The AKM in 2017, what should I be looking at

[MountainRaven]

AKs are unlikely to come down in price: There are currently only two major importers and they will reduce supply to keep prices high, if they have to.

American-made quality AKs are unlikely to move prices down. Cheap, crappy American-made AKs could, maybe but one of the major US makes also imports, they have no reason to help the market move down.

Bottom-line: There's not a large enough supply of AKs to warrant a reduction in prices, even as the guys looking for cheap guns move from AKs to ARs.

[SteyrAUG]

In my experience WASRs can hang mag changes due to wonky conversion cuts and you'll probably want to swap out the z grade 922r parts if it isn't a Tapco G2 or similar.

If you want a side folder, you probably won't be happy with any add on for a standard buttstock. Buy a purpose built Bulgarian SF in your preferred caliber (I wouldn't recommend 5.56 for several reasons). The only other rifle that is as nice is a Polytech Red Folder but then you are paying collector prices. Get a side rail model while you are at it, even if you go with an alternate mounting option it's nice to have choices.

Agree with those who recommend buying a SAR rifle over the WASR and it's probably the best AK for the money, but IF you must have a folder you won't be happy with any of the options.

[Moose-Knuckle]

If I was just getting into the AK game and wanted a factory folder I'd get the Molot Vepr FM AK-47 ($1200) or the Arsenal SLR-107FR ($1000).

If standard stock, then the Molot VEPR FM AK47-11 ($999) or the Arsenal SLR-107R ($850).

If those are out of your price range then like others stated the SAR-1.

I like side folders and refuse to cut off tangs so I went with a Beryl side folder on my SAR-1. I would stay clear from any aftermarket side folding stocks with plastic hinge mechanisms.

[MegademiC]

I said aks are overpriced because they are cheap guns but currently cost more than an ar. I suggested an sar or wasr because they are(were, not anymore) the cheapest, but work well, the sar has the dimples which is nice. If you really want to just get famiar id buy the chrapest thing i could and look it over.

I don't know that prices will come down, but I suspect they will. I've been wrong before though. And it wasn't early 2000, they were that price around 2010.

Honestly, id be looking at used rifles, whatever is cheapest I could inspect.

[BlueCorn]

Always buy an imported AK. No American company can make one worth a damn. Sorry PSA, you're close but still no cigar. I've been shooting AKs since 1983 and have logged more rounds than most can imagine so I know a bit about them.

[RetroRevolver77]

Always buy an imported AK. No American company can make one worth a damn. Sorry PSA, you're close but still no cigar. I've been shooting AKs since 1983 and have logged more rounds than most can imagine so I know a bit about them.

I second that opinion. The only exception would be ones built by reputable gunsmiths using original imported barrels and kits.

[Hizzie]

The WASR would serve you just fine. The Arsenal SLR107R is a great bargain. The SAM7 is gloriously smooth but heavy. There are several durable folding stocks available that bolt up to a fixed stock trunion. Rommy/East German/Polish Tantal/Polish Beryl stocks are available. CNC Warrior makes several stocks in left or right side folding as well as NATO or Warsaw lengths. CNC Warrior also has buffer tube style folders for running AR stocks - a better option than the Zhukov IMHO.

Romanian M10-762. MOE stock on CNC Warrior right side folding buffer tube. Magpul SL grip and AKM handguards.


A Century RH10 will get you close. Swap the rear sight for a standard one or Krebs and ditch the Zhukov.

The Magpul AKM HG needs just a little dremel-fu around the front to relieve for the front sling loop.

[w3453l]

I would highly recommend a Hungarian SA-85m.

Don't be discouraged by the thumb hole stock. To bring it back to 100% natural configuration all you need to do is drop in a stock, pistol grip, and thread the barrel. No bullet guide installation, no having to move the trigger group forward, no stock tang to mount, &c.

The one downside is that you will not have a bayonet lug if that's a problem to you, but it doesn't sound like you are looking for a correct clone or anything. You could always have the front sight post replaced; this is something you would have to do with many other AK's as well.

The last time I looked, you could still find NIB SA-85m's for more or less $800. It's one of the closest you can get to a real European manufactured AKM.

[Moose-Knuckle]

Honestly, id be looking at used rifles, whatever is cheapest I could inspect.

I've posted the interview before, but Jim Fuller said the best bang for the buck in the AK world is a used CHICOM AK. They were all made in state arsenals and are about as MILSPEC as you can get.

Buyer should research them to death before buying one and as stated above inspect them.

[RetroRevolver77]

I've posted the interview before, but Jim Fuller said the best bang for the buck in the AK world is a used CHICOM AK. They were all made in state arsenals and are about as MILSPEC as you can get.

Buyer should research them to death before buying one and as stated above inspect them.

All AK's that are imported are made at state Arsenal's using the same hammer forged barrels. I've owned Chinese, Yugo, Bulgarian, Russian, Romanian, Egyptian, and Hungarian AK's. Currently I just have Bulgarian, Russian, Hungarian, and Romanian guns- which I feel are the best of the imports to own overall. I've owned both milled and stamped guns over the years but now only own one RPK variant with a milled receiver, primarily because milled guns are just to heavy and are pushing .308 rifle weights. I currently have AK's in 5.56, 5.45, and 7.62x39.

If I could only own one rifle the rest of my life- it would be an unbanned 7.62x39 Romanian SAR 1, outfitted with the Romanian wire folding stock, a railed handguard, and RS regulate mount with some type of optic. Unlike the Russian/Bulgarian guns, the Romanians got the folding stock with rail system correct- it folds to the right and allows you to keep your optics in place for storage.


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