Choosing an AK

[RuckSack]

I'm trying to find an AK rifle and having a lot of issues. At first I was dead set on an AK-47 rather than the AK-74. At this point, I'd be happy with either. I've personally carried an AK-47 for about a month, but had to give it up to the "man". In short though, I fell in love with the platform.

I've done a ton of research and concluded that the AK-74 is what most countries have upgraded their militaries to, and this has really swayed me toward grabbing one versus a 47. I like to think that if "Charlie" was dispatched, I could grab his ammo and resupply myself.

My main problem other than finding a rifle has been finding good magazines for a decent price. Does anyone know where to grab any without melting my debit card? I'm mostly interested in Bulgarian or Russian mil-spec mags with the metal lug. Also, does anyone know how durable the bakelite mags are? It's hard for me to imagine they are as durable as the polymer mags with metal locking lugs. Any insight would be appreciated.

All the mil-surp distributors are fresh out of 74 mags as far as I know. Any ideas on when to expect more magazines in stock? Would it just be easier to snag a 47 and relieve myself of the headache involved with finding 74 mags? Problem here is that all the "decent" 7.62 rifles are either way out of league, or impossible to find in stock.

As far as the rifle goes, I'm very drawn to the Arsenal AK-74 that Atlantic is selling. Mostly because it's IN STOCK! I fear that it won't be for long though. If it disappears quickly, anyone know of a good fallback option for rifle or distributor?

 

[Travis S]

Re: Choosing an AK

The legion line is solid as well as arsenal.check our exchange as well as barfcom for far better deals than new.

 

[WadeP]

Re: Choosing an AK

The days of the cheap AK, cheap mags and cheap ammo are gone.
If you anticipate shooting through barriers, go with 762. Otherwise 545 does just about everything else better. I got six 545 mags from RCC last week and was happy to pay 35 each. Whatacountry and kvar also had them.

If Atlantic is out of the one you want, PM me. I can usually get arsenal SGLs or a saiga and convert it for you.

 

[KM375]

Re: Choosing an AK

Blackheart international,
krebs custom
US Palm Takedown AK coming soon.
Bravo 18 left hand charging handle

lots of options for AK's

 

[Zdeno]

Re: Choosing an AK

There's always the Century Arms route, if you really just want a cheap blaster AK.
My WASR does fine, people worry about them having cosmetic things wrong like a canted gas block or sights, all curable with just a little spare time and mechanics, or a rubber mallet.

I prefer 7.62 over 5.45, myself, but both have advantages over one another.
Range and accuracy for the 5.45, power and penetration for the 7.62.
Both readily available, and both excellent rounds.

Budsgunshop consistently has Arsenal's in stock, Atlantic is a bit sketchy on it.

Vector isn't bad, neither is an AMD65.

AMD's are around $500 right now, they're Hungarian and very well made.

VEPR's are excellent, too, and generally are in stock everywhere.

Then there's the Zastava PAP M70, built almost exactly like an M70AB2, new production, excellent rifle, sub-$700 range too.

Then there's the VZ58, an AK-looking rifle, same 7.62 round, different internals and system though, Czech made, excellent rifle.

There's a ton of options for AK's, Arsenal is not the be-all-end-all of the AK world anymore.

 

[RuckSack]

Re: Choosing an AK

Ok guys, thanks for everything so far. You've given me a lot to think about so far. My financial situation has changed suddenly, and has me waiting a few weeks, but in the meantime I'll be looking into all the suggestions.

Can anyone comment on the Bumpski stock by Fostech?

 

[cal50]

Re: Choosing an AK

I like the 5.45 but ammo availability was always a big question mark. I would stick with the 7.62. I have an Arsenal SAM-7 (milled receiver) and its top shelf for AK's. I also had a Polish under folder (fun as long as you don't want optics and an eventually wobbly stock), I also still have an AMD-65 I built on a 1.6MM laser cut receiver flat. It was a project......

The side folding stocks all have better lock-us. I added a side optic rail on my Arsenal with a Kobra red dot sight.

I have never had a bad AK mag. Chinese use to be cheap and I have a bunch and a 75 round drum. The Bulgarian waffle mags are nice if you can still find them (circle 10?) but are a little fatter than the steel ones.

 

[GRMGR1]

Re: Choosing an AK

You can't go wrong with anything made by Arsenal. I have 4 Arsenal rifles and wouldn't trade any of them for anything.

 

[RuckSack]

Re: Choosing an AK

I've been referred to a posting on another forum, and have made an attempt to contact the seller by PM for an SGL-21. It has a nice folding stock, and selling with 5 steel mags for $700. I'm about to piss my pants waiting on the guy to PM me back!

Anyone else think this is a good deal? Because I can't believe it…

 

[RuckSack]

Re: Choosing an AK

Well, I jumped on it…

http://www.warriortalk.com/showthread.php?98851-WTS-SGL-21-with-extras

…So much for waiting till payday. I just couldn't pass it up.
I have Wade to thank!

 

[GRMGR1]

Re: Choosing an AK

You did well dude. The last Arsenal rifle I bought was 800 dollars and I was happy to pay that for it. That rifle is a very good choice. The 7.62 caliber is currently easier to feed and the mags are much easier to find.

 

[RuckSack]

Re: Choosing an AK

Thanks man. I'm pretty proud of the deal I got. I don't have the rifle yet though. Last I heard it was leaving Las Vegas in route to Missoula MT. I'll be posting pics when I get it, and a range report as well.

 

[cramey74]

Re: Choosing an AK

Nice snag!!