Need some guidance

Hello out there, I'm new to this site and would like to get some information on a purchase I'm considering making on an AK47. The gun is a Chinese model with a 386 marking. It also has GSAD stamped on the side along with POLYTECH, Brea, CA. IT comes with an underfolding Bayonet,and checkered pistol grip. The serial number is CW94-XXXX. I believe it has a stamped receiver. It comes with a sling, 4 30 round mazs along with a 75 round drum, I believe to be made in China. The owner tells me that it was one of the last models to be shipped in just before the 1994 ban on assault weapons occurred. The gun appears to be in about 95% condition with approx 500 rounds fired through her.
The owner is asking $1,000 is this a good deal or should I be patient and contining looking else where? I appreciate any comments.

In the opinion of many, myself included, the the Chinese AKs, and the Polytechs in particular were the best commercial AKs available. Throw that in with the fact that they are no longer being imported means that the prices will probably continue to increase over time. I'd say that a Polytech spiker in good condition is worth $1000 alone. Throw in the Chinese drum and that is a pretty good price. If you have the cash, like the rifle and feel comfortable with the price I'd say go for it. If you don't, and decide to wait and look around you'll probably come to realize that you should have taken it when you had the chance.

Thanks Imapose2 for you response..So if I understand you correctly you're telling me that the gun would be a good investment seeing that they are no longer being produced? However, I've been trying to do some research and trying to find out the history behind this particular gun itself. I haven't come across much informatiom about a 1994 GSAD POLYTECH AK47. Most site are fairly informative, however, they discuss the earlier pre ban models. Your input would be much appreciated.

Double tap

From a "collectable" standpoint the rifle would be better as a NIB example, with box and all original accessories. But, since I'm not a "collector" I only concern myself with the model, manufacturer and condition. If it is a preban Chicom AK that is good enough for me. Being a Polytech is a bonus over the more common Norincos, but the actual year of importation and name of the company that imported it is of little significance, IMO.

As far as it being a good "investment", I'd just say that it isn't a bad one because, like I said earlier, the Chinese prebans are considered by many to be among the best ever available and they aren't being imported any longer so the supply is what it is, never to be increased. As with most things value is dictated by supply vs. demand so you won't lose money on it. But, on the other hand, I can't predict where AK prices will top out in the future. If I were looking at buying firearms strictly as a financial investment there are a few other things I would be looking at outside the world of the AK. I simply buy what I want and like with no regard to investment potential, because that would mean that I would have to sell one day and I don't tend to ever do that. I only buy shooters and have little to no interest in safe queens.

Perhaps other members with interest in such things can give you more information on that specific importer and import date, if it indeed has any significance at all.

No Chinese gun imported after 1989 had a spiker. After 1989, "post bans" were imported, so if this is an original Polytech spiker, it was made 1989, or before. If it was made in 1994, then it is a post ban gun that someone added a spiker to. I've seen some conversions, & if the smith was talented, came out pretty nice, but $1000 would be way too much to pay for a 1994 "post ban" gun. Don't confuse the 89 ban which still exists, with the 94 ban which expired. GARY N4KVE

Dont take this for gospel as I am not a big CHICOM guy but I think that only Kengs and Sile imported Polytech marked AKs. Every GSAD gun I have ever seen has been clean of any factory markings i.e. Factory 386. Regardless it would be pre 89 for the 89 ban and not 1994.

Damn, I completely missed the year thing. I was simply thinking in terms of a preban Polytech spiker.

But Gary is correct, the 1989 ban prohibited importation of rifles with certain evil features which is were we got thumbhole stocks and things like the MAK-90s, whereas the later ban completely banned importation of rifles from China all together.

So in other words I would be paying way too much for this rifle?

Yes, if the rifle was truly made in 94. If however, it was made in 89 or before, it would be a fair price. GARY N4KVE

Thanks for everyones input. I think I should wait. Does anyone know where I can purchase a preban poly tech legend? Money is not a problem but I would it to be a fair deal for both me and the seller.

So Gary how does one determine if this is a pre ban or post ban gun? I'm a little confused with the serial # starting out with 94-xxx I was led to believe that the first two numbers in the serial number tells you the date the gun was manufactured. And if this is incorrect, what other indicators are there, if any, can help you determine the year the gun was made?

Can you get pics of this ? Ive never seen that importer on a later model AK.......odd. Without seeing pics and based on the guy telling you it was one of the last models before the ban......i would say that it a postban AK that was modded to look like the older preban models.....

Pics would be great or detailed info on markings....


Joezeta

Unless he got confused on which ban he was referring to himself.

Pre-ban or post-ban conversion... that is the question. I'm curious about this one myself.

I'll contact the seller and see if he is willing for me to snap some photos. If he is not then I know that this gun won't pass the smell test...but if he does not have a problem with me taking a few pics then I'll post them next week to get some feedback.

This is what I would advise. Usually the prefix is the year, but Chinese rifles always change the rules. Just when you think you have them down pat, someone runs across another variant, & the rules don't apply. GARY N4KVE

correct me if I'm wrong...wasn't GSAD one of the early importers? My friend has a GSAD spiker, it does not say polytech anywhere, just says AK-47s. it has the dark brown furniture not the amber chu wood.

I know this AK has the GSAD stamp along with the #386. Could it have been sent to Ploy Tech for up grades? The reason why I ask is because the Poly Tech stamp which is stamped on the receiver appears to be an after market ( the stamp is not too clear). Does this make sense?
Again I 'm new to the AK forum and am looking for any answers. I left message with seller so I'm hoping to be sending pics soon.

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