Does anyone have experience with the IO Inc., Hellhound AK-47? I see that Royal Tiger Imports recently had them for $799 which seems cheap given the current political situation. They are taking backorders with shipping expected "in a few weeks". The nice thing is they don't charge your card until it ships. Any opinions on this deal? I've read good and bad reviews on Royal Tiger Imports (apparently they are the retail division of IO Inc.). However, most reviews online seem pretty positive for the Hellhound AK.  I'm a patient guy so long as in the end I get a good product.

If you want a solid 7.62 AK, save some money and get an Arsenal SGL21. I have yet to hear one positive review from I.O. AK's.

looks like the M10 AK47. I do like the modern tactical AK's. One of the things that I don't like about this and the M10 is the front sight being part of the gas block. It makes for an akward or very short sight radius. Probably much better for close work. I have the M10 and like it despite this.

I.O. builds have been questionable, though to be honest I haven't heard of many bad reviews regarding their Hellhounds. Their customer service appears to be pretty good if you get a problem rifle, though there's no guarantee that the replacement will be any better.

no chrome barrel. hammer forged? saiga's for me thank you.

A) buy cheap POS AK

B) sell AK during panic for way more then you paid for it


C) buy awesome Krebs custom AK when panic goes away with the little you had invested in POS AK.

D).....

E) profit.

Read more: http://www.rifleshootermag.com/2012/06/28/one-hell-of-a-rifle-the-i-o-inc-hellhound-review/#ixzz2ICzONky7


According to that review it does have a chrome barrel.

I personally would stay away from any rifle whose manufacturer created a cheesy, ridiculously sounding nickname like "Hellhound," to help sell said rifle.

Not the same thing.  He was referring to a chrome lined barrel, not a barrel made using chrome moly steel.  

Cant speak for the HELLHOUND but i can speak for the HELLCAT.
.380 pocket pistol.
Pure junk.
Good customer service.
Would not buy from them again.

Cant speak for the HELLHOUND but i can speak for the HELLCAT.
.380 pocket pistol.
Pure junk.
Good customer service.
Would not buy from them again.

I think I'll follow everyone's advice and look elsewhere. Thanks all!

Just get a yugo or a MAK90 and then add the rails if you want to modernize it.

+1

I don't mind the looks of it, but I've read about quality control problems with IO AKs

My best friend who also happens to be my FFL Dealer,  bought FIVE I O's back in 2010 and sold four of them to friends including me. The price was around $425.00 each out the door.

Not one of them would go through a full 30 round mag without hanging-up on an open bolt. Pull back on the charging handle and get a few more rounds out of it. Jam again. Always with the bolt hung-up to the rear.
Tried different magazines: same result. Seemed to be hanging-up on the receiver rails.

His, unfortunately was the worst one. Maybe three rounds before open-bolt jammimg.
Returned it to I O and received another, no-questions asked, that was just as bad. Thank GOD for the lifetime warranty.
After a third one with the same problem, he returned his, mine, and one of the others sold to someone who was made aware of the problem but insisted he could "fix it."
Other two guys kept them as safe-queens as they don't shoot much.

Not saying this will happen to you.
Just relaying an experience.
Easy company to deal with, but who wants to go through the hassel?
Needless to say, I do not have a good opinion of I O's.

Spent $1500.00 on a Firingline-milled-receiver underfolder and have had no problems after 500+ rounds.
You get what you pay for.

You need to view the sight in terms of SBR. You will love the sight if the barrel is chopped just beyond it and threaded. It will be perfect then.