Hi, I have a new Mesa Kinetic AK made from a 1953 (I believe) parts kit.  I don't know anything about it, really, and was also wondering what the going rate of a rifle like this is.  Many thanks in advance.

I’d post this in the AK forum for more attention.

Thanks.  I posted it over there.

Not enough information. Post pics.

Sorry, it was built on a 1968 Iszmash parts kit and a Childers receiver.  Built in 2016.

Return it to stock condition and that's probably a $1500 built up kit minimum. The Izhmash/Tula kits came in limited numbers. Hopefully you got the original parts with it.

Izhmash AKM kits are around $1,150 starting, then the Childers receiver is around $120 depending on the options. The build according to their site starts at $650 to include the Cerakote finish. Assuming the barrel is a Romanian/Polish/AK-Builder version, add another $165. So not counting 922r parts that I assume the builder used, the total is around $2,100 in parts and services at a minimum. Knowing the AK market, those extras you have on it are worth more as individual items and actually decrease the desirability of the rifle.

I agree with the above sentiments, most people that will want to pay the premium for a rifle built from a Russian kit are going to want the original look. Put a slant brake, stock gas tube/wooden upper handguard, and stock pistol grip on it and you'll probably get more for it. Then you can turn around and sell the flash hider, Ultimak, and US Palm grip separately. I haven't been following the prices on specific kit builds, but just based on the general market I would think you'd be able to get $2500 for it without issue on gunbroker. Had a friend sell and SGL31 for $3700 and 5.45 Vepr for $3500 a couple months ago, it's pretty crazy.

Damn shame about that bayonet lug.