What makes an AK worth more than another?

[brianakell]

You can buy aan ak for 500 or so, or buy one for 1000. Knowing majority of parts are from the same country, and Im going to assume barrels will be very similar or the same, why pay more for one? Even barrels being different does not justify a several hundred difference. Curious what folks thoughts are

[zteknik]

It's a matter of what brand kool aid your drinking....

Mostly you are paying for a name.
Like Arsenal, FEG, Siaga,and so forth.Also the same with builds by known builders.

Now break it down to just parts pieces,there is a noticeable difference in fit and finish from different countries.But all of the differences could be smoothed out by a competent builder.
I have taken cheesy Rommy G parts kits and built them better than Arsenals,just a matter of how much time and effort you put into it.

Now a days I still wont pay more than $500 for any AK when I can build better for cheaper,even with what parts kits are going for.

[jreifsch80]

Sometimes rarities or uncommon parts garner more money like arsenals made with left side poly folders that have legit Russian made black poly furniture, try finding that furniture aftermarket.

[UrbanWolf]

Just mindsets. Sure the AK is been mass produced out of our mind, but it's the same with a lot other guns including the AR. HK G3/91's are stamped and produced as affordably as possible, but people don't have a problem paying over $1k for them. The FN SCAR has an extruded alloy upper and an injection molded polymer lower, you can't get any cheaper than that.

When i have enough cash free to spend, I will buy either a milled Bulgarian AK or a SLR-101 with left folder and happily pay over $900 for it, because I like them.

[jreifsch80]

I prefer ak's that I build myself ;)

[UrbanWolf]

I prefer ak's that I build myself ;)

Do you have the tools and machinery? I have wanted to find someone in state who can help me build AKs, since build parties now are almost no more thanks to liberal spy.

[jreifsch80]

I have all the tools needed but no longer have a bending jig I will only help people build on 100% receivers (nodaks, CNC warrior, home bent that they made themselves an have ready to go)

[UrbanWolf]

I have all the tools needed but no longer have a bending jig I will only help people build on 100% receivers (nodaks, CNC warrior, home bent that they made themselves an have ready to go)

What about bent and heat treated receivers that aren't drilled nor have the rails welded in?

[Busta Prima]

I'm surprised people are putting AKs all in one category. That's not true at all. There's plenty of diversity in quality, performance and value. I don't remember all of the countries and I don't know if I saved my notes from when I researched it but from memory the Romanian ones and/or anything from Century should be avoided for sure. Norincos are some of the best along with (again, I might miss the exact country but I remember something about) Bavarian made ones.

[zteknik]

I'm surprised people are putting AKs all in one category. That's not true at all. There's plenty of diversity in quality, performance and value. I don't remember all of the countries and I don't know if I saved my notes from when I researched it but from memory the Romanian ones and/or anything from Century should be avoided for sure. Norincos are some of the best along with (again, I might miss the exact country but I remember something about) Bavarian made ones.
Anything from Century at the time was questionable,again they took parts and built them,or as in the case of WASRS opened up the magwells.
Now sure all countries had different quality control measures.
Machining and fit on Romanians were pretty rough,but compare it to a Bulgy it's like comparing a Chevy Citation to an El Dorado :)
But you can turn it into a nice piece,takes a lot of handy work but can be done.Most people would rather spend the money to not have to futz with it.
Me on the other hand I don't mind spending the time on them due to the fact I got all my stuff back when it was sold at scrap prices.I built some Rommy G's that would make an Arsenal look like second rate...

By Bavarian ones I think you mean the East German mpi-kms-72's-verry well machined,and a real nice finish on them as well.

[Great-Kazoo]

Do you have the tools and machinery? I have wanted to find someone in state who can help me build AKs, since build parties now are almost no more thanks to liberal spy.

INCORRECT. They are no longer being performed , due to gray areas of the law , where it pertains to MFG. As well as misinformed builders. Nothing to do with either LIBERAL or SPY. Brush up before you spout off.

[UrbanWolf]

INCORRECT. They are no longer being performed , due to gray areas of the law , where it pertains to MFG. As well as misinformed builders. Nothing to do with either LIBERAL or SPY. Brush up before you spout off.

After that "reporter" from Mother Jones webite went into a build party and stirr up about it build party all around have died down.

What kind of grey area? does it apply to building AR's as well?

[cstone]

I prefer ak's that I build myself ;)

I prefer ak's that you build myself [LOL]

Good parts kits seem to have gotten harder to find and the prices are outrageous.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Whoa.. Someone doesn't recognize Rachel ?? The oil bottle sniffer?? He better build more AK

[cstone]

If I were to buy a home built from anyone, it would be Rachel or zteknik. Both good guys!

Any thoughts on the Hammer Trunnion from Iron Hammer? Local shop, seems to be doing good work out on the plains.

http://blog.predatorbdu.com/2013/11/iha-ak-47-hammer-trunnion.html

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

The real question is where can you still find a $500 ak?

[Great-Kazoo]

If I were to buy a home built from anyone, it would be Rachel or zteknik. Both good guys!

Any thoughts on the Hammer Trunnion from Iron Hammer? Local shop, seems to be doing good work out on the plains.

http://blog.predatorbdu.com/2013/11/iha-ak-47-hammer-trunnion.html

If i was to build an AR i'd use it. AK'S need true AK trunions, furniture and NO AR furnitrue. if so call them what they are ARK'S...... ark ark ark.

http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4999888574809639&pid=15.1

[Great-Kazoo]

The real question is where can you still find a $500 ak?

