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New to AKs... CA WASR?
9/25/2011 10:25:15 AM
I'm sure this is the AK forums equivalent of a "must be Tuesday again..." thread, but I gotta ask it. 
I've never owned an AK, but I'm dying to get one suddenly. I know almost nothing about them, except that Century Arms WASR-10's are cheap and plentiful. Now, Google tells me that every WAS-10 ever made is genetically predisposed to exploding in your face. Surely this can't be true, can it? Are WASR's the cheap piece of crap Google tells me they are? I'd like to have something that wont kill my wallet, but I can rely on at the same time if need be. Even if the WASR requires a bit of tinkering or surface polishing or whatever, as long as I can get it to the point of running like a top then I'd like one.
So, are WASR's cheap junk or just a misunderstood misfit?
I've never owned an AK, but I'm dying to get one suddenly. I know almost nothing about them, except that Century Arms WASR-10's are cheap and plentiful. Now, Google tells me that every WAS-10 ever made is genetically predisposed to exploding in your face. Surely this can't be true, can it? Are WASR's the cheap piece of crap Google tells me they are? I'd like to have something that wont kill my wallet, but I can rely on at the same time if need be. Even if the WASR requires a bit of tinkering or surface polishing or whatever, as long as I can get it to the point of running like a top then I'd like one.
So, are WASR's cheap junk or just a misunderstood misfit?
9/25/2011 10:37:19 AM
In my memory no one has ever asked about exploding WASRs.
Mine hasn't exploded. No one else I know has had one explode.
I've never seen a picture of one which exploded. I've never read a claim that one exploded.
It's quite possible that one or more have KBed, but if one doesn't plug the barrel or fire overcharged cartridges, the probability of an explosion is low.
Before thinking about buying a WASR ask this question: Is the way the rifle looks as important to me as how it works?
If the answer is "Yes", look at another AK. If the answer is "No", a WASR may be a good choice for you.
Mine hasn't exploded. No one else I know has had one explode.
I've never seen a picture of one which exploded. I've never read a claim that one exploded.
It's quite possible that one or more have KBed, but if one doesn't plug the barrel or fire overcharged cartridges, the probability of an explosion is low.
Before thinking about buying a WASR ask this question: Is the way the rifle looks as important to me as how it works?
If the answer is "Yes", look at another AK. If the answer is "No", a WASR may be a good choice for you.
9/25/2011 11:07:19 AM
Originally Posted By POLYTHENEPAM:
In my memory no one has ever asked about exploding WASRs.
Mine hasn't exploded. No one else I know has had one explode.
I've never seen a picture of one which exploded. I've never read a claim that one exploded.
It's quite possible that one or more have KBed, but if one doesn't plug the barrel or fire overcharged cartridges, the probability of an explosion is low.
Before thinking about buying a WASR ask this question: Is the way the rifle looks as important to me as how it works?
If the answer is "Yes", look at another AK. If the answer is "No", a WASR may be a good choice for you.
In my memory no one has ever asked about exploding WASRs.
Mine hasn't exploded. No one else I know has had one explode.
I've never seen a picture of one which exploded. I've never read a claim that one exploded.
It's quite possible that one or more have KBed, but if one doesn't plug the barrel or fire overcharged cartridges, the probability of an explosion is low.
Before thinking about buying a WASR ask this question: Is the way the rifle looks as important to me as how it works?
If the answer is "Yes", look at another AK. If the answer is "No", a WASR may be a good choice for you.
Thanks for the info. I'm just going by what I remember reading last time I searched for the WASR a couple years back. And no, the way my AK looks does not affect my decision so long as the performance is there.
9/25/2011 12:10:01 PM
If you get one, make sure you are able to inspect it in person before buying. make sure the sights are straight and the gas block is as close as possible to being straight. Mine has run like a top since I got it but that hasn't stopped me from cleaning it up a tad just to be sure. Mag well was a bit tight so I opened it up a hair. the receiver rails were also a little tight so I also corrected that along with deburring and polishing. If you want a good reliable beater AK and don't mind a little tinkering, the WASR is a pretty good gun.
