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Posted: 8/14/2019 11:52:27 PM EDT
Its almost time to get my yearly birthday gun, and I have been looking hard at AKs for a long time now but to be honest it's been quite the learning curve. Ever since shooting a 74U I have lusted after one, but I am not going to be SBRing anything so with the brace stuff up in the air I'm wondering what I should get.
I was too slow on pulling the trigger on the new PSA krinkov pistol with that sexy triangle brace, and according to PSA they won't be back up for sale for a while. I have been impressed by the reviews the PSA line has gotten, but their stuff has been out of stock for a while now. I have also been looking at the Atlantic offerings, and may find something there that suits me. The last option is doing a parts kit build. I was a bit nervous at first looking at these, but after watching one be built from the ground up I'm a bit more confidant I could do it. In particular I was looking at a receiver from Childers guns or one from Atlantic. If I went with the Childers I would get it as selected in the picture below. Are they a legit company? But what I am really wondering is, what reasonably priced AK do you have or like, and why? Should I get a 74 or just a regular 47? 
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Posted: 8/14/2019 11:54:59 PM EDT
[#1]
https://www.atlanticfirearms.com/taxons/ak-47-74-rifles
Start here. 5.45 is nice, but 762 is more readily availabe. |
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Posted: 8/14/2019 11:55:13 PM EDT
[#2]
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Posted: 8/14/2019 11:55:40 PM EDT
[#3]
Don't.
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Posted: 8/14/2019 11:56:11 PM EDT
[#4]
I’m in a similar boat as you and in the very near future will buy an Arsenal SAM7K to SBR. I just wish that I would have bought a SAM7 SF several years ago but oh well.
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Posted: 8/14/2019 11:59:19 PM EDT
[#5]
Everybody should at least one just because they're fun to shoot and because you can. For some reason new shooters always want to shoot one too.
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:01:05 AM EDT
[#6]
I finally held a Palmetto AK and was really impressed. I thought I was out of the AK game and sadly only have one. It’s a Maadi which I hear is good but it looks like trash. It’s like they used black tar to paint it. Maybe that’s why I was impressed with the PSA finish.
Not offering advice or anything, I just really want another AK. Oh, and AK Guy vs AR Guy on YouTube kills it. |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:01:20 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Everybody should one at least one just because they're fun to shoot. For some reason new shooters always want to shoot one too. I have 3 AR's already, pistols and bolt guns and shotguns, so this is pretty much the next logical step. |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:01:35 AM EDT
[#8]
Builds are fun, but if you have to press/pull the barrel into the trunnion and rivet, tooling can get pricey. You can do a screw build and keep cost minimal. The '47 is probably a bit cheaper, but go the '74 route if that's what interests you. Both are fairly well supported.
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:03:18 AM EDT
[#9]
AKs are iconic. Every collection needs one.
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:03:24 AM EDT
[#10]
Wasr 10, a bunch of steel combloc mags and a few thousand rounds of ammo.
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:04:57 AM EDT
[#11]
Childers is legit and well-respected. Atlantic has also done a fine job for me in the past. But be forewarned, buying an AK never ends with the AK. Never.
 Why NOT to buy an AK! |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:06:54 AM EDT
[#12]
I bought an underfolder a few months ago. I agree with the poster that everyone should own one.
I have enough AR’s so I figured why not. |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:15:54 AM EDT
[#13]
Forget the AK47, get a Galil instead. Better rifle with better caliber choices in 5.56 and 7.62 Nato. The Galil is a lot more accurate than any AK47 and the new Galil Ace rifles will accept AR15 magazines for the 5.56 version and SR25 magazines for the 7.62 Nato. If you can get a pre ban original Galil AR or ARM in 5.56 or 7.62 Nato, they use proprietary magazines. Galil's also come standard with flip up tritium night sights. The Galil Ace rifles also come standard with picatinney rails mounted on the top of the top cover. They're much better than the old Galil AR AK47 style cut out in the left side of the receiver for the Galil scope mount that puts the scope way up over the top of the rifle.
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:21:57 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Childers is legit and well-respected. Atlantic has also done a fine job for me in the past. But be forewarned, buying an AK never ends with the AK. Never.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gXj_fAbBBwI may compromise and get a affordable AK, and buy only the 74 receiver so that if any bullshit bans come down the pipe I can still build something later. Looking at the options I selected on the Childers build, anything I need or should change? |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:28:05 AM EDT
[#15]
74s were nice when the ammo was cheap enough to buy by the pallet with pocket money. When that dried up they quickly lost their appeal as ammo prices shot well past decent 7.62 ammo.
