What AK 47 to buy? Decisions, decisions

[gibbs1911]

First thank you all for your informative remarks in the past. So I have another question for the group. I'm looking for a good rough and tumble camping rifle and I have settled on the A.K. 47, ahh now the hard part picking a brand. I would like to stay within 500 to 600 $ if possible, I know chances are this will probably mean stamped not milled (1.6mm rivets), and I would like to avoid Chines. I am also aware to be on the lookout for the canted front tower sight that seems to be a part of some of the cheaper models. What would you the owners of AK's recommend for a good first AK47? Keep in mind I am restricted to what ever is available within Hampton Roads / Norfolk area and the gun-show when they role through town.

P.S. If anyone is looking to sell a U.S. legal semi auto AK 47 please leave a e-mail or a way for me to get in touch with you.

Again thank you all for all your help both past and future.

[rromeo]

My standard advice is get a Saiga, and convert it. Then you have a brand new Russian AK. In addition, you have the choice of calibers: 5.45, .223, 7.62x39 or .308. The .308 models are usually more expensive, but the others are usually $300-400. Conversion parts vary in price depending on what you want, but usually $100-200.

[Diomed]

My usual advice for the budget-conscious is to order a Henderson Defense "Certified WASR" when they're available. It's been checked out so you know there are no canted sight blocks, bad bullet guides, etc., and it's still under $500.

Otherwise get a converted Saiga or an Arsenal. Much more money though.

[bryanrheem]

A used Arsenal might be in that budget. I have the 106f (5.56) and am extremely happy with it! It's def a rough and tumble rifle that takes a licking and keeps on firing.

[OakRidgeStars]

Keep in mind I am restricted to what ever is available within Hampton Roads / Norfolk area and the gun-show when they role through town.

The last time I was at The Armory, they had a couple AK-pattern rifles on the shelf. I'm not sure who the manufacturer was, but I do know they weren't WASR's. Give them a call.

http://www.the-armory.com/

If you're looking for a Saiga, call Discretionary Firearms in Chesapeake.

http://www.discretionaryfirearms.com/

[Reverenddel]

Polish underfolder is the STANDARD camp rifle, and you can get them at a Gun show for $450-$500 bucks.

[TheGodfather]

I would like to stay within 500 to 600 $ if possible, I know chances are this will probably mean stamped not milled (1.6mm rivets).

If you're really wanting a milled AK, you should consider the same model I purchased - 1960 Polish AK47.

Here's one within your budget, but it is on backorder: http://www.jgsales.com/product_info.php ... d/4082?SID

If you're willing to spend a little more here's another site that's selling them at the moment: http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct876.aspx

[Skeptic]

Thanks for the info, interesting stuff.

[RocKor]

Arsenals are are the best, but if you're looking to save money, go around to different shops and shows and look at the Polish 1960s or underfolders, or even a WASR-10. With most if not all AK variants, inspect them or bring someone along who really knows AKs to make sure you're getting a good one.