Which AK would you choose?

[OZZIE]

I have found a Polish Tantal side folder (16-9/16 barrel, parkerized finish) and a Hungarian AMD 65 (FEG Reciever & chrome lined barrel) both selling for 399$ each (Centerfire Systems-American Assembly). I just want to purchase a low cost but decent AK-47.
Which rifle would you choose and why? (Or any other suggestions with distributor).

Thank you,

Ozzie

[bryjcom]

Probably the tantal but I would change the stock. The AMD 65 stock isn't able to be changed unless you want to grind off rivets and install a normal trunnion.

I'm not a big fan of the folders because its hard to get a good cheek weld.

Personally I would get a romanian that was assemble on a nodak or something similar. I would stay away from the WASRs because of the reciever construction.

[jreifsch80]

it depends on if you want a 7.62x39 or a 5.45. if you want a 7.62 then in my opinion that amd is the way to go, ace makes an adaptor block that is designed to work with the amd trunnion, also that amd isn't an american built gun, it is a FEG built rifle that is imported as a compliant single stack rifle and then just opened up to a double stack and compliance parts installed here in the states like the wasr's. the tantal is built from a parts kit (not a bad thing) but i am not quite so sure that it has a chrome lined bore though that isn't as important as most people make it out to be. if you ant a 5.45 then the tantal is the way to go, if you don't kno which ammo to go with then i would say go with the tantal since 5.45 is quite a bit cheaper than 7.62x39. also ak74 mags are pretty cheap too. some don't like the wire folders, though i love them, true you don't get a great cheek weld but i put them on my rifles that i don't need a tight cheek weld. you could get an ar stock adaptor and make the tantal into more of a beryl commando with an m4 stock... the good thing is the tantal takes standard akm/ak74 fixed stocks

[OZZIE]

I forgot to add the ammo question, what do you think of 5.45 "the poison bullet"? Great point and info jre (How is the knockdown, etc? I hear it has great rear expansion). Would you compare our switch from an M1 round to an M16?
I have only seen the AK's on youtube, (ordering online - no way to inspect them around here) but the Tantal looked very Solid (correct,w/ no chrome L barrel) while the AMD looked good, but you are right bryj, that wire stock looks unstable/different--but if it is solid I will take it. I know some people love the AMD, I have to shoot it and dig the "ugly". I do want a chrome lined barrel 7.62x39, I don't know much about the positive and negatives of the 5.45 load, only the price (any advice?).
There is a local shop here that makes cheek adapters for the AMD.

Is a Romanian build absolutely necessary - and how do you feel about the AK47 vs the AK74 if you are only buying one AK style rifle? I am avoiding the WASR, do you agree?

Thanx for the info guy's...

Ozzie

[jreifsch80]

If I were to have only one ak it would be an ak74 (tantal is ak74 pattern) parts are cheap and etting cheaper all the time as more stuff comes in, ammo is cheap and pretty good quality for russian ammo. Also like any civillian I am mainly going to do target shooting with the 5.45, but if needed to prove it's worth, the 5.45 will do more damage than a 7.62x39 especially on skinny muj so I've read lol mag options for the tantal or any 74 is great, there are military poly mags, bakelites, even polish tantal steel mags, also anerican poly mags but I will never buy a us mag as they just aren't as strong, my favorites are bakelites. If the tantal is new it will have a green mountain barrel, if it's used make sure it's not one of the century goofs that was made with a .223 barrel chambered for 5.45

[Hoser]

If I was to get an AK I would get either an Arsenal or Krebs in 5.45.

[bryjcom]

Keep in mind that if the tantal is not chrome lined barrel then you need to be on top of cleaning it because ALL of the surplus 5.45 is corrosive. You can buy some of the commercial stuff that isn't but its more expensive.

Most of the 7.62 stuff is commercial and is non corrosive and the only real surplus that is being imported that I know of is the yugo stuff which is corrosive.

[sneakerd]

Krebs all day if you've got the dough- but this guy wants a good cheap one.

[jreifsch80]

If I were to buy a factory built 5.45 I would get a saiga and convert it myself

[mopar]

I know the WASRs get trashed a lot, but I've had one for a couple years
and I have no complaints. Its fairly accurate, no jamming, no misfires.
I did change the furniture on it. Its a great starter gun for not a hell of
a lot of money.

