Buy a Like new Mak90 and convert or spend more on Arsenal ?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Buy a Like new Mak90 and convert or spend more on Arsenal ?

Posted: 2/5/2016 12:14:15 PM EDT

my friend has a Norinco Mak90 for sale. It was unfired until he put 100 rounds through it a month or two ago. It is the neutered version with the thumbhole stock and no muzzle break or threads. Pretty sure it is the stamped receiver.

I can get it for <snip> you want to know value, use the tacked thread. I will edit instead of locking thread. dryflash3 plus the little bit of snowplowing ive done for him a couple days ago.

Heres my dilemma -

I dont love it in its current configuration.

I would Immediately have to order an Ironwood stock set ( or something similar ) and swap that out, probably do a Tapco G2 trigger ( yes, I want to make it 922r compliant just to be on the safe side and never have to worry ) get the muzzle threaded for some sort of break, most likely a slant break. I would probably have $800 total into the rifle when im done.

Or, I can just spend a little more, and get a Arsenal SLR107 ( if I can even find one used ) and not have to jump through hoops, do all the modifications, and itll have a side folder.

Which of the two would be the higher quality gun, and what would YOU do ?

Which would

Posted: 2/5/2016 12:17:23 PM EDT

[#1]

get the mak and modify.

Posted: 2/5/2016 1:08:17 PM EDT

[#2]

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Quoted:
get the mak and modify.

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+1, There great AK's

Posted: 2/5/2016 1:10:05 PM EDT

[#3]

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get the mak and modify.

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I would buy the MAK. Get an Ironwoods US made buttstock, pistol grip, & Tapco US mag. That's 5 US parts which is all that's necessary for 922, & you get to keep the EXCELLENT Chinese FCG. If you look at photo's of Chinese soldiers in China with real military AK's, the muzzle will be unthread just like on your MAK. The muzzles were only threaded for guns exported to some other countries, so if you want your gun to look authentic, you don't have to waste money threading the barrel. GARY
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/Syrian_soldier_aims_an_AK-47.jpg

Posted: 2/5/2016 2:51:04 PM EDT

[#4]

Ok, thanks for the advice.

I will get the Mak90, the Ironwood stock set. Ill keep the US magazine in mind, but out of pure paranoia I may still change the trigger group. for $30 in tapco parts i dont have to worry as much about a officer who doesnt quite know the law, or having the wrong magazine with me.

I guess I just love the look of a slant muzzle break. Do you have to drill and put a retainer pin in the front sight base, or could some red locktite do the trick to keep it in place ?

do all Mak90s have a chrome lined bore ?

Sorry for all the questions.

And Ill probably still end up buying an Arsenal later this year

Posted: 2/5/2016 3:42:56 PM EDT

[#5]

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If you look at photo's of Chinese soldiers in China with real military AK's, the muzzle will be unthread just like on your MAK. The muzzles were only threaded for guns exported to some other countries...

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Not always the case depending on the time period. As with things in the FAL world, anything is game when it comes to Chinese arms. But yes, the majority are not threaded. Also OP, if the receiver is not slant cut I would go with surplus wood, personally.

Posted: 2/5/2016 3:50:22 PM EDT

[#6]

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Quoted:

Not always the case depending on the time period. As with things in the FAL world, anything is game when it comes to Chinese arms. But yes, the majority are not threaded. Also OP, if the receiver is not slant cut I would go with surplus wood, personally.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
If you look at photo's of Chinese soldiers in China with real military AK's, the muzzle will be unthread just like on your MAK. The muzzles were only threaded for guns exported to some other countries...

Not always the case depending on the time period. As with things in the FAL world, anything is game when it comes to Chinese arms. But yes, the majority are not threaded. Also OP, if the receiver is not slant cut I would go with surplus wood, personally.

yeah I would prefer surplus wood but then im not 922r compliant, right ?

Posted: 2/5/2016 3:50:39 PM EDT

[#7]

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Quoted:
Not always the case depending on the time period. As with things in the FAL world, anything is game when it comes to Chinese arms. But yes, the majority are not threaded.