I'd say go for it if you've never owned one before. The only AK type rifle in my collection right now is an AES-10b but I've been wanting to have another AK-47 proper to keep right next to it again. |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:33:04 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Haha that dude has some sweet looking AK's. I may compromise and get a affordable AK, and buy only the 74 receiver so that if any bullshit bans come down the pipe I can still build something later. Looking at the options I selected on the Childers build, anything I need or should change? |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:35:13 AM EDT
[#17]
I'd like an AK74 but mags and ammo are a bitch these days
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:36:09 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It’s your rifle. Best to know what kit you’re using first as that will change the options. |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:40:58 AM EDT
[#19]
Do it, I have a crappy zastava Npap, it’s is a fun fun.
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:42:50 AM EDT
[#20]
Everyone should have an AK and an AR, or lots of both.
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:43:08 AM EDT
[#21]
I dont get the complaint that 5.45 ammo is so expensive.
Granted it’s not as cheap as it used to be, but what other rifle caliber ammo can you get 1000 rounds of for about $210? |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:44:39 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Standard 74 with a fixed stock. |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:46:10 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I dont get the complaint that 5.45 ammo is so expensive. Granted it’s not as cheap as it used to be, but what other rifle caliber ammo can you get 1000 rounds of for about $210? |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:46:41 AM EDT
[#24]
Ak-74 in 5.45 is a really nice gun. But ammo is not readily available excepting online sources like sgammo. I’d get one in 5.56. Both caliber mags are stupid expensive compared to ar mags, but they are nearly bomb proof.
Ak-47 is a really great rifle to have in the stable. Ubiquitous magazine and ammo supplies for the foreseeable future. Shtf or home defense, it will go bang and take abuse. Get a 47 and 74 of either flavor. |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:46:51 AM EDT
[#25]
Take the money you are about to waste on the AK and put it towards nightvision instead.
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:52:05 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Honestly I never had much of an interest in them until I shot Grimhollows various AK's. Its just a really fun gun to shoot, and the 5.45 was not what I expected at all. Smooth shooting as could be. I have 3 AR's already, pistols and bolt guns and shotguns, so this is pretty much the next logical step. 
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Posted: 8/15/2019 12:53:12 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Ak-74 in 5.45 is a really nice gun. But ammo is not readily available excepting online sources like sgammo. I’d get one in 5.56. Both caliber mags are stupid expensive compared to ar mags, but they are nearly bomb proof. Ak-47 is a really great rifle to have in the stable. Ubiquitous magazine and ammo supplies for the foreseeable future. Shtf or home defense, it will go bang and take abuse. Get a 47 and 74 of either flavor. |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:00:29 AM EDT
[#28]
5.45 ruined me on 7.62 guns.
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:05:21 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
5.45 ruined me on 7.62 guns. |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:08:51 AM EDT
[#30]
slr 95 and mac 90 owner agrees w/you. do it.
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:09:06 AM EDT
[#31]
Do it.... they are a blast.
Here are my cheapos...  Attached FileMy sar 3 Romanian import that is chambered in 556/223. This is by far my funniest gun I have.  Attached FileMy Romanian import draco pistol with magpul front furniture and a brace. It is chambered is 7.62x39. It is fun but loud. |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:18:48 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'd like an AK74 but mags and ammo are a bitch these days Wolf/Tula/RAS are all pretty much on par with 762. Gotta order online, but yeah it's definitly not terrible. |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:21:00 AM EDT
[#33]
My contribution
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:25:56 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Bulgarian? Romanian? Yugoslavian? Weirdly enough, it matters. I’d buy the kit, then make sure the blank is the right type and has the right options for the kit. It confused the snot out of me until i sorted through everything. Contact them if you have questions, I’ve had great experience with Childers’ service. |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:26:28 AM EDT
[#35]
Arsenal makes some very good quality AK's in many varieties.
Not inexpensive, though... |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:30:31 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryThat is beautiful. I really like the way the dark wood furniture looks. I really wish Atlantic had the "battlefield pickup" available. 
But if it was in stock, I would be getting the AIMS74. 
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:37:16 AM EDT
[#37]
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:39:24 AM EDT
[#38]
probably the worst time to get into the ak game
also, they get old fast. i could never get used to the ergos. |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:39:37 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote History |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:40:19 AM EDT
[#40]
I think everyone should own an AK. I have two chinese which i believe to be of higher quality than most. Also have an RPK as well. Love the rpk dont really shoot the AKs. Not a fan of their recoil, look at slowed down barrel whip vids and you will see what im talking about. Recoil oscillates is best i can describe. Every platform has its pros and cons.
