Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

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.

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.

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.

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.

gibbs1911 wrote: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/

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

gibbs1911 wrote: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

Thanks for the info, interesting stuff.

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.