Do I need an AK?

Tim

Tim

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I have several ARs in various lengths and calibers, but not a single AK. I have no purpose to want one other than just having one.

So...why should I get one? Seriously, talk me into it.
 
I second, third, and fourth what others have said. Variety is the spice of life, and the AK has influenced/played one of - if not the - biggest roles in modern firearms development. If you're an AR nut, they make AKs in 5.56. 7.62x39 is cheap - 20 cents per round shipped or even better if you're shrewd with sales. 5.45x39 gives 5.56 a run for its money and some say even wins that race, if you want to stick with a speedy 22-caliber round over the squattier 7.62.

My first AK was a WASR-10. Still have it, still probably my favorite AK just because it's cheap, loves abuse, and runs like a top. I now have more than 15 of them from half a dozen countries. I find them intriguing, unique, historic, easy to use, stubbornly reliable, accurate ... the list goes on and on. Also, it always makes me smile when I show up at the range and pull out a few grimy Kalashnikovs when everybody else there (and many times, their mothers too) is shooting the exact same black rifle. In my humble opinion, AKs simply have way more character.

Honestly, I can't think of a reason not to have (at least) one AK. And I do own two ARs.
 
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Ok....what's the low down on....oh, let's just say a Century AKM C39? Decent rifle? I know ничего.
 
Gear Head said:
I want one but there's so many variants and makes. I have no clue what I'm looking at.
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Just don't go American made and you will be fine. I know it doesn't sound right but with AKS that's just the way it is.
Everything is upside down, Amerian made=bad, chinese made = great
 
Majicmike said:
The WASR is the best value out there if your looking for one to abuse.
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Honestly.....I'm probably looking at one to shoot a couple times, then sit in the safe just to amuse/annoy the snowflake crowd.
 
Case Mouth said:
Just don't go American made and you will be fine. I know it doesn't sound right but with AKS that's just the way it is.
Everything is upside down, Amerian made=bad, chinese made = great
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Which brands are American? I thought they were all parts imports assembled here?
 
Tim said:
Honestly.....I'm probably looking at one to shoot a couple times, then sit in the safe just to amuse/annoy the snowflake crowd.
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Wasr works for that too and will hold its value better than a century build gun. (Wasrs are rollmarked century too, but they are made mostly in Romania)
 
Tim said:
Honestly.....I'm probably looking at one to shoot a couple times, then sit in the safe just to amuse/annoy the snowflake crowd.
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WASR is the way to go then,, if you don't like it you can get your money back quickly. They will sell a lot quicker than any American made rifle.
Technically a WASR is American made but it has better parts than a C39 or RAS
 
Tim said:
Which brands are American? I thought they were all parts imports assembled here?
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Anything IO, and most but not all of the newer century guns, the old century guns are mostly kits and are of varying quality depending on the type and year of manufacture. Aresenal and KVAR make nice stuff but pricey. Check out Atlantic Firearms
 
I'll be the voice of reason here. You really don't need an AK. Not that there is anything wrong with them. But if you want the 7.62x39 you have other options. Grab a CZ 527 with a single set trigger if you want to shoot critters or plink away with cheap ammo. Lots of fun and pretty darn accurate for that round. Love my 527 carbine. Light and quick. Fun little gun. Now if you want to go all commando, 30 round blaster why not buy a CMMG Mutant? Yeah it is more money, but a much more modern design. You can get a version with a sweet trigger and have at it. Much better option than some crappy commie rifle. :p
 
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Tim said:
Which brands are American? I thought they were all parts imports assembled here?
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In addition to IO and Century's RAS-47 and C39, I'd stay away from PSA, DDI, Waffen Works (though I wouldn't recommend an AK-74/5.45x39 for your first variant), and a few more.

WASR (Romania), Zastava PAP (Yugo/Serbia), Arsenal (Bulgaria), and WBP (Poland) are all war factory made. Century did import some parts kits and farmed out the builds for decent guns (Yugo M70AB2). You can still get lucky and pick up great guns at great prices - right here, over in *ahem* "Canada," on Armslist, GB, and the AK Files marketplace. Pawn shops can also be your friend.

And of course, there are a few of us diehard Commie gun fans right here on this forum and in this thread. Most know way more than me, but we're all happy to answer questions and share opinions if you find something you like. But long story short, I'd stay away from anything billed as "Made in the USA." If you buy a WASR and hate it, at least you'll get your money back selling it. That ain't gonna happen with a tRASh AK from Century.
 
