They are very high quality rifles, but there are some expensive drawbacks
- Thumbhole stock isn't great for much other than scoped bench rest/hunting use. Will take standard Yugo stocks, even though it has a slant cut receiver and rear trunnion, but obviously they won't look quite right. Many people weld a small steel section here to close up the receiver. I use the ACE Yugo slant receiver adapter block on mine. But to replace the stock with anything more than surplus Yugo wood becomes pretty pricey.
- Factory 10-rd mags suck and tend to jam, and few inexpensive hi-cap options. CSSpecs makes 20 rounders for the M77, but they're about $40/ea - fortunately they're seriously overbuilt and will probably never wear out.
M14/M1A mags can be modified, but you need to use quality mags with thicker stampings for the mods to work reliably. Some .308 AK mags like VEPR, Galil/Valmet mags can work in the M77 with light fitting.
If someone would import a decent batch of the Zastava mags for these, they would make a small fortune.
- Requires Yugo specific side rail mount, or Yugo specific railed top cover..
I had a modified standard MI side rail on mine, but never really liked how it sat or mounted. Eventually I'm going to pick up a TWS rail for mine.
- Muzzle is threaded 14x1LH but is covered by a tack welded nut, and the FSB doesn't have the spring-loaded plunger installed from the factory. This is easily corrected and CNC Warrior makes a new detent pin and spring for Yugo/milled AKs
- Heavy RPK receiver, heavy long barrel, heavy ammo. It's a heavy rifle.
Pros:
- Built like a tank
- Eats steel cased .308 all day long no matter if it's dry or soaking wet lubed
- Adjustable gas system lets you adjust for different types of ammo, handloads, etc.
- Very accurate with quality ammo - have seen a couple guys pulling sub MOA on AKfiles.
- .308 AKs are just fucking cool and fun to shoot
Ultimately? Even though I love mine, an AR10 is an overall better deal and a cheaper option if you just want a semi-auto .308. If I was not an AK guy I probably would have built an AR10 instead.