Author Topic: ak47's (Read 823 times)

hillbill · « **on:** April 01, 2003, 12:48:36 AM »

hey guys! im interested in getting a used ak. what should i look for and look out for in searching for one? what kind of accuracy can i expect from one? what is the best brand name to look for?

John Traveler · « **Reply #1 on:** April 01, 2003, 06:39:47 AM »

HillBill,

You can expect maybe fist-sized groups at 100 yards with the open sights on a stock AK semi auto rifle using mil surplus ammo. Maybe a little tighter using commercial soft-point ammo, but only maybe.

Look for front sights that are obviously off-centre. That is common, as is a bent (YES, GASP!) barrel. Stiff safeties, loose rear sights, and hard triggers are common too. All are easy to fix. Cleaning kits fit in buttstock. Cleaning rod under barrel. Chromium-plated bore is standard. Extensive use of corrosive-primed ammo will leave gase tube rusted, but bore unharmed.

The Chinese NORINCO AKS are the least expensive, but wood/plastic stocks are purely utilitarian (CRAP!), and the finish is blue, easy to rust and scratch. Romanian AK are allright. Egyptian MAADI AK are purely crap! Soft steel, soft parts, and poor quality painted finish, although they supposedly were made on Soviet equipment.

The Hungarian-made AKS are made of excellent phosphate-coated steel, and epoxy enamel coated To boot. In terms of workmanship, detail, quality, and standard accessories, they are the closest you can get to a Soviet-made AKM semiauto. that would be my choice.

I've owned and fired many of these beasts, and all are true to the Soviet AK-47/AKM design, but with the minor details mentioned.. Good enough for the peasant-soldier, but please don't expect Western machine tool quality and accuracy.

Venator · « **Reply #2 on:** April 01, 2003, 08:50:00 AM »

I would add to this list: Bulgarian, East German and Polish. Bulgarian is often said to be the best AK ever made (excepting the Valmet and Galil variations). I have one, and I believe!

Global Trades in Houston was (don't know if they still are) the US agent for Arsenal (the manufacturer), and were assembling new Bulgarians with enough US parts to be sold in (almost) military configuration. They have also sold Polish and other makes. Look them up on the Web, or try them at 713-944-3351.

hillbill · « **Reply #3 on:** April 01, 2003, 04:49:39 PM »

hey guys thanks for the info, once again it was exactly what i needed to know!graybeard rocks!! hey what can i expect to pay for a normal example of the ak type rifle? i was hopeing to get one for 350 to 400 bucks. thats what they seem to be going for roun here. is this bout normal? def want 30 round cap. is there pre and post ban variants like with other assault type autos? thanks! hillboy.

Venator · « **Reply #4 on:** April 02, 2003, 10:52:36 AM »

Pre-bans are in the 'mucho expensivo' category (or they were when I last looked at them). Post-bans, depending on the make and condition, are more in the range you quoted. Post-bans either have the cosmetic changes required by law (e. g. thumbhole stocks, no brake, etc.) or they have enough US-manufactured parts to comply with the import ban.

Global should be selling their military-style, US-assembled guns for around $500, but you'd have to check.

I've heard that the ban period is ending this year, and unless it's renewed by Congress, then new military-configured assault rifles will probably be imported again, dropping the price of both post and pre versions.

badhunter123 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 07, 2003, 01:39:25 PM »

You can get a brand new Romanian AK with a couple of 30 rounders for $350 or so. Check the gunshows or gunbroker.com. I have a Romanian and love it -- shoots fist size groups all day long, cannot get it to malfunction in any way!! What a blast.