What would one look for if they decided to buy an AK?

[CumbiaDude]

The main thing to avoid, still, are US made barrels.

+1. I got banned from a certain other forum for saying this, but it's still true.

Proper twist rate, chrome lining, gas port drilled into a groove... you'd be hard-pressed to get these from anywhere in the US.

[regal]

+1. I got banned from a certain other forum for saying this, but it's still true.

Proper twist rate, chrome lining, gas port drilled into a groove... you'd be hard-pressed to get these from anywhere in the US.

Its not just barrels, you want a comblock riveted heatreated reciever also. The USA barrels are a complete joke, even chrome lined they are basically black powder barrels machined to look like AK barrels.

Best bet is to look for/inspect an de-sporsterized import.

[96 SS]

If you get a reciever from a reputable source they are comparable with the com-block originals. One you should be able to trust 100% for function is Nodak.

[CumbiaDude]

Its not just barrels, you want a comblock riveted heatreated reciever also.

If you get a reciever from a reputable source they are comparable with the com-block originals. One you should be able to trust 100% for function is Nodak.

+1 to this. To my knowledge, Nodak has been one of the few cases of an American company doing it just as well as the original factories with fully heat treated receivers.

I know we can do the same for barrels. We just haven't had the will to do so. Perhaps eventually that will change, with the barrel ban. I would love to see a quality US barrel, hammer forged, chrome-lined, proper twist rate. I was just reading about the machinery and process... Ruger has the machines and has opened up to taking contracts from outside sources...

[96 SS]

Blue-Jack has made some Krink barrels that show promise. Of course with those we will have to wait some time to see how they last durability wise. But he has made them to correct specs and chromed - so at least that much is right.

[CumbiaDude]

Blue-Jack has made some Krink barrels that show promise. Of course with those we will have to wait some time to see how they last durability wise. But he has made them to correct specs and chromed - so at least that much is right.

Exactly. Huge step in the right direction.

[Wake27]

What about I.O.? I can't find anything on them here. And how common are good deals on Arsenals? There's an SAM7 for $950 right now and I don't want to miss out if that pretty solid.

[TOrrock]

I.O. (Inter Ordnance) AK's are absolutely craptastical.

Need more info on the M7, as there were/are several variations.

[Wake27]

I.O. (Inter Ordnance) AK's are absolutely craptastical.

Need more info on the M7, as there were/are several variations.

Glad I asked. The Arsenal is no longer listed from what I can see, it was on Gun Broker. I know they retail for just under $2,000 so that's why I was curious. Thanks though. I really want to get one, but not enough to spend that much so I'll just be keeping my eye out.

[Bowser]

Arsenal makes a SA-M7-32 which is a SA-M7 classic for California. I think I just found my next rifle. Thanks for all the information in this thread.