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Posted: 8/4/2013 2:58:32 PM EDT
A buddy of mine has tempted me between our arguments to acquire an AK rifle. Usually I'm an AR only guy, just got an acog this summer
however he has got me interested in adding an AK to my collection. I was wondering about which I should get between one with a twelve inch (or under 12" with krink) for sbr conversion, or a full size rifle uses would be plinking and possible deer brush hunting (under 200 yards), with the sbr version being a possible compliment to my bolt gun for a shtf bag. plus I figure the sbr might be handy when I'm out on the tractor and see a yote or groundhogs getting in my fields or barn. however I'm guessing the rifle has more advantages, and has the classic look any suggestions or tips on things to look for when buying would be helpful thanks! |
| I say go with the standard barrel length but maybe go with a folding stock. That way it will be compact when you are not using it but you don't have to worry about tax stamps and reduced velocity. I think the underfolders look cool but I'm sure the side folders would provide a better cheek weld. |
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Krinks rule the AK SBR world, but they are pricey and kits and barrels have dried up. I'd recommend SBRing a Draco if an SBR is what you want. Otherwise, just get yourself a WASR. They are a bit rough around the edges but perform the same as any other AK's, and are a good entry level rifle. |
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Quoted:
Krinks rule the AK SBR world, but they are pricey and kits and barrels have dried up. I'd recommend SBRing a Draco if an SBR is what you want. Otherwise, just get yourself a WASR. They are a bit rough around the edges but perform the same as any other AK's, and are a good entry level rifle. Case in point: My Draco SBR project ran about $800 with tax stamp. while my Krink SBR ran $2700 with tax stamp. |
| Of the 8 AKs I have owned, the only one that I am confident will never be sold/traded is my Arsenal SLR 107CR which I SBR'ed into a 12.5" AK104 clone. The 200 bucks and 6 month wait was a pain but it is the most handy rifle Ive ever handled. This length doesnt give up too much in the way of performance versus a full sized rifle but is soooo much easier to carry/stow away/conceal/maneuver in confined spaces. If you dont mind the wait/expense of the NFA process, Id say there is no reason not to go for an SBR. In all honesty, mine is the only rifle I really need. All the others are just for fun. My AK104 is ideal for the 150 yard range I shoot at, is ideal for deer in the thick brushy areas around here, and is ideal for defensive purposes. Its my Holy Grail rifle. Nothing wrong with the full size, but I vote for an SBR. |
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7.62x39mm AK pistols will be around for a while, maybe just pick up a WASR and shoot that, figure out how you like the system first BEFORE you commit to an SBR project
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Yugo M92 PAP, get one of those and SBR it, I highly recommend spending a few hