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Well, I've been bitten by thge AK bug it feels like.

I've been looking around at the different options for an AK type of rifle and have moved to the point where I am seriously looking at the purchase of a VZ58. But I keep coming back to the good old Mini 30.

Can some of you help me with a comparison of the VZ58, (and the AK variants) and the Mini-30?

And should I even be considering the VZ? Should I go back to looking at the AK's or the AKM's?

Let us all try to resist the accuracy comments, I realize I will not be using this to take a varmit at 300 yards. I have other tools for that use...

My personal opinion? Skip on the VZ. It's not really an AK. Why the Mini 30? If you want an AK, get an AK.

I have a Saiga in 7.62x39 which I'm currently in the process of converting back to its natural state. Can't go wrong with a traditional AK. I've heard good things about Arsenal guns as well if you don't feel like doing the conversion yourself. Just my .02 of course.

My advice is probably worth exactly what you paid for it.

If you want an AK variant, a couple of days ago a guy posted a milled Russian T3 on TexasGunTrader for $700. Which is a really good price. That would be worth looking in to IMO.

Or if you want an AK by another name, are you familiar with Galil's?

I had a Mini-30 at one time and sold it to make room in the safe...

Think that I have decided on the I.O. AK.

PBratton wrote:I had a Mini-30 at one time and sold it to make room in the safe...

Think that I have decided on the I.O. AK.

Pardon my ignorance...what is an I.O. AK?

I have a Lancaster AK that I am very happy with. It is surprisingly accurate in my opinion. I have heard accuracy problems about some mini30's and above posts are true, the VZ is not a true AK, mags are pricey and hard to come by. Aimsurplus and J&G sales both have good prices on rebuilds, but Lancaster and a few other I think do a little bit better job and are worth the money in over all fit and finish. Customer service is Lancaster's down fall I will say.

74novaman wrote:

PBratton wrote:I had a Mini-30 at one time and sold it to make room in the safe...

Think that I have decided on the I.O. AK.

Pardon my ignorance...what is an I.O. AK?

Guess the link is a no go here... It's made in the US by I.O. Inc.

RECIT wrote:I have heard accuracy problems about some mini30's...

The same is often true for the Mini 14s. You have to doll them up and put that ugly onion bulb on the muzzle to get them as accurate as any run of the mill out of the box AR15

TAM ducks and runs for cover...

The Annoyed Man wrote:

RECIT wrote:I have heard accuracy problems about some mini30's...

The same is often true for the Mini 14s. You have to doll them up and put that ugly onion bulb on the muzzle to get them as accurate as any run of the mill out of the box AR15

TAM ducks and runs for cover...

Hey, I'll cover with ya. (and bring my mini-14...)

I can understand the appeal of the VZ. They are neat guns, better made than an AK.
I really don't know about accuracy, but I'd bet it's on par with the Ruger.
The VZs are over priced because the US-made receiver is difficult to mill, and only a couple of people doing it.
And you have to count the US-made parts and make sure you're legal (bull!)
Personally, my nod would go toward the Ruger.

Well, it came in today.

I decided to go for the I.O. Inc. AKM-47C.

I'll get some picture up soon. I have to make time to strip it down and clean it, then take it to the range and give it the test drive.

Well, here's the AK.
At the range, I fed it a box of WWB ammo, (picked up at Wally World), and 40 rounds of Russian hollow points I've had laying around for many years. No troubles feeding any of it. I was very happy with the accuracy it obtained 50 yards.

Looking to replace the suppressor and pistol grip, also may think about adding a little character to it.

Anyone have feedback on Duracoat?

go with what ever is cheaper. i paid 850 for my ruger mini 30 last year and sold it 9 months later. it wasn't even accurate at 100 yards! it shot a 10" spread. real disappointing for that kind of money.

witchdoctor575 wrote:go with what ever is cheaper. i paid 850 for my ruger mini 30 last year and sold it 9 months later. it wasn't even accurate at 100 yards! it shot a 10" spread. real disappointing for that kind of money.

That is about the accuracy that I had heard. Not enough for me. I can easily put any number of rounds on a paper plate at 100yds with my Lancaster AK and that is standing with iron sights.

As far as duracoat if you have a nice airbrush set up and know how to spray it should be no problem and a fun project. My AK is tan finish on everything but the furniture and the bolt is polished, the furniture is all black synthetic.