WASRs are alright as long as you can get your hands on it before you buy and check for straightness of the sights and gas block, as well as magazine fit. M10-762 rifles from M+M Inc are pretty much dressed up WASRs.Kreutz wrote:I see mostly the WASR types mentioned, something called the VZ2008, the VEPR, something called the AMD-65, the Saiga, and the Zastava.
The VZ2008 is a Century(meh)-made VZ58, which is NOT an AK. It shoots the same ammo but takes different magazines. Aftermarket options are more limited than an AK or SKS.
-If you want a VZ58 rifle, get something from Czechpoint, not Century.
The VEPR are Russian-made AKs that are INCREDIBLY high quality. Built on heavier RPK receivers with thicker and sometimes longer barrels. Aftermarket options are limited, depending on the caliber and degree of conversion already performed. Some are converted already to take AK mags and furniture, but most need to be converted with a bullet guide (like Saigas) to take AK mags. Muzzle device options are limited due to lack of standard barrel thickness and lack of factory-threaded barrels. Stocks can be changed to AK furniture with adapters.
The AMD-65 is Hungarian, and also limits some aftermarket options, like handguards. Many have shorter barrels with the muzzle break permanently affixed, so in order to replace the muzzle device, you need a gunsmith to remove and permanently attach one of appropriate length. Magazine fit has reported to be an issue with some AMDs (nothing a file can't fix).
Saigas aren't the value they used to be. They've gone up in price and you're only saving money if you convert it yourself. Buying one and having it converted professionally is more expensive than many other AK options and is only practical if you want it turned into something specific that few others offer.
Zastavas are Yugoslavian and are normally good quality guns, but the current PAPs that are currently available are okay, because they are brought in and converted to double stack mags by Century(meh). This rifle limits you buttstock choices to pretty much what comes on the gun. I have not seen any aftermarket stocks that attach to the gun the way the PAP stock does. Also, the handguards and gas tubes are longer than normal AKs, so if aftermarket options don't offer a Yugo version, they won't fit.
You really get what you pay for in AKs, so I always suggest at minimum a Arsenal SGL21-61 (~$850). If you're looking to save money, go to a gun show or shop that has multiple WASRs or Interarms guns and get the pick of the litter. (AVOID I/O INTER-ORDNANCE guns. They suck.)
But what about a vz. 58..
of what ever you get 
