AKonfusion-47

[IMAS]

I know there are more threads on this subject than anyone would want but they are not helping.

I have been looking at the gun classifieds and I have seen many "Romanian AK-47" at good prices. Now are there different kinds of "romanian Ak's" or are they about the same.

I know MAK-90's are good but I would prefer to have the standard grip on my first AK.

Someone explain the different types to me please and tell me which ones are the best choices.

I was looking to spend $350 - 500 (i've seen good looking ones for $350 but are they good?)

I want one that will accept double stack mags and prefer a pistol grip.

Thats about it something plain and simple standard barrel length and no plans for scopes or special accessories.

I'm all confused tell me what to look for!!

Edit to add: I also want it in 7.62 X 39

[IMAS]

Also I noticed that sellers are saying "get yours before the ban expires and it's too late!!"

Is that just a load of crap or is there some reason that prebans will suddenly be disappearing when the ban lifts??

When the ban is lifted won't the value go down and similar guns will become widely and cheaply available??

[IMAS]

SAR-1 I heard good things about this one and then other people said it is made crappy and sloppy
SSR-56-2 The same people who say the SAR-1 sucks say this is what you want ???

[mkriegel]

Originally posted by IMAS
SAR-1 I heard good things about this one and then other people said it is made crappy and sloppy
SSR-56-2 The same people who say the SAR-1 sucks say this is what you want ???

I have a SSR-56-2. It is a very solid, very well made rifle. Read about it on the makers site.

http://www.globaltrades.com/ssr-56.html

http://www.globaltrades.com

Try this forum for all you want to know about AK-47s.

http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=77

m

[chevrofreak]

For $500ish you could get an Arsenal SAM-7 or similar.


(nevermind, i was confusing the SAM-7 for the SSR posted above)

[IMAS]

I would prefer to spend about $350 but I can go higher if needed.

I want good, reliable, simple, 7.62 x 39, and pistol grip (but not opposed to Mak-90 if it is a better option)

I don't really care if it is a stamped receiver.

[chevrofreak]

If you got a MAK-90, you could legally convert it to a traditional pistol grip. You can even do it without having to replace the FCG (trigger, sear, hammer and such)

http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=40375

[SELFDEFENSE]

I was a newbie about 3 months ago and faced the same problem. Bottom line: in most places I am familiar with the Romanian AKs were the cheapest/most available. The primary model was the SAR-1 (assuming we are talking about 7.62x39 chambering. SAR-2 and SAR-3 shoot different calibers). Due to conversion of plant facilities, SAR-1s are becoming more scarce in this neck of the woods and appear to be running $340-400. WASR-10s (very similar to SAR-1s) are now coming in and have been converted to accept hi-caps. I got one at a gun show about a month ago for $290. That is how I would go if it were my first AK (which it was).
P.S. Don't bother about the ban stuff.

[IMAS]

Originally posted by chevrofreak
If you got a MAK-90, you could legally convert it to a traditional pistol grip. You can even do it without having to replace the FCG (trigger, sear, hammer and such)

http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=40375


I read that thread and must have missed the part about converting an MAK-90.

I did see another thread where a guy said it was ok to build an illegal gun and wait five years and it would be cool. I don't know about that one. ;Q

[IMAS]

Originally posted by SELFDEFENSE
I was a newbie about 3 months ago and faced the same problem. Bottom line: in most places I am familiar with the Romanian AKs were the cheapest/most available. The primary model was the SAR-1 (assuming we are talking about 7.62x39 chambering. SAR-2 and SAR-3 shoot different calibers). Due to conversion of plant facilities, SAR-1s are becoming more scarce in this neck of the woods and appear to be running $340-400. WASR-10s (very similar to SAR-1s) are now coming in and have been converted to accept hi-caps. I got one at a gun show about a month ago for $290. That is how I would go if it were my first AK (which it was).
P.S. Don't bother about the ban stuff.

Is it legal to convert the single stack to double stack for high caps?

That sounds like sawing a shotgun barrel to 6 inches.

