I neeeeeeed an AK type, need help!

[Click Boom]

Hey folks!

So I've decided that I cannot live any longer without an AK of some sort. I am looking for the most accurate configuration I can get. I am thinking about getting a Saiga and converting it over time (if I can find someone to mentor me through it a bit), or getting an already converted arsenal saiga, or a cheaper AK if anyone can point me in the direction of a good, currently offered model. I live in the North Lake Tahoe area, and there aren't many gun shops around here.... (well there are a TON in reno, but I have a CA driver's license...) If you know any good shops in Sac/Auburn/Roseville etc that sell these type of guns, or have fair transfer fees, please let me know as well. Or if you're selling one maybe we could work something out..... If you have a little knowledge or a lot, it's appreciated! Hey, maybe you'd want to do a conversion with me (if you can lead the way, haha!) I'm certainly willing to drive a little if you're down the hill, or whatnot.

I'm sure this question has been asked a million times, but I know about the evolving nature of AK availability/importation/quality, so I'm wondering what is best as of current times.. Thanks for any help in advance, and this looks like a great forum! I joined a little while ago and can't wait to get goin!

A little about me - My last two "shooting" purchases have been sweet air rifles, a diana 34 and a gamo bone collector.... i got them so I can shoot in the backyard or even in the house, but then I recently moved into a little duplex and don't have good shooting space, so if anyone in the area has a good property for plinking, and wants to check out some of these new air rifles (highly underrated devices IMO!!!), it would give me a good excuse to get out of the house and away from my old lady, haha! Ok... rambling a bit.... back to topic - I neeeeeeeeeeeeeed an AK. Help a fella out!

[RAMCHARGER]

SAIGA!

[Click Boom]

Also...

And actually, I've actually never even shot an AK variant.... I just know I neeeeeed one! I've got gunitis bad! If anyone in the Tahoe area wants to show me a thing or three, I'll return the favor somehow!

[Click Boom]

Also if anyone around here has a FFL license and could do a transfer, or if anyone knows of any good gun shops in the area (on down to sac).....

[deadcoyote]

The OPAP/NPAPs look good, but they don't have chrome lined bores. I've had a Mak-90, a Saiga, and just ordered an M92 pistol. chrome lined bore is great for cleaning, but I just shoot wally world cheap ammo, not corrosive. just something to consider.

[Click Boom]

Also am sorta considering going for a 5.45x39 model, depending on what kinda advice you good people throw my way!

Thanks again!

[Click Boom]

I've been leaning towards a chrome bbl because it contributes to the low-maintenance aspect of things.... but I read recently that non-chrome-lined bbls are more accurate. Any truth to that? Centerfire Systems has some nice Opap/Npaps, not sure how shipping to CA and getting a bullet button on one of them would work though... I feel like I've been researching this for a couple months but now have more questions than answers, haha! I guess that's the way any good hobby should be...

[mondongo]

Go to Solar Tactical in Livermore. A bit of a drive from your neck of the woods but they can get you a nice AK for a good price. Go 7.62 x 39!

[guitar-nut]

Non-chrome lined barrels are supposedly more accurate, but it probably won't be a noticeable difference in an AK pattern rifle. It's more of a concern for long range target shooters.

I greatly prefer chrome lined barrels, but it's probably not really necessary. Someone should come along soon and blast me for insisting on chrome lined barrels in my weapons.

If you can find a WASR at a good price point I would get that. I have a WASR and it functions just fine. I didn't get an AK for it to be a display piece.

[NOTABIKER]

AK

i am in the minority but their is nothing better than a good old plain correct AK 47. get one with nice wood and zero it in.

[Tacit Blue]

Buy a OPAP in person. Check everything out, sights, rear sight, magwell ( bring mags).

Non chrome lining isn't a big issue. It's actually cheaper to buy non corrosive ammo such as bimetal Wolf. That being said you cant use it at indoor ranges unless they allow it.

If you shoot surplus M67 Yugo ammo, yes than the clock starts to tick soon as you leave the range. The salts in those primers will eat away at your barrel.


Also, the Saiga conversion. Skip that, unless you convert a 545x39. 762x39 will not be worth it, your better off buying a SGL21 or 31 Arsenal. Your not saving much money anymore converting it yourself. The days of the $ 350 Saiga are gone!!! At $ 500 with DROS fees and tax, factor in parts your close to a SGL21 from Arsenal, by the time your done.

[nitrous_bob]

I greatly prefer chrome lined barrels, but it's probably not really necessary. Someone should come along soon and blast me for insisting on chrome lined barrels in my weapons.

anyone who would blast you for wanting chrome lined is either dumb, or was dumb before they were smart enuff to realize they wanted chrome. chrome helps keep the gun clean, as well as lengthen barrel life. i dont care to replace a barrels on my rifles...so i prefer a barrel that will last me forever. i shoot whatever i can buy, and the cheapest stuff is usually bimetal, very hard....and will wear non chrome barrels pretty fast compared to chrome

i am in the minority but their is nothing better than a good old plain correct AK 47. get one with nice wood and zero it in.

while this is true....a "plain correct AK47" is about $50,000 and im guessing virtually impossible to obtain in california

i agree with the OP's suggestion on a 5.45 AKM style rifle tho, thats the good ammo deal right now. russian surplus is about 18 cents per round DELIVERED

get a saiga sporter and convert it at your leisure, although your only saving $100 anymore, thats something to think about

my 7.62 option is ...as always.... a nice clean MAK90. deban it with a nice "ironwood" stock set. chinese AK's are by far some of the prettiest youll find, and also built like a tank

the bonus of chinese guns, is that even if they are post ban guns, they are simply neutered pre ban guns ...NOT surplus "parts" guns like WASR's and the like that were hacked up with dremels.

a rifle that was built 100% in a foreign military arsenal is the AK you want

not saying if you find a WASR for $350 NOT to buy it....but you wont so the point is moot

[vondong]

One of those waffen works milled jobs like mighty tempting to me...

[carlos4840]

I Love my wasr I've shot 2000+ rds already without a problem The only thing iv'e done Is adjusted the sights.Its spot on now.Like Mondongo said Try solar tactical in Livermore They have always been good to me They have everything for ak's also.Good luck

[AK Junkie]

nitrous, there is no such thing as a 5.45 AKM