User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
FL, USA
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:19:31 PM EDT
I have many different guns in my collection but I have never owned an AK. I do have a VZ58 which is pretty awesome. With so many AKs out there and none really being cheap anymore, if you were going to own just one what brand would you buy? Are the $1800 Arsenals worth it? Or is my money better spent on a mid tier AK? If so what brand? Anything worth it in the $1000-$1200 range?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:20:45 PM EDT
[#1]
Originally Posted By bw77: I have many different guns in my collection but I have never owned an AK. I do have a VZ58 which is pretty awesome. With so many AKs out there and none really being cheap anymore, if you were going to own just one what brand would you buy? Are the $1800 Arsenals worth it? Or is my money better spent on a mid tier AK? If so what brand? Anything worth it in the $1000-$1200 range? Yes. A Sig550. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:21:20 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Windustsearch]
[#2]
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:21:55 PM EDT
[#3]
Wasr are workhorses
|
|
|
|
SD, USA
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:22:27 PM EDT
[#4]
East German milled.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:23:35 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Duke117]
[#5]
If you’re only buying one, this and done.
I bought 2 just in case and they have been flawless.. I got a thing for milled AK’s and the quality is comparable to some of my other, earlier production rifles https://www.arsenalinc.com/usa/firearms/rifles/sam7-series/sam7sf-84epm  Attached File |
|
|
|
OH, USA
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:23:44 PM EDT
[#6]
Polish UF~
 |
|
|
OR, USA
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:24:17 PM EDT
[#7]
Vepr.
WASR is a good, solid AK but poor QC. Saiga is nice but Vepr is built better. My Romy rifles are fine. I'd do legit ((10)) Bulgarian as a #2 choice. Solid rifles, good fit and finish. Arsenal is OK. IMHO, over priced. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:25:00 PM EDT
[#8]
SGL31 with a mountain of 2000s priced 5.45.
|
|
|
|
SC, USA
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:25:03 PM EDT
[#9]
An AK105, which I used to have, and will need to rectify.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:25:15 PM EDT
[#10]
As another who missed out due to age on the cheap AK market, prepare for 100 answers
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:25:20 PM EDT
[#11]
Polish Beryl in .223 or 7.62.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:25:34 PM EDT
[#12]
If you could only own one, it would be an original Robarms VEPR K, which I already have
 Amazing quality for an AK. Keep an eye out, they can still be found. 
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:29:17 PM EDT
[#13]
I have a Polish underfolder from Red Jacket that Pedo Will Hayden sloppily built. I had forgotten all about that rifle in the back of the safe until I took notice of it one day. Then I sent off a Form 1. It was approved but I forgot about it again. Then I remembered and I bought a WPB parts kit with a 10.whatever inch barrel. I really need to get around to sending it off to have the new front end installed.
Anyone have any suggestions? |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:30:50 PM EDT
[#14]
I love my sam7sf but no way in hell I’d pay 2k for it. It runs great suppressed with an adjustable piston. I was just as happy with a wasr before I decided I wanted to try a milled Ak.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:32:10 PM EDT
[#15]
When they were cheap I never dedicated the money to one and I’m ok with that decision.
For actual fun at the range, I like my PSA 74 with plum furniture, Belomo scope, KNS piston, and Griffen adaptor for a plan A suppressor mount. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:36:53 PM EDT
[#16]
If I could only own 1 AK, I would own 0 AKs. I have no desire to own any AKs with all the other wonderful options out there.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:39:07 PM EDT
[#17]
Not really in my collection, so to speak, but I really liked the regular AKM in 7.62. Lots of accessories available here too.
 Attached FileSame rail on my AK-74.  Attached FileThen there's the AK-12. Another 5.45, but kind of cool.  Attached FileFun switches definitely help them to be enjoyed as intended.  |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:40:28 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Banshee35]
[#18]
A Valmet or a Galil
 Honestly, I have a transferable Valmet m78 in 7.62x39, a Galil clone, an AK-74, a Maadi and an SBR Draco and everyone of them sucks in one way or another. I also have a PSL54 and an RPD just because I haven’t gotten around to selling the PSL.  Attached File Attached File |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:40:29 PM EDT
[#19]
I like AKs.
I have a WASR 10 that should've been QC'd. I'd love to hear about better AKs. 
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:40:33 PM EDT
[#20]
My 6.5 Grendel VEPR
|
|
|
|
FL, USA
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:42:16 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryI’m with this guy! My Polish underfolder is my absolute favorite rifle. Also the only gun I’ve ever named, her name is Natasha. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:42:43 PM EDT
[#22]
SGL-21 is what I picked.