[chevrofreak]

Originally posted by IMAS
I read that thread and must have missed the part about converting an MAK-90.

I did see another thread where a guy said it was ok to build an illegal gun and wait five years and it would be cool. I don't know about that one. ;Q


I mainly posted it for the parts count stuff.

[chevrofreak]

Originally posted by IMAS
Is it legal to convert the single stack to double stack for high caps?

That sounds like sawing a shotgun barrel to 6 inches.

The low capacity ones are all foreign parts, the high capacity ones have a certain number of american parts, so they're considered american made.

You can buy a low capacity one, add the right amount of american parts, then you can grind out the mag well to fit a double stack mag. (this is what Century does to the WASR's)

[Glockusmaximus]

I have 3 SAR1s and 1 SSR-56-2. The Romanians fire ever time, any magazine and any ammo. They are very dependable. I wish I could say the same for my brand new SSR-56-2. :(

The only difference I am aware of between the SAR1's (7.62x39) and the WASR-10's is that the SARs are made to take hi-cap mags from the start. The WASR's have to be modified,(usually at the factory or importer) to take hi-cap mags. Internally I believe they are nearly identical.

You can spend more for an AK than an SAR or WASR Romanian but I'm not sure what advantage you will get. AKs by design are made to be quickly mass produced and issued to troops who will get a 30 minute class and then thrown into combat. All varieties of the Kalashnikov design are robust and made to get the job done under harsh conditions. More dollars get you fancy and nice...but not more dependable.

Hope that helps and happy hunting!

Cheers!;c

[Rausch]

For your first AK get a SAR-1. It is a Romanian AK that is moderately priced and is a good AK to start with since mags, ammo and accessories are available at good prices. This AK functions well and is as accurate as is needed for an assault rifle.;f

[Doug S]

Get yourself a Romanian SAR-1 AK, I doubt you'll regret it. They are in your price range & reliable. I have 410 rounds through mine without a hitch.

[barnettbill]

Try J&G Sales. Right now they are on backorder, But they had some a few weeks ago when I went down there. They will ship to your local FFL.

http://www.jgsales.com
Or
http://catalog.jgsales.com/itemdetail.php?itemnumber=1-1-827

[IMAS]

Are the SAR-1 's getting hard to find?

[chevrofreak]

Originally posted by IMAS
Are the SAR-1 's getting hard to find?


Yes, I believe they can nolonger be imported or some such.

[IMAS]

Originally posted by barnettbill
Try J&G Sales. Right now they are on backorder, But they had some a few weeks ago when I went down there. They will ship to your local FFL.

http://www.jgsales.com
Or
http://catalog.jgsales.com/itemdetail.php?itemnumber=1-1-827


The sight says its selling the WASR. Is that different than the SAR-1?

Is that the one with the cut out mag well?

[84S]

If you are willing to spend $500, look for a Hungarian SA-85 or a Bulgarian SLR-95. Buy either one and you will be very happy, they are not parts guns and you can put a pistol grip stock on it after September 14. The Romanian WUM-1 AK's are pretty nice too. I prefer factory guns instead of mix-match US and imported parts guns, but for $300 a SAR-1 does the job well. Of course, you can't go wrong with a Chinese MAK-90 either.

[TammiJ]

Try this link..

http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=178485
fixed folder Sar-1's $299 from SOG
http://www.southernohiogun.com
From what I understand, they are not listed on their website but tey're in their catalog.

[SELFDEFENSE]

"The sight says its selling the WASR. Is that different than the SAR-1?
Is that the one with the cut out mag well?"

Yes, the WASR-10 has the magwell expanded to take hi-caps and is very similar to the SAR-1. On any of the guns make sure the sight block and gas block are not canted.

[IMAS]

Originally posted by SELFDEFENSE
On any of the guns make sure the sight block and gas block are not canted.
Could you elaborate on that?

[IMAS]

what about these Saiga AK style rifles? are they any good?

[chevrofreak]

Originally posted by IMAS
what about these Saiga AK style rifles? are they any good?

Some of the best made. They;re made in the original Izmash factory, where Mikhail Kalashnikov works.

