Help: I need advice!

I am AR-15/M1A kind of guy and I want to buy my first Ak. I want to use it for fun & informal target shooting.

1. I buy my guns for keep. But I cannot afford a Galil. Therefore I want to buy the VEPR II .223 with a chrome lined barrel. Is the VEPR II .223 a good choice?
2. Where is the best place to buy a new VEPR II .223?
3. Where is the best place to buy new magazines for the VEPR II .223?

Please respond in detail.
Many thanks,
Friz

I would be more inclined to fine a sweet Norinco MAK-90 somewhere and upgrade to "original" wood stock set, after the addition of the required US internals -- that's what I have done.

I've owned several AKs(SAR-1, Poly Tech, Hungarian), and BY FAR, the BEST was a Romanian ROMAK2(AK74), upgraded with US-made Bulgarian-style stock kit, KVAR mount and Russian C-More-type sight, etc. The 5.45x39 is MUCH more accurate than the 7.62x39 and ammo prices are WAAAAY down. Mags are $4/each, also.

http://www.cdnninvestments.com

if you want to stay with 223 you may be interested in the pre-ban Norinco 84S i have with 9 mags,comp,Ace folding stock i have. it will be about the same price as a prebanAR however. email me if you're interested...Dick