Ain’t selling it now. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:45:17 PM EDT
[#23]
The Arsenal guns are WAAAAY overrated. Not a particularly bad choice but not really any better built than any other AK that was produced in an actual military AK factory.
I have owned many over the years. If I could just own ONE, it would be a pre-ban Hungarian underfolder. My regular range toy is a Romanian SAR1. Thousands of rounds without a significant problem. I have an Arsenal in 5.45 that has an off-center bore (not uncommon in AK barrels) but still shoots straight. However, it is a little picky on ammunition. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:45:27 PM EDT
[#24]
I have a lot of AKs but if I was to buy one and only one AK today just for the purposes of having an AK to play with, I would probably buy either the PSA AK-101 or Zastava M90 so I could share ammo with ARs.
I wouldn't even bother getting into 7.62x39 or 5.45x39 with currrent prices and availability now that Russian ammo imports are drying up. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:45:41 PM EDT
[#25]
Do not waste your money. I was in the same position, Bought a cheap, AK yugo underfolder, it sucked.
Then I bought a arsenal AK. it also sucked. Sold them both to different people who bought them for the same reason. They both had them up for sale within a couple weeks. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:46:05 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ARDunstan: Yes. A Sig550. I snapped the bolt handle off of a posite I was using in a class many many years ago... |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:46:16 PM EDT
[#27]
Chinese RPK count?
|
|
|
|
USA
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:46:27 PM EDT
[#28]
Build your own.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:46:54 PM EDT
[#29]
Chinese for the win... milled
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:48:29 PM EDT
[Last Edit: mk4dubbin]
[#30]
I dunno enough to have a hard on for one over the other, but I'm happy to have my saigas
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:50:51 PM EDT
[#31]
Bulgie K74 that I picked up way back when and a few wooden cases of ammo. Lightweight, fun, and reasonably accurate. Fun little rifle to shoot and dead on reliable and easy to maintain.
|
|
|
|
USA
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:51:12 PM EDT
[#32]
My Polish girl is solid. Built like a brick shit house. I believe she was $480.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:51:58 PM EDT
[#33]
Get the cheapest non American made one you can find.
If you don't have one yet, then you have no real interest and it will sit in the safe anyway. It you like it, then it will go up in price to sell towards another or keep it as a backup or loaner. |
|
|
|
USA
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:53:49 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Clockwork138]
[#34]
This is the only one I currently own. Mainly because it's NFA and I don't feel like dicking with selling it.
 I'd rather have an original Chinese "spiker" as the only one. For me, AKs are range toys, though. So that affects my decision. You're use may differ. In your price range, I'd hand-select a WASR. Their issues are of parts alignment. I don't think I've ever seen metallurgy issues with them, and IIRC, Battlefield Vegas said they outlast Zastavas by a mile. I had WASR with a canted gas block and another with a canted front trunnion. No issues with either rifle during ~25k through them, combined, back when you could get a case of Wolf for $74. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:54:19 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Bravo_Six]
[#35]
Bulgarian 74 is my favorite.
Polish PMKMS would be my pick for a 7.62 AK, although the Hungarian guns are also nice and a bit more accurate. I own a bunch. 20 years ago the only guns I could afford were milsurps and kit builds. I put together a bunch of different in my basement. Funny how now both AKs and milsurps are some of the more expensive guns around. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:56:09 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Makarov: The Arsenal guns are WAAAAY overrated. Not a particularly bad choice but not really any better built than any other AK that was produced in an actual military AK factory. I have owned many over the years. If I could just own ONE, it would be a pre-ban Hungarian underfolder. My regular range toy is a Romanian SAR1. Thousands of rounds without a significant problem. I have an Arsenal in 5.45 that has an off-center bore (not uncommon in AK barrels) but still shoots straight. However, it is a little picky on ammunition. At today’s prices, this guy is not wrong about Arsenals. That being said, if you find a good example at a reasonable price, it’s a great out of the box rifle that doesn’t require much tinkering. I have earlier examples of milled rifles that a I probably prefer, but the values have gone up so much that I wouldn’t consider buying them again. Ammo is another consideration. $180 cases of Golden Tiger are a thing of the past so the appeal of cheap blasting is not there anymore. If I didn’t have a lifetime supply of 7.62x39, purchased at bargain basement prices, I’m not sure I would start in deep anymore. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:56:51 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MedmanKS]
[#37]
I have a Romi BFPU inderfolder that’s a tack driver.
1972 manu with trench art carved into the wood of the dong. Love that thing. Looks the part, runs like a sewing machine.  
