My first AK

Kyohte · #1 09-16-11, 00:51

If you were looking for pictures here, then I apologize right now. It isn't that kind of thread.

I'm looking to buy my first AK pattern rifle. I'm trying not to spend a fortune on it, because I don't particularly love AKs, but I somehow feel incomplete without one. The requirements are simple: Reliable, reasonably accurate (3 MOA), not have been put together by drunken monkeys (no canted sights, bent tubes, or all that other garbage), and 7.62x39, not 5.56 or 5.45. As per the wife's rule, I can't go over $600.

I've looked at the M&M M10-762 that was configured by CO gun sales. I just can't see how anything on the rifle could be quality at the $500 price point.

I've also looked at Vector's AK line-up, no frills and such. I can't find much info about them other than that they're made relatively close by my current residence.

Any thoughts?

Peshawar · #2 09-16-11, 01:55

Are you handy with tools? If so, why not convert your own Saiga? That way, you could pick out a rifle that has no problems, then save money on the conversion. Even allows you to add to it later if you wish.

Atlantic is selling some basic-conversion Saigas for $589. Might not be a bad option, but I have no idea who did the conversion. Link

Jack-O · #3 09-16-11, 02:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyohte

As per the wife's rule, I can't go over $600.

Any thoughts?

Yep... Dont buy an AK.

As a neophyte it'll be a really difficult path to getting a reliable one worth having without the knowledge it takes to pick a good one from the pile of crap.

Next best bet is an Arsenal. they have some great specials thru KVAR right now and it be worth spending a hundred extra bucks.

another option is to buy a Saiga or WASR and send it to rifle dynamics to get tuned up and fight ready. at least that way you could split up the costs for Wifey.

rathos · #4 09-16-11, 05:10

I was told if you are going to buy one get it from Henderson Defense. While most of them are century, Henderson goes through them and certifies their rifles.

http://www.hendersondefense.com/store/pc/home.asp

RUSKI · #5 09-16-11, 05:50

You cant go wrong with a Saiga! Uber reliable, and you can always find a shop to do a conversion if you dont want to do it yourself. I loved mine and plan on getting an Arsenal converted 5.45 version soon. Arsenal does a fantastic job with their Saigas, that is if you dont mind saving a couple hundred extra before you buy. My Saiga was a plain Jane 7.62x39 and ran like a dream with any ammo. I regret selling her.

Kyohte · #6 09-16-11, 10:19

I forgot to add that when I moved, I left all my tools at home. Had I hadn't moved, I could convert one easily. That isn't an option now. I have looked for a shop to do the conversion locally, and found nothing.

96 SS · #7 09-16-11, 10:53

If you are willing to buy a good rifle that you could later SBR etc look at a Draco. 7.62 in a carbine (~12") platform, that later on you can SBR etc. They are great guns at a cheap price.

Alternatively cruise the used sections on some forums and try to pick up used guns etc. Those should be under $500 and be good bang sticks.

zacbol · #8 09-16-11, 11:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyohte

If you were looking for pictures here, then I apologize right now. It isn't that kind of thread.

I'm looking to buy my first AK pattern rifle. I'm trying not to spend a fortune on it, because I don't particularly love AKs, but I somehow feel incomplete without one. The requirements are simple: Reliable, reasonably accurate (3 MOA), not have been put together by drunken monkeys (no canted sights, bent tubes, or all that other garbage), and 7.62x39, not 5.56 or 5.45. As per the wife's rule, I can't go over $600.

I've looked at the M&M M10-762 that was configured by CO gun sales. I just can't see how anything on the rifle could be quality at the $500 price point.

I've also looked at Vector's AK line-up, no frills and such. I can't find much info about them other than that they're made relatively close by my current residence.

Any thoughts?

This thread basically was the same question and has a lot of good info in it that will be of use (and is where the Henderson certified guns came up as a decent option)
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=85508

Peshawar · #9 09-16-11, 11:37

The Century builds are certainly an option to consider. Not all of them have chrome-lined barrels though, which can be very important depending on what ammo you decide to shoot, and then how you clean it. Corrosive ammo will chew up the insides of a non-chrome lined barrel quickly if you don't take good care of the gun.

If I was you, I'd get the Saiga, shoot it a bunch in it's sporting config, and just wait until you have a buddy that let's you trade a case of beer for some garage time. Or, buy used as suggested. Lots of people dumping stuff to keep the lights on. Sucks. But, makes for good deals on the board.

Good luck,
-P.

TOrrock · #10 09-16-11, 20:10

In the price range you listed, the only one I'd recommend is the Century WASR 10/63.

These are built using decommissioned Romanian State Militia rifles (parts kits) onto new US specific Romanian receivers that only accept a 10 rd. single stack mag in order to be importable into the US.

Once here, the Century guys open up the mag well to accept standard magazines, and replace some parts in order to make it a US manufactured rifle, legally speaking.

They can be hit and miss. Typically, if you buy from someone like Henderson or Atlantic Firearms, if something is really out of spec, then they'll make you right.

AK's with original military barrels aren't cheap anymore, and you don't want the US commercial barreled AK's.

The Cat · #11 09-16-11, 20:43

The Templar speaks (types) the truth.

Kyohte · #12 09-16-11, 20:55

Thanks for all the info.

I went with a Saiga from Atlantic Firearms. It was converted specifically for Atlantic Firearms by a local gunsmith (presumably in MD).

Hopefully, it will be here in a week or two.

So I lied. I had a Saiga years ago (unconverted .308 win version). It was great, but I needed money, so I sold it to a friend.