I want one just because. But I built a cheap as I could AR platform in 7.62x39. That son of a gun just runs. Last cleaning was 800 rds ago of nothing but steel.....

I still want an AK just because. But the whole reason to try the AR build was because I have no idea how to distinguish between a $400 AK and a $1,000 AK. They all freaking look the same:eek::oops: The same company as mentioned upthread depending on details makes crap but imported gold or some such. It confuses me...
 
‘I don’t have one of those yet’ is pretty much my go-to reason to buy one. Of anything.
 
For anyone who has considered an AK but doesn't yet own one, as with any other good or service ... a little research goes a long way.

Find something you like? Google it. And click past the first page of results. Read positive reviews. Remember negative ones. Visit AK-specific internet forums. As @Case Mouth pointed out - watch Rob Ski on YouTube. The only reason to wind up with a true lemon is because you didn't do your homework.
 
Trevillian said:
I have no idea how to distinguish between a $400 AK and a $1,000 AK. They all freaking look the same:eek::oops: The same company as mentioned upthread depending on details makes crap but imported gold or some such. It confuses me...
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And this is the same reason I dont have an AK. I also went the AR47 route, have not shot mine yet though.
 
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No really, Here is a pretty good buyers guide. The prices might be a bit off but it still provides a good bit of information.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ak47/comments/6mxsc4/ak_buyers_guide_updated_july_12th_2017/
 
Hah...sad to see you had a change of heart!

I am a tried and true AR guy myself. But a few years ago a relative of mine had an old WASR that he was interested in getting rid of. he was expecting a kid and wanted money for a safe and some other stuff, so I got it for an ok deal, nothing great.

It isn't a beautiful rifle by AR guys standards. Its front sight is a bit canted and some of the rivets are a bit deep. But I have yet to have a malfunction and once I figured out what part of the front site to use it is extremely accurate for what it is. Impressively so as far as my shooting goes.

Whenever I have thoughts of culling the herd a bit the AK always bubbles to the top of the list. But then I consider that it has been an accurate and reliable rifle its hard to justify getting rid of it. Long story short, there isn't anything it can do that an AR cant, but there is just something "special" about AKs. They are more like farm implements than they are firearms. They are like old blue jeans that get better with wear and age. So if you do decide on dipping your toe in the commie water, I highly recommend it.
 
It's funny... Just a few years ago, everyone was tearing into the WASR like it was some kind of janky POS that nobody wanted, now they're the bees knees. I would get one if I had the skillset to make my own furniture for them.
 
PSA AK target with red dot at 100 yards with cheap Tula. Ain’t nothing wrong with that!

I’m an equal opportunity blaster and have enjoyed adding AKs to my fleet after many years building ARs

cb2c37dd325da0265a7d6a5f3a15d272.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Tim said:
Ok....what's the low down on....oh, let's just say a Century AKM C39? Decent rifle? I know ничего.
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Skip that.
Century made=garbage
Century imported=generally GTG.


Tim said:
Well...I had a dream last night and woke up recognizing I'm not some darn commie. The impulse has passed, I'll stick to my ARs.
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More for me.
 
Scott Free said:
It's funny... Just a few years ago, everyone was tearing into the WASR like it was some kind of janky POS that nobody wanted, now they're the bees knees. I would get one if I had the skillset to make my own furniture for them.
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And just a few years ago, circa 2013/2014, Cugir really stepped up its game and started paying more attention to the WASR. Reports of canted sights, bad rivets, horrible fitment, and other common issues with the older WASRs all but disappeared. You'll be hard pressed to find AK fans with much to complain about these newer builds.
 
IUHoosier429 said:
And just a few years ago, circa 2013/2014, Cugir really stepped up its game and started paying more attention to the WASR. Reports of canted sights, bad rivets, horrible fitment, and other common issues with the older WASRs all but disappeared. You'll be hard pressed to find AK fans with much to complain about these newer builds.
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I kinda regret not picking one up when I was on my AK kick. I'm happy with my Saigas.
 
Had a Saiga that I converted for years, and it was a good, solid carbine that performed well. AK's are fun and virtually trouble free.

I personally don't care much for their ergonomics after getting into AR's, but if I could find a decent WASR for the prices we were paying 10 years ago, I'd jump on it. Ideally, I want a side folder.
 
Do I need an AK? LMAO. Do I need a ____? Yes, the answer is yes. Always yes. If it's not an AK, it's an AR, or another handgun, or rifle, or shotgun....you get the idea.
 
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