Falling In Love with the AK, Losing that Loving Feeling for

**Hizzie** · 09-24-17, 05:37

Originally Posted by zecropper

Hopefully you got a better handgun too.

I like AKs. I probably won’t ever own one until I can find a quality one that isn’t ridiculously overpriced. For now though I’ll stick to my AR.

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Deals are out there. I just saw a very lightly used SAM7SF for $1k. You ca buy a brand new WASR for $540.

**Moose-Knuckle** · 09-24-17, 05:52

The AK is what really got me into EBRs in the first place.

I don't ever see myself not owning several. Even took the 5.45 dive before that got popular, but if I ever consolidate I'll stick with 7.62x39.

**pinzgauer** · 09-24-17, 07:07

I still get the AK urge after shooting friend's. But then I go to locate one and find: A) the good ones are stupid expensive and B) the affordable ones are extremely variable in quality with a ton of caveats and things to look for.

So I just buy some more Grendel steel case ammo and have the best of both worlds.

I'd still love to have one of known quality just for grins, but not at anything over $800.

**JoshNC** · 09-24-17, 08:32

I've said it before and I'll say it again. The SIG 551 and 553 are the BEST and most refined AK pattern firearms available. Costly for certain, but worth every penny. The rail models offer the best optic mounting. The diopter models offer best in class (of any military rifle) IMO iron sights. One can use the Swiss rock-in mags or buy the NATO/US Swiss lower to use AR15 mags.

IMG_4509.jpg

**JusticeM4** · 09-24-17, 17:32

Both are great rifles. I just don't see the huge advantage of an AK over an AR.

I've had multiple AK's in the past including an Arsenal 107FR, Saiga12, Saiga 5.45, WASR10, M92 pistol, and Draco Pistol. Currently only have an Saiga AK47 and sold all the other AK's.

You just can't build an AK as easily as an AR. AK47's are also overpriced now with all the import sanctions and drying up supply. Not worth it to get a bottom-end AK for $600 when you can build a decent AR for that price.

Instead, I built a 10.5" AR15 pistol in 7.62x39. Does the same thing as any AK47...

**SteyrAUG** · 09-24-17, 20:18

Originally Posted by JusticeM4

Both are great rifles. I just don't see the huge advantage of an AK over an AR.

There isn't one, they are just different. Now when you could buy an Egyptian Maadi for $250 or a Bulgarian SLR for $400 that might have been enough to make a difference, but in the days when a Arsenal SLR and a Colt 6920 essentially sell for the same price, only a "collector" is going to go with the AK.

During the days of $300-400 AKs I had over a couple dozen variants. I've got it down to less than half now. Chinese Polys still trip my trigger, but only when decent prices can be found which hasn't been for awhile.

**SteyrAUG** · 09-24-17, 20:19

Originally Posted by JoshNC

I've said it before and I'll say it again. The SIG 551 and 553 are the BEST and most refined AK pattern firearms available. Costly for certain, but worth every penny. The rail models offer the best optic mounting. The diopter models offer best in class (of any military rifle) IMO iron sights. One can use the Swiss rock-in mags or buy the NATO/US Swiss lower to use AR15 mags.

IMG_4509.jpg

I'd only add a Valmet in 7.62x39, but that is now a very "spendy" collectible.