Decent AK?

[bstrawse]

I recently shot my first AK - a side folder belonging to forum member.. And rather liked it...

Recommendations on a decent / reasonably priced AK? Nothing fancy, just something to get started with....

Thanks!
B

[timwarner]

a lot of what makes a decent AK is on a per rifle basis.
If you want a good one, get an arsenal. Otherwise I have a romanian SAR-1, I would avoid WASR's, Look for canted sights, dremeled out magwells, bolt sticking back when you rack it, etc.

I picked mine up with side mounted scope mount, 6 30rnd mags, 1 10rnd mag, and "assault rifle" generic case for about $350. Shoots fine, 3-4" at 100yd.

[Norsesmithy]

SARs are getting hard to find. Probably the best bet for an AK is to either buy a parts kit and have someone reputable assemble it, or to go with an Arsenal.
K-Var has Arsenal 7.62x39 AKs built on Saiga 7.62s (so with a Russian receiver and barrel) for 800 or so, 5.45x39 AKs bult on Saiga 5.45s (with Russian receiver and barrel) for just a little more (840ish), Bulgarian 7.62x39 rifles for 850ish, and Bulgarian 5.56 rifles for 700 or so. So they end up being about twice the price of a Wasr, but in terms of being properly assembled and trustworthy, they are at least twice the rifle a Wasr is.

[heavy metal daze]

I'll go against the grain and say to at least look at Wasr's first. They're prolific locally; one can inspect them before purchase. They are rough looking, and generally need some work out of the box to clean, but find one that passes a quick inspection of cant and magazine fit nets one a pretty decent AK.
That said, I would never trust buying one sight unseen.

[Philo]

I'll go against the grain and say to at least look at Wasr's first. They're prolific locally; one can inspect them before purchase. They are rough looking, and generally need some work out of the box to clean, but find one that passes a quick inspection of cant and magazine fit nets one a pretty decent AK.
That said, I would never trust buying one sight unseen.

That said, Fleet Farm has WASR's on sale this week. I think they are $429 if my memory serves me correctly. Take a look.

[shooter]

I've bought two Lancaster AK's from East Coast Firearms, and been very happy with both of them. If you're in the East metro or go to OGC you're welcome to come take a look.

http://www.eastcoastfirearms.com/gallery/default.asp?parent_id=114&child_id=185&is_gallery=1

[SparkyJeff]

That said, Fleet Farm has WASR's on sale this week. I think they are $429 if my memory serves me correctly. Take a look.

$424.99 for wood stock, $454.99 for folding stock, looks like an underfolder.
http://www.fleetfarm.com/company/weekly ... 858&rez=hi
Page six.

[EJSG19]

cripes. since when is a "good" AK the same price as a good AR?

that jest don't set right ya'll...

[solidgun]

cripes. since when is a "good" AK the same price as a good AR?

that jest don't set right ya'll...

Good AKs function where good ARs have failed. A well built AK is worth the premium it carries.

[Scratch]

WASR's are cheaper at Dunhams when on sale. And Fleet Farm will match their price. About a month ago they were 389.00 for a 2 day sale then the sale price went to 399.00 for a week. Dunhams is pretty much like Fleet Farm and they go on sale about once a month or so.

[1911fan]

Is there a Dunhams near the Cities? in Hudson?

[DeanC]

Is there a Dunhams near the Cities? in Hudson?

St. Cloud, Red Wing are closest

[Squib Joe]

I've bought two Lancaster AK's from East Coast Firearms, and been very happy with both of them. If you're in the East metro or go to OGC you're welcome to come take a look.

http://www.eastcoastfirearms.com/gallery/default.asp?parent_id=114&child_id=185&is_gallery=1

I've heard some really bad things about Lancaster AKs lately, to the point where I've stopped carrying them.

http://lancasterarmssucks.blogspot.com/

[David]

Hmm. I read through that whole Lancaster blog, and I've experienced just about all of those things from many companies, from Robinson to SigSauer to FN...

It looks like most of the problems are overpromises and underdeliveries, poor estimates, a few outright lies, administrative incompetence, and awful customer service. In other words, just about par for the gun industry.

I can't speak for the whole line, but my two Lancasters are outstanding AKs. I didn't order them from the factory though, so I can't comment on their service. As with anything these days, I'd warn people to buy off-the-shelf, and not go the ordering route. You get to inspect before you buy, and are less likely to have to deal with incompetent, lying factory customer service people.

[LarryFlew]

bolt sticking back when you rack it, etc.

.

Have a cheapy that that occasionally happens to and can't for the life of me find where it hangs up when it does. Suggestions?