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Posted: 4/13/2009 10:41:02 AM EDT
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I'm looking to buy my first AK shortly, and have run into some questions that I am hoping you guys could help me with, as well as evaluating a couple of possible candidates.
First, is there any place that I can go to educate myself on some of the AK specific lingo I have seen? For example, WASR - not sure exactly what the differences are, but I have seen to look for canted sights and possible magazine wobble. How hard is it to convert to a folding stock if I buy a wood stock now (either underfolder or triangle side folder)? I've also always liked the Galil's but heard to be leery about quality. Here are some that I have found (the first one as of now is where I am leaning): 
Henderson WASR 
AIM AMD 
Galil Century WASR IO AK-47C Century GP WASR 
Classic Arms Romanian AK At this point I am aiming for the $550-$650 range, and for a huge improvement may be willing to go a bit higher. Not looking for a Cadillac or safe queen, just a steady shooter - like AKs are meant to be. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and helping an AK newb. |
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Be aware - Henderson Defense was pretty slick on that advertisement in the first photo. They strategically places their name across the rifle in such a way as to "cover up" the area above the magazine to off-set the fact it has no "dimples" on the side. Most of us know here know that WASR rifles don't have the dimples but many general folks have no idea and they don't notice from the photo it doesn't have any. Just a minor point but an important one, if that sort of thing matters to you.
Basically, you've provided photos of four of the same rifles (Romanian WASR's), a Hungarian AMD-65, a Romanian kit build, and a Galil build. Your choice is really going to depend on what you want to get out of your purchase. Are you looking to make a "clone" project out of it, are you wanting just a "shooter;" etc.? The Romanian WASR's are great for general shooting and are a nice "introductory" AK. Some have issues (canted front sight base, etc.) and can be a little "rough around the edges" sort to speak. But a dependable, good shooter. However, they lack the "dimples" on the sides of the receiver (above where the magazine goes in) and for a "clone" project, that will always be an aesthetically noticeable issue. The Hungarian AMD-65 is also quite a nice rifle. Good "clone" of a Hungarian military piece (if you overlook the longer barrel extension, of course) but a fun rifle, nonetheless. Read up in the Hungarian section and learn about what folks have to say about theirs. The Galil is kind of a different animal and in the Israeli area of things. Some have had issues and that's something to consider. It's "Kalashnikov" roots are noticeable but it's a bit of a tangent away from the mainstream Kalashnikov rifles and is unique enough to be different. All in all, your choice is essentially up to you - find one you like the looks of and satisfies your purposes as well as your checkbook. |
Both myself and a friend ordered one of the HendersonDefense WASR's this weekend.  It will be my first AK47 and I am still in college so price was very important. I've had problems finding them any cheaper than at Henderson. I bought it knowing that it is not top of the line, and that doesn't bother me because I'm only looking for a dependable shooter. One that I won't be scared to get dirty and can learn on. They weren't sure on ship time but I'll give you a review and send some pics after I receive it. If you haven't bought by then maybe it will help.
