I Have A Lot FEWER AKs, I Blame M4C...

**SteyrAUG** · 08-31-11, 23:34

So at one time I think I was up to 32 Kalshnikov variants. My goal was of course to be able to go through books like Grim Reaper and The AK47 Story and say "Have it, have it, have it..."

Then times got tough. Combination of the economy putting a crimp on my income, having bought more than a few things recently, a bunch of unexpected automotive repairs and some medical expenses meant it was time to thin the herd.

So I began to look at my AKs with a more critical eye. Those cool Yugo M70s now became a needlessly heavy AK that didn't have a chrome lined barrel. Those Romanian SARs were no longer a cool AKMS and AIMS variants were now just bottom grade AK rifles. That unique Polish Tantal was now just AK with a needlessly tight magazine well and a non factory US made barrel.

Anything that did not have a factory correct barrel got liquidated. Any US receiver gun that was NOT a Nodak receiver such as Vector, ORF, ITM, etc. all went on the pile to be sold. Any multiples of a less than desirable configuration like underfolders got thinned down to keeping only the most choice examples. I kept one Polytech underfolder and one Polish kit (original barrel) on a Nodak.

And because I had more than a few, I let some of my less favorite Polytechs go simply because of the prices they command.

So now I have a bunch of Arsenal SGL variants, my Bulgarian builds on Nodaks, Some Polys, my GSAD and a few things like that. Basically what I consider high quality grade AKs. I plan to add a few more SGL variants when I free up some cash. Long story short I have about half as many AKs as I once did. But I think I'm better for it as most of those low grade AKs really weren't all that collectible beyond being able to say you have a "kind of that variant."

What amazed me the most is how fast I was able to sell them off. Guns are gold and people buy cheap guns. The Tantals and M70s were the first to sell fast.

And now I have justification to rebuild my AK collection when I can get a handle on things. I think I'll just buy better AKs when I do. M4C has definitely made me view my collection with a slightly more critical eye.

**mr_smiles** · 08-31-11, 23:44

I have zero now

They're neat and all but I sold off most of my guns - just lost the need to have an armory. I sold off a bunch of Bulgarian part kits, way too cheap.

**Moose-Knuckle** · 09-01-11, 03:22

Great post Styer.

I have never been a collector as I purchase for shooting/self preservation. I still have more Kalashnikov varients than Stoners, the only two platforms I keep under 7.62x51 these days.

I only purchase Arsenal rifles anymore. The first varient I ever purchased was an SAR-1. It's my beater and currently fills the trunk gun niche in my POV.

**kaiservontexas** · 09-01-11, 09:15

I got rid of my only AK. I rather have the AR series of rifles. The collector in me switched to desiring the old war horses of the two wars. Not that the AK is a bad rifle. I am just not into the AK or SKS for that matter, and if it is just sitting there in my safe . . . it is just taking up space.

Now if I win the lotto maybe I will go back to wanting to own every type of firearm I can . . .

**docsherm** · 09-01-11, 11:00

Funny you should say that. I had several AK many years ago. When I really got into the M4 world I sold them all off. Just last year I ended up getting another AK (under-folder). I like that they are simple and do not need much added to them (new grip, PWS comp, BFG VCAS added to mine) It is a great SHTF rifle. Mags a not too much and you can get tons of ammo cheap. It is truly my Back up set up.

**GermanSynergy** · 09-01-11, 12:15

I blame M4C for me now owning a VZ-58 and Hungarian AKM, and soon to own SGL-31.

**Iraqgunz** · 09-01-11, 17:26

Steyr,

This one is for you. My latest patient.

Attachment 9559

**eternal24k** · 09-01-11, 17:41

what no pics???

I know exactly what you mean, especially about the cheap guns being gold. Selling a custom built or high end firearm is work (except for SA Pros, those things are crazy), but a Glock or lower end AK is like crack. I swear people would pay higher than MSRP if you asked, and for no real reason.