AZEX built polish underfolder value?

[wolffie]

Not sure if this is the right place to ask. I’ve been searching for listings to get a ballpark price range…. I’ve got a chance to buy an AZEX arms built polish underfolder from a friend. Was probably built ~20 years ago. Looks beautiful. But I’m not an AK expert…. And he said to make an offer…. prices are crazy…. And I don’t know many details…

What’s a ballpark value?

[Bret]

It's a parts kit build that was built by a manufacturer that's out of business. Parts kit builds are not worth the same as factory built rifles, even assuming they are built correctly. It's worth the sum of it's parts. There are only a few builders who's work commands a premium over the sum of the parts and AZEX isn't one of them. There are two very important questions you need to find the answers to. First, does it have a factory original barrel? Given its age it should, but you'll need to verify that by finding the markings on it. Second, who manufactured the receiver? There were very few good receivers made back then. AK receiver quality has come a long way since. There are decent odds that the receiver was only spot heat treated. Assuming that it has an original factory barrel, it's worth what a Polish underfolder parts kit with original factory barrel is worth. Here are a couple that have sold recently, the second being overpriced in my opinion:
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/919670025
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/923842563

Now here's the thing. You can get factory built new production AK's for the same or less. People once bought AK parts kits and built them because they were cheap. Those days are long gone. Parts kits (especially the ones with original barrels) are now bought by collectors who want to get as original as possible. If your goal is to get a good quality reliable AK, my suggestion would be to just by a new production factory built one. Here's another thing. Most people find that AK's with underfolding stocks are unpleasant to shoot. Unless you're the exception who happens to like them or you just like the look, buy an AK with a fixed or side folding stock. Finally, the AK market is slowing a bit. Unless something drastic happens, you don't need to worry about prices going up in the near future. In fact, the odds are that they'll go down a bit.

[wolffie]

Thanks. At the time AZEX was a fairly sought after builder. I know there are probably better options out there for a shooter. But I’m looking at this particular rifle. Years ago I bought it from a friend, not knowing much about it, shot it a bit and it sat in the safe. Sold it to another friend when I was learning my life lesson on 1099 tax preparations. And it’s sat ever since. I like the gun. But want to make a reasonable offer. Have read threads recently where people were recommended to snatch up azex built guns if they come across them as Derek was one of the first to really know what he was doing….

[SteyrAUG]

Derek was actually a pretty good builder when he was active. And I think he got out of it before the ATF barrel ban so most of his builds should be good to go.

[utahjeepr]

Can't help on price. What did $ you sell it to him for? Not that he should sell it back at that, it wasn't a pawn. Just saying if he got buddy price then... but all that is you two.

Derek knew his trade. Never owned one of his but I knew guys that did. Saw some pretty nice SBRs and S12s come outta AZEX.

[eodinert]

AZEX built good guns. If you buy it at a 'parts kit' price, you got a screaming deal. If you sell it at a 'parts kit' price, you got robbed.