9/25/2011 12:20:47 PM
Originally Posted By kteaton:
Thanks for the info. I'm just going by what I remember reading last time I searched for the WASR a couple years back. And no, the way my AK looks does not affect my decision so long as the performance is there.
Thanks for the info. I'm just going by what I remember reading last time I searched for the WASR a couple years back. And no, the way my AK looks does not affect my decision so long as the performance is there.
I would suggest either buying in person and examing several or buying from a reputable on-line dealer who will make it right if you do run into a problem.
9/25/2011 12:58:12 PM
Awesome, thanks guys. A beater/tinkerer is exactly what I'm looking for. I just don't want something that requires shit like major gunsmithing right out of the gate, or is going to be completely unreliable.
9/25/2011 7:50:33 PM
What's a good price point for these?
9/26/2011 12:22:16 AM
lately, the prices have been 400-450. but they can occasionally be found below that.
9/26/2011 10:15:03 AM
Keep in mind that, especially in the internet-age, an unhappy customer is generally FAR more vocal than a satisfied customer. This means that even if 9 out of 10 rifles are awesome that company will still have a terrible reputation on the net. Those 10% of users will certainly drown out the 90% of satisfied users. Just think about how many products you've probably bought that merely "worked" versus "didn't work"... are you more likely to praise an OK product or complain about a bad product.
When it comes down to it, any properly built AK is equally as useful like any other. Extra money just gets you better fit/finish (it's purely cosmetic). Does this mean 90% of Century's AKs are "awesome"? No... but I'll bet 95%+ work just fine. They won't be the smoothest running or win any beauty contests but they'll go bang every time. In general, with Century AKs, you just have to watch out for the occasoinal canted front sights as that seems to be the most common problem - and even then as long as a sight is still able to be zeroed then it's just a cosmetic issue. Sure, they'll look a little more beat than a nice Arsenal but generally they'll run just as nicely. If you buy from a good vendor that will go out of their way to fix/replace poor rifles, then this is not such a big deal.
I bought a WASR 10/63 a while ago for $360 from a repudable dealer and it has been awesome considering the price. It probably could have been $10-$20 cheaper elsewhere, but it's worth it to go with a good vendor so you'll get a better rifle. It's never failed to fire feeding it the cheapest shit I could find and after refinishing all the wood myself it looks decent too (sandpaper, mahogany stain, and poly clearcoat). I would have have no problem trusting my rifle for self defense (with reliable ammo). Just buy from somewhere like Atlantic, AIM, or somewhere that offers a guaruntee or "hand pick" option and you'll be fine.
When it comes down to it, any properly built AK is equally as useful like any other. Extra money just gets you better fit/finish (it's purely cosmetic). Does this mean 90% of Century's AKs are "awesome"? No... but I'll bet 95%+ work just fine. They won't be the smoothest running or win any beauty contests but they'll go bang every time. In general, with Century AKs, you just have to watch out for the occasoinal canted front sights as that seems to be the most common problem - and even then as long as a sight is still able to be zeroed then it's just a cosmetic issue. Sure, they'll look a little more beat than a nice Arsenal but generally they'll run just as nicely. If you buy from a good vendor that will go out of their way to fix/replace poor rifles, then this is not such a big deal.
I bought a WASR 10/63 a while ago for $360 from a repudable dealer and it has been awesome considering the price. It probably could have been $10-$20 cheaper elsewhere, but it's worth it to go with a good vendor so you'll get a better rifle. It's never failed to fire feeding it the cheapest shit I could find and after refinishing all the wood myself it looks decent too (sandpaper, mahogany stain, and poly clearcoat). I would have have no problem trusting my rifle for self defense (with reliable ammo). Just buy from somewhere like Atlantic, AIM, or somewhere that offers a guaruntee or "hand pick" option and you'll be fine.
9/26/2011 9:42:37 PM
Bought my WASR 10/63 recently at Dunham's sports and was able to pick through 10 of them to find the one I liked.
