Starting an AK style collection for various examples

[solidgun]

I like building up collections of firearms for comparison purposes. That way I know what I like and dislike as well as giving real reviews as an actual owner/user of that firearm. I do this for modern firearms and more often than not I buy them used unless I don't see it as a good deal and I will actually keep it in my collection in which case I buy new.

With AKs, I can't get them new at good prices and prices are hard to compare as the fluctuation occurs at radical rates based on political changes and demands.

But this month I would like to start this collection slowly. I need to know what models should be purchased that represents certain origins. Like my other collections, I need to keep the maximum number to 10 as I need to keep my collection down to a manageable number.

I have purchased/traded for or plan on buying the following:

Russian - Arsenal SGL-21 and Saiga sporter converted
Chinese - NHM-91
Romanian - PSL and WASR-10 (I am buying this as I want an example of really cheap century example)
Hungarian - AMD 65

Now, that is 5 examples (excluding PSL as that isn't the same caliber).
I can't buy really expensive examples, but I would like some recommendation from other owners on some of other popular AKs from other countries.


Just FYI, if I die my collection that is here joins my collection in Michigan and it will be kept or sold at an auction by my family

[Scratch]

My vote is for a Yugo Underfolder. You get the cool grenade launching sites too.

[solidgun]

My vote is for a Yugo Underfolder. You get the cool grenade launching sites too.

I was browsing through Classic Arms website last month and they had found a Yugo M70 NIB (after being imported) and I missed it by 10 minutes according to the person that answered the phone for orders. I am going to add this next. Thanks for the advice.

[gyrfalcon]

Bulgarian SLRs

[spliznat]

The Egpytian MAADI........... Pick one up and held it. Seemed nice and very shootable. Alomost bought it but went with the Hungry AMD 65

[PileDriver]

Another vote for a MAADI. I've used a buddy's several times, very nice shooter.

[TabulaRasa]

Romanian - PSL and WASR-10 (I am buying this as I want an example of really cheap century example)
Hungarian - AMD 65

Up until about a year or two ago, the PSLs available for sale from AIM, Centerfire systems, etc. were imported by CAI, but were completely foreign made. Foreign receiver, chrome lined barrel, wood PSL stock, trigger, pinned muzzle device, and a bayonet lug that had been ground down. These got really "cheap" for a while, like down to $499 if I remember right. I would prefer these if I was buying.

Then the PSLs we got started being parts kits with US made receivers, AK pistol grips & stocks, no bayonet lug, and they were kinda stingy on accessories. (No bayonet, only 1 mag, no scope, no mag pouch, etc.) I heard these rifles had problems with doublefeeding as well.

As far as AMD's, around 2009 we got some AMDs with foreign made FEG receivers, I would greatly prefer these rifles over any 922r kit builds. Looks like Centerfire Systems still has these for sale @ $399.

[heavy metal daze]

Not quite an AK, but worth considering for this sort of collection:
Czechoslovakia - Vz.58

[Joe Camo]

Galil ... well, your thread title does say "AK style" after all.

JC

[solidgun]

Galil ... well, your thread title does say "AK style" after all.

JC

I have been trying to add a Galil to my collection, but they have moved from $2000 range to $3000 in the recent years and I just don't see them to be worth the price.

[yuppiejr]

Head's up, noticed the WASR-10 was on sale at Fleet Farm for $424 this week, $454 if you want the under-folding stock. Good luck with the collection!

[Scratch]

If you're in the market for a WASR. Check Dunham's add online also (like Fleet Farm) they have had them for 389 and 399 in less than 2 months ago. Fleet Farm will also match their price on them I've found, if you bring in the add.

[solidgun]

I ordered my WASR (century) for $350 + 18 shipping.