Shopping For An AK

**Martinsc** · 01-15-2012, 02:58 PM

So I have decided that I want my first rifle to be an AK. I really do not know too much about any firearms but I have been doing a lot of research on the AK 47. I have not really decided how much I would like to spend yet. I do know that I want to get a quality one. I also like the look of the wood finish on the AK instead of all black.
Questions that I have are:
Where is the best place to buy?
Is there really a big difference between milled and stamped?
What are some markings on the rifle that I should look for so I know that I'am getting the right thing?

Thanks for any replies.

**videodon** · 01-15-2012, 03:18 PM

I would definitely buy from a sponsor here first!

**cc6481** · 01-15-2012, 04:35 PM

i can only wish to have and own an AK....i live in cook county....thanks Clinton and GH Bush

**imanaknut** · 01-15-2012, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by cc6481

i can only wish to have and own an AK....i live in cook county....thanks Clinton and GH Bush

I would think a couple of guys named Daley had a little hand in it.

**Martinsc** · 01-15-2012, 08:45 PM

Also I live in NJ. I know that NJ has some strict gun laws so if anyone could fill me in on some of them I'd appreciate it.

**imanaknut** · 01-15-2012, 10:18 PM

You might try the NRA website to find the firearm laws of Jersey. I know they have a link to state laws somewhere. Gun Owners of America might also list laws.

If Jersey is like Indiana, it is a pain to search their own dot-gov site to find the correct statutes.

Once you know what is and isn't allowed by unconstitutional laws, we will be able to help you.

By the way, to me it is "Jersey" as I grew up on the other side of "the river"

(Brooklyn for those not of the neighborhood)

**Alpha_Male** · 01-16-2012, 08:21 PM

Originally Posted by Martinsc

So I have decided that I want my first rifle to be an AK. I really do not know too much about any firearms but I have been doing a lot of research on the AK 47. I have not really decided how much I would like to spend yet. I do know that I want to get a quality one. I also like the look of the wood finish on the AK instead of all black.
Questions that I have are:
Where is the best place to buy?
Is there really a big difference between milled and stamped?
What are some markings on the rifle that I should look for so I know that I'am getting the right thing?

Thanks for any replies.

If you want a top tier rifle than an Arsenal SGL-21 is going to be your best bet. The best place to pick one up as far as price and quick shipping is www.budsgunshop.com The Arsenals seem to be going up in price now so I would pick one up right away.

A little history of the Arsenal line

Arsenal Ak-47s start off life in russia as Saiga hunting/sporting rifles. They are, for legal reasons, imported this way by Arsenal, Inc and converted for 922r compliance to the original look. Although the saiga rifle is not an ak per say all the internals and working mechanisms are based off of the original design. So when Arsenal inc converts them you have a factory new ak-47. It features a 1000m rear sight leaf, chrome lined barrel, ak-74 style muzzle break, 2-stage 8lbs trigger, and polymer furniture. So what you end up with is a rifle that is more accurate and has a better fit/finish than a regular "uncorrected" WASR.

I noticed you said you don't like polymer furniture so there might be an issue with you purchasing this one. However, they do sell wood furniture for rifles and it is not hard to replace. Now the bottom line...Your looking at under $800 out the door with shipping and transfer. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Link to buds gun shop down below. Remember the price you see is the price WITH shipping!

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...39+5RD+MAG+BLK

Not sure if Ca and NJ laws are the same but here is a CA legal one...
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...k+CA+Compliant

Here is mine with some before and after pictures....

**Martinsc** · 01-19-2012, 08:51 PM

Thanks for the post alpha. At I was dead set on the wood furniture but after seeing some of the all black I would be fine with either. I was thinking about going to a gun show and seeing what I could find there. Are prices a gun shows usually cheaper?

**El Laton Caliente** · 01-19-2012, 09:03 PM

http://www.nraila.org/statelawpdfs/NJSL.pdf

Mags are limited to 15 rounds but I find the assualt weapons portion confusing. Looks like a fixed stock is required as an overall of 26" is required. Looks like a pre-ban or ban configured is almost needed.

**Martinsc** · 01-19-2012, 09:36 PM

^Thanks for the link. That had some good info.

**Martinsc** · 01-20-2012, 03:40 PM

I have been looking into the SGL 21. Has anyone had any problems with the barrel getting too hot and parts melting? Also what would be the best mags to get for the SGL 21 and where to buy them?

**El Laton Caliente** · 01-20-2012, 04:30 PM

Here is the NJ version: http://www.arsenalinc.com/usa/produc...6&cat=8&page=1

I recently held one of these at my receiving FFL's place. I was impressed with the quality, fit & finish. It is a true Russian AKM. I'd give a sligth edge to the Russian VEPR and the preban Yugo/Galil/Valmet, but this is quality in an AK.

**Alpha_Male** · 01-21-2012, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by Martinsc

I have been looking into the SGL 21. Has anyone had any problems with the barrel getting too hot and parts melting? Also what would be the best mags to get for the SGL 21 and where to buy them?

There is a you tube video of a guy bump firing the hell out of the SGL-21 and he did have the finish melting off. But that will happen when you bump fire a few hundred rounds in the amount of time he did. There is also a you tube video of a guy bump firing a bunch of 75 round drums and the wood furniture catches fire and he still keeps on shooting. The SGL-21 comes with a heat shield in the hand guard designed to keep heat off your hands. With the hand guards I have in my pictures there are slots for the heat to dissipate and it does a very good job of doing so. The finish on the SGL-21, I believe, is parkerized with a gun paint on top. There was no mechanical issues what so ever it was just simply paint burning off from bump firing a butt load of rounds in a row. I run tapco polymer magazines in my SGL-21 and I have had ZERO issues with feeding or any failures for that matter. They fit really snug in there too. I've tried my buddies circle 10 mags too and have had no issues with those either but I have more rounds fired from the tapco.

On a side note I've dropped a fully loaded magazine out of a 2 story window and ran over them with my car. They will hold up regardless of what the metal nut huggers will say about them.