RAS47 or DDI AK for my first AK?

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Originally Posted by osok-308

I know that they don't accept standard stocks and handguards, but how is the worksmanship on those Yugos? I've looked at them a bit as well. Would you recommend an NPAP to a WASR?

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I've had a few NPAPs. They're nice. Metal seems to be a little softer than a real military yugo. Makes me suspect they are lesser quality commercial export guns vs those from the military assembly line. However that is totally conjecture on my part. I have no hard evidence just my opinion from comparing them to my other AKs.

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Originally Posted by osok-308

I agree fully, I will for sure wait a few months before making the purchase, I'm just getting sick of making my mind up, and then changing it 5 minutes later. Having a Russian made AK would be amazing too.

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Russian AKs are nice. They aren't necessarily better than other quality made combloc AKs, but it's neat having an AK from the Mother Country.

I've had examples from China, Egypt, Romania, Bulgaria, and Yugoslavia over the years. All functioned perfectly but fit and finish varied from pretty nice to WTF were they thinking.

Honestly, if I were looking for one today, I would be keeping an eye out for a Norinco or Poly Tech. The ones I had were nicely blued and the fit of all the parts was spot on. I knew a guy that had to send one of his Norincos back because it had an extra hole and pin in the receiver that shouldn't have been there. How's that for "mil spec"?

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Originally Posted by mutt

Russian AKs are nice. They aren't necessarily better than other quality made combloc AKs, but it's neat having an AK from the Mother Country.

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I definitely understand that. Are there any countries (other than US builds) to avoid? I've been doing research on AKs, but it seems like every one I research has a dozen people touting it as the best, and another dozen saying they wouldn't be caught dead within ten feet of one. What makes you think the Yugo metal is softer? Just more wear?

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Originally Posted by BPTactical

WASR isn't bad if you can find a cheap one.

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So, my WASR went up in value ? Good thing the member that was interested in it never got back in touch with me....[Tooth]

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Originally Posted by osok-308

I definitely understand that. Are there any countries (other than US builds) to avoid? I've been doing research on AKs, but it seems like every one I research has a dozen people touting it as the best, and another dozen saying they wouldn't be caught dead within ten feet of one. What makes you think the Yugo metal is softer? Just more wear?

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I think any combloc made AK will be GTG. Which is better really comes down to personal preference and desired features/perceived collectors value. NPAPs seem to have softer bolt carriers (tail mushrooming) and thinner receivers than their military counterparts. That said, I don't think NPAPs are bad. They just don't seem to be as overbuilt as a real M70. If you find an NPAP you like, I say go for it. They are still way better than the current crop of 100% US made AKs.

What do you guys think about converting a sporterized VEPR? Is that a good idea or a bit too much for an AK newbie?

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Originally Posted by osok-308

What do you guys think about converting a sporterized VEPR? Is that a good idea or a bit too much for an AK newbie?

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VEPRs, unlike SAIGAs, generally don't require much backend conversion since the trigger group is already in the right place. It's just replacing the stock and getting an adapter if you have the slant cut receiver.

Frontend conversion, on any sporterized AK, is a different matter. You have to remove the front sight and gas block to get on the proper handguard retainer. And, depending on your barrel, you may need to cut the slots in the barrel needed to accept the retainer. After getting everything back together you'll need to reapply the finish as pressing parts on and off tends to mar up paint/park.

If you plan to use standard AK mags, then a bullet guide needs to be installed and you'll probably have to trim the mag catch till your mags lock in properly.

Dangerlee industries has a unconverted saiga for sale

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Originally Posted by Gunner

Dangerlee industries has a unconverted saiga for sale

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This sounds great. Unfortunately, I only have about half the money I need. If he still has it once I've dabbed up enough, I'd love to go this route.

I've had ak's from most of the countrys manufacturing them over the year's. They are all the same just cosmetic differences. With that said the only ak in my safe now is a arsenal sgl-20 and I dont think I will ever part with it. Save your penny's and get the nice one