MAK 90 or Maadi or ?

[esh21167]

I've had a couple WASR's and a MAK 90. Sold them all and regret selling the MAK. So I"m considering another AK47 with better quality than the WASR's, like another MAK, maybe a Maadi, or something else. Want it to be 'traditional' with just wood furniture, straight cut receiver, as I already have a Saiga that's set up somewhat tactical. Looking in the 600-800 range. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Just putting together a short list to check out. Thanks.

[raxar]

maadi's aren't better quality, in some ways they're more rough then the romanians. if you want a really nice rifle you're going to pay for it, either a MAK, a Hungarian SA-85m, a saiga, or an Arsenal.

[SirStefan32]

I'd say Zastava M70. Nothing flashy, but extremely solid and reliable.

[nfafan]

Another vote for the Yugo M70.

A lot of folks don't care for the M70AB2 U/F as they do get wobbly, so look for one of the older M70AB1 fixed stocks from a few years back. No chrome-lined barrel, but solid Zastavan arsenal fundamentals. And the older fixed-stocks now seem to be more sought after as it seemed the M70AB2 U/Fs were made/sold in greater numbers.

The absolute latest of the Zastava "PAP" imports are highly rated, and are mostly "Yugo" (Serbian) made save for the 922 crap.

If you really want an Egyptian, and as another more affordable alternative to hacking a MAK; the recent Egyptian crutch-folder parts AKs sold by Atlantic were assembled in the USA from Egyptian parts kits - much like the Century-subcontracted Yugos were assembled.
Which means a higher quality of assembly and cosmetics than what we were getting from the original WASR-cosmetic MAADIs of the 80's.

Or look for a recent Polski machined recvr "1960" on the used market as the best alternative.

JMHO.

[GreenBlood10]

I have owned both a Maadi MISR and a WASR and I would take the Maadi any day of the week. It was just a much nicer rifle. It's actually the only AK I own now.

GB

[esh21167]

Another vote for the Yugo M70.

A lot of folks don't care for the M70AB2 U/F as they do get wobbly, so look for one of the older M70AB1 fixed stocks from a few years back. No chrome-lined barrel, but solid Zastavan arsenal fundamentals. And the older fixed-stocks now seem to be more sought after as it seemed the M70AB2 U/Fs were made/sold in greater numbers.

The absolute latest of the Zastava "PAP" imports are highly rated, and are mostly "Yugo" (Serbian) made save for the 922 crap.

What's the difference between an older AB1 compared to the new O-PAP model offered by Atlantic? I'm also seeing N-PAP an O-PAP models on GB and J&G. Are both made with the heavier 1.5mm receiver? J&G has the O-PAP for 599 shipped and the N-PAP for 699.

And it this the Polish 1960: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=357722642
This one says the milled receiver is US made, and that would add some weight over a stamped one though.

[esh21167]

maadi's aren't better quality, in some ways they're more rough then the romanians. if you want a really nice rifle you're going to pay for it, either a MAK, a Hungarian SA-85m, a saiga, or an Arsenal.

I found one SA-85 on GB (link for reference pic). Are the receivers straight so a typical buttstock could be used?

http://pics.gunbroker.com/GB/3585660...x760232651.jpg

[hk1123]

I found one SA-85 on GB (link for reference pic). Are the receivers straight so a typical buttstock could be used?

http://pics.gunbroker.com/GB/3585660...x760232651.jpg

yes

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[Interceptor]

I found one SA-85 on GB (link for reference pic). Are the receivers straight so a typical buttstock could be used?

http://pics.gunbroker.com/GB/3585660...x760232651.jpg

That rifle is pretty high on my wish list. Pre-ban Kassnar imports regularly fetch several thousand. Good luck finding the correct blonde butt stock. You can get a good reproduction from Ironwood Designs. I have an AKM63 and ADM65, I love the Hungarians!

[esh21167]

That rifle is pretty high on my wish list. Pre-ban Kassnar imports regularly fetch several thousand. Good luck finding the correct blonde butt stock. You can get a good reproduction from Ironwood Designs. I have an AKM63 and ADM65, I love the Hungarians!

This auction is around 750 with almost 3 days left on the auction. Pretty sure that's going to end up much higher than I'm ready to spend. It looks new though, which on one hand is a drawback to me personally. Too nice to use for fear of a scratch. Is KBI Harrisburg the Kassnar you mentioned? And here's a link if you're interested:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=358566266