your only for a while get the 7.62x39.

As far as avoiding brands you'll hear watch out with century (especially the 5.45 because of keyholing) they seem to have a bit of a problem putting things together if you get a bad day version. I have heard nothing but negatives about the casar brand (read avoid at all costs).

[Inquirer]

In ascending order of quality:
Henderson Certified AK47: $439
Saiga 7.62: $430 Conversion Kit: $140-$285
Arsenal SLG-21 (Remade from a Saiga): $800

I say "Remade from a Saiga" because Arsenals start life as Saigas but they do put a fair amount of work into converting them into Russian-approved AK-47s. It's not just a question of slapping on a trigger conversion and a stock and sending you on their way. If you're looking to make it your own (say, make a version of Travis Haley's Mag-K), you may be better served by building it from the ground up from your own Saiga. But if you want a real Russian AK, the closest you're gonna get is an Arsenal. You can read a full explanation of what they do to the standard Saigas they start with here. Many of the changes are cosmetic and for the sake of authenticity, but the quality of materials used and the knowledge that it was "done right" may be worth the peace of mind.

--Inq

[Solidc]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the advice. I've fired an sgl 21 before and am very impressed (except the finish, but that can be fixed pretty easily). I guess to clarify my question, can I put together a WASR or Tantal etc... from Century, and get it to Arsenal-level for a comparable cost? (Note: Just looked up Henderson) Ok, I like what they're sayin. At half the cost of Arsenal (for AK-74 anyway), How do they stack up? Can you make a silk purse out of a sows ear?

[smattenson]

I am not a big fan of the finish on my arsenal myself (I am going to duracoat it here shortly so not anything that bugs me that bad). I feel that if you are trying to reach the fit of the arsenal just get the arsenal . You could at the same time send off your century/wasr (or even a saiga to convert) to Jim Fuller and have him fix all the mistakes http://www.rifledynamics.com by the time you would be done with it you would spend a bit more over an arsenal with a premium upgrade but you would have an ak gone over by a great gunsmith.

[tacticalcity]

As an AR guy, you are probably going to have two complaints right off the bat. The first is that the magazine changes are considerably slower and awkward. The second is that they look and feel like something you made in metal shop class. They are basically a used surplus gun that was taken apart, then put together in shop class using an ordinary sheet of metal as the receiver. The fact that the safety intentional cuts a line into the finish when you move it surprised the heck out of me. Terrible design feature there.

I am not trying to talk you out of it. An AK is a nice addition to any collection. It just seems like you have your expectations on what you are going to get a little too high. An AK is a beater. Not a gun you send off to get made pretty. Because the finish will last two seconds. The first time you move the safety, you just jacked it up.

[MrPlink]

With small exceptions, such as I.O., an AK is an AK. Outside of that, you get variances in fit and finish, furniture, hardware etc etc etc

Function, precision, reliability won't vary much if at all from one similar model to the next.

[Solidc]

I am not a big fan of the finish on my arsenal myself (I am going to duracoat it here shortly so not anything that bugs me that bad). I feel that if you are trying to reach the fit of the arsenal just get the arsenal . You could at the same time send off your century/wasr (or even a saiga to convert) to Jim Fuller and have him fix all the mistakes http://www.rifledynamics.com by the time you would be done with it you would spend a bit more over an arsenal with a premium upgrade but you would have an ak gone over by a great gunsmith.

I'm just weighing the options, I'd get an Arsenal for sure if what I decide to get is anywhere in their ballpark, but I tend to like my stuff customized. This guys rifle looks pretty cool to me (that may be the goal of this purchase, to build something unique, and fun to shoot) http://www.ar15.com/mobile/topic.html?b=4&f=80&t=129865

[smattenson]

Hey tactical city, I agree with you on the fact that the mag changes are not ar'rific comparing, but even my magazine changes are not that slow, in fact if you watch anyone who is proficient with an ak they will surprise you. Ever watch Sonny Puzikas? Search up some of his videos if you haven't. Not trying to start a wee wee match at all man just don't like people giving the impression the AK is a bad design.

