AKs

[Willtallica]

Just like to know what's the cheapest, but great quality for an AK out there?

Also are build kits worth the effort, price, and I guess gun smithing if there's any needed?

[Furious Styles]

Originally Posted by Willtallica

Just like to know what's the cheapest, but great quality for an AK out there?

Also are build kits worth the effort, price, and I guess gun smithing if there's any needed?

You get what you pay for, but AKs tend to work reliably, even if they are butt-ugly examples. If you aren't at least a semi-skilled machinist with access to a shop, I would suggest forgetting about the kit-building.

Saigas are available and relatively cheap, but don't work with standard AK (read: 10+ rounds, double stack) magazines, which means either knowing what you're doing to alter then so they do, or paying someone to fix it. This guy does elegant conversions, but you pay, and pay, and pay: http://www.tromix.com/saiga-rifles.htm

It's better to spend a bit and get something that doesn't require fussing about to make it what you want it to be. I saw Yugoslavian M70 underfolder AKs at the Valley Forge gunshow for $449, which ain't bad, even after tax and PICS.

Like this: http://www.centerfiresystems.com/ind...PROD&ProdID=61

$419 here: http://www.classicarms.us/

Good info here, in general:

http://ar15.com/forums/board.html?b=4

[DPB]

The cheapest that are readily available are frequently the Romanian guns, but you want to check the rifle out before you buy it. There have been a number that were imported with canted front sight bases.

The better but still affordable guns, in my opinion, are some of the American reciever guns. I have a Vector that has been excellent (www.vectorarms.com). Theirs are US built recievers and Polish or Hungarian parts. The advantage of a US assembled gun is that they generally come with a warranty. Vectors solid stocks and side folders are still running around $500 before shipping and transfer fees.

If you are planning on doing a lot of shooting, I would stay away from the foldng stocks. Your cheek weld involves putting your face down on a steel rod, which, at least for me, quickly becomes uncomfortable. The full stock tends to be more comfortable for extended firing.

[Willtallica]

Well in regards to you get what you pay for, I'm not looking for a really nice one. I'd just like a good survival gun for just incase a worst case scenario disaster were to strike. AKs are revolting to me in one aspect (accuracy), but overwhelmingly exceptional in another (reliability). I really wouldn't put to much into it other than a lot of bullets. Hope that don't sound to crazy, but I like to be always prepared.

These links are pretty good, after christmas I might take up on one.

Edit: Here's something I'm looking at - http://www.impactguns.com/store/RI1188-N.html -

Now you guys are telling me they're selling these with bad sights, and I have to watch out for em?

[Suburban]

Yeah, I had read that, but the sights on mine were close enough, though I did check for it.

Is that what they are going for now? I think I paid about $275 for mine at VF in '04. I got a lot of free axle grease and sawdust with it.

If you don't mind a modern looking folder, the plastic ones from Tapco aren't as bad as I thought they'd be. You shouldn't have much trouble finding these at gun shows.

[Thekatar]

Originally Posted by Willtallica

Well in regards to you get what you pay for, I'm not looking for a really nice one. I'd just like a good survival gun for just incase a worst case scenario disaster were to strike. AKs are revolting to me in one aspect (accuracy), but overwhelmingly exceptional in another (reliability). I really wouldn't put to much into it other than a lot of bullets. Hope that don't sound to crazy, but I like to be always prepared.

These links are pretty good, after christmas I might take up on one.

Edit: Here's something I'm looking at - http://www.impactguns.com/store/RI1188-N.html -

Now you guys are telling me they're selling these with bad sights, and I have to watch out for em?

I recommend a classic offering from Vector.

AK's are more accurate than they are given credit for.

[Willtallica]

I'm sure that's due to the extra money it costs though.

[KeithPA]

Check out an issue about Shotgun News magazine. I recall there was a place in NJ selling WASR10s for $280 I want to say. With a compliment of accesories.

When I turned 18 my first purcahse was a WASR10. Not the best gun, but alot of fun and fairly accurate.

[mjd932]

If you have a Dunham's near you they always seem to be advertising their WASR-10 for somewhere in the $350-$375 dollar range if I remember correctly.

[Furious Styles]

Originally Posted by Willtallica

Well in regards to you get what you pay for, I'm not looking for a really nice one. I'd just like a good survival gun for just in case a worst case scenario disaster were to strike. AKs are revolting to me in one aspect (accuracy), but overwhelmingly exceptional in another (reliability). I really wouldn't put to much into it other than a lot of bullets. Hope that don't sound to crazy, but I like to be always prepared.

Don't feel bad about the AK's lack of pedigree. It ain't gonna hurt an AK's feelings, and it isn't gonna reduce its effectiveness one iota. They aren't incredibly aesthetic firearms, no. What are they? They're fairly reliable bullet-hoses capable of unremarkable but still lethal accuracy, that's what, despite your revulsion or misgivings.

There's nothing wrong with being prepared. Personally, I think the only thing crazier than having at least 2,000 rounds of ammo, two dozen magazines, and a capable evil black rifle, with spare parts, is not having anything at all. Live your life, be happy, but be prepared to move your money to the don't pass line (for those of you familiar with craps) just in case the reason for the general complacency of the sheeple goes up in a puff of demagoguery.

These links are pretty good, after christmas I might take up on one.

Edit: Here's something I'm looking at - http://www.impactguns.com/store/RI1188-N.html -

Now you guys are telling me they're selling these with bad sights, and I have to watch out for em?

Understand that these rifles came over and had their receivers and other parts removed in order to be rebuilt and pass inspection under federal laws. In tearing things apart and putting them back together again, rifles took a bit of abuse. Things got better in the process, but some examples of the AK that are sold here have been seen to have canted rear and/or front sight bases. Usually the cant isn't severe, and most people who have discovered this learn to make adjustments and go on enjoying their firearms. Of course, if you're willing to go expensive, AKs from premium manufacturers are certain to be without defects. Count on paying around one and a half times to twice as much, or more, for the best examples.

Personally, I like the underfolder AKs. They'll go up in value much more than standard stock AKs in case of a ban or the threat of one, and they lend themselves to much quieter transport and deployment than their longer brethren.

This would be my suggestion to anyone seeking an AK SHTF solution:

$500 http://www.centerfiresystems.com/ind...PROD&ProdID=61

Underfolder Yugo AK, with side rail for optional optics, plus one 30 rd. magazine, including freight and FFL transfer fees.

$80, plus shipping http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=282484

12 used metallic AK-47 magazines, used, in cosmoline.

$216, plus shipping http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=110892

1280 rounds HP 7.62x39 in "spam can"

$5, plus shipping http://www.blackwarrior.us/proddetail.php?prod=AK030000

AK-47 magazine charger

$8, plus shipping http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/SKS600-824-1878.html

20 SKS/AK stripper clips

$25, plus shipping http://www.sunsetguns.com/M60%20Parts.htm

Padded M-60 barrel bag, fits underfolder perfectly for transport

$10, plus shipping http://steelhawkairsoft.com/akslinggr.html

AK sling

Note that SG has a code, SPGK380, for free shipping. Club prices are lower, but the club is a $30 investment. The club does allow for 4-part billing against a credit card, though.