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Enough reason for me to not waste $ changing the front site, & threading a barrel. My 3 MAK's are all "restored", & not threaded. GARY

Posted: 2/5/2016 4:01:09 PM EDT

[#8]

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yeah I would prefer surplus wood but then im not 922r compliant, right ?

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For years when kits with barrels were still imported, it was with the understanding that they could not be built into new guns that were not importable. They were imported with the understanding that the barrel could replace a worn, shot out barrel. But that law was between the importer, & the ATF. So while the importer did not build guns from these kits, the importers sold these kits to other companies who DID build guns from these kits, as these companies had no arrangement with the ATF. The last few years Imbel receivers were imported into the US, they were for replacement only, meaning they could only be used for the replacement of broken receivers [like that would ever happen]. Again this arrangement was between the importer, & the ATF. But again, the importer sold the receivers to others who did build FAL's with these receivers because these builder had no arrangement with the ATF to not build new guns. So 922 really exists to allow guns, kits, or receivers to be imported with certain restrictions. But once the items are sold, the end user had no deal with anybody to follow these rules. Nobody has ever been prosecuted for having owned a MAK90 that didn't have US parts, but did have a pistol grip. GARY

Posted: 2/5/2016 4:05:09 PM EDT

[#9]

Ive read numerous times that no private individual has ever been convicted of 922r compliance, I just cant afford to be the test case

Posted: 2/5/2016 4:20:49 PM EDT

[#10]

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Quoted:

yeah I would prefer surplus wood but then im not 922r compliant, right ?

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
If you look at photo's of Chinese soldiers in China with real military AK's, the muzzle will be unthread just like on your MAK. The muzzles were only threaded for guns exported to some other countries...

Not always the case depending on the time period. As with things in the FAL world, anything is game when it comes to Chinese arms. But yes, the majority are not threaded. Also OP, if the receiver is not slant cut I would go with surplus wood, personally.

yeah I would prefer surplus wood but then im not 922r compliant, right ?

Well you were already going to replace the FCG, so there's 3. Change the piston and use a US floor plate and you would be good.

Posted: 2/5/2016 5:45:24 PM EDT

[#11]

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Ive read numerous times that no private individual has ever been convicted of 922r compliance, I just cant afford to be the test case

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Here. tinhat
Tinhats are people who believe ridiculous stories. They are low level paranoid people with no real understanding of science or research. The tinhat itself refers to the iconic foil hat worn by characters cowering from 'cosmic ray's, as portrayed in around a million hokey Hollywood films.

Posted: 2/5/2016 6:15:07 PM EDT

[#12]

get the MAK90

Posted: 2/5/2016 6:44:55 PM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:
Here. tinhat
Tinhats are people who believe ridiculous stories. They are low level paranoid people with no real understanding of science or research. The tinhat itself refers to the iconic foil hat worn by characters cowering from 'cosmic ray's, as portrayed in around a million hokey Hollywood films.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Ive read numerous times that no private individual has ever been convicted of 922r compliance, I just cant afford to be the test case

Here. tinhat
Tinhats are people who believe ridiculous stories. They are low level paranoid people with no real understanding of science or research. The tinhat itself refers to the iconic foil hat worn by characters cowering from 'cosmic ray's, as portrayed in around a million hokey Hollywood films.

I've already admitted that I'm paranoid.
What's a good source for surplus stocks ?

Posted: 2/5/2016 8:23:41 PM EDT

[#14]

Looks like Im odd man out but I'd get the SLR and call it a day. MAKs will be more collectable though. Both are good choices

Posted: 2/5/2016 11:23:05 PM EDT

[#15]

For <snip> don't get this thread locked. dryflash3 the mak. Easy.

Posted: 2/6/2016 2:52:45 AM EDT

[#16]

I was suppose to pick the Mak up today but our schedules didn't line up. I should have it tomorrow.

Posted: 2/6/2016 10:04:43 AM EDT

[#17]

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I was suppose to pick the Mak up today but our schedules didn't line up. I should have it tomorrow.

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You know what to do when you get it! pic's or it didn't happen..........

