I'm looking to buy an AK-47 for recreational use and I don't know which brand is the best. I want the classic wooden stock AK and I've found one by Century Arms but not sure if thats a good brand or not. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
Question about AK-47
- Thread starter Frenchie661
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Re: Question about AK-47
What's your budget? What are you going to do with it? Give us some more info so we can help you. What do you want besides a wood stocked ak?
What's your budget? What are you going to do with it? Give us some more info so we can help you. What do you want besides a wood stocked ak?
Re: Question about AK-47
1. The best would be a Finnish made one. It's several thousands of $$$ if you can find one. Next in line is true Soviet made and Israeli Galil.
2. Arsenal made AKs represent the best combination of price, quality, and accuracy. Around $1000
3. Then, simply to go BANG, any AK will do just that. Around $450.
Have fun.
1. The best would be a Finnish made one. It's several thousands of $$$ if you can find one. Next in line is true Soviet made and Israeli Galil.
2. Arsenal made AKs represent the best combination of price, quality, and accuracy. Around $1000
3. Then, simply to go BANG, any AK will do just that. Around $450.
Have fun.
Re: Question about AK-47
I'm just looking for recreational use. My budget I'd say is around a grand or so. Are those century arms ones any good tho? Can u send me a link to the Finnish made or soviet ones? I'm looking on gunsamerica.com
I'm just looking for recreational use. My budget I'd say is around a grand or so. Are those century arms ones any good tho? Can u send me a link to the Finnish made or soviet ones? I'm looking on gunsamerica.com
Re: Question about AK-47
Something like this should get the job done.
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct1027.aspx
Something like this should get the job done.
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct1027.aspx
Re: Question about AK-47
Personally I'd recommend anything Yugoslavian. Avoid Century like the plague.
Personally I'd recommend anything Yugoslavian. Avoid Century like the plague.
Re: Question about AK-47
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dsparil</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Personally I'd recommend anything Yugoslavian. Avoid Century like the plague. </div></div>this statement is a understatement over the monkeys at Century !!their made or moded ''weapons''are fit better for the cash for clunkers then the cars etc turned in .....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dsparil</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Personally I'd recommend anything Yugoslavian. Avoid Century like the plague. </div></div>this statement is a understatement over the monkeys at Century !!their made or moded ''weapons''are fit better for the cash for clunkers then the cars etc turned in .....
Re: Question about AK-47
The best AK and the best AK with classic wooden stock are definitely two different things. Many of the AKs recommended to you in this thread are good AKs, but not what you asked for (classic style with wooden stock). Galils and Valmets in particular look quite different. Personally I've never seen a Soviet AK in the USA.
I've owned many semi AKs. (I assume you are talking about semi-auto AKs.)
The best classic wooden stock AK I've seen is the Arsenal model SA M-7 Classic. Unfortunately the wood furniture almost looks "too good" or maybe too blonde colored. Second best (but even more authentic looking in my opinion) is a preban Norinco model AK-47S. Chinese stuff however hasn't been imported in a long time, so they are hard to come by in excellent condition. That Norinco looks exactly like you would expect a classic AK to look and it's a bonus the model number is "AK-47S".
The best AK and the best AK with classic wooden stock are definitely two different things. Many of the AKs recommended to you in this thread are good AKs, but not what you asked for (classic style with wooden stock). Galils and Valmets in particular look quite different. Personally I've never seen a Soviet AK in the USA.
I've owned many semi AKs. (I assume you are talking about semi-auto AKs.)
The best classic wooden stock AK I've seen is the Arsenal model SA M-7 Classic. Unfortunately the wood furniture almost looks "too good" or maybe too blonde colored. Second best (but even more authentic looking in my opinion) is a preban Norinco model AK-47S. Chinese stuff however hasn't been imported in a long time, so they are hard to come by in excellent condition. That Norinco looks exactly like you would expect a classic AK to look and it's a bonus the model number is "AK-47S".
Re: Question about AK-47
You want something that'll go bang go with century arms (at the same time there is a real lack in quality control that I've seen). You want are higher end AK look at Arsenal Inc.
You want something that'll go bang go with century arms (at the same time there is a real lack in quality control that I've seen). You want are higher end AK look at Arsenal Inc.
Re: Question about AK-47
Arsenal Inc! I have an old Centure SAR-1 that barely gets beachball sized groups at 100yds, where the Arsenal Milled I have does around 4-5moa with Wolf ammo.
Interestingly, my 2 Draco pistols, Draco-C and the Mini-Draco both shoot WAY better than my old SAR-1. I can easily hit a 12" steel plate at 100yds with them. I think maybe re-crowning my SAR-1 might help... I dunno.
Arsenal Inc! I have an old Centure SAR-1 that barely gets beachball sized groups at 100yds, where the Arsenal Milled I have does around 4-5moa with Wolf ammo.
