A friend and I are both looking for AK47s.  We want 7.62x39 and freatures which make the gun as tough as possible on a budget.  Are Chrome lined barrels important?  I take good care of my guns but I want this to be my "lowest maintance" gun.  Which makes are chrome lined chambers and barrels?  Also, I want the gun as compact as possible so which folding stock is "best"?  I know that's subjective so maybe I should ask which folding stocks should be avoided?  I'd like to stay in the $400 to $600 range.  On average what can I expect from the triggers on the AK?  Thanks   Oh, and is there an underfolder in my price range with a lighter receiver less than 1.6 mm thick?

Quoted: A friend and I are both looking for AK47s.  We want 7.62x39 and freatures which make the gun as tough as possible on a budget.  Are Chrome lined barrels important?  YES I take good care of my guns but I want this to be my "lowest maintance" gun.  Which makes are chrome lined chambers and barrels?

YES. I think pretty much all but the Yugos are chrome lined.

Also, I want the gun as compact as possible so which folding stock is "best"?  I know that's subjective so maybe I should ask which folding stocks should be avoided?

Best for compactness is the underfolder. However, they are not the most pleasant to shoot. I like the AK74S metal sidefolders and the AK-100 poly sidefolders best, and then the Galil style ACE folder. The wire type (like on the Polish Tantal) is just horrible.

I'd like to stay in the $400 to $600 range.  On average what can I expect from the triggers on the AK?  Thanks   Oh, and is there an underfolder in my price range with a lighter receiver less than 1.6 mm thick?

triggers are OK. Nothing spectacular unless you get a Vepr. I believe all the Vector PMKMS Polish underfolders are built on 1mm receivers; that is usually the norm with smith built rifles on the EE as well.

Why do most folders fold to the right side of the gun?  It seems that some of them don't look shootable that way.  There is a Saiga 12 Russian pro-mo video that shows a BEAUTIFUL perfectly designed folding stock (to the left side).  Is that an after market accessory?

Video is here.  Watch the Russian soldier use the stock towards the last third of the film.  PERFECTION

Saiga 12 promo

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Quoted: Why do most folders fold to the right side of the gun?  It seems that some of them don't look shootable that way.  There is a Saiga 12 Russian pro-mo video that shows a BEAUTIFUL perfectly designed folding stock (to the left side).  Is that an after market accessory? Video is here.  Watch the Russian soldier use the stock towards the last third of the film.  PERFECTION Saiga 12 promo

That's a standard AK 100 series left side folder. C