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I am interested in purchasing a new or used AK. What are the pros and cons of purchasing a pre-ban style weapon or a new inexpensive reproduction? I see some for $400-600 or then some much more expensive. If I just want to plink or target shoot with it would one of the cheaper rifles do just fine or are they junk and not worth the metal they are made from? Any advice, opinion, or personal experience would be greatly appreciated.

The more expensive ones are made with much finer details then the GP Wasr rifles per say. They all really shoot 3-5 inch groups but the nicer ones just feel better. Then you have the Saiga and the Vepr rifles. The Saiga comes imported as a "hunting rifle and all you have to do is convert it back to the AK. It has a RPK type trunnion and a heavier profile barrel and the common groups on these are 2-3 inch groups. The Vepr's are the $1200 dollar AK's and are built on the RPK reciever. They have the enlarged trunnion and are usually 1-3 moa, but very expensive. If you want an ak to brush hunt with or just a throw around gun. The Wasr is great (doesnt have dimples) but the old ak's didnt either. Just Depends on what you really want to do with it because they are very addictive and itll leave you wanting more out of them. I just finished converting a Saiga in 7.62x39 and it is listed as 41mm or 1.5 inch groups. Itll come with a book that has a test page telling you all the info using a group from 4 shots. Im guessing from mil surplus ammo. Oh and The Saiga runs around $300 bucks for one. Itll hang with the Vepr If you have more questions on it just PM me and Ill be glad to help ya.

I would suggest getting the ones that take the double stack mags. If you get a used one check that the front sight isn't canted. I like 'em cause they run & run & run.......

I really just want a decent looking plinker. I'm not too concerned with pin point accuracy cause the rifle is a better shot that I am anyway. Do you have wear or malfunction issues with the less expensive rifles or are they all unstoppable? At a gun show what would I expect to pay for a mid-priced AK? I don't want to spend $1000 but I'm not against $500-600.

If your just going for the (decent looking) plinker then spend the few extra dollars and go with a bulgarian or something of the sort with dimples. The Wasr will work and the parts are pretty much the same, just it comes with unfinished wood and the finish on it is decent. Check the first sight and make sure its straight youll know when you see it. They will run in the $400 range. Like the other guy said itll run run run... no matter what ak you get. I will take the Wasr over the other aks bc it is one that I can get dirty and it wont matter. For a mid priced Ak youll look to spend around $650 for one. Just remember though they all do the same pretty much.

Get a WASR

I know I can hit a pie plate with almost all rounds at 100 yards with my WASR and it keeps eating ammo, yah the scope is like lipstick on a pig...but it helps a little



Nobody caught my blaring typo mistake??

What are the dimples you speak of and why do I want them? Is the WASR the brand or the style of manufacturing? Sorry to be such a noob, but I feel that I get honest replies on this board and not a "cause thats what I've been doing for 20 years" kind of answers.

The dimples are the dimples on the side of the reciever right above where the mag inserts. The Wasr doesnt have it, but if you look at most AK's you will see it


The milled receiver looks like this

The Stamped receiver looks like this
On the stamped receiver right above the magazine on the reciever there is an idention there to keep the mag from wobbling side to side and making noise. The milled just has a long dimple cut out from the block of steel

The wasr has the magwell opened up from the original single stack magazines so they never used dimples and there is a bit of magazine slop to them but wont affect the gun in any way. Look at warhawks and youll notice the difference. The Wasr is a great ak though!

Okay I know I will be the outside opinion here, but the WASR is a hit or miss. If its a hit, then its a hit.....but if its a miss, you usually miss big time. I feel like I can speak on them having been through 2 now. The first one was a nightmare. Trigger slap, canted front sight, and tight mag fit all on the same rifle. I spent $300 on the rifle, and then 150 fixing it. But I still was not happy with it. Sold it and got another WASR after I knew about the common problems. This was a great rifle and even had the G2 trigger when they weren't standard. Now that I have a Romy G custom build though, you notice the small things that add up to make it a whole new level of rifle. Price is always an issue as they keep getting more and more expensive, but I would say spend a little more on a good build from Lancaster or Saiga conversion. The only other type I have personally fired was a Bulgarian stamped receiver and I can say it is worth every penny at around $600. I think it better to get more polished AK than risk any money on a WASR because the people at Century putting those things together literally get paid 8.50 an hour. If I can find the ad again I will post

I have a very gently used Beretta CX4 in 9mm I think I am going to try and trade for an Ak at the gun show at Reliant coming up. Would I be able to trade and get a good example plus and extra mag or two, or end up trading and still paying cash? If I would have to come up with cash I would just buy one outright and keep my CX4. Also are the Ak's particular about the type or quality of ammo you feed it?