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:58:01 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Duke117: If you’re only buying one, this and done. I bought 2 just in case and they have been flawless.. I got a thing for milled AK’s and the quality is comparable to some of my other, earlier production rifles https://www.arsenalinc.com/usa/firearms/rifles/sam7-series/sam7sf-84epm https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/562102/IMG_1187_png-3205346.JPG I have that one and it's kinda meh. Very heavy (milled receiver) folding stock is uncomfortable and has a little wobble (not rock solid like my IMI Galil) and accuracy sucks (with a NF NX8 attached it was still hard to get under 4MOA) Although I only used the various FMJ loads and there is probably something out there that could get maybe 2.5MOA. My favorite AK is my Zastava M85 pistol in 223 but Im biased towards 223 AK's. |
|
|
|
USA
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:58:25 PM EDT
[#39]
Ilove the Yugos and that's where most of my AKs come from. But If I was starting over, I'd buy a PSA in the flavor I liked and shoot the ever-loving piss out of it.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 2:59:42 PM EDT
[#40]
Valmet M76
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 3:00:54 PM EDT
[#41]
If I knew I was only going to own one, I would spend the money and get a Type 3.
|
|
|
|
USA
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 3:01:12 PM EDT
[#42]
If you're buying new and want 7.62x39, then the Zastava ZPAP M70 and WBP Fox are great buys at about $1k. Zastava AKs come off a military production line but they are heavier than the rifles made by WBP (who only make parts for military contracts, not complete guns). The FB Beryl 762 is an extra $500, but it combines the lighter weight of the Fox with the military credentials of the M70 so it's arguably a nice upgrade. The Beryl isn't compatible with aftermarket upper handguards though so bear that in mind.
If you want 5.56, it's basically the same thing with different models: Zastava M90 or WBP Jack are good options at around $1k, and a bit more for the standard FB Beryl. These are all stamped guns. They all have hammer forged, chrome lined barrels. They are all plenty strong & realiable. They are all reasonably smooth, although the FBs often have hammers that offer a bit of resistance when racking the bolt if the rifle isn't already cocked. If you want a milled gun, you'll pay a little extra but the Arsenal SAM5 and SAM7 are great. They are heavier than the stamped guns but glassy smooth and theoretically stronger. It really just comes down to what you prefer. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 3:02:42 PM EDT
[Last Edit: dump1567]
[#43]
WASR or Yugo. The new Yugo ZPAP's are pretty solid but will weigh more than the WASR. WASR's usually need to be inspected prior to purchase due to Q/C issues. Last couple I looked at a few years ago where rubbish. I have one built in 2015 that's pretty solid, as is my SBR'd Draco.
If you want to drop double that, then an Arsenal. |
|
|
|
USA
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 3:03:10 PM EDT
[#44]
My unissued PMKMS build is probably the one gun I regret selling the most. The trunnion date was even the same as my birth year.  It was by far the highest quality AK kit I had; on the same level of quality as the Saiga rifles. It was also the most expensive... at $250. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 3:05:08 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Duke117]
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ITCHY-FINGER: I have that one and it's kinda meh. Very heavy (milled receiver) folding stock is uncomfortable and has a little wobble (not rock solid like my IMI Galil) and accuracy sucks (with a NF NX8 attached it was still hard to get under 4MOA) Although I only used the various FMJ loads and there is probably something out there that could get maybe 2.5MOA. My favorite AK is my Zastava M85 pistol in 223 but Im biased towards 223 AK's. Can’t necessarily disagree. The two I have must have been built on a good day as they have been solid. An earlier example I have ( SLR101S) is finished a little better. My old school Saiga’s may be a little rougher, but also have more character. Anything Hungarian is usually good to go. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 3:06:36 PM EDT
[#46]
With all respect to PSA, a milled Chinese AK. If we're talking any type AK in the world with no NFA issues, the sky's the limit.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 3:06:51 PM EDT
[#47]
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 3:09:35 PM EDT
[#48]
ACE Gen2
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 3:11:39 PM EDT
[#49]
I had 3 in my lifetime
Polytech Legend Saiga SGL21-61 converted by Arsenal(2009 vintage) Romy AES-10B I converted to a “Baby Dragunov” Of the 3, the Romy was a spot on DMR. Long bitch to lug, but fun at the range. I’d like that one back.  |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2024 3:15:34 PM EDT
[#50]
I love my PSA 104 and AK-V...
 But my favorite, most well put together is my PSA WBP. PSA receiver and furniture, but all WBP (polish) for sights, trunions, bolt, carrier, safety, and sights. ALG trigger and FN CHF barrel. 
|
|
|
|
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
Attached File
Attached File