I suggest you do the same. Runs perfect. (shot 140 rounds no issues)
Does it have some scratches on the finish
Is the wood furniture unfinished and laminate? yes, and who cares.
What I got was an AK I could hand pick and check out for $449.
Then I see in the paper yesterday that Dunham's has a two day sale
the WASR is now $399, so I go to the store and they credit me 53 bucks. WIN WIN!
I love mine, and if you hand pick yours you'll love it too.
I suggest you do the same. Runs perfect. (shot 140 rounds no issues)
Does it have some scratches on the finish
Is the wood furniture unfinished and laminate? yes, and who cares.
What I got was an AK I could hand pick and check out for $449.
Then I see in the paper yesterday that Dunham's has a two day sale
the WASR is now $399, so I go to the store and they credit me 53 bucks. WIN WIN!
I love mine, and if you hand pick yours you'll love it too.
9/26/2011 10:49:14 PM
Originally Posted By Screendmon:
Bought my WASR 10/63 recently at Dunham's sports and was able to pick through 10 of them to find the one I liked.
I suggest you do the same. Runs perfect. (shot 140 rounds no issues)
Does it have some scratches on the finish
Is the wood furniture unfinished and laminate? yes, and who cares.
What I got was an AK I could hand pick and check out for $449.
Then I see in the paper yesterday that Dunham's has a two day sale
the WASR is now $399, so I go to the store and they credit me 53 bucks. WIN WIN!
I love mine, and if you hand pick yours you'll love it too.
Bought my WASR 10/63 recently at Dunham's sports and was able to pick through 10 of them to find the one I liked.
I suggest you do the same. Runs perfect. (shot 140 rounds no issues)
Does it have some scratches on the finish
Is the wood furniture unfinished and laminate? yes, and who cares.
What I got was an AK I could hand pick and check out for $449.
Then I see in the paper yesterday that Dunham's has a two day sale
the WASR is now $399, so I go to the store and they credit me 53 bucks. WIN WIN!
I love mine, and if you hand pick yours you'll love it too.
+1 I got the $399 deal at Dunhams and have 400+ rounds through mine with Zero issues.
9/27/2011 7:04:42 AM
I hand picked mine and it was GTG after I cleaned the cosmo out of it. Again look at the front sight block, check mag well, and look for the Tapco G2 trigger group. I think CAI has had them standard for a while now, but if you find a good used one for sale, check to make sure it has the G2 installed. OTOH, the group is like $30.00 at CTD but will require installation.
9/27/2011 7:09:49 AM
wish I could afford more rounds, only have 75 left. broke right now.
How fun is to shoot an AK? awesomely fun.
How fun is to shoot an AK? awesomely fun.
9/27/2011 7:10:55 AM
yes what Fugitive said.
The G2 trigger is nice and light too.
The G2 trigger is nice and light too.
9/28/2011 10:22:58 AM
Another +1 on making sure it has a G2 trigger group.
My WASR's G2 trigger is better than my DPMS AR15 and DPMS LR308C
Granted, DPMS stock triggers aren't great... but the Tapco G2 is WAY better.
My WASR's G2 trigger is better than my DPMS AR15 and DPMS LR308C
Granted, DPMS stock triggers aren't great... but the Tapco G2 is WAY better.
10/4/2011 9:57:28 PM
I recently purchased one with the tapco trigger and it ROCKS, I simply love it.
I think the issue with the guy claiming one exploded probaly was the fact that he used cheap ammo or reloads and it failed to detonate properly and didnt leave the barrel. You know sometimes people get all excited and want to rapid fire, all it takes is one bad round not leaving the barrel and getting struck by another because the person wasnt listening or paying attention. Thatis the only reason I can see the thing blowing up, I mean these things have been through hell and back.
I think the issue with the guy claiming one exploded probaly was the fact that he used cheap ammo or reloads and it failed to detonate properly and didnt leave the barrel. You know sometimes people get all excited and want to rapid fire, all it takes is one bad round not leaving the barrel and getting struck by another because the person wasnt listening or paying attention. Thatis the only reason I can see the thing blowing up, I mean these things have been through hell and back.
