I.O. Sporter AK-47 - w/ Scope Mount - your opinion appreciated

[LakeCity]

Any knowledge of these rifles? Is there a better choice?

I.O. Sporter AK-47 - w/ Scope Mount - $799

As advertised:
- match grade 41/40 chrome moly steel barrel
- 2" groupings at 100yd with iron sights
- construction and design based directly from Polish AKM blueprints
- CNC-machined scope mount rail on the left side of the receiver
- polymer furniture
- handguard with a built-in accessory rail at the bottom
- 1:10 RH Twist
- Tactical pistol grip
- Tactical sling swivel
- Adjustable front & rear sight
- Overall Length: 36"
- Barrel Length: 16.25"
- Weight: 7lbs
- Parkerized
- Bayonet Lug

This would be my first AK

[marinville]

I would not recommend it. Do some research and you will see that I.O. built AK's are often problematic and their customer service is a joke. I wouldn't recommend someone pay 400 for one. 800 is just absurd.

If we all do our part and the AWB fails, you will find much better deals in a few months once the country regains its sanity. Save your money.

[psw757]

Any knowledge of these rifles? Is there a better choice?

I.O. Sporter AK-47 - w/ Scope Mount - $799

As advertised:
- match grade 41/40 chrome moly steel barrel
- 2" groupings at 100yd with iron sights
- construction and design based directly from Polish AKM blueprints
- CNC-machined scope mount rail on the left side of the receiver
- polymer furniture
- handguard with a built-in accessory rail at the bottom
- 1:10 RH Twist
- Tactical pistol grip
- Tactical sling swivel
- Adjustable front & rear sight
- Overall Length: 36"
- Barrel Length: 16.25"
- Weight: 7lbs
- Parkerized
- Bayonet Lug

This would be my first AK

I picked up the IO without the scope mount back in NOV for $650. Haven't had any issues with it, fit and finish was actually very good and suprisingly had nice wood furniture as well. I think they have stepped up their quality control over the past year or so. I like it a lot more than my Wasr 10.

[Hokkmike]

I hate to say it, but at this stage of the game AK acquisition portends to be so uncertain. If you buy it, the market will probably open up and you could have bought a better one. If you don't buy it then the market will close up completely and you'll be out of luck. Isn't that the way things always go? If it was me, AND I had the discretionary money I'd probably buy it but I'd want to shoot it first. But, I am not a good one to go by as I tend to be impulsive.

Seriously, look it over carefully, field strip it or have the seller do it and examine the parts. There are not many. And, if at all possibly test fire it. What I have often done at my LGS is to have "purchased" a gun which the FFL then allowed me to shoot at his range and return it if all is not satisfactory. He is exceptional though, and not many would do this.

All in all, it is overpriced and certainly NOT a high end AK. But, who can predict the future? Good luck in your decision.

[TTR]

I ordered 2 of these sporters from IO inc. one month ago for $635.99 and my ffl sent his info in a timely manner. They cancelled my order. Shortly after my order was cancelled the prices went up.

I e-mailed and called several times with no reply. No one ever answers the phone. I'll never deal with those clowns again.

STAY AWAY.......................

[mojo]

At the current market panic, it's not a bad deal. Personally, I'm not a fan of any I.O. AK.

If you had the extra money and really really wanted an AK, I would try to find a Yugo, MAK, or Converted Saiga for the same price or a little more. I think it would be worth it.

I would be highly suspect of the "Match Grade" barrel listing also.

[Edg]

The barrels they were using were made by mossberg, mine was very accurate. Took forever to break in properly. I bought mine used, unfired for $485 but that was about 2 years ago. Traded it in the classifieds for an Eotech. which I didnt like, wish I had kept the AK.

[TTR]

Did you make a decision? Just wonderin'.

[LakeCity]

With varied opinions and the frenzy to buy guns right now, I'm not going to jump in yet. I became interested in the I.O AKs after reading an article about the company in Small Arms Review a couple of years ago. At that time, prices were a lot lower. I like the idea of a U.S. built rifle. When I get an AK, it's going to have a scope mount. My friend has a Polytech with milled receiver that he bought back in the day. Needless to say, it's not for sale.

[LakeCity]

How did you find out the barrels were made by Mossberg? I had a Mossberg .22 LR bolt action and it was a good rifle. I generally hear people speak well of Mossberg.