Budget AKM, aka AK-47

[Unka-Boo]

take pics the finish wasnt the greatest on those to begin with...you can always use that as a barganing point

Wasrs are factory built romanian guns with chrome lined barrels, but the were imported as single stack guns. Century hogged out the magwells to fit the double stack mags. As long as there isnt too much wobble they are fine.

 

[Savage Jav]

Any decent ak builders in the area? And whats their price?

 

[surevaliance]

Any decent ak builders in the area? And whats their price?

No one that I know.
What about PSAK-47?

 

[Boboclown]

Also, another local store has VSKA for $640.

So now I am on the fence:
1. CAI N-PAP with fixed stock, $750
2. CAI Hungarian underfolder, $750
3. CAI USA VSKA, $640
View attachment 570895

Not even a hard decision, the first one. The second one is a kit build so its hit or miss, last one is CAI made.

Wasrs are factory built romanian guns with chrome lined barrels, but the were imported as single stack guns. Century hogged out the magwells to fit the double stack mags. As long as there isnt too much wobble they are fine.

They at least got the magwell cut down decently, earlier 10/63s need to be checked for mag wobble.

 

[Boboclown]

The VSKA supposedly is using forged parts(ie. front trunnion), but SEE: my first sentence again.

Tool steel, and cast bolt carrier.

Brandon Herrera (one of the Youtube AK guys) documented 6,000 rounds through a VSKA and while there was some peening and deformation on the locking lugs it still passed headspace checks which is more than can be said for the RAS-47's. Personally I'd probably hold out for a parts-kit AK or cruise some local stores on the off chance they have something nice, but it appears that the VSKA would probably be fine for at least 6k rounds.

On the other hand CAI's number 1 shill Yaeger had headspacint issues so... Hit or miss and I'd rather not find out later down the road.

 

[Boboclown]

Another local store has used WASR-10 for $650, but it looks crappy.
I am leaning toward VSKA wich comes with CAI limited lifetime warranty.

$650? Get it, and get it now. Especially if it has a bayo lug and brake. Wasrs never were pretty, they're the rifle that works and doesn't let you down.

 

[surevaliance]

$650? Get it, and get it now. Especially if it has a bayo lug and brake. Wasrs never were pretty, they're the rifle that works and doesn't let you down.

No lug, no brake.
I pass.

 

[Boboclown]

No lug, no brake.
I pass.
View attachment 571193
View attachment 571194
View attachment 571195

In that case hold out for a wasr with brake and lug. But even that wasr is still better than a vska tbh. You can convert it if you have a press or know someone who does.

 

[surevaliance]

In that case hold out for a wasr with brake and lug. But even that wasr is still better than a vska tbh. You can convert it if you have a press or know someone who does.

The barrel is not threaded - the thread was turned off.
I'd swallow this if it was $400.

 

[Boboclown]

The barrel is not threaded - the thread was turned off.
I'd swallow this if it was $400.

Looked like a muzzle nut to me, but pic quality makes it hard to see.

Meh, I'd hold out for a wasr-10, new or used, with brake or potential to be converted. Might as well get the CHF and CL fun.

 

[Porter]

For 550-650 the Wasr is a good entry AK that will last multiple lifetimes, stick with combloc only AKs and you will have a good experience. I am an Arsenal guy but there is nothing wrong with a Wasr10/10-63. For new here is a good one for the money also.
Century CENT ARMS RH10 AK47 762X39 30RD WOOD |

 

[American123]

Palmetto has AK's with magpul furniture (wood also, but why?) for $600 when on sale. Their latest offering has a forged carrier, lifetime warranty as well. Their pistol with brace version is SWEET! Rifle versions are also available.

 

[RedRover]

Another local store has used WASR-10 for $650, but it looks crappy.
I am leaning toward VSKA wich comes with CAI limited lifetime warranty.

Not sure how you are about using Gunbroker...but here's a few examples of what's currently available for auction there (around your price range).

The WASR 10 is new production, I got one of those with the darker wood(instead of the blonde) a couple years ago when gunbuyer had 'em on sale for $529 shipped. The NIB WASR 10s are pretty tight, better QC than the older 10/63s(potentially canted sights/mag-wobble etc.)

One seriously can't go wrong with a WASR. Yeah, it might not have the collectability factor of a pre-ban, nor the fit or finish of an Arsenal, but that's pretty much what all one is paying extra for with an Arsenal. They both reliably go "bang" and send lead down range.

Century Arms WASR-10 NEW! 7.62x39 w/sling - Semi Auto Rifles at GunBroker.com : 809489675

Norinco MAK-90 AK-47 - Semi Auto Rifles at GunBroker.com : 809215801

Romanian Romarm SAR-1 AK-47 AK47 7.62x39 Rifle - Semi Auto Rifles at GunBroker.com : 802788667

ROMANIAN SAR 1 AK-47 No Reserve 7.62x39 - Semi Auto Rifles at GunBroker.com : 808711002

 

[BATTERY]

No.. no.. no VISKA.

Buy a Wasr or maybe a palmetto state armory PSAK47 version 2 or 3.

The VISKA doesn't have a side rail for mounting optics and it's a century product. "Century Arms kinda sucks". The only thing I would buy from them would be an import. IF they didn't touch it.

You should be able to pick up a Wasr 10 just around $700 and or a PSA for just under $600.

No VISKA... NO... NO.. NO..

 

[filsonhand]

Spend a few bills extra and pickup an arsenal, and you should be good to go

Your wife will thank you

 

[surevaliance]

Spend a few bills extra and pickup an arsenal, and you should be good to go Your wife will thank you

Few yeras ago my brother-in-law got a Saiga, molested by Arsenal.
It's no better than WASR, came with canted front sight too.
QC of Izhmas is also below expectations. I have talked to the people from there. From what they have told me it sounds like another CAI branch.
So, I already got a WASR yesterday.
It's 2018 production.
$575 OTD - used/like new. The bolt shows no signs of wear.
It came with two Magpul and two steel milsurp magz, Soviet sling, cleaning rod, original box, CAI manual and 120 rds of Tula.
Canted front sight, of course, otherwise it wouldn't be a real WASR, lol!
Apparently this is why the original owner has decided to sell it: he has tried to zero it and probably gave up after he pushed the front post all way down to the right.
No biggie, and I already fixed it.
Can't wait to shoot it today!
Happy Easter to all gunners!

 

[BATTERY]

You did good. If I could find one for that price I would buy it too.

 

[Boboclown]

Now get yourself a bayonet and a romanian sling.

 

[surevaliance]

Now get yourself a bayonet and a romanian sling.

Soviet sling matches WASR pretty well!
Should get a bayo for sure, as well as cleaning kit and buttplate with a trapdoor.

 

[Boboclown]

Get a surplus wood stock set.