Posted: 2/6/2016 10:37:37 AM EDT

[#18]

The only thing I don't like about the MAK90 you can't find a lot of aftermarket parts like stocks. Well, let me preface that by saying I am referring the one with a milled receiver. I don't like that I can't use Magpul's new stocks nor any stock adapters. That is unless I modify it, which I don't want to do.

Posted: 2/6/2016 8:31:18 PM EDT

[#19]

I'm way passed biased on this topic. Let me put it this way, I've never owned an Arsenal and never will. Get the Mak 90 and de-ban it. You don't need the add on crap, just make it look the way it was intended to look. If you want to accessorize and make the thing look like an Ar15 dressed up like a ho at a party, get the Arsenal. Chinese AK's were meant to be left alone. :)

If you want to compare the Mak to the Arsenal and play the "just a bit more game"...well you can find a real Chinese pre-ban 56S or AKM76S for only a little more than the Arsenal, often the same price. Again only if you intend to leave them as stock. Someone that tacticools a Chinese AK should have their man license revoked...yeah, I'm old and opinionated.

Earl

Posted: 2/6/2016 8:45:51 PM EDT

[#20]

Any trustworthy or recommended sources for military surplus stocks ?

Posted: 2/6/2016 8:52:04 PM EDT

[#21]

I don't think any of the old usual places have quantities anymore. Now the best place is a trader board like here on arfcom or gunbroker. Ironwood Designs will have nice US wood to use on them - which would also count as US parts of you are de-banning a MAK.

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Any trustworthy or recommended sources for military surplus stocks ?

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Posted: 2/8/2016 11:43:22 AM EDT

[#22]

The Arsenal 107F is (in my opinion), the best off-the shelf, fighting AK.

Chinese are unique to China. If they are in original configuration and you want that, it's fine. They are more difficult to alter and a pain to "unban" particularly if you want to address the bayonet lug and cleaning rod holder. So any post-ban, may get you pretty close to the price of a superior fighting rifle, by the time you finish a complete conversion.

If all you are going to do is swap furniture and FCG, then the Chinese is more economical.

Posted: 2/8/2016 12:33:19 PM EDT

[#23]

I have an Ironwood designs stock set and a Tapco G2 trigger on the way.

I was looking for the best options of how to unban it and keep it 922r compliant. Why not spend a few more bucks and never have to worry about it?

I know the Mak90 trigger is nice, but, trigger slap drives me insane, so the G2 trigger it is.

Posted: 2/8/2016 12:42:18 PM EDT

[#24]

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[b] I know the Mak90 trigger is nice, but, trigger slap drives me insane, so the G2 trigger it is.

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Why not just cut off the rest of the disconnector tail, as it's partial removal for import is what causes slap.

Posted: 2/8/2016 1:10:09 PM EDT

[#25]

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Quoted:

get the mak and modify.

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This

ALGs new AK trigger is very nice, I like it better than the Tapco.

Posted: 2/8/2016 1:39:53 PM EDT

[#26]

Didn't see whether the MAK was a straight cut receiver or slant cut? I assume you know since you already ordered a stock set from Ironwood.

Posted: 2/8/2016 2:04:01 PM EDT

[#27]

Its slant cut.

If it were straight cut I could have resolved this issue much cheaper for half the price

Posted: 2/9/2016 7:21:11 PM EDT

[#28]

MAK all the way every day, Chinese rifles will always be worth more than cheap and commonplace Bulgarian rifles. Pretty much a better rifle in every respect but furniture, and that's an easy and enjoyable fix.

Posted: 2/13/2016 2:50:36 PM EDT

[#29]

My Tapco G2 trigger arrived yesterday.
I used my Dremel to buff / polish the hooks where it connects to the hammer and the front of the hammer that rides against the bottom of the bolt.
I've never personally replaced a AK style trigger, and I bent the shepherds hook a bit.
I bent it back as straight as possible and triple checked that it sat in the trigger pins correctly.
I even tried by hand to pound the trigger pins out with a punch and they didn't move.
The trigger is super light now, comparable to some of my AR15 triggers.

