MAK90
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IUHoosier429
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That's a great price if it's in good shape. Thumbhole stock? I'd replace the furniture first (and find out if it's a straight or slant-back receiver - straight-back is more desirable but there are furniture options for both). Legit Chicom wood is going to be expensive (likely at least a couple hundred dollars). Ironwood Designs offers a fantastic alternative (I have a set on one of my Chinese guns) but it too is pricey (+/- $300). You can piece together stuff over time. Polytech USA is another option. I'd say fuss with the handguards later and work on sourcing a stock now.
Other common de-neuter/de-ban checklist steps include replacing the FSB, installing a muzzle detent, threading the barrel for a muzzle nut or slant brake (a nut will be more authentic depending on the look you're going for), and adding a cleaning rod.
Of course, this is all to return the gun to its glorious pre-ban look, but the first thing I'd do is take it to your closest range and blast away. It'll shoot great no matter what it looks like on the outside. Enjoy your new AK
Other common de-neuter/de-ban checklist steps include replacing the FSB, installing a muzzle detent, threading the barrel for a muzzle nut or slant brake (a nut will be more authentic depending on the look you're going for), and adding a cleaning rod.
Of course, this is all to return the gun to its glorious pre-ban look, but the first thing I'd do is take it to your closest range and blast away. It'll shoot great no matter what it looks like on the outside. Enjoy your new AK
See if he has two or three more and buy them all.
Great price.
Great price.
650$
Lafayette Gregory
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A clean thumbhole stock mac 90 will start at about 850.00. It will cost about 150.00-225.00 to convert to a standard stock. If you only use it as a bench shooting rifle the thumbhole stock is ok. If you ever plan to carry it in the woods you will want to convert it, The thumbhole stock is heavy , bulky and unweidly. There are many still out there still in the box and unfired since importation. These will carry a premium. A 922 converted Mac 90 will start around 850.00 and go for upwards of 1800.00. Original chinese AK also carry a premium. These go for upwards of 1800.00 to 2500.00. Under folders also carry a premium starting about 1500.00+. Spikers are even more starting about 1800.00+The only difference in the Mac 90 is the markings on the receiver. Those marked polytechnic also carry a premium as much as 2500.00 +. Then there is the legend versions - even more. Bottom line-If you can get a CLEAN converted Mac 90 for under 850.00 you have found a bargain.
Combat Diver
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US Army uses Mak90s for Robin Sage FTX. I usually issued them to the OPFOR as we only had one or two mags per gun and limited 7.62x39mm blanks compared to 5.56mm blanks and M4/M16 for the Guerillas. Mak90 in right side of photo. This was 06-08' when I was an instructor.
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Exspiravit
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I've never paid more than $700 for a Mak90. I bought a straight back at a pawn shop last year for $600 with thumbhole stock and two Norinco mags.
The deals are out there for people who look. $850 is a full retail squeeze-every-penny Gunbroker price.
Update:
I got the MAK 90. Not the deal I wanted.
I traded an HK45 for it. I am happy with the deal. Did come with original furniture and it has a straight cut rear. I have replaced the buttstock with a Magpul Zhukov stock and the grip also with Magpul.
I will replace the hand guard with one from Midwest Industries.
I got the MAK 90. Not the deal I wanted.
I traded an HK45 for it. I am happy with the deal. Did come with original furniture and it has a straight cut rear. I have replaced the buttstock with a Magpul Zhukov stock and the grip also with Magpul.
I will replace the hand guard with one from Midwest Industries.
IUHoosier429
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@EDGE, value is subjective. As long as you're happy with the deal that is all that matters. Straight back is a bonus and gives you more options down the road. By "original furniture" I assume you mean the thumbole stock, right? IMO these old guns look great in wood, but dress it up however it suits you and post some pics once it's good to go.
Out of curiosity is this your first AK? If so you could have done a LOT worse. Nice score.
Also, where the hell is @Majicmike? We're 10+ posts into a Chicom thread and not a peep. Hope all is well.
Lafayette Gregory
Les-ter not Ly-Chester
You made a reasonable deal. You have a AK that will last a lifetime. I have one that has over 10k rds down the tube. Looks like new and accuracy has not faltered, The magpul stocks look good and modern. I like the traditional blonde Chu wood stocks. Enjoy.
Exspiravit
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I feel like we need some pictures.
All good, life’s keeping me busy in good ways.
Great pick up OP. Any I see for 650 and less I grab.
I have a Norinco MAK90 that I picked up at a pawn shop 3 or so years ago. It has some sort of replacement stock and forend from the original owner, but MAK90 Front sight base. Excellent shooter for sure. I think I paid $650 for it, but it did not have the MAK90 wooden stock.
This is not my first AK. About 16 years ago I got my first AK, also a MAK 90. Always regretted getting rid of it. So when I found out my buddy had scored this one I wanted it. Attempting to post a pic. Optic is temporary. Still working on the set up that fits me.
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IUHoosier429
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Are you leaning more towards authenticity and/or surplus, or something modern?
For surplus, I like the older Romanian leather slings and the new production Romanian green nylon slings. I'm also a sucker for Russian "elk head" slings and their padded RPK slings. If you Google "Chinese AK sling," just be mindful that a lot of the stuff you'll find is reproduction, and not legit NOS surplus. Just an FYI if that matters to you.
For modern, I like the Blue Force Gear Vickers sling. BFG also makes an AK-specific sling that looks sharp (though I've not owned one of those).
Looking for a modern durable sling. Blue Force AK Vickers sling looks like a good choice. I never cared much for slings until I ran an AR in a carbine class one Saturday. I ran it single point and after 8 hours realized I wanted a two point sling. More comfortable and practical in my opinion.