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Be aware - Henderson Defense was pretty slick on that advertisement in the first photo. They strategically places their name across the rifle in such a way as to "cover up" the area above the magazine to off-set the fact it has no "dimples" on the side. Most of us know here know that WASR rifles don't have the dimples but many general folks have no idea and they don't notice from the photo it doesn't have any. Just a minor point but an important one, if that sort of thing matters to you. Thanks! What is the purpose of the dimples? From a functional standpoint, is there any difference in a WASR and the more traditional AK? Cosmetics aren't an issue for me, just performance. Thanks again! As for the Lancaster - very nice looking rifles, but also almost twice as expensive. |
| You get what you pay for! The dimple is there for a reason. The russian military found that the area where the dimple is, is the weakest link in the receiver. It would actually crack during extended use in that area. The dimple was put there to strengthen the receiver to prevent the receiver from cracking. |
| The reason people say the Galils have issues is because they're usually thrown together by Century Arms International. I might catch some flack for this but Century is known for slapping together rifles of low quality. They buy parts from different sources and mix and match them. That's why you usually find anything they're selling cheaper than most places. I would strongly recommend staying away from anything that has their stamp on it. Just read some of the negative things others have to say about them. While some buy rifles they put together and never have a problem with it many others have nothing but problems. To call their quality (or lack thereof) inconsistent is a huge understatement. I'd invest a couple hundred extra and buy something better, personally. You can go on Gunbroker and damn near find a Chinese Mak-90 for around the same price that you'll never have problem one with. But do some looking. Some of the other mentions here are good places to check into as well. But beware, a lot of these guys have wait times lasting several months or even longer. One thing's for sure: there sure as hell aren't as many of them floating around as there used to be. About two years or so ago I could go and get a cheap-ass shooter from the gun shop for under $300. Now you're not even getting something shitty for less than twice that amount. You want something top quality and you're probably paying over a grand. |
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buy a Lancaster! WWW.LancasterArms.com 623-877-4356 ask for Mark. Let's see. Your screen name is Markhpb you are in Arizona (so is Lancaster) and you keep pimping Lancaster in threads and tell them to call Lancaster and ask for Mark? I take it you work for them and that is why you are spamming the board? |
| I do work for Lancaster! So, if you have any questions give me a call. I wouldn't call it spamming though. A guy asked a question, and I answered it. If you want the BEST, buy a Lancaster. You can read the board yourself, Centuries ar junk. Arsenal's are not much better. Our guns are the only AK 's EVER used by U.S. Military forces. Our AK's are the only AK's to ever go through the Yuma testing facility with ZERO failures. So, I will say it again. Lancaster AK's are the best. |
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buy a Lancaster! WWW.LancasterArms.com 623-877-4356 ask for Mark. Let's see. Your screen name is Markhpb you are in Arizona (so is Lancaster) and you keep pimping Lancaster in threads and tell them to call Lancaster and ask for Mark? I take it you work for them and that is why you are spamming the board? Yep. Not too bright either. http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=4&f=64&t=118693&page=1󤱾 BSW |
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How hard is it to convert to a folding stock if I buy a wood stock now (either underfolder or triangle side folder)? Anything is possible with enough time, talent and money, but converting a fixed stock rifle to either of these is impractical. You can buy side folding stocks that are direct replacements for the wood stock and you can buy side folding stocks that will work with much less modification to the fixed stock rifle |
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The dimples were for strengthening the receiver? I always though they were for holding the mag solid.
WASR's are good rifles, but you really need to put work into them to get more out of them. You do get what you pay for, but with enough time and knowhow, you can improve a WASR. You have to know what you're looking for, canted sights, canted gas block, and mag wobble, but even those issues can be fixed. If you get a WASR that runs good, and has minimal issues, it will serve you well. If you don't have the means, or will to tweak and fix issues, you should look elsewhere. All that said I love my WASR 10/63. |
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I do work for Lancaster! So, if you have any questions give me a call. I wouldn't call it spamming though. A guy asked a question, and I answered it. If you want the BEST, buy a Lancaster. You can read the board yourself, Centuries ar junk. Arsenal's are not much better. Our guns are the only AK 's EVER used by U.S. Military forces. Our AK's are the only AK's to ever go through the Yuma testing facility with ZERO failures. So, I will say it again. Lancaster AK's are the best. NEGATIVE. And if that's the Lancaster party line, you're touting some false information as many vendors seem to typically do. As one example, there are several units that also use the commercially exported Romanian WASR's for training and familiarization as they were bought in a unit purchase. There's also some units that use Bulgarian Kalashnikovs purchased from Arsenal. Ask me how I know. At any rate, be careful making very bold statements such as that unless you're absolutely, 100% sure. As a new member, welcome aboard, but I think you're heading down the wrong path to start out and not really helping the OP with his issue except to promote your company: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=4&f=64&t=118693 |
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Centuries ar junk. Arsenal's are not much better.
Arsenals not much better than century? There's essentially two eras of Arsenal - early and late. The early Arsenal stuff is undoubtedly superior to what they've put out in recent times but I think they're far from being on the same palying field as the rifles turned-out by Century. And that's a pretty horrible comparison, anyway. Arsenal creates/manufactures their parts and builds their own weapons at their own pace. Century simply re-builds weapons in a hurried fashion. To very different things. 
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The dimples were for strengthening the receiver? I always though they were for holding the mag solid. That is a common misunderstanding. The lower rails have small tabs under them that locate the magazine when it is seated. The "dimples" do not touch the magazine. |
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Centuries ar junk. Arsenal's are not much better.
Arsenals not much better than century? There's essentially two eras of Arsenal - early and late. The early Arsenal stuff is undoubtedly superior to what they've put out in recent times but I think they're far from being on the same palying field as the rifles turned-out by Century. And that's a pretty horrible comparison, anyway. Arsenal creates/manufactures their parts and builds their own weapons at their own pace. Century simply re-builds weapons in a hurried fashion. To very different things. I own a Century WASR 10/63 and an original Bulgarian made Arsenal SA93. While I don't have the long list of complaints everyone else does about my WASR, to say Arsenal isn't much better is a stretch. My SA93 is much higher in accuracy, craftsmanship and finish. |
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buy a Lancaster! WWW.LancasterArms.com 623-877-4356 ask for Mark. For this and other posts, keep this up and I'll find time to get the Big Cartoon Hammer to ensure your ban. And nobody reading here has time to waste with someone who can't understand that dimples are faster and cheaper than installing another bit to hold the mag from side wobble. |
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You can go from fixed to the Romy/E Ger pattern wire folder just buy turning a few screws. The under and triangle are committed at the build.
Of your links, AMD65 or Henderson. For many years I've said that $50 extra to hand pick a Romy is a fair premium for you to pick thru the rack at a store vs ordering blind, and Henderson promises the picking for you. I really like my AMD 63, but I can go from fixed wood to Romy wire with that, and 65s are far more common. Now if you like the wire and idea of a paracord wrap for it... If you want a side optics rail, read the ads carefully, as most kit builds save $50 to not add them. If considering a 556 AK, see the Russian forum for Saiga conversions. Note US AK bbls are not chrome lined (yet). |
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I do work for Lancaster! So, if you have any questions give me a call. I wouldn't call it spamming though. A guy asked a question, and I answered it. If you want the BEST, buy a Lancaster. You can read the board yourself, Centuries ar junk. Arsenal's are not much better. Our guns are the only AK 's EVER used by U.S. Military forces. Our AK's are the only AK's to ever go through the Yuma testing facility with ZERO failures. So, I will say it again. Lancaster AK's are the best. Let me get this right.... Lancaster is the best because they can somehow build a better Romy kit than others?  Lancaster is the best because they have been using non heat treated receivers???
How is it again that Arsenal's AKs are not much better? Than CAI or Lancaster, either way Sir i believe your confused. You just do the sales at Lancaster right, none of the building or hands on. Curious why would i want a Romy over a Bulgy again? Ya'll talk very LOUD now that Vector is out of the picture. Hell, a year ago this type of BS wouldn't have been whispered...... Lancaster builds some fine ass AKs, but i would NEVER say the Best. Good luck selling your AKs bud... 
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Century simply re-builds weapons in a hurried fashion. To very different things. Century doesn't "rebuild' WASRs. WASRs are built in Romania. Century opens the magazine well and installs US made parts to comply with US law. Two very different things
Good gosh - I was totally on crack when I typed that, obvious by the spelling issue. I had my mind on FAL's and such all that day and it slipped. Nice catch! |
| I have seen the Lancaster Ak. It looks very nice. Never shot one though. Ordered mine from them 22 weeks ago and still have no rifle. Maybe Mark (from an earlier post) can help you get one. Nobody I've spoken to at Lancaster has impressed me with being very honest about delivery dates though. They've told my FFL and I that the weapon would ship right away on four separate occasions. No rifle yet. |
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