As far as the way the gun feels I have never thought it felt like a metal shop reject, and in fact my arsenal feels very well put together (could get a milled too). As far as the safety selector marking the finish I could care less honestly and most do not care either. I bought my ak with the intentions of being rough with it, and one day if the (no I am not starting a thread ) SHTF I am not worried about pampering my gun. Yes I treat my gun's well and clean them most likely a lot more than other ak users (read every time I shoot it). I mean I could go into the whole DI vs Piston thing and start making comment about how it's funny now they are making piston ar's but it's not my style. Besides I like both ( o yes thats right I like ar's too try not to faint people ).

As for nice looking ak's beauty is in the eye of the beholder I have seen some really sweet ak's with great finishes (fuller's comes to mind). Things like ceracoat,duracoat, and other great finishes will help with the scratches too . If the OP really has a problem with that.

[Solidc]

As an AR guy, you are probably going to have two complaints right off the bat. The first is that the magazine changes are considerably slower and awkward. The second is that they look and feel like something you made in metal shop class. They are basically a used surplus gun that was taken apart, then put together in shop class using an ordinary sheet of metal as the receiver. The fact that the safety intentional cuts a line into the finish when you move it surprised the heck out of me. Terrible design feature there.

I am not trying to talk you out of it. An AK is a nice addition to any collection. It just seems like you have your expectations on what you are going to get a little too high. An AK is a beater. Not a gun you send off to get made pretty. Because the finish will last two seconds. The first time you move the safety, you just jacked it up.

yeah, I bought a fancy AR, which scratched the itch for a fancy Combat AR. Next on the List is an Ithaca 37 (I'm ambi with guns) and then Something AK. i totally agree about the safety lever cutting into the finish, but I've just accepted that as a fact of life with AK's. I'm just as much of a collector as a shooter, so I'm gonna get an AK one way or another ( and a FAL and a Sig and etc...) I just wanna know where my money will be best spent. I must say, I'm surprised to get this much good advice! Where are the video gamers and airsoft guys to give their "expert" opinions?

[zfields]

In ascending order of quality:
Henderson Certified AK47: $439
Saiga 7.62: $430 Conversion Kit: $140-$285
Arsenal SLG-21 (Remade from a Saiga): $800

I say "Remade from a Saiga" because Arsenals start life as Saigas but they do put a fair amount of work into converting them into Russian-approved AK-47s. It's not just a question of slapping on a trigger conversion and a stock and sending you on their way. If you're looking to make it your own (say, make a version of Travis Haley's Mag-K), you may be better served by building it from the ground up from your own Saiga. But if you want a real Russian AK, the closest you're gonna get is an Arsenal. You can read a full explanation of what they do to the standard Saigas they start with here. Many of the changes are cosmetic and for the sake of authenticity, but the quality of materials used and the knowledge that it was "done right" may be worth the peace of mind.

--Inq

Im curious to what a "Russian approved" AK is.



OP: Get yourself a saiga, and go to town on it. They take nothing more then a pulse and a semi functioning brain to get built up to be a solid working, dependable rifle.

If your looking for a beauty queen, an AK is not for you.

[Solidc]

Im curious to what a "Russian approved" AK is.



OP: Get yourself a saiga, and go to town on it. They take nothing more then a pulse and a semi functioning brain to get built up to be a solid working, dependable rifle.

If your looking for a beauty queen, an AK is not for you.

My Barrett is the beauty queen in my collection, now I'm just looking for the biker chick with the big rack! Yeah, seems like starting with a Saiga is the way to go.

[zfields]

My Barrett is the beauty queen in my collection, now I'm just looking for the biker chick with the big rack! Yeah, seems like starting with a Saiga is the way to go.

100% agree.

Converting is easy, and fun. Im glad I just got out of CA, so I could loose my grip fin and add my forward stubby grip.

[zfields]

BTW do yourself a favor and deal with arms of america....saigas are 360, not that 430 BS.

http://armsofamerica.com/saigasemi-autorifles-2.aspx

[Jyruiz]

BTW do yourself a favor and deal with arms of america....saigas are 360, not that 430 BS.

http://armsofamerica.com/saigasemi-autorifles-2.aspx

Wow, good price.