Educate me about AK's?

[ashooter]

I'm not a huge fan of the AK series, having owned 3 in years past and not being overly impressed with reliability or ergonomics... BUT, after briefly discussing the possibility of hosting one of EAG's AK Operator's Courses, I'm thinking it might not be a bad idea to get up to speed at least to the point where I'm comfortable using one. After all it is probably the most prolific small arm on the planet - makes sense to be able to get the most out of it if that's what I happen to have in my hands for some reason.

I've read the "stickied" post here, but I am beginning to shop around and there are a LOT of variations out there, so I'm still not sure how to get the most bang for my buck. I'm not looking for a high-dollar custom AK with add-on sights, optics, rails, etc, but a plain-jane typical stamped receiver, fixed stock "beater" AK, while still being a decent quality weapon. What info sifting I've done has me leaning toward either a SAR-2 or Polish Tantal for a 5.45mm or a MAADI, SAR-1, or Yugo M70 for a 7.62mm. I'm leaning toward a 5.45 simply because I already have a few magazines lying here from the piece of junk kit built Bulgarian '74 I got rid of a couple of years ago, and 5.45 magazines seem to be in plentiful supply (at the moment).

DCI receivers are good, right? Ohio Ordnance, Hesse, Vector are junk? Any specific builders to seek out or avoid? Anything out there that's a screaming good deal right now? Again, I'm after an AK that's as close to a "stock" rifle as possible so I can learn how to deal with this system's idiosycracies and shortcomings.

[TOrrock]

Yes, NDS (DCI) receivers are outstanding. The Armory USA receivers are also very good. Those are the only two US manufactured stamped receivers I'd own.

If you're looking for a "stock" 7.62x39mm rifle, stick with a fixed stock weapon, the underfolders and side folders are very uncomfortable to shoot.

I'd avoid the Century WASR-10 series, which will be your cheapest route, unless you can physically examine the rifle for straight sights and mag fit.

If you can go up to around $600.00 or a little less, the Vector series of rifles would be my choice for an AKM.

You can get them in both wood or synthetic stocks.

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/prog...asp?Prodid=233

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/prog...d.asp?Prodid=9

The Century Arms Yugo builds have been getting a fairly decent rep, but again, unless buying from a known, trusted source (feel free to ask me if you find one online if they're known or trusted), it's best to hand pick them. Also, avoid the underfolder if you want to do a lot of shooting comfortably. The folders are great for getting in and out of a T-72, but they suck for shooting.

If you want a good 5.45mm rifle, try your best to find an Arsenal Inc. SLR-105A1. These are as close to a "real" AK-74 as is possible, and they are great quality. Since they haven't been imported in a little over a year, they're hard to come by.

You can buy a kit from Ohio Rapid Fire and a NDS receiver, then have someone build it for you.

The problem with the Tantals is that they are all kit builds, so quality is going to vary alot from builder to builder.

I'll poke around a little and see who will have some decent ones.

Atlantic Arms has a great rep and will stand behind anything they sell, so if it screws up they'll take care of you.

I don't have any first hand experience with these builds, but as I said, Atlantic will take care of you.

http://atlanticfirearms.com/programm...asp?Prodid=216

Hope that helps.

[ashooter]

Thanks Templar! I'll check out Atlantic. Also, I'm surprised to hear Vector is good to go. I thought I remembered somebody saying to avoid them - maybe they did a run built on Hesse receivers that were no-go???

[TOrrock]

No, Vectors have been good builds so far. They do use a variety of receivers, the "best" ones that they've used were the Armory USA.

Avoid Hesse/Vulcan. I think you might be thinking about hearing bad stuff from Vulcan.

I had one that I bought as a folder and replaced the folding stock with a fixed laminated wood stock, much mo' comfy.

Before:



After:

[ashooter]

Right - I was getting Vector and Vulcan mixed up. Thanks again for the info, Templar!

[Foxandreed]

I own a Vector underfolder and have had others at different times. I have had good luck with Armory everytime I've had one. I kept the Vector I have now as a truck gun to stow but the sidefolders are starting to look really good. Maybe I might have to trade around. I do admit that I am more partial to 7.62 x 39.