MAADI or SAR 1 ?

[504PIR]

Plan on buying an AK very soon. However, living in the land of post-ban only (New Jersey), the 2 most likely canadates are the MAADI 90 or the SAR 1. Would appreciate your views, feelings, likes and dislikes on these models and the going price. Thanks

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STRIKE HOLD

[Sturmgewehr]

I have the Maadi Hi-Cap and am very happy with it. The wood and finish looks pretty good, the sights were centered and gun+tax+police check was $315. I haven't seen the sar-1 but if they are at least the same quality as the maadi they might be a better deal as they are supposed to come with a scope rail attached and are only $30 more. My dealer had the maadi in stock and I was in a hury to buy or I would have probably purchased the sar-1. But I haven't lost any sleep over picking the maadi.

[NicT]

Sturmgewehr,

Where did you get the Maadi for $315?
Haven't seen those prices in NJ for some
time now.

[Ronin148]

I have both AKs and I like them both just the same as far as function goes. Here's a few things to consider, mostly cosmetic issue, IMHO.

1. SAR-1 has pakerize-like finish while MISR90 looks like gloss paint.

2. Both rifles have unmatched furniture (you might get lucky). but SAR-1's furniture is made of some sort of hardwood and can be refinished to match very well. MISR's laminated wood doesn't refinish as nicely as SAR1.

3. While both rilfes have enough US parts to have the pistol grip configuration, SAR1 has more US parts to be able to take any high-cap mags legally w/o further modification, while MISR90 needs 2 additional US parts.

4. SAR-1 comes with side scope mount.

5. SAR-1 is usually more expensive (not by much) than MISR, if both are offered by the same shop.

Expect to pay between 300 to 370 TOTAL for either rifle. I got my SAR1 thru Schutzenman in Raleigh NC for 355, S&H included. And he is the best dealer I've worked with yet. Out of state purchase will save you the tax, but that saving may or may not be worthwile, depending on how much NJ dealers charge for out-of state transfer fee. Hope this helps, and good luck finding your rifle

4.

[Sturmgewehr]

Dark Sun Surplus in Richmond VA. Its only about an hour from my home and they blow away everyone on thier prices.