My possible trade on an SLR101 fell through.  I can get a WASR10 for around $300.  Could also buy a nicer Arsenal AK for twice that.  Would like to convert whatever I get to a folding stock.  Never owned an AK-type before...suggestions on which way to go?  I'm sure whatever I buy is going to get used and abused quite a bit, but I am worried about going too cheap and having to refinish, etc.

if your worring about refinishing an AK because of abuse your not understanding the point of buying an ak. Get the cheapest you can buy that shoots straight and have alot of fun killing cans and putting holes in paper. its that simple folks.

I'm not so worried about wear and tear from field use and plinking.  I'm more worried about barrel heat, etc. taking the finish right off the barrel and/or rifle.  Is the quality of finish on an Atlantic AK47U or a comparable Arsenal gun that much better than the WASR?

Arsenal Inc is coming out with a stamped 7.62 x 39 rifle later, might be what you want.