You can do a legal pistol grip conversion on them of you swap out some parts, and do a little bit of machining. Some of the best custom AK's are built off Saigas.

[Doug S]

I've heard rumors that the SAR-1 is getting scarce. The WASR-10 still seems plentify. I picked up an issue of Shotgun news last week and could only find one ad for the SAR-1 and it was listed as having been made with an American receiver. As far as I know this is a new thing. On my 2003 SAR one the 5 American parts are the 3 in the trigger mechanism, the plastic pistol grip, & the gas piston. The receiver is Romanian.

[Glockusmaximus]

I've heard about SAR-1's getting scarce too. I think it has something to do with them not being able to be imported anymore for some reason. That was one of the reasons I snapped up my last SAR-1 a couple months ago after not seeing them for a while.
They might not be the prettiest AK out there but they seem to have the legendary AK reliability in spades. Great rifle for a good price.

Cheers!

[IMAS]

Are there any american companies that build AK's from the ground up?

[Glockusmaximus]

There might be a company or two that does build AKs from the "ground up" here in the U.S. but I'm not aware of them. Arsenal/Global Trades in Houston builds AKs from kits onto their own heavier stamped receivers. Arsenal in Las Vegas builds AKs from kits onto their own milled receivers. The two companies are not related from what I've been told.
There are probably a few more companies out there that produce AKs from kit parts too.

Hope that helps.

Cheers!

[Toxie]

What do you guys think of the fake underfolder (for $499) halfway down the page?

Atlantic firearms (http://atlanticfirearms.com/rifles/ak47/ak47.html)

If you had to buy one of their guns (AK-47), which would it be?

[Glockusmaximus]

Toxie,
That one looks good but the stock is permanently fixed in the open position. Unless you just had to have a folder for looks I would wait to buy one after the "AWB" sunsets in September. That way you will have an underfolder that works and is not fixed.
As for the rest of that rifle it sounds good. Polish parts are supposedly some of the best and I have heard good things about the Ohio Ord receivers. Just my .02.


Cheers!

[Toxie]

I just figured after the AWB sunsets, It would be easiest to convert, and I want a slant brake. Its just a classic look.

[Glockusmaximus]

Don't know how easy it is to convert after the sunset. Should be able to buy a complete folder at that time. Also will be able to have the slant break that is not welded on and replace it at will with whatever you want. Now, we just have to get the word out that the sunset of the "AWB" is a very good thing for all.

Cheers!

[FreakyBig]

Get a SAR-1 and spend the extra money on new furniture and ammo!

[Rausch]

^c Good idea. !!!!

[mkriegel]

Originally posted by Glockusmaximus
I have 3 SAR1s and 1 SSR-56-2. The Romanians fire ever time, any magazine and any ammo. They are very dependable. I wish I could say the same for my brand new SSR-56-2.

Glockusmaximus,

What problem have you had with the SSR-56? I have one that I have not fired yet (had an operation right after I bought it and haven't
been able to get it to the range). Did they fix the problem?

Thanks,

m

[Glockusmaximus]

mkriegel

I found that at first it was jamming with fully loaded (30) steel mags about every other round down to about 10 or 15 left. Polish synthetic mags worked fine.

I talked to the folks at Arsenal and they wanted me to send it back so they could make it right and I'm sure they will.

In the mean time I have experimented with different mags and broken it in some with more rounds and range time. I still get the jamming problem but not as often. Also, well worn steel mags seem to function fine. Tight mags still give me trouble.

I have three other SAR-1s and all of them shoot any ammo through any mag at any time with NO malfunctions.

I like the SSR-56-2 but right now I have this reliability issue. I don't want to send it back to them if I don't have to, but I probably will. Another thing that I noticed when I got down inside looking for why it might be jamming...I found the shepard's hook to be installed backwards. That discovery didn't build my overall confidence as per the rifle or Arsenal's QC. I'm not throwing stones here, I just wish the rifle would have been a winner right out of the box as I expected.
I hear a great deal on this and other forums how Arsenal/Global "will make it right" or "what a fine job they did when I sent such and such back to them..." I wish I was reading more of what a fine product their rifles are upon delivery and not on repair. Just my .02.


