Where can i find a fair priced AK74?

[funkymonkey1111]

is there any functional difference between this and what we would say is a "traditional" AK fore-end, or is it just a cosmetic difference?

jgsales has a converted saiga 5.45x39 for $499
http://www.jgsales.com/saiga-ak-styl....-p-63104.html

Russian receiver, Russian BCG and Russian CHF, chrome-lined barrel for $499 is a heck of a deal compared to all the other options right now. I'd take that over a Waffen Werks or Century parts build any day. You can convert the frontend as time and cash permits.

[Great-Kazoo]

is there any functional difference between this and what we would say is a "traditional" AK fore-end, or is it just a cosmetic difference?

Yes. different hand guards, different gas block and front sight. Up side is the butt stock and trigger guard are correct. Down side is the "true AK" look it is not. However consider thses AK's comprable to the "Dissapator" style AR's. You have a longer sight radius with the gas block under the hand guards. For the price buy it, convert front end later. OR spend another $100 (approx) and get a true looking AK.

IMO, unless you want an AK in the 5.45 caliber, i'd invest in a 5.45x39 AR upper.

[mutt]

is there any functional difference between this and what we would say is a "traditional" AK fore-end, or is it just a cosmetic difference?

It's cosmetic. The internal action and parts are standard AK. Saigas come from the same factory that makes the real 74. The important part is you're getting a factory new AK from the place that wrote the book on how to build a proper AK. The only American parts will be 922r compliance parts (FCG, pistol grip, furniture, etc).

If you don't care about 100% correctness, you can convert the front end pretty easily to get the traditional look. The gas tube would simply be swapped out with the traditional part and there are 2 piece press on retainers to allow you to use the the traditional lower handguard. If you want to do it right with bayonet and accessory lugs, proper threads on the FSB for the brake, etc, then you need to press off the FSB and gas block to do it right from a cosmetic standpoint.