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Posted: 10/17/2008 3:34:23 PM EDT
| I know nothing about AK's but found a century arms for $450. is this a good deal and are they a good quality gun? |
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For $450 at a gun store it was probably a Romanian WASR. I think most people consider them bottom of the barrel AKs. Go to the Romanian Forums and read their stuff, including what to look for in a quality Romanian. That's what I did and basically decided not to get one. But a lot of people do seem to have good experiences with them. |
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You didn't identify the model of the "Century" AK, but given the price you stated, I'll assume that you're looking at a WASR. If I'm correct, you should decide if the finish is up to your standards. If you're looking for a fine finish, look elsewhere and be perpared to spend more money. If you want a reliable rifle, and are not concerned about the finish, the WASR may be adequate for you. Check to insure that the front sight base is not canted. Then insert an unloaded magazine and check for the amount of play. Some people think that there is excessive play ("wobble") in WASRs. I have never seen magazine "wobble" cause a malfunction, but it bothers some people. If the rifle is satisfactory to you after inspection, and you buy it, disassemble it and clean it throughly. Then clean it throughly again before you shoot it. The rifles are coated in preserative and some people experience problems because they don't clean the rifles before they shoot them the first time. |
Agreed. My Century Yugos (all 4) are well built, reliable rifles that are well worth what I paid for them. I have no experience with WASRs and prefer to keep it that way. |
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WASR owner here. Buy it. It's a good weapon. Do avoid canted sights (just because you have that option). Mag "wobble" effects *nothing* but if it bothers you, get some polymer PROMAGs; good snug fit and zero "wobble". An AK from conception was a battlefield weapon, not a trophy case item or safe queen, so the finish should not be pretty. Buy an AR if you want pretty. I have two of these with about 1K rds through them and the run flawlessly. I echo the comment about cleaning before initial use, then abuse the hell out of it. It can take it. WASR-10 MYTH BUSTED . |
oh you mean the fact that Century arms has neither? like I said pass and put the money towards a quality firearm and a more reputable company |
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I've had SARs (rifles, not the disease) and now own a WASR. I think most people who badmouth the Romanian Century rifles expected a lot more rifle than they paid for. Let's face it, these rifles cost less than a good quality handgun. When you spend $350-$400 on a military pattern semi-auto rifle (SKSs excluded), you have to expect that it'll be rough around the edges. These guns are usually NOT good to go right out of the box. They will need to be thoroughly cleaned (twice as mentioned by a previous poster), possibly deburred, furniture finished (since they have NONE) and more than likely will need to have the front sight realigned. These are all things that cost you nothing but your time (okay, maybe $20 if you don';t have cleaning supplies or wood stain & sealer). I consider them rifles for the enthusiast/hobbyist shooter who isn't afraid to put in a little time and effort to get a solid, reliable AK. There's someone with an internet claim that WASRs are made from rejected Romanian military parts. I'm not 100% sure if that can be proven, and personally, I don't care. I own plenty of non Mil-Spec rifles that I would bet my life on. then again, I don't drink Kool aid, wear black Nike Cortez, or carry $5.75 for the intergalactic charon. Yes, if you pay more you can get a nicer AK, but for the money, a WASR will do just fine if you are willing to put in a little elbow grease. That's been my experience and I stick to it... P.S. As mentioned, $450 is on the high side. You can do better if you are patient enough. |
That's one heck of a statement, and your saying an AR is not a battle field design because it's pretty? Uh, ok  There are plenty of AK's out there that are produced to higher cosmetic standards than a WASR, so it comes down to how you like to spend your money. Either buy and ugly bottom of the line AK or step up and get a nice looking one. Whatever you choose is fine by me. |
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Freakin A guys, you act like WASR's look like a beat up piece of shit. I bought one, and the metal has a relatively nice finish (and still does) that is as tough as nails. The wood on mine had no finish whatsoever which was nice actually... I got to re finish it the way I liked. Also it came with a Tapco FCG already installed... In all honesty the WASR's finish is just as nice as many other Eastern Bloc AK's I have handled, and I haven handled many. Saying all this, still check for the canted site and gas block. If those are kosher then get it. The mag wobble is not a big problem, but get a Bulgarian waffle or slab side mag and there will be no wobble at all. Just because WASR's are cheap and sometimes have some faults (which Century seems to fix without a hassle) does not make them a bad rifle. Mine has yet to have a single jam or feed issue and I have put many rounds through it and I bet it will shoot just as long, or longer then your $1,000+ AK's. There is no reason to dog on these guns so much. I think it's really badass that Century makes so many different AK's and distributes them so widely and for a good price. |
| I have never owned a WASR but have plenty of friends that do. Everyone that I have seen fired worked 100% of the time. Yes, the fit and finish on these rifles are not the best but that still doesn't mean it isn't bad. If you’re looking for a rifle that you can drop in the mud, leave outside the tent on a damp night, and expect it to run fine the next day then a WASR is what you’re looking for. If this is your first AK then go for it. I would consider a WASR as boot camp rifle. It’s not the prettiest thing you have ever seen but it will most likely never let you down. |
Here is a pic of my Century GP1975. It’s definitely not a "top tier AK" but I have run it with the big boys and in some situations out ran them. 
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Century is still in business and will repair any rifle they sell, if it is defective according to those who've had a problem (not me mine runs 100%). Builders who are out of business won't do anything for anyone. 
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