I would like to add a Russian AK in 7.62x39 to my pile of stuff. Prefer something with a folding stock and good break. I know this is not much information but would like some help on what I need to look for. I want something nice to pass along to one of my kids who seems interested in AK’s. Something like a 103 or 107, I just don’t know where to start(markings/brands/importers)or what to expect to pay or what to run away from.

Thanks

Is this a good representation of Russian AK?

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/945080341


https://www.gunbroker.com/item/944452981

@dmtsc

Both of those are Russian, but neither is an accurate representation of the military AK103, at least from a clone perspective. Both of those GB rifles will perform exactly the same as an AK103 clone, but the clone details are lacking. They used incorrect Bulgarian front sight block parts and didn't convert either to side folding stocks, or get the proper Russian gas blocks swapped out with the civilian Russian gas blocks they currently have

Most AK103s are made for export because Russia still uses the AK74M in 5.45x39 instead of 7.62 guns, but the AK103 is otherwise like the 74M and has the AK74 brake, the 5.5mm side folding stock, optics rail and pistol grip plate. Most of the parts are interchangeable, like furniture, stocks, front sight blocks and gas blocks for example

Here's an example of what a fully converted rifle should look like:

This is my fully converted Saiga sporter done to match a military AK103 rifle



You could buy either of those GB listings, find the missing Russian parts and have them converted by a good builder to 5.5mm folding stock rifles (which would probably run you another + $1500-1800 maybe $2000 on top of the GB auction)

You could buy something similar to the GB rifles and accept that it's not really an AK103, but it would still be a Russian Saiga at least. Collectors would cringe if you posted photos of either of those, but they at least would be a proper start if you were going to spend the additional dollars to have it all done right

You could also look for the SGL21 series and make sure it has a 5.5mm folder already installed, like the SGL21-84 and SGL21-94 have for example

Here's a high level primer on what to look for in the 3 major styles of AK74 production. The AK103 is an AK74M chambered in 7.62x39, so most everything that applies to the 74M applies to the 103. They will look mostly identical except for the magazines
https://russianoptics.net/AK74Overview.html


The bottom rifle has the proper AK74M front sight block and muzzle device, as well as the correct gas block with accessory lug. If you study it for a while you will be able to see the differences in the GB auctions

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Feel free to hit me up if you find anything of interest. I'll be happy to help you look over the details and pricing

Holy moly!! $2600 for saiga I paid $550 for mine in 2017 .

I think the best quality was in earlier-production rifles after that manufacturing was simplified to save some money on production.

Nice.  Did you do the conversion or did you have someone do it for you.

I'm in the process of trying to find parts for my Saiga  RWC IZ132.  


I'm trying to see if Russian parts are even available or if they're unobtainium at this point.

I want to convert it to an unneutered Ak-103 folder.  After doing some research it seems the purists poo poo using Bulgarian parts.  Or, really anything other than Russian.

I've also read if you're going the Ak-103 route you gotta do a folder or it's not really a 103.

It appears that parts in general are sparse especially the Ruskie flavor.

Another other thing that throws me is the whole 4.5mm/5.5mm foling stock hinge, trunnion deal.  Being an Ak noob it seems all the US made stock furniture are configure for 4.5mm.  Whats the deal on the 4.5mm/5.5mm adapter pins?  Bogus?

Any help, guidance or direction would be greatly appreciated.