What to look for in a Romy Sar-1?

[bryan cc tx]

I was looking at a Romanian SAR-1 for 350 at a local gun shop. It looks good, minor scratches on the receiver and furniture and a light coat of spotted surface rust (2-3 1-inch rust spots). It comes with one 30 rnd mag.

What should I look for in the rifle to see if it is worth 350? What are signs of a lemon AK-47? What are signs of a quality AK.

As you can tell I'm new to AK's and would appreciate any advice. I had wanted to build one but figured I would buy my first AK as a "base" model.

;c ;c

[tooly]

Make sure the sites are NOT canted and the gas block also, go to this web site and look for these sometime common problems .
This site also tells you how to fix the problems .
Also look around 350.00 is ok I guess , but I would not get it because of the rust , you should also look on ar15.com on the E.E go to the ak's for sale you can get good deals ALL the time there



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

[dglockster]

If the rifle is a 2003 model, the chances of having canted sights and gas block are not that great. Even so, they can be easily corrected by following the tutorials at this site:
http://www.gunsnet.net/Linx310/fsbcantfix.htm
http://www.gunsnet.net/Linx310/gascantfix.htm

They are just subsets of tooly's http://www.gunsnet.net/Linx310/index.shtml

[NoGo]

A little over a year ago, I bought an '03 SAR-1 folder (Welded open) from SOG for $289. On Sept 14 '04, I carefully cut the weld and cleaned up the mechanism. Now it works fine. Interesting that the prices have gone up. Good & reliable rifle none the less. You might try to chew the price down a bit.

FYI- Some '03 SAR-1's (Mine) have the muzzle turned down to a diameter too small to thread for a slant or other brake. If so, welding is an option, or check Brownells for a 3 screw muzzle brake adapter.

Fine Scotchbrite or steel wool will clean the rust off. Cold blue or Jasco Metal Prep (Phosphoric Acid based) will protect it. Remember, it's an AK. Pretty doesn't count. Only function.

[raptor3]

Originally posted by bryan cc tx
I was looking at a Romanian SAR-1 for 350 at a local gun shop. It looks good, minor scratches on the receiver and furniture and a light coat of spotted surface rust (2-3 1-inch rust spots). It comes with one 30 rnd mag.

What should I look for in the rifle to see if it is worth 350? What are signs of a lemon AK-47? What are signs of a quality AK.

As you can tell I'm new to AK's and would appreciate any advice. I had wanted to build one but figured I would buy my first AK as a "base" model.

;c ;c


1) Ask $270. He'll probably say no but try to bargain and get it for $300.

2) Field strip the gun. Take a look at the gas pistol. It should have a TINY bit of wiggle where it joins the bolt carrier but it shouldn't be too loose. Check for wear on the piston.

3) Take a look at the trigger group when the gun is field stripped. With the hammer cocked, slowly, and I mean SLOWLY, pull the trigger (AS SLOW AS POSSIBLE). See if the disconnector catches the hammer. If it doesn't catch (and it slips) then your gun will likely double-fire (potentially dangerous). That's not very major though. It's easily fixed or you could also buy a replacement trigger group.

4) Make sure the gas tubes are not dented.

5) Stare down the barrel and check the rifling (UNLOADED GUN!!!)

6) Check that the magazine fits snug in the magazine well.

7) Inspect the bolt. The pin should be able to move around freely. Check the bolt for wear.

8) Check the safety, make sure it functions.

9) Rack the gun, make sure the bolt and charging handle go all the way forward.



That's all I can think of for now.