[mutt]

I forgot to add the ammo question, what do you think of 5.45 "the poison bullet"? Great point and info jre (How is the knockdown, etc? I hear it has great rear expansion). Would you compare our switch from an M1 round to an M16?
I have only seen the AK's on youtube, (ordering online - no way to inspect them around here) but the Tantal looked very Solid (correct,w/ no chrome L barrel) while the AMD looked good, but you are right bryj, that wire stock looks unstable/different--but if it is solid I will take it. I know some people love the AMD, I have to shoot it and dig the "ugly". I do want a chrome lined barrel 7.62x39, I don't know much about the positive and negatives of the 5.45 load, only the price (any advice?).
There is a local shop here that makes cheek adapters for the AMD.

Is a Romanian build absolutely necessary - and how do you feel about the AK47 vs the AK74 if you are only buying one AK style rifle? I am avoiding the WASR, do you agree?

Thanx for the info guy's...

Ozzie

I like the 5.45x39 round. Fairly accurate and cheap (1080 rounds will run you around $160 shipped). The Russian surplus stuff is also pretty good quality as in no duds like commercial Wolf. But, as others mentioned, it is corrosive. If you're going to go the 5.45 route you really should get an AK with a chrome-lined barrel. As for its ballistic characteristics, I'm not really that well versed on it. My AK isn't my primary SHTF rifle, it's for fun. I'm sure the 5.45 round would get the job done if needed.

[OZZIE]

I know the CAI WASR has gotten better over time, especially on canting, wobble and trigger slap (adding the Tapco G2). I have thought about it.
***I found a site called AMD-65 tech. This Co. makes a stock adaptor, much improving the cheek weld/position for 27 $ shipped. They also offer a recoil buffer and either a 3 or 4 hole barrel compensator (~ 50$).-check it out... Ace Ltd. has a ton of additions as well.
I am leaning towards the AMD. Great points and info on the Polish Tantal, but it is not a chrome lined barrel and the furniture doesn't match (Original upper piece over a new wood/synthetic - it looks like). I even searched for a chrome lined Tantal barrel or kit online, all sold out. While the 5.45 is a cheaper round, this is a 4th or 5th backup firearm for the range, on my "wishlist" (curiosity, education,& ownership of an AK).
With the FEG build for 399$ this will most likely be it.
Thank you for the info all...

Ozzie

[jreifsch80]

Goo choice, that feg amd is probably the best factory ak on the market right now for the money. Only bad thing is the brake on it isn't changeable unless you pull the barrel (unless you want to make an illeagal sbr) the amd tech cheek piece looks cool, I think cruffler steve might have bought one, maybe he'll chime in

[JerryG]

Ozzie,
Take a drive over to 5280 armory in Arvada. They have a good selection of AK's to check out. I was there yesterday and they have the polish tantal there. They have the AK that I have on back order with centerfire systems ( Bulgarian 74 ) so it was nice to see and hold it instead of just seeing it online. I wanted to purchase it right there, but it was $250 more than online. Very nice gun shop though.
Jerry

[RMAC757]

Can't go wrong with Arsenal

[Buckaroobonsai]

I'm new to AK's as well, and did a lot of research online and at local shops to make my descision. I went with a Polish underfolder in 7.62x39mm and here's why.

1. I liked the look. Anyone who tells you they bought something with no regards to the way they feel about the way it looks is full of it. Everyone has their own style, and this model called to me. I'm not saying to buy something just because of the look, ("all show, no go"), but it does play an important factor, especially for a "luxery" item purchase.

2. Polish build. Although I am no expert in the matter, it seems the Polish built AK's have a better reputation when it comes to overall quality, and the price difference is like less than $100. I always try to buy the best I can for my budget the first time rather than just trying to save a few bucks then, and spending even more later to get it up to par.

3. 7.62x39mm caliber. Although 5.45x39mm ammo is cheaper right now, 7.62 has a bigger following and therefore will be easier to find, with more options, and more plentiful as time goes on. I base this opinion on the numbers. How many 7.62 vs 5.45 AK's are out there in the world right now. Same goes for specific parts and acessories. For example, search on ebay for "iPad" vs any of the other Android tablets, and see who has more selections.

