AK questions

[MakeMineA10mm]

Wow, this is a great forum here at GT. Haven't spent any time here before, but went back and read about 20-30 threads from the first couple pages and there are some really RKIs here...

SO, that leads me to my questions.

I've had a pre-'89 Type 56 that I bought NIB in '86 or '87 (a year or two after they started importing the cheaper version - I never could see spending the money for the PolyTechs...) Anyway, I've shot and abused the heck out of it (it IS an AK, after all...).

Then, my dad gets a MAK-90 for a song (got it along with two SKS for around $300-$400), and it's sat in his safe for a few years. (I had my own AK to shoot after all, and it's a MAK with that ugly, huge thumb-hole stock...)

My first question is, I'm wondering if the Type 56 is especially valuable, since it is a pre-89 and a milled-receiver?

Second, if the MAK-90 is a milled-receiver, will it increase in value any? (I've read here that some think it may, but why since the Russians figured out the stamped receivers are lighter, cheaper, and more reliable?)

Third, if the above two answers turn out that neither of them need be especially cared for as something valuable, what can I do with the MAK? (As in, can I change the stock to a non-thumbhole, etc.?)

[zzdroptop]

Ill take a stab at a couple of you questions.

As for the MAK90 going up in value I would say it will continue to go up slowly as no more can ever be imported.

You can convert the MAK90 but you have to add the US parts to make it 922r compliant. US stock ,pistol grip, and trigger group will get it done.

[Lugi]

Originally posted by zzdroptop
Ill take a stab at a couple of you questions.

As for the MAK90 going up in value I would say it will continue to go up slowly as no more can ever be imported.

You can convert the MAK90 but you have to add the US parts to make it 922r compliant. US stock ,pistol grip, and trigger group will get it done.

You should leave the trigger group , they are real smooth !!! :thumbsup:

[MakeMineA10mm]

Thanks guys.

I remember years ago, when the MAKs first started coming in, there was ruling that the end-owner could change out the stock, if he wished, but the importer, distributor and dealer could not legally do it. Then, 922r came, and things changed again... It's probably pretty impossible for anyone to really know or tell what is an American-made compliance part and what isn't, although the stock set I'm looking at is American-made (or so they say...:animlol: )

Anyone have any opinions on value on the pre-89 Type 56?

[Lugi]

Originally posted by MakeMineA10mm
Thanks guys.

I remember years ago, when the MAKs first started coming in, there was ruling that the end-owner could change out the stock, if he wished, but the importer, distributor and dealer could not legally do it. Then, 922r came, and things changed again... It's probably pretty impossible for anyone to really know or tell what is an American-made compliance part and what isn't, although the stock set I'm looking at is American-made (or so they say...:animlol: )

Anyone have any opinions on value on the pre-89 Type 56?

Over a $1,000 :thumbsup:
I'd give my wifes leg for that ak nah ..... make that both legs !!!!:animlol:

[Decguns]

All Chinese AK's seem to be slowly increasing in value, especially milled receivers. A new in box, pre-ban, milled AK would definitely fetch more than $1000. Add several hundred more $$$ if it's an under-folder. In well used condition, it would probably sell for $700, maybe more.

The milled MAK-90 took a price hit when the ban expired, but it's still quite a good investment. I would leave it in its original configuration. The trigger pull on these are indeed smooth as glass. My best estimate would be in very good condition it would be worth at least $550.

The AK originally had a stamped sheet metal receiver. The Russians were unable to mass produce these receivers with the technology they possessed at the time. So, the third model AK-47 was built upon milled receivers. Model 1 & 2 AK's built on rudimentary sheet metal receivers remained in service well into the 1950's. Many have even surfaced in Gaza and Iraq. In 1959, the Russians began the shift to the AKM sheet metal receiver that is so common today. The milled receiver is most definitely superior to the sheet metal receiver, but it is costly, slow to manufacture and weighs 2 pounds more.