Bulgy AK-74 for $349

snubbyluvr · 03-05-2010, 07:09

Although I was in the market for a Bulgy 7.62 AK, when I saw this Bulgarian AK-74 with synthetic furniture for $349 this morning I ordered right away.

http://www.centerfiresystems.com/akagun74.aspx

Free shipping, side rail, and the girl on the phone (Anne) told me these weapons have hammer-forged, chromed-lined barrels (we'll see). Ordered three extra mags at $9.99 each because I ordered with the gun (is that a good price?).

Assembled/manufactured by Century Arms (spotty QC record), so I'll have to check this out carefully...

I jumped on this as soon as I saw it, because they are going to sell out of these very quick. Anne said they have alot, but expect to sell them out rapidly at this price. They are only $50 more than the Saiga 7.62x39 sporters...http://www.centerfiresystems.com/SAI-762.aspx

I've read that 5.45x39 ammo is not as plentiful as 7.62x39. Is it more expensive too? Is 5.45x39 a good round? (I don't know anything about it...) On the upside, with the reduced recoil my wife probably will enjoy shooting this weapon with me at the range more...

CarlosC · 03-05-2010, 07:37

The QC at Century as it relates to 5.45 rifles worries me. I have read on other boards that the keyholing problem has found its way into the Bulgarian AK-74s from Century.

snubbyluvr · 03-05-2010, 07:42

I read that too, but I figured I would roll the dice.

After checking for cant and other common AK issues, I'll check out keyholing at the range. If it does keyhole, I'll send it back for fix or an exchange until I get a good one. I figured (or hope that) in that scenario the $350 price is still good. We'll see...

I'll update the board on my findings. The rifle ships on Monday. Wish me luck, LOL.

CarlosC · 03-05-2010, 07:48

Let us know how it works out. The price is outstanding and I may jump on one of those myself depending on your report.

toshbar · 03-05-2010, 07:53

The general consensus on teh innarwebz is that the keyholing was caused in some of the the Century Tantals (5.45) because they used 5.56 barrels instead of 5.45. Do the bullet check at the muzzle and that should be a start.

PS: I just converted a Saiga 5.45 and I love it. The ammo is far cheaper than any other center fire rifle I know of (1/3 cost of .223 and almost same ballistics, 1/6 cost to feed my Garand). all the 5.45 russian surplus ammo is corrosive. There is some debate and chance that ammo made after '89 may not be corrosive. I have some with '82 headstamp and know for a fact that it is corrosive. It is kind of a pain to know I have to clean it when I get back from shooting instead of just putting it up like I do the WASR which I've been shooting Wolf out of, but will start using some Yugo corrosive ammo. Looks like I'll be cleaning quite a bit. I don't detail the whole gun, just field strip, run some water down the barrel, in the gas block and tube and over the piston. Wipe everything clean and dry, then douse it with some NAPA Premium 30 weight.

snubbyluvr · 03-05-2010, 08:05

Thanks for the 5.45 info. I'll check the inner barrel diameter.

I don't know much about the 5.45 round, even though I ordered the gun (LOL). Glad to hear shooting it won't break the bank. Now I have to read up on the 5.45 in terms of performance and what not. Not a biggie about the round though. I plan on this being a "fun" gun.

CarlosC · 03-05-2010, 08:06

Yes toshbar, I realize the issue originally was with the Century Tantals, but it appears the problem may also be with the Century Bulgarians. Here, read this...
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=4&f=64&t=126609

It makes me wonder if the $350 Bulgarians are going that cheap because Century has figured out they screwed up....again. If so, it makes it really difficult to like them.

snubbyluvr · 03-05-2010, 08:15

Carlos, thanks for that thread from AR15.com.

I'll be taking mine to the range ASAP after receiving it.

CarlosC · 03-05-2010, 08:18

The 5.45 is similar to the 5.56. I think it shoots even softer than the 5.56. I've done some informal testing comparing the 5.56 and 5.45 and they're close in penetration. If you have some time, there are some interesting medical articles here...
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...g=content;col1

It is also interesting to follow the link comparing the 5.56 out of an M-16A2 and an M-4.

toshbar · 03-05-2010, 08:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlosC

Yes toshbar, I realize the issue originally was with the Century Tantals, but it appears the problem may also be with the Century Bulgarians. Here, read this...
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=4&f=64&t=126609

It makes me wonder if the $350 Bulgarians are going that cheap because Century has figured out they screwed up....again. If so, it makes it really difficult to like them.

Hmm. That thread is only a few days old. I did all my research 2 months ago and seriously considered buying the rifle he speaks of in that thread.

Izhmash FTW!!!!

snubbyluvr · 03-05-2010, 09:06

Thanks again Carlos. The 5.56 and 5.45 appear similar in performance. Makes sense, the Russians probably designed it with similar performance in mind.

Now all is left is to research pricing and availability.

snubbyluvr · 03-05-2010, 12:14

Is this about as inexpensive as 5.45x39mm ammo gets?
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=A54539R

entropy1049 · 03-05-2010, 12:26

Depending on shipping that's a good price currently for 5.45.