4. Underfolder. Folded up, you have an easy to manuever SMG like weapon, perfect for going room to room. Push a button and swing it out, and now you have a stable enough point of contact to hit a man sized target at 100 yards easily. The length is a bit shorter than that of a side folder, so it feels better tight in to your shoulder. It is also easier to fire with the stock folded up and out of the way vs sticking out the right side. An adjustable stock would give you the best fit, but that goes against rule #1 as I don't want an AK that looks like my AR, and for my intended purpose not required.

Addressing the cons as mentioned.

1. 7.62 is a smaller round. I wanted an AK for CQB. I've yet to see anyone willing to take a shot from one in close quarters, even with a vest on. Then of course, a nice head shot even with a .22 ends the fight. Due to it's worldwide use, 7.62x39mm has probably killed more people than any other caliber. Besides, the smaller round is easier to handle and lighter to pack overall.

2. Poor cheek position. For my intended purpose I've gone with a forward mounted EoTech 512 red dot. Since it's not a scope, I can aquire targets faster and watch the surrounding area with both eyes open, no matter with the stock open or closed.

3. Uncomfortable stock. Yes, the underfolder is not as comfortable or stable as a standard wooden stock, but for my intended purpose it's just fine given the versatility. If I was planning to shoot hundreds of rounds past 100 yards on a regular basis, that might be an issue.

So, have an intended purpose, know the pros & cons, and make an informed decision that's right for you, based on that, and not just what everyone else thinks. The "flavor of the day", is just that.

I'm still building my first AK, and will post pictures when it's done. It's looking quite nice so far, and as always, form will follow function. I think the end result will be exactly what you would expect from a guy who usually custom builds AR's.

[AR15]

[jreifsch80]

I like your thinking, too many times people gripe about an underfolders cheek weld, underfolders were designed as close quarters handy weapons especially to be used by airborn and mechinized troops, in other words the underfolder ak47 and akm's are designed to replace sub machineguns giving more punch at range if needed but with close combat it's role. If a guy is shooting mostly at things that would require a good cheek weld to be able to hit it then why is he trying it with any folder lol for that use a bolt gun lol. In my opinion an amd offers the same pros and cons as an underfolder being as compact as an uf when folded unlike a side folder that uses a standard rear trunnion.

[Buckaroobonsai]

So true jreifsch80. Understanding financial considerations, many people try and fill too many roles with one gun. Like the TV/VCR combo where the VCR dies and all you have left is a TV, the "all in one" concept only works for the Swiss Army knife! Even then, as it does many things, it doesn't do any of them very well. The right tool for the right job.

[68Charger]

Good post, BuckarooBonsai... many times when someone asks "whats the best ____" I'll ask "for what purpose?"

sometimes it pisses them off that I answer a question with a question- but without knowing the purpose, "the black one" is as good an answer as any.

P.S. is your screen name a reference to the movie "The Adventures Buckaroo Banzai across the 8th dimension", or does it come from somewhere else?

[Buckaroobonsai]

Good post, BuckarooBonsai... many times when someone asks "whats the best ____" I'll ask "for what purpose?"

sometimes it pisses them off that I answer a question with a question- but without knowing the purpose, "the black one" is as good an answer as any.

P.S. is your screen name a reference to the movie "The Adventures Buckaroo Banzai across the 8th dimension", or does it come from somewhere else?

Thanks. I've had the username on eBay, the domain, etc. since 1999'ish. It's a combination of the movie, (which I am a big fan of), and of my fondness for little trees!

[Tooth]

[ebbs]

So true jreifsch80. Understanding financial considerations, many people try and fill too many roles with one gun. Like the TV/VCR combo where the VCR dies and all you have left is a TV, the "all in one" concept only works for the Swiss Army knife! Even then, as it does many things, it doesn't do any of them very well. The right tool for the right job.

Also, trying to fill all roles with one gun creates a problem...

We eliminate the need for more toys!

[Buckaroobonsai]

Ok, the build is pretty much done for now. Here is the one I'd choose!

http://www.co-ar15.com/forums/showthread.php?p=424174#post424174

[Alrigh]

[TrijiconJoe]

WASR'S can be ok.

[Spartan]

AMD-65 with a cheek riser from AMD65tech.com. All the goodness, simplicity and portability of the AMD with the cheek riser that solves the cheek weld issue.