Colt of the AK world ?

[lwhennen]

I want to add a new long rifle to my growing collection. I am torn between getting a 870 express or going for an AK 47 style rifle. My question is what can $1000 out the door get me in the AK world. I would like something that is in terms of quality similar to a colt AR 15 in the AR world. Is this doable or should I just save my money and get an 870 ?

[pokeyman]

Get an AK and forget about getting a 870 express. You will have more fun shooting an AK than a shotgun.

[Intimid8tor]

I want to add a new long rifle to my growing collection. I am torn between getting a 870 express or going for an AK 47 style rifle. My question is what can $1000 out the door get me in the AK world. I would like something that is in terms of quality similar to a colt AR 15 in the AR world. Is this doable or should I just save my money and get an 870 ?

Colt? You mean an overpriced rifle that gives you the opportunity to get the same quality as other rifles with a special name and emblem?

[lwhennen]

No by Colt I mean a quality rifle. While I will admit there is certainly better bang for your buck elsewhere I don't think you can say anything negative about its quality or reputation.

[bigbully]

Arsenal SAM7 with milled receiver is considered high end but you won't get one for $1000 or less.

[Recon-01]

Get a Vepr.

[Beatone]

Arsenal SAM7. Runs smooth as glass.

[SJgunguy24]

Get a Vepr.

This, or an Arsenal SGL, or find a nice kit, barrel and matching reciever and have one built.
There are plenty of nice AK's out there, the main problem is your not able to puck it up and look it over. Next to the shop I used to work for(now closed), no shop had a decent selection of AK's in stock to look at.
At least if you buy an Arsenal, your getting a quality piece sight unseen. Also if you have one built, it'll be done by the standards of that builder, and their personal reputation is on the line and that tends to lend itself to higher standards as well.

[NorCalXJ]

Bulgarian and Russian are two of my favorite countries that produce finer kits. It really depends on who built the rifle when it comes to aks. Pick up an Arsenal with your budget.

[missiontrails]

So you want the "Colt" of the AK world? Go read my post here pertaining to your Colt assumption.. it's the last post in the thread.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=873057

[1CavScout]

I have an SGL and a SAM7, and both are great rifles. Can't go wrong with Arsenal.

[CK_32]

If you can find a WASR/M&M for around $600 to $650 you'll have $300 to spare for that 870.

But with today's market everyone wants way over MSRP so you'll need to shop around. But higher end AKs run about $950 to $1,300 depending on region, style and quality you choose.

[19K]

buy a saiga its a RUSSIAN AK rifle. 599 most places

[BigPun762]

Saiga. Russian all the way. Just like you want your AR15 to be American and not Chinese (even though Chinese AKs are good!).

[SanDiegoMan]

Biggest thing to remember about AK is to avoid IO/Royal Tiger at all cost. They have horrid quality control and often times release unreliable products. Arsenals or Veprs are good if you want to spend some money. Personally I think WASRs are fine. If you don't want a bullet button a nice cheap Saiga is ok too. Trigger pull isn't all that great on unconverted Saiga though.