BTW: Awesome deal on a fun Bulgy shooter!

Jmzzl · 03-05-2010, 13:02

It's a good deal if the quality of the firearm is good.

Also, I'm glad you found that website. They have awesome deals on some guns that are even lower than some dealer pricing, I know for sure. Theres Romanian AK stock sets for $8. $8!!?!!?! I'm buying a couple to refinish and fix up.

toshbar · 03-05-2010, 15:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by snubbyluvr

Is this about as inexpensive as 5.45x39mm ammo gets?
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=A54539R

Depending on how many mags the gun came with, get some of these http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.as...C30&groupid=68 I got some for my saiga and they're awesome. 4 for $40 and comes with a mag pouch.

photoguy · 03-05-2010, 17:14

Looks like Classic Arms has the $350 AK-74s too

smineb · 03-05-2010, 17:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by photoguy

Looks like Classic Arms has the $350 AK-74s too

where? i dont see them on their site

LEAD · 03-05-2010, 17:58

Century will be good to you if you get a model that keyholes.

scotte10x · 03-05-2010, 18:42

Just FYI

Buyer Beware,
We have rebuilt 2 of these guns, the cost for the first one was 525.00 the cost of the second one was 575.00.
There's a reason these guns are cheep. You may luck out and get one that actually works like Mike NV did but my experience is these guns at best are just not complete. To properly build and COMPLETE an AK requires more than what goes into these TGI guns.
You don't have to buy one of our guns but at the same time don't count your life on an incomplete budget gun designed for shooters who don't know any better.
__________________
Jim Fuller
Rifle Dynamics 07FFL/SOT www.rifledynamics.com
Suarez International staff Instructor/AK Armorer

CarlosC · 03-05-2010, 20:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlosC

Yes toshbar, I realize the issue originally was with the Century Tantals, but it appears the problem may also be with the Century Bulgarians. Here, read this...
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=4&f=64&t=126609

It makes me wonder if the $350 Bulgarians are going that cheap because Century has figured out they screwed up....again. If so, it makes it really difficult to like them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotte10x

Just FYI

Buyer Beware,
We have rebuilt 2 of these guns, the cost for the first one was 525.00 the cost of the second one was 575.00.
There's a reason these guns are cheep. You may luck out and get one that actually works like Mike NV did but my experience is these guns at best are just not complete. To properly build and COMPLETE an AK requires more than what goes into these TGI guns.
You don't have to buy one of our guns but at the same time don't count your life on an incomplete budget gun designed for shooters who don't know any better.
__________________
Jim Fuller
Rifle Dynamics 07FFL/SOT www.rifledynamics.com
Suarez International staff Instructor/AK Armorer

I rest my case.

CarlosC · 03-05-2010, 20:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotte10x

Just FYI

Buyer Beware,
We have rebuilt 2 of these guns, the cost for the first one was 525.00 the cost of the second one was 575.00.
There's a reason these guns are cheep. You may luck out and get one that actually works like Mike NV did but my experience is these guns at best are just not complete. To properly build and COMPLETE an AK requires more than what goes into these TGI guns.
You don't have to buy one of our guns but at the same time don't count your life on an incomplete budget gun designed for shooters who don't know any better.
__________________
Jim Fuller
Rifle Dynamics 07FFL/SOT www.rifledynamics.com
Suarez International staff Instructor/AK Armorer

and welcome to Glock Talk.

photoguy · 03-05-2010, 23:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by photoguy

Looks like Classic Arms has the $350 AK-74s too

My bad, Classic has a $350 Romanian AK-47s
http://www.classicarms.us/
First item on the page.

I'm sure that for $350 these various AKs aren't as good as the higher priced models but it's good to see AK prices coming down just the same.

Line Rider · 03-06-2010, 08:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotte10x

Just FYI

Buyer Beware,
We have rebuilt 2 of these guns, the cost for the first one was 525.00 the cost of the second one was 575.00.
There's a reason these guns are cheep. You may luck out and get one that actually works like Mike NV did but my experience is these guns at best are just not complete. To properly build and COMPLETE an AK requires more than what goes into these TGI guns.
You don't have to buy one of our guns but at the same time don't count your life on an incomplete budget gun designed for shooters who don't know any better.
__________________
Jim Fuller
Rifle Dynamics 07FFL/SOT www.rifledynamics.com
Suarez International staff Instructor/AK Armorer

I checked ar15.com and The AK forums and decide not to buy a TGI.

Welcome to the forum Mr. Fuller

***Sam Spade*** · 03-06-2010, 10:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotte10x

Just FYI

OTOH, $350 for a parts kit isn't that bad....and you get the 922 parts already included.

muncie21 · 03-06-2010, 16:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotte10x

We have rebuilt 2 of these guns, the cost for the first one was 525.00 the cost of the second one was 575.00.

If a 'rebuilt' AK runs $500, then I'll either find a new smith or move over to ARs.

Unless of course, you are milling a new receiver from billet and sprinkling a touch of gold over everything.