Interestingly, my 2 Draco pistols, Draco-C and the Mini-Draco both shoot WAY better than my old SAR-1. I can easily hit a 12" steel plate at 100yds with them. I think maybe re-crowning my SAR-1 might help... I dunno.
Re: Question about AK-47
I have had the exact same problem with Century. My AK from them works fine and has average accuracy for an AK. I bought one of their Golani Sporters (Galil) and I can't run more then 4-5 rounds with out it having a double feed (I've run 5 different mags through it never fully loading them up).
I have had the exact same problem with Century. My AK from them works fine and has average accuracy for an AK. I bought one of their Golani Sporters (Galil) and I can't run more then 4-5 rounds with out it having a double feed (I've run 5 different mags through it never fully loading them up).
Re: Question about AK-47
I guess that I happen to be the exception to the so called "rule" where CAI is concerned. I have owned 3 different AK's. and the most reliable, most accurate, most cost friendly, and most fun gun to own and shoot was my WASR-10, modified for the 30 rounders.
I of course, changed out the trigger group, and changed from the wood stock to the K-VAR OD Green NATO length set. I absolutely hate the fact that I had to sell it, and I will be getting another one again... you can bank on it!!
DK
I guess that I happen to be the exception to the so called "rule" where CAI is concerned. I have owned 3 different AK's. and the most reliable, most accurate, most cost friendly, and most fun gun to own and shoot was my WASR-10, modified for the 30 rounders.
I of course, changed out the trigger group, and changed from the wood stock to the K-VAR OD Green NATO length set. I absolutely hate the fact that I had to sell it, and I will be getting another one again... you can bank on it!!
DK
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Re: Question about AK-47
Not saying that Century Arms doesn't have their issues, but they have always taken care of any problems I've ever had. I sold a WASR-10 to a guy back in Feb, 2010. He puts the gun in his unheated garage, and doesn't touch it for 17 months. This Fall, (2011), he has his son come home for a visit, and they go out to shoot it. By now, it's got some surface rust on some areas, but more importantly, it won't feed the ammo from the right side of the magazine. I take the rifle back, clean it up, but it still produces the SAME issue for me: not feeding from the right side of the magazine. I called Century, and they had me ship the rifle back to them (thus far, I'm only out the shipping (around $20). It does take them about 5 weeks, but they send the rifle back with a very detailed page of the work they did to the rifle, and also noted the firing of 40 additional rounds through the gun. It's now totally reliable, both the client and I shot several mags through the gun, and it's great. Century charged me nothing for their work nor the shipping back. Yes, the gun should've worked to begin with, however, unlike A LOT of businesses nowadays, they fixed their product, and made both the client and me happy. The client was so happy that he bought 2 pistols from me. I feel he did so because of how well he felt the situation was handled, and it was Century who made it it right. I valued the guy's business, and wasn't relishing the idea of refunding back money on a rifle sold nearly 2 years prior, but I would have if Century didn't make good on the rifle; which they did. Just sayin' not all of Century's employees are 'monkeys', IMO.
Not saying that Century Arms doesn't have their issues, but they have always taken care of any problems I've ever had. I sold a WASR-10 to a guy back in Feb, 2010. He puts the gun in his unheated garage, and doesn't touch it for 17 months. This Fall, (2011), he has his son come home for a visit, and they go out to shoot it. By now, it's got some surface rust on some areas, but more importantly, it won't feed the ammo from the right side of the magazine. I take the rifle back, clean it up, but it still produces the SAME issue for me: not feeding from the right side of the magazine. I called Century, and they had me ship the rifle back to them (thus far, I'm only out the shipping (around $20). It does take them about 5 weeks, but they send the rifle back with a very detailed page of the work they did to the rifle, and also noted the firing of 40 additional rounds through the gun. It's now totally reliable, both the client and I shot several mags through the gun, and it's great. Century charged me nothing for their work nor the shipping back. Yes, the gun should've worked to begin with, however, unlike A LOT of businesses nowadays, they fixed their product, and made both the client and me happy. The client was so happy that he bought 2 pistols from me. I feel he did so because of how well he felt the situation was handled, and it was Century who made it it right. I valued the guy's business, and wasn't relishing the idea of refunding back money on a rifle sold nearly 2 years prior, but I would have if Century didn't make good on the rifle; which they did. Just sayin' not all of Century's employees are 'monkeys', IMO.
Re: Question about AK-47
I've actually thought about getting a nice Barrel group from KVAR and having it swapped out on my SAR-1. Of course I'd like to have it done by someone that isn't just a dremel gunsmith.
Maybe then the thing will group worth a damn.
I've actually thought about getting a nice Barrel group from KVAR and having it swapped out on my SAR-1. Of course I'd like to have it done by someone that isn't just a dremel gunsmith.
Maybe then the thing will group worth a damn.