I do like the cheap ammo and stockpiles well. I would not just be looking into a cheap ak, look at rpks and vz58. VZ is better and lighter than AKs. Very neat guns.  CSA: VZ58 1,000 Rounds Later! |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:42:59 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Hmm thats good to know. When you say kit do you mean the parks kit including the barrel or the receiver and then buy a parts kit that matches? |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:44:30 AM EDT
[#42]
First, bad time to get into AKs. Prices are stupid.
Second, yes you can build. I did it, so that means most people with reasonable mechanical altitude could. 
But it will cost you what 2-3 guns would cost to buy outright, once you’ve tooled up. But if that’s the route you’re going, you’re doing it backwards. Find the kit you want to build, then pick a receiver to match. And then when you’re done, you’ll look at it and say, “after all the 922 bullshit, this ain’t an eastern bloc gun anymore.” Finally, once you realize that you’ll probably never actually build one, buy this: https://www.atlanticfirearms.com/products/aam-romanian-uf-barreled-receiver And put whatever furniture on it and you can say you “built” it just like AR guys. |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:46:17 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote History
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:50:55 AM EDT
[#44]
Yes, you should totally get an AK. They are iconic and fun to shoot, which should be reason enough to own one.
If you want an AK just to have one to go blasting with once in a while, then I'd suggest getting a new production PSA. They're basic, inexpensive, have a good track record, and come with a factory warranty (just in case  ).
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:51:59 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
First, bad time to get into AKs. Prices are stupid. Second, yes you can build. I did it, so that means most people with reasonable mechanical altitude could. https://i.postimg.cc/1Xx1RPgx/IMG-2784.jpg But it will cost you what 2-3 guns would cost to buy outright, once you’ve tooled up. But if that’s the route you’re going, you’re doing it backwards. Find the kit you want to build, then pick a receiver to match. And then when you’re done, you’ll look at it and say, “after all the 922 bullshit, this ain’t an eastern bloc gun anymore.” Finally, once you realize that you’ll probably never actually build one, buy this: https://www.atlanticfirearms.com/products/aam-romanian-uf-barreled-receiver And put whatever furniture on it and you can say you “built” it just like AR guys. And sure, it’s not “authentic”, but given the restrictions, you get as close as you can. And we can make better parts in the US these days, even if you wouldn’t know it from some suppliers. If you go into it aiming to have fun and DIY, and not to save stacks of cash, you’ll be fine. |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 1:57:30 AM EDT
[#46]
An older fellow and friend of mine was dying of Cancer. On his bucket list was to shoot an AK.
I have some, but not at my Winter home, so I purchased an Arsenal 7.62x39 just for him to fire. He got his wish, and passed a few months later. 
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Posted: 8/15/2019 2:00:11 AM EDT
[#47]
Got into AKs because of the AK operator union's channel.
Went with a WASR10 and a Bulgarian AK74.
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Posted: 8/15/2019 2:04:50 AM EDT
[#48]
I'd like to get a kit and have RD to build me an AK-74 and to pick up a cheap AKMS for fun.
They'd be just for funsies. |
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Posted: 8/15/2019 2:05:01 AM EDT
[#49]
I picked up a 97 Romanian CUR a while back. I thought I was going in at a bit of a higher price, but now as I look at prices it was a good price. Prices have steadily been climbing since. I am sure the seller doubled his money too if he bought it 20 years ago.
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Posted: 8/15/2019 2:14:02 AM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Pick the parts kit, then get a receiver based on the kit. There are specific options Childers has (and explains) based on the kit you get - an AIMS74 is a bit different, for example. You may want to wait on the barrel until you get the kit, as you will need to make sure the front trunnion isn’t oversized or undersized. It’s easier to get a matching barrel once you have the kit than attempt to make these changes later. Conversely, a barreled kit will take care of the issue, and some companies will check to ensure the barrel is the right size if you buy the kit and barrel at the same time. The things I learned... I plan on getting a barreled kit just because the amount of tools required in the build video I watched. From what I understand once the barreled kit is ready to be mated to the receiver you just need a drill press, and a shop press? Something like this kit but I would want to change the stock to a solid stock or the triangle one. These guns have such a harder learning curve then AR's do. I was able to install a LPK into a stripped lower by watching a youtube video, but this shit is a whole other level |
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