Romanian AK47

[skb875]

Not sure if this has been covered before, but thought I'd ask.
I've been interested in buying an AK47, but am on a tight budget at the moment. So after some looking around I found out that the Romanian AK47 seems to be the cheapest priced, although they aren't as smooth and nice looking as more expensive ones. I was wondering if it would be just as good to buy a Romanian AK and then over sometime upgrade parts for it.. Which still seems like it may be cheaper in the end.

[elgoatropo]

If you can find a SAR or WASR with a Tapco folder for under $400, I think you're doing OK. Save yourself the cost of upgrading the stock. The wood stock is all wrong unless you're wearing a heavy parka or armor.

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=46107509

(ugly handguard on that one)

I think the Tapco folder gives the best ergonomics - decent cheek weld, which is unusual for a folder.

My SAR is accurate. I try not to abuse my barrel too much, because it is a good shooter.

Don't be tempted to get a .223 or 5.45. Too many problems with mags and ammo availability, respectively.

You might end up upgrading the trigger. Many of them develop a painful trigger slap.

[skb875]

Ah alright. I thank you very much for you help! I'll be sure to look into that AK you linked me into.
I'm sure I'll ask a few more questions before I do my final purchase. :P

Thanks again.

[8-Ball]

Originally posted by elgoatropo
Don't be tempted to get a .223 or 5.45. Too many problems with mags and ammo availability, respectively.

Where are you getting this information? Mags for 5.45 are around $8 for black bakelite and around $12 for polish steel and are available everywhere, the ammo (5.45x39) is just as easy to find(if you shop online) as 7.62, and 5.45x39 is the same price as 7.62x39.

skb875, I wouldn't rule out a 5.45x39 AK-74, they're great guns.

[elgoatropo]

Respectively - .223 mags are problematic and 5.45 ammo is not readily available where ammo is sold.

I never said AK-74 mags were bad or that .223 was hard to find.

These days, I would check out one of these http://www.ordnanceoutsellers.com/index.htm

before settling on a WASR. I don't have experience with the SSR 85, but it looks nice, and once you buy a Red Star Arms trigger for your WASR, the prices are pretty comparable.

[skb875]

Hey guys,
I never knew there were different bullets for AKs, I only knew of the 7.62x39. The newest link has some really nice AKs, but they're above the price range that I was willing to spend. I was looking for something under $400. www.impactguns.com has a few Romanian AKs for a reasonable price. They don't exactly have the best pictures of their weapons though. Also, I don't really understand how to purchase them, but sure I could figure it out. I would rather have a wood stock than a folding one. I went to a gunshop not too far from me and there was an AK with an folding stock and it hurt, and I wasnt even shooting it. :P
I have one more question, what would I need to block these bullets. By this I mean, when I'm shooting at targets what should I have behind it? I was thinking a pile of dirt with a steel plate inside but wasn't for sure.

[Guod]

I recently picked up a WASR10. It's not the prettiest gun in the world, but it shoots fine. Just make sure the sights and gas block are not canted and it should be a lot of fun.

[8-Ball]

Yes, the AK-47 in 7.62x39 and the AK-74 in 5.45x39. Both are great guns.

Look around the "for sale" forums here on Glocktalk, AR15.com, AK47.net, etc. and you can find them pretty cheap. I bought mine here on GT for $200 with 8 mags, a mag pouch, stripper clips, extra cleaning kit, sling, extra gas piston, and a few other odds and ends. Just keep an eye out.

Here's a couple pics...

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/4465/640x2929yq.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6596/akandtire2633x3859tm.jpg

[skb875]

Holy crap! You're lucky! Now that's the price that I'm looking for :shocked: I didn't know there was a for sale section I will check that out.
Really nice AK by the way, makes me jealous :rollsmiley:

[elgoatropo]

I occasionally see a Norinco Mac-90 in the $400 range, usually with the thumbhole stock.

They have a better trigger and proper-sized buttstock compared to the Wasrs and Sars. But the thumbholes are UGLY.

[elgoatropo]

8-Ball, you done good! What kind of groups can you get with that setup?