The Ak will eat anything you feed into it in that chambering. It is a little hard on the brass if you reload which I dont bc of the prices of 7.62x39. Even with dirt in the chamber it still has plenty enough room to feed the rounds of all variances. I noticed that handguns sell faster than rifles or shotguns of any type. If I were you Id hang onto any handguns you have bc youll sell it fast but might take a loss on it even if it is fairly new. If I were you Id suggest either a saiga or a Bulgarian. If you get a wasr just inspect everything(rough edges) (straight sights)(mag wobble)you can get a new one fairly cheap but itll leave you wanting a "real ak" clone. AIRSHOW THIS WEEKEND WHO IS GOING??? ILL BE THERE

xpur3l0g1cx wrote:The Ak will eat anything you feed into it in that chambering. It is a little hard on the brass if you reload which I dont bc of the prices of 7.62x39. Even with dirt in the chamber it still has plenty enough room to feed the rounds of all variances. I noticed that handguns sell faster than rifles or shotguns of any type. If I were you Id hang onto any handguns you have bc youll sell it fast but might take a loss on it even if it is fairly new. If I were you Id suggest either a saiga or a Bulgarian. If you get a wasr just inspect everything(rough edges) (straight sights)(mag wobble)you can get a new one fairly cheap but itll leave you wanting a "real ak" clone. AIRSHOW THIS WEEKEND WHO IS GOING??? ILL BE THERE

AKs are hungry beast! They eat it all...I have yet to run into a picky ak!

RECIT wrote:I have a very gently used Beretta CX4 in 9mm I think I am going to try and trade for an Ak at the gun show at Reliant coming up. Would I be able to trade and get a good example plus and extra mag or two, or end up trading and still paying cash? If I would have to come up with cash I would just buy one outright and keep my CX4. Also are the Ak's particular about the type or quality of ammo you feed it?

I would not trade your CX4. I have one in .45, and I love it. In my opinion, unless you find an exceptional AK, you would be getting a bad deal. Reliable WASRs can be had for under 400 bucks. Go to http://www.centerfiresystems.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and check out the deals. you can have it shipped to a FFL who will do the transfer in most cases for around $25. I got a real nice WASR at Elite in Texas City for $450. Centerfire has some for around 350. Like everyone else says check that the front sight isnt canted, and the magazine doesnt have too much slop, and you will be fine. Mine has very little magazine slop and shoots around a 2" group consistantly with Wolf Classic. An added benefit is the stock is bare wood, so with some sanding you can stain and polish it to make it a little more 'lady like'

Keep your Beretta, and buy an AK. Youll be glad you did. They are fun shooters.

I think I am going to keep my CX4 and like you said get an Ak. I have seen the WASR's from 299-599 depending on who is selling them. I really think I would be happy with a WASR cause its going to be a better shot than I am anyway. Everyone says it will leave me wanting a "real" Ak. Does the fit and finish leave more to be desired? Or is it the way it shoots? I know I need to just go and handle one and see what I like, but with them all looking very similar I don't want to get ripped off.

RECIT wrote:I think I am going to keep my CX4 and like you said get an Ak. I have seen the WASR's from 299-599 depending on who is selling them. I really think I would be happy with a WASR cause its going to be a better shot than I am anyway. Everyone says it will leave me wanting a "real" Ak. Does the fit and finish leave more to be desired? Or is it the way it shoots? I know I need to just go and handle one and see what I like, but with them all looking very similar I don't want to get ripped off.

To me the fit in finish is so poor in some instances, it will affect the rifle more than you would be comfortable with. If you do decide on a WASR, I HIGHLY recommend that you personally check and handle the one you buy.