Re: Question about AK-47
Anyone know how the quality is on the Inter ordnance rifles, such as this one?
http://www.ioinc.us/our-products?page=sh...p;category_id=1
Anyone know how the quality is on the Inter ordnance rifles, such as this one?
http://www.ioinc.us/our-products?page=sh...p;category_id=1
Re: Question about AK-47
I have had plenty of Century AKs over the years, and haven't had any problems with them. Well my first one back in 2000 or so had trigger slap, but that was the fault of the crappy American made trigger, not anything the Cugir arsenal or Century did.
I have heard some reports of Centurys having canted front sights -- some people like to actually see the rifle before they order, or pay a hand-select fee for a known good one -- however, I have just plain mail-ordered 3 of the things, and they have all been good to go. All have been supremely reliable, and plenty accurate enough. My current WASR 10/63 holds under 4 MOA out to 400 yards with a Tech Sights rear sight on it. I sometimes shoot 25m Army Qualification Tests with it, and have banged out plenty of Expert scores.
One thing I would caution you about is to watch out for inferior American-made parts. By idiotic federal law, every rifle of this type has to have a certain number of American-made parts, but Generally the foreign GI parts are better quality -- especially when it comes to important things like the barrel and piston/bolt carrier group. The American barrels aren't even chrome lined, which has been part of the mil spec on AKs since the beginning, and is part of why they are so reliable, even with cruddy lacquered case ammo.
So I definitely prefer a true GI chrome lined barrel on mine. WASR 10/63s have them. Arsenals have them. Saigas have them. Other builds from Century and others may not though, so call and ask if you're not sure.
If I were wanting an AK in this market, I would probably get a Saiga and convert it back to AK furniture. The Saiga is as close to a true modern Russian factory AK as you can get, built in the same factory that currently makes them for the Russian military. They are cheap, as in under $350 or so, and then with a couple hundred in parts and some labor, you wind up with the same thing that you would pay Arsenal a grand for. If you do the conversion on it, you can put whatever type of furniture you want on it. For that I would look here http://www.ironwooddesigns.com/IWDHome.html and here http://akwood.com/
There are plenty of guides on how to do the conversion on the net, including youtube videos. Also like I said there are some ridiculous laws on how many American parts you are supposed to use when you convert it back to an evil baby killing assault weapon (18 USC Section 922(r) if you care), but you will learn all that in any conversion guide you find on the net.
I have had plenty of Century AKs over the years, and haven't had any problems with them. Well my first one back in 2000 or so had trigger slap, but that was the fault of the crappy American made trigger, not anything the Cugir arsenal or Century did.
I have heard some reports of Centurys having canted front sights -- some people like to actually see the rifle before they order, or pay a hand-select fee for a known good one -- however, I have just plain mail-ordered 3 of the things, and they have all been good to go. All have been supremely reliable, and plenty accurate enough. My current WASR 10/63 holds under 4 MOA out to 400 yards with a Tech Sights rear sight on it. I sometimes shoot 25m Army Qualification Tests with it, and have banged out plenty of Expert scores.
One thing I would caution you about is to watch out for inferior American-made parts. By idiotic federal law, every rifle of this type has to have a certain number of American-made parts, but Generally the foreign GI parts are better quality -- especially when it comes to important things like the barrel and piston/bolt carrier group. The American barrels aren't even chrome lined, which has been part of the mil spec on AKs since the beginning, and is part of why they are so reliable, even with cruddy lacquered case ammo.
So I definitely prefer a true GI chrome lined barrel on mine. WASR 10/63s have them. Arsenals have them. Saigas have them. Other builds from Century and others may not though, so call and ask if you're not sure.
If I were wanting an AK in this market, I would probably get a Saiga and convert it back to AK furniture. The Saiga is as close to a true modern Russian factory AK as you can get, built in the same factory that currently makes them for the Russian military. They are cheap, as in under $350 or so, and then with a couple hundred in parts and some labor, you wind up with the same thing that you would pay Arsenal a grand for. If you do the conversion on it, you can put whatever type of furniture you want on it. For that I would look here http://www.ironwooddesigns.com/IWDHome.html and here http://akwood.com/
There are plenty of guides on how to do the conversion on the net, including youtube videos. Also like I said there are some ridiculous laws on how many American parts you are supposed to use when you convert it back to an evil baby killing assault weapon (18 USC Section 922(r) if you care), but you will learn all that in any conversion guide you find on the net.
Re: Question about AK-47
I had a Hungarian AK variant and it was exceptional. The fit and finish were bar none. Still, I find AKs second rate in terms of accuracy compared to the SKS.
I had a Hungarian AK variant and it was exceptional. The fit and finish were bar none. Still, I find AKs second rate in terms of accuracy compared to the SKS.
Re: Question about AK-47
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dsparil</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Personally I'd recommend anything Yugoslavian. Avoid Century like the plague. </div></div>
I have to agree.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dsparil</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Personally I'd recommend anything Yugoslavian. Avoid Century like the plague. </div></div>
I have to agree.
