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the75
09-17-2010, 10:44 PM
I'm interested in purchasing an AK-47 to add to my modest collection. I know nothing about AKs. What should I look for? What brand would be best? I'd like semi-auto, nothing too expensive ($400-$700)

Broondog
09-17-2010, 11:38 PM
:welcome: to Gunsnet!

many folks will have many different opinions on which rifle to buy. in the price range you are looking at tho, you have many possibilities.

first i would do a bit of reading. here is a site with a lot of good info on it. it is geared towards the Romanian variant but a lot of the info rolls over to the AK as a whole. http://www.novarata.net/Linx310/model.htm

now depending on if you want an entry level rifle or something a bit more middle of the road you have several options. at the low end you could get a Romanian WASR 10. while some of them have had some build issues (canted sights or gas block) many of them are decent rifles. for a more upscale rifle you might like to take a look at the Yugoslavian M70 series. these are better built and are fine rifles.

if i had $700 to spend i would get a Polish 1960 with a milled receiver, only because i want one. most AKM style rifles, no matter the country of origin, have a stamped sheet metal receiver. milled ones are not as common.

here are a few of my favorite gun links. take a bit of time and shop around. whether you buy over the web or at your local shop take your time and don't buy the first one you lay eyes on. good hunting!!

http://www.aimsurplus.com/catalog.aspx?groupid=11
http://www.classicarms.us/
http://www.jgsales.com/index.php/rifles/ak-pattern-rifles/cPath/209_214
http://www.royaltigerimports.com/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.browse&category_id=24
http://www.centerfiresystems.com/ak47_74_firearms.aspx

ATAK, Inc.
09-17-2010, 11:57 PM
Welcome to Gunsnet!

What broondog said, lots of options for your price range.

Also, checkout www.gunbroker.com, good place for quick look at lots of different models.

the75
09-18-2010, 12:25 PM
Great info. Thanks a lot.

HDR
09-18-2010, 01:20 PM
I'm interested in purchasing an AK-47 to add to my modest collection. I know nothing about AKs. What should I look for? What brand would be best? I'd like semi-auto, nothing too expensive ($400-$700)


Welcome to Gunsnet..


Welcome to Gunsnet!

What broondog said, lots of options for your price range.

Also, checkout www.gunbroker.com, good place for quick look at lots of different models.

I'd follow ATAK, Inc.'s advice; go to Gunbroker dot com; search for AKs and when you see one you like; post and ask the group.

imanaknut
09-18-2010, 06:01 PM
Welcome to the group !!! :welcome:

As stated, Gunbroker is a great place to get an idea as to what is out there and how much. Some are factory made commercial rifles from companies that also make military versions, like Norinco, Maadi, and the WASR line.

There are also some that were made from parts to be sold in the United States, like the Yugos and some of the Hungarian. Some Hungarian were also purpose built commercial rifles for the US market.

There was only one true military issue rifle that was imported for those of us with rights that shall not be infringed, the SAR-1. They looked like foreign military weapons because they were used by Romanian soldiers in training.

You will also find many kit built AK variants, which used to be real deal AKs that were cut up because we the people don't have any constitutional laws anymore. The real parts were rebuilt as semi-auto only AK look a likes using US made receivers and imported parts. Many are very good rifles, some aren't.

Like said above, if you find something, return here and ask about it. There have been more than a few people who bragged "look what I found" only to be told what they really had. Of course, there is the other side where some came here to brag, and really did have a diamond for the price of a lump of coal.

Good luck in your search. Don't be afraid to ask questions!

And enjoy this site!

HDR
09-18-2010, 06:31 PM
There was only one true military issue rifle that was imported for those of us with rights that shall not be infringed, the SAR-1. They looked like foreign military weapons because they were used by Romanian soldiers in training.

Isn't the Maadi a pretty accurate Russian clone?

imanaknut
09-18-2010, 09:23 PM
The Maadi is famous because it was made using Russian machinery, but the rifle itself was still a commercial variant as importers were trying to find out what would sell in the USA. Because of the machines it was made on, people like the Maadi rifles, but they were still made for commercial sales and not soldier use.

The whole Bush1 stupidity, followed by clinton banning everything was a real hit to AK lovers like me because there were so many variations to choose from as the importers tried to find out what would get Americans to embrace the "commie rifle". I can't imagine what would be available now if we had leaders that obeyed the laws they swore to uphold, and ATF didn't violate us further by using import restrictions to infringe on our rights.