TGI AMD-65 first thoughts(pics inside)

Ok, another poster wanted me to do a review since I stated I was waiting on my new AMD to arrive. First off ill state I have other HD weapons this was more of a range toy. That out of the way, I placed an order through JG sales for a Hungarian AMD-65 last Thursday. It is supposed to be factory new built by FEG, which seems to be a decent company. It arrived at my shop today. I went there with my fingers crossed hoping that a 450 dollar AK variant wouldn't be an epic turd. This is what she looks like right out of the box. (sorry iphone pics, its all I have)
http://i49.tinypic.com/a1iefs.jpg

The paint finish is good enough as I plan on repainting it anyways. I think it is ugly but awesome at the same time. First I checked the sights...holy shit no cant. Plus 1 for me. Secondly the receiver is as tight as a gnats ass stretched across a bass drum. Not a hint of flex ANYWHERE. All the rivets are pressed in correctly and the muzzle devise is welded although shitily seems to hold very well.
http://i49.tinypic.com/se3t3n.jpg

I opened her up and everything seems new and all matching numbers. Also another win since the factory barrels are chrome lined. Also the ejector seems to be in spec and not deformed it also looks to cut through the bolt correctly. Sorry I couldnt really get a pic of that.
http://i46.tinypic.com/2mg9kq9.jpg

Another concern was the mag well. If I recall correctly these are built on a sa-2000m recievers which are originally single stack and cut to fit double stack mags. Overall I was quite impressed with the cut, it seems to be very well done and no burrs to be found. Also it locks up tight with the provided crapco mag yay:rolleyes:. No wiggle at all. Unfortunately I dont have any other mags to test this with as of right now.
http://i50.tinypic.com/1606ark.jpg

The action is nice and smooth and the G2 trigger is light and I have no real complaints. I hand cycled some silver bear soft points and they all fed. Figured this would be a decent test since SP ammo and AK's dont always get along. The wire stock is solid. The button is extremely hard to push in, but Id rather have that than a loose one. Also seen people bitch about not getting a cheek weld with it, all I have to say is that it is more of a jawbone weld and isnt as bad as other have stated. Over all cant wait to test fire this thing. The muzzle break is ridiculous and is supposedly a flame thrower. Here are a few more random pics I took. I add in that future mods will include new grip, rail ,sling and a light, but gotta test fire her first. Also this is my first real review with pics, dont be affraid to flame away I can use the critisism.:cool:
http://i45.tinypic.com/3022r8i.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/rbbql4.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/2dh681z.jpg

Congrats, It looks well worth 450 bucks to me.. I guess the range report will really tell.. Thank you for taking the time and posting this and taking pictures.. Very much appreciated, I'm trying to learn what i can about AK's right now. I'm going to check out jg sales.

Shit, I'd buy one if I had the money. Looks good to me!

Don't forget the range report when you get her out there for some real fun.

Will be doing a range report as soon as I can. Supporting 3 kids on unemployment and post 9-11 GI bill can be tough to get a good assortment of ammo and mags. Thanks for looking.

Looks like a great find! I hope everything else works out for ya.

Why are AMD-65s so popular? They seem to have a lot of undesirable features, such as a terrible wire stock, metal handguards, exposed gas tube, non-ergonomic foregrip, loud, permanent muzzle device. I've handled them before and can't see what the attraction is. Are they amazingly accurate? Soft shooters?

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Originally Posted by 1911-A1

Why are AMD-65s so popular? They seem to have a lot of undesirable features, such as a terrible wire stock, metal handguards, exposed gas tube, non-ergonomic foregrip, loud, permanent muzzle device. I've handled them before and can't see what the attraction is. Are they amazingly accurate? Soft shooters?

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AFAIK they are attractive because they are an AK that functions and is easily found for <$500.

I agree. They need a fair amount of work. I've yet to see a sub $1K AK that doesn't though...

Need a new brake(which for most means sending the rifle off to someone).
Need a new lower HG.
Needs an upper HG period.
Stock needs a riser.

If someone dropped on in my lap for $300 I'd happily play with it.