Do you remember the first time you handled an AK?

[S-S-R-9-9]

I remember while visiting a buddys friend was my first time. I had seen them at stores, but had not asked to handle. It was around 1985 and it was during the summer. The guy that we were visiting offered to show us his new chinese semi auto stamped AK. He took it out from under his bed (was in a white foam box) and let us check it out. I remember just loving the overall look of it. It was not that the quality was so high, but just the look and feel of it. I never had that same feel again, even when I purchased one a few years later. I think the reason for the first great feeling it gave me was the fact that I wanted it so bad. Once I actually had it, it still felt good, but it was now a reality and that lust was gone. Similar experience with AR's. That first time that I handled an AK gave me a desire that I have felt very few times in my life. Very wierd, but very true http://www.ak-47.net/akcgi/smile.gif You know whats even more wierd, I can almost picture in my mind walking into that home and just everything that led up to that encounter with the AK. I can't remember the guys name, but the moment sticks out in my mind, very wierd!

[This message has been edited by S-S-R-9-9 (edited 02-19-2000).]

[Tomac]

We were at a big gunshow in Boise around '88 and I saw my first AKs (PolyTechs). Just out of curiosity I picked one up, shouldered OK, nothing great. Tried the trigger pull, was *amazed*! Took the receiver cover off and my jaw hit the ground, I couldn't believe there were so few parts in a rifle with that good a trigger pull! Sold my HK-91 soon after (I know, I know) and bought 3 PolyTechs with the proceeds, 2 sidefolders for me and a fixed stock for the wife. Eventually added a Legend to the collection as well but lost them all in the eventual divorce (sigh...) Wish I'd bought a semi full when they were $300 each!
Tomac

[saleen]

1987 in Friedburg W. Germany while serving in A Co 2/67 AR 3rd AD. HHC armory had several "liberated" AKMs which it used to familiarize troops with OPFOR small arms. We were informed of the legendary reliability, and I was generally impressed with the way the weapon felt. To make a long story short, I spent the rest of my two year tour trying to purchase one through the rod and gun club at an Air Force Base in Frankfurt.

Unfortunately, my efforts went unrewarded, so I bought on the day after I got back in country at the Houston gun show. I still have that gun, an early Norinco underfolder which I purchased used because I could not afford the recently skyrocketed price of the Poly-Tech Legend. Those of us who have been around for a while remember what the ban of 1989 did to prices almost overnight. Ahhhh, the good ole days......sure miss 'em.


Saleen

[Jimbob]

I can remember I had money in my pocket from an internship and wanted a new semi since I inherited tons of pumps, bolts and revolvers. Walked into a local shop which had a display of paramilitary hardware including a genuine Colt AR 9mm carbines, FAL,uzi pistol,corbon AR pistol, and a couple other ex mil rifles. But the norinco fixed stock pistol grip AK jumped out at me even preban with a big fat drum on it. It had a look about it that was a cross between the wood laden heavy military firearms of the past but still had an agressive look about it. I wanted that gun so bad but it was outside my price range (a nice $1400 last Jan). So the dealer gave his spew about how he could get me a great deal on a thumbhole (MISR90) gun (which he said would be an original Mak90 but I did not know the difference at the time)and I bought it. I paid a little much but it was overall a good experience. But still when I opened up that box and pulled out that first AK smelling of gun oil and cosmoline (like the whole shop) like so many experiences in life I have not been able to replicate since.

[Bryant]

I was sixteen and my uncle had a Polytech, it was awsome so we went to a local gunstore and he filled out the paperwork and I bought a Polytech with fifteen mags and a case of ammo. I paid around $415.00 out the door with the taxes and everything. Took it to the range and I have been hooked on AK's ever since.

[VIETNAM-SAM-USMC]

First time I ever handled an AK was in 1968 Vietnam, I took it off a dead gook! It was a Norinco (66 in a triangle) milled reciever, with Chinese symbolds for safe, auto, semi, next to the selector lever. I remember that like it was yesterday!

[SELECT-FIRE]

VIETNAM-SAM-USMC, It sounds like your encounter was on a much higher level, buddy. There's probably a lot of stuff from back then that you wish you could forget, too...

With Respect-
SELECT-FIRE

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They're Coming......

[CAV Trooper]

VIETNAM SAM-USMC,
That's the same way I got to handle my first one. Picked it up off a dead VC while we were policing the battlefield after a hell of a firefight. Don't remember any of the markings though. Probably didn't think to look. Was just glad to still be breathing, vertical and mobile.

[Gary]

It was aboard some ship and the Navy was hosting a "show and tell."

[recon]

At Bragg in'83or'84. Firing range comparing M16 to com bloc AK. Fired full auto and fell in love!