Posted: 2/13/2016 6:23:21 PM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:
My Tapco G2 trigger arrived yesterday.
I used my Dremel to buff / polish the hooks where it connects to the hammer and the front of the hammer that rides against the bottom of the bolt.
I've never personally replaced a AK style trigger, and I bent the shepherds hook a bit.
I bent it back as straight as possible and triple checked that it sat in the trigger pins correctly.
I even tried by hand to pound the trigger pins out with a punch and they didn't move.
The trigger is super light now, comparable to some of my AR15 triggers.

View Quote

You can get a retainer plate to replace the wire. Easy to get in and zero chance of it coming out while shooting.

Posted: 2/13/2016 8:30:13 PM EDT

[#31]

Quote History

Quoted:
MAK all the way every day, Chinese rifles will always be worth more than cheap and commonplace Bulgarian rifles. Pretty much a better rifle in every respect but furniture, and that's an easy and enjoyable fix.

View Quote

If they were still available they would still be considered cheap junk compared to Bulgarian. Just look at how the Catamount Fury has been treated, and it's just basically a Norinco Saiga-12

Personally not a fan of Chinese AKs but that leaves more for the rest of you!

Posted: 2/13/2016 11:38:49 PM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:

You can get a retainer plate to replace the wire. Easy to get in and zero chance of it coming out while shooting.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
My Tapco G2 trigger arrived yesterday.
I used my Dremel to buff / polish the hooks where it connects to the hammer and the front of the hammer that rides against the bottom of the bolt.
I've never personally replaced a AK style trigger, and I bent the shepherds hook a bit.
I bent it back as straight as possible and triple checked that it sat in the trigger pins correctly.
I even tried by hand to pound the trigger pins out with a punch and they didn't move.
The trigger is super light now, comparable to some of my AR15 triggers.

You can get a retainer plate to replace the wire. Easy to get in and zero chance of it coming out while shooting.

I looked around at the gun show for something like that with no luck.
I'll just have to find one online and hope they don't charge 10 bucks to ship a $3 part lol

Posted: 2/13/2016 11:42:45 PM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:

If they were still available they would still be considered cheap junk compared to Bulgarian. Just look at how the Catamount Fury has been treated, and it's just basically a Norinco Saiga-12

Personally not a fan of Chinese AKs but that leaves more for the rest of you!

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
MAK all the way every day, Chinese rifles will always be worth more than cheap and commonplace Bulgarian rifles. Pretty much a better rifle in every respect but furniture, and that's an easy and enjoyable fix.

If they were still available they would still be considered cheap junk compared to Bulgarian. Just look at how the Catamount Fury has been treated, and it's just basically a Norinco Saiga-12

Personally not a fan of Chinese AKs but that leaves more for the rest of you!

I have had many of both Bulgarian and Chinese and i have to disagree with you on that.

The Chinese are much better built rifles and a lot smoother imo.

Sure the Chinese do make some crappy guns,but AK's is not one of them.

Posted: 2/14/2016 12:28:09 AM EDT

[#34]

Quote History

Quoted:
I looked around at the gun show for something like that with no luck.

I'll just have to find one online and hope they don't charge 10 bucks to ship a $3 part lol

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

My Tapco G2 trigger arrived yesterday.

I used my Dremel to buff / polish the hooks where it connects to the hammer and the front of the hammer that rides against the bottom of the bolt.

I've never personally replaced a AK style trigger, and I bent the shepherds hook a bit.

I bent it back as straight as possible and triple checked that it sat in the trigger pins correctly.

I even tried by hand to pound the trigger pins out with a punch and they didn't move.

The trigger is super light now, comparable to some of my AR15 triggers.

You can get a retainer plate to replace the wire. Easy to get in and zero chance of it coming out while shooting.

I looked around at the gun show for something like that with no luck.

I'll just have to find one online and hope they don't charge 10 bucks to ship a $3 part lol

The retainer is a great part, easy to put in/take out, and stays put.

Order some mags to round out your order.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Buy a Like new Mak90 and convert or spend more on Arsenal ?

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