Cheers!

[mkriegel]

Glockusmaximus,

Hopefully, I will be able to get the SSR to the range this week before I have to go back to work. I have 4 plastic and 1 metal mag, all 30 rounders. If I have problems, Arsenal/Global is local to me and will be easy to take it in. Thanks for the info.


M

[Glockusmaximus]

mkriegel,

That sounds good and I hope you have the best of luck and results. I would try the steel mag first. As I said all of my plastic mags were fine with no instances of jamming or FtFeed. If you should happen to have some problems please let us know. From what I've read my FtFeed and jammings were not the only ones reported for the SSR-56-2.

Cheers!

[scromer]

The Holy Grail of information on Romanian AK varients:

http://www.gunsnet.net/Linx310/index.shtml

:) ;) :cool:

[10hasteeth]

Does anyone know anything about this AK? It has a great trigger but is $469 at the gunshow. Thanks for any help. Mike

[scromer]

Go here http://www.globaltrades.com/ and look at the discontinued models.

"The SSR-85B is the marriage of the Polish PMKMS parts set with US-made ITC receiver or the FEG SA-85M receiver. The unfired PMKMS kit is the finest parts set we have ever seen, and either of the receivers can easily qualify as among the best ever used to build AKs. PMKMS The FEG receiver has had over 30 years production time to reach perfection. The US-made ITC receiver is made of 1.25mm sheetmetal, is wonderfully straight, and we fully harden it after receiving it. SA-85M & ITC Receivers We finish the rifle with our ultra-smooth Parkerizing, and then install the beautiful blond hardwood stock set from Hungary. It has 6 US-made components, and fully complies with all Federal regulations. It is legal with any imported high-capacity magazine without modifications.

This is the rifle that is featured in Small Arms Review and the Guns Magazine Combat Annual. It is widely acclaimed as the best Kalashnikov ever sold in the United States. This rifle will be available through the Spring of 2002. We are unable to import any more of the PMKMS parts sets for assembly into high-capacity rifles, so don't miss your chance to get these fine rifles before they disappear."

[mkriegel]

Originally posted by Toxie
What do you guys think of the fake underfolder (for $499) halfway down the page?

Atlantic firearms (http://atlanticfirearms.com/rifles/ak47/ak47.html)

If you had to buy one of their guns (AK-47), which would it be?

Originally posted by Glockusmaximus
That one looks good but the stock is permanently fixed in the open position. Unless you just had to have a folder for looks I would wait to buy one after the "AWB" sunsets in September. That way you will have an underfolder that works and is not fixed.
As for the rest of that rifle it sounds good. Polish parts are supposedly some of the best and I have heard good things about the Ohio Ord receivers. Just my .02.



From Atlantic Firearms about the underfolder.

"Our underfolder stock is pinned on the right side through the pivot. It is an 1/8" pin and then we put a small weld over the top of the pin. If the ban sunsets, you would grind the weld off the top of the pin and tap on the pivot until the pin fell out."


Thank You
BLAINE BUNTING/President

Atlantic Firearms ,LLC
10337 Bunting Road
Bishopville MD, 21813
Office # 410 352 5183
Fax # 410 352 3374
EMAIL - ATLANTICFIREARM @ AOL.COM
Web Site WWW.ATLANTICFIREARMS.COM

[Glockusmaximus]

The best of both worlds :)

Cheers!

[ponykilr]

sar1's are cheap but a converted saiga is better. you will probably want a better trigger anyway and that romanian furniture is so homely;e

[Sho Nuff]

Romanian SAR-1's are a great place to start out with AK's platforms.

For the price you can then par $40 to order the G2 trigger group replacement from TAPCO to replace that crappy Century group.

Get the shepards crook replacement part from Red Star Arms. For $12 it will alleviate allot of headaches from the frustrating little wire that Century installs wrong in the 1st place.

This thing is a tank and will keep on going. The Glock of the carbine world.