AK-47 advice for first time buyer

[karl]

Did a quick search of keywords, not too much information on AK's on this forum.

So here's the deal: looking to get an entry-level AK47 soon as a gift for my Dad and I'm not sure what to get. There are SO many discussions on ar15.com that it's difficult to decipher, especially when no substantiated claims are made. I know there are a lot of opinions on the issue so I'd like to hear what some people here have to say.

Here's what I'm interested in:
-new AK
-7.62x39mm
-fixed stock (Most likely will be changing this out later)
-Ability to mount and unmount optics over the receiver (the connection piece on the left side of the receiver, seen some with and some without it. I think I want that, no foregrip optics)

I've heard lots of bad things about the WASRs but those seem to be the easiest (and often cheapest) to get. Main problem I've heard is that the magazine well is too loose and allows the magazine to wobble, leading to jamming. Can this be easily fixed at home? I don't want the cheapest thing on the market, but definitely don't want to pay more than $600.

Help is appreciated

[.45mac.40]

karl

Have ya' had a chance to check this site out ? AND also, check Murray's Gun... he cleans up tha' bolts, pins and possibly add a spring. I have a stock SKS Yugo M59, Your Dad is gonna' love one !

http://www.surplusrifle.com/sks" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mac .45 > > > >>>>> # %%% #

[LK2140]

Here let me solve your problem...

On the less expensive side: http://www.hendersondefense.com/store/p ... -3p194.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A little bit more money but in my opinion worth it: http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx? ... groupid=11" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I own both and both work great. Both have side rail mount and should be equally reliable.

[jeeperbryan]

I have a WASR and from everything I researched, they seem to have improved from what they were in the past. To me, it's an AK47. It's not supposed to be pretty and cost a lot of money. As far as magazine wobble, I guess it depends. My WASR has zero wobble with Tapco mags. However, the Tapco mags have feeding issues. There is slight wobble with European steel mags but zero feeding issues. From what I've researched, the mag wobble is normal and shouldn't affect function if your mags are good. The thing to look for is canted front sights though. I've heard many, many stories of canted front sights.

I believe people have had good experiences ordering WASRs from AIM:
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx? ... groupid=11

[karl]

Thank you gentlemen for the feedback, very helpful links. My local dealer quoted similar rifles for a lot more.

I have a WASR and from everything I researched, they seem to have improved from what they were in the past. To me, it's an AK47. It's not supposed to be pretty and cost a lot of money.

I wholeheartedly agree. That's one of the reasons I like the AK platform, a lot of rifle for a little bit of money. Shooting is 7.62 is half the cost of .223 as well.

jeeperbryan, how was your experience ordering online? Easy to transfer via FFL?

[MadMonkey]

Don't believe the WASR hating you hear from "elitists". Many haven't actually had experience with them and they're just repeating what they hear other people say. They refuse to believe that a $350 AK will actually perform

I've owned two WASRs (currently have one) and I've had zero issues with either, wobbly magwell or not (a tight well makes quick magazine changes difficult). I've also owned a Hungarian that shot beautifully as well, in fact the only AK I've had that wasn't that great was a single-stack Chinese version, and that was more than likely a magazine issue (I sold it too quickly to work on it).

The main issues I know of with WASR's is that sometimes the front sight will be canted slightly, but I haven't had that problem yet.

For the most part, an AK is an AK and they'll last years, even if you suck at maintenance like I do

[glbedd53]

My Chinese Norinco works flawlessly and looks flawed.

[cajunautoxer]

Here let me solve your problem...

On the less expensive side: http://www.hendersondefense.com/store/p ... -3p194.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A little bit more money but in my opinion worth it: http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx? ... groupid=11" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I own both and both work great. Both have side rail mount and should be equally reliable.

I can't access the AIM site from work but if LK linked the SGL21 that would be my vote. NIB AK can't beat that. Every so often AIM will have it for $30-40 off and free shipping.

And Karl if your around the SE side of Houston I'm sure I have a couple mags that I would let go for a fair price

[karl]

I do commute to UH daily, might work something out in a few weeks.

[LK2140]

I did link the SGL-21. You can't beat having a real Russian receiver.

[.45mac.40]

by AndyC » 25 Jun 2010, 19:17

My list in order:

1. Russian
2. Chinese Polytech
3. Bulgarian
4. Polish
5. Romanian G (aka Romy G)
6. Hungarian or Yugoslavian
7. Chinese Norinco
8. Romanian SAR or WASR

AndyC...Ya' got a 98 % / percental !

CHANGE #2 to #6 AND #6 up to # 2 (Yugo)...Oh, wait a minute, I thought you where addressing SKSs

Also, I'm liking tha' new cheap, military Ammo prices ....again !

Mac

[jeeperbryan]

jeeperbryan, how was your experience ordering online? Easy to transfer via FFL?

My experience was good. The process was no differnent than buying a handgun or shotgun online. I have an extremely easy to deal with FFL that I use so it is literally a 5 minute transaction. Of course usually longer than 5 minutes because he's a very nice gentlemen and we typically chat a bit.

As far as the AK specific, my experience was good. Most people recommend that you purchase AKs in person. The importers that assemble them are not S&W, Beretta, Glock, Springfield type companies. Meaning....they don't have the Quality Control. You can go to any shop/store/show pick up a firearms from a reputable manufacturer and it'll be good to go the majority of the time. With AKs, there's alot of variance from what I understand. You may get a WASR that has extreme mag well issues or canted sight issues or you may get one that is perfectly fine. That's why people recommend buying them in person. Apparently, Century Arms has gotten much better with QC and have had less issues. But that's just what I've heard on the internet. I got lucky I guess. Check out my other thread for more info.
http://texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=87&t=34987

[almostfree]

Here's what I'm interested in:
-new AK
-7.62x39mm
-fixed stock (Most likely will be changing this out later)
-Ability to mount and unmount optics over the receiver (the connection piece on the left side of the receiver, seen some with and some without it. I think I want that, no foregrip optics)

You may want to decide what kind of stock configuration you want now and buy that. If you change the stock out, then you will have to deal with 18 USC 922(r) compliance, which is enough to give me a headache just thinking about it. If you aren't familiar with 922(r), it means you will have to replace several parts just to replace that stock.