I have the AK bug again

[Halfchrome]

Nice. I was going to say VEPR but looks like you're already squared away. I'm in the process of building(well, de-sporterizing) my second VEPR right now. Waiting for parts to ship is fun. That seems like a pretty good deal you got!

[ijosef]

I actually like the stock Saiga handguards better than the original style AK guard & gas tube cover. Maybe it's because I'm used to more "traditional" rifle stocks with more to grip, but I like the fact that it's larger and allows for greater hand positioning.

[Meta-Prometheus]

Custom AK Build - This is always an option. NodakSpud (yay Minnesota!) makes excellent receivers and nowadays there are quality 4140 and 4150 chrome lined US barrels. Investment Grade Firearms and In-Range are two well known custom AK builders. For some local Minnesota support there is Schreyer Weapons Systems up in the cities!

Arsenal Bulgarian AK's (SLR series) - Good choice if you like the AK-100 series folding stocks they come with. Factory rebuilt guns, generally good quality control but some slip through the cracks (sight alignment, etc.). The finish is a basic black paint that is vulnerable to some cleaning solvents. Expect to drop about $1,000 or so on the basic 7.62x39, 5.45x39 and 5.56 NATO models.

Krebs Custom - Expensive high end AK's, but you are getting the best of the best. Their best AK variants are the ones built off either VEPR's or Saiga's.

Century Arms Int'l - Well documented problems over the years. Certainly you can find good ones and it is advised to inspect the rifle in person before committing to purchase. The new RAS-47 and C39V2 apparently have cast trunnions? I find it funny how much of a stink there is over that, considering most people who bought one will likely never shoot it enough to break the trunnion.

IO Inc - Stay away from them, is the general consensus I've heard on these.

DDI - Decent built AK's that overall are generally well reviewed.

Definitive Arms - Very well built AK's and is the company that makes the AR-15 mag well adapter for .223/5.56 chambered AK's.

Petronov Arms - Formerly Waffen Works ? Need to check up on those rumors. Has been well received in reviews thus far.

[TooFewGuns]

The custom route was not going to work, as I do not have the tools to get the rivets in. I will probably get an Arsenal at some point, the SLR is a great gun. Century can be questionable, I have had great luck with WASRs, but I have heard horror stories about the RAS-47 and the C39s. IO is definitely a no-go.

I'm very happy with the Saiga. The new Magpul parts are awesome. I still haven't decided what, if anything, I will do with the front. I like the stock hand guard, but would like a rail. I'm thinking about the Ultimak gas tube so that I could put a red dot on it, and possibly the SLR rail. http://slrrifleworks.com/index.php?rout ... uct_id=616