Probably one of my gun safes. Well, what it cost to buy it anyway.

[RCCrawler]

The real question is where can you still find a $500 ak?

Exactly, I've been looking for a beater and people still think they are worth a mint.

[brianakell]

Exactly, I've been looking for a beater and people still think they are worth a mint.

529:
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1CAKO-PAP

centerfire has a bunch for 599, and one for 569.

500
http://www.jgsales.com/romanian-aes-10b-ak-rpk-style-rifle,-7.62x39,-with-heavy-barrel,-no-bipod,-wood-club-foot-stock.-p-63074.html
http://www.jgsales.com/romanian-wasr10-ak-style-rifle,-7.62x39,-wood-stock,-muzzle-nut.-p-1055.html

Still think its too much though!

[UrbanWolf]

I prefer ak's that you build myself [LOL]

Good parts kits seem to have gotten harder to find and the prices are outrageous.

With Bulgaria signed the UN small arms treaty I expect it been harder.

[ChunkyMonkey]

With Bulgaria signed the UN small arms treaty I expect it been harder.

Why would it be harder? Like any other UN useless treaties, the State members signatures mean nothing w/o proper ratification. Last I heard less than 10 countries actually got it ratified... While some simple choose partial enforcement. There is too much money in firearms.. This one is as unforced-able and as stupid as the moon treaty.

[UrbanWolf]

Why would it be harder? Like any other UN useless treaties, the State members signatures mean nothing w/o proper ratification. Last I heard less than 10 countries actually got it ratified... While some simple choose partial enforcement. There is too much money in firearms.. This one is as unforced-able and as stupid as the moon treaty.


Bad sign for ammo and firearms import.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oJr-vkvAc4


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiZZNTlyNlg

[Great-Kazoo]

Bad sign for ammo and firearms import.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oJr-vkvAc4


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiZZNTlyNlg


Another puff piece from the EU / Nato. Who for some reason, still have no clue where the serious armament from the Ukraine and other com bloc countries went. Da we destroy small arms. Warhead & plutonium,, who knows??

You need to stop thinking paranoid and start knowing who imports what. Bad sign for ammo was when previous presidents banned importation of ammo , China (bush) then Russia (Clinton) When russkie 7.62x39 became scarce, what was once $75-90 per K jumped to $500 per 1K. Just as 223 and 22 disappeared from shelves and started selling @ $600+ per 1K , Less than 1 year ago.
Panic is a major cause of shortages.

[yz9890]

I paid $800 for a new Arsenal SGL21-73 a few years ago and it's my favorite rifle. It's gets fired more that anything else and it's the rifle everyone else likes to borrow. However, I probably wouldn't do it again.

[funkymonkey1111]

what i don't understand (other than scarcity) is why the arsenal 5.45 (SGL-31) are about $300 more than the 7.62x39's (SGL-21)

[Great-Kazoo]

what i don't understand (other than scarcity) is why the arsenal 5.45 (SGL-31) are about $300 more than the 7.62x39's (SGL-21)

ballistic capability. It's a fast, flat shooting round. IF it was something that was a reloadable round, i would consider adding that caliber to my inventory.

[BPTactical]

Bad sign for ammo and firearms import.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oJr-vkvAc4


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiZZNTlyNlg

Those that trade their swords for plows shall plow for those that did not....

[funkymonkey1111]

ballistic capability. It's a fast, flat shooting round. IF it was something that was a reloadable round, i would consider adding that caliber to my inventory.

the thing is, it's the cheapest shooting centerfire round out there--cheaper than handgun calibers, too (of course using steel cases). $200 per case delivered is hard to beat

you can buy other 74s for comparable prices to 47s. about the cheapest i've seen is $600 for one, and the cheapest arsenal is $1099.

[jreifsch80]

It's about supply and demand everyone is bringing in 7.62x39's only arsenal and a couple builders are bringing in/making 5.45x39 and the ammo is still relatively cheap. As for the iron hammer trunnion, it's not my cup of tea but if it's heat treated properly then I'm sure it works well for it's intended purpose.

[jreifsch80]

Instead of the iron hammer trunnion I'd get this and put it on an arsenal rifle
http://www.srvv.org/en/catalog/1317/30626/

[ChunkyMonkey]

BOING!!!

[funkymonkey1111]

waffen works has just come out with a milled '74. here's a review from the military arms channel if anyone's interested


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hL6eW-TbKs

they're $1000 ($989 at atlantic). for $100 more you can get a Bulgarian stamped arsenal SLR 104. I don't know if the arsenal is worth it, but I know they are known to be put together well.

[Wulf202]

What about bent and heat treated receivers that aren't drilled nor have the rails welded in?
if its heat treated with no holes someone screwed up. The hammer and trigger holes need to be drilled then treated.

As far as finish. It only mattersvif youre into aesthetics.

As far as milled guns theyre more expense and about 1lb heavier.

I had a dreaded century wasr. After about an hr of fitting the mag well and sighting in the canted sights it still hit and cycled just fine.

[jreifsch80]

Someone was offering heat treated receiver blanks if I remember correctly, I know turbothis was offering that for his chinese receivers