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9/30/2010 8:44:03 PM EDT
I'm looking at picking up my first AK and I completely new to them.  I would something in 5.45 since ammo is so cheap.  Not looking at spending a lot on it, just something to play with at the range.  Any suggestions for a cheap first AK?

Thanks,
Justin
9/30/2010 10:01:16 PM EDT
[#1]
Arsenal.

They are NOT the cheapest but your 91st post WON'T be about canted sights, magazines not fitting, etc. and they are the only factory (i.e. non-kit) AKs available.

And in before "but their owner endorsed Harry Reid".
9/30/2010 10:14:04 PM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
Arsenal.

They are NOT the cheapest but your 91st post WON'T be about canted sights, magazines not fitting, etc. and they are the only factory (i.e. non-kit) AKs available.

And in before "but their owner endorsed Harry Reid".


pretty much

buy once, cry once

SGL 31s cost some cash but they are well worth it. Good reliable AK, awesome cartridge and no issues
10/1/2010 2:22:00 AM EDT
[#3]
Check out www.atlanticfirearms.com they have alot to choose from.
10/1/2010 3:29:47 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
Check out www.atlanticfirearms.com they have alot to choose from.


What ever you do, don't get a Lancaster.
10/1/2010 4:59:41 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:


they are the only factory (i.e. non-kit) AKs available.


The Romanian WASRs are about as "factory" as an Arsenal.
Both have a receiver that was made in a plant devoted to building AKs. Both have the reveiver modified after the rifles are imported, although in different ways. Both have a barrel that was installed at that same plant.
And like ALL AKs in the US made after 1990, they have US made parts (which were NOT installed in a manufacturing plant where AKs are made) to comply with US law. In fact, last time I looked both have US made fire control groups.
Calling one a "factory AK" without recognizing the other is kidding oneself.

10/1/2010 7:42:45 AM EDT
[#6]
+1. While Arsenals are nice (politics aside) they aren't the only "factory" AK out there. If you aren't dead set on getting a 5.45x39 rifle but are wanting a great AK that was not built from parts kits, you can always find a "used" NIB Hungarian, Chinese, or Romanian rifle. Price will vary according to models, but some are lots cheaper than an Arsenal and are just as good mechanically, but not always on the cosmetic side of things. In my case,  I was saving for an Arsenal SGL 21 or 107, but instead bought a new in box SAR 1 for $600 that came with 5 mags and 500 rounds of ammo. I then had the gas block replaced to get the bayo lug back and had the barrel threaded and even with that I was $150 less than the price of the Arsenal. The SAR 1 is about as close to an AKM as you can get and mine has been a flawless shooter. Hard to knock that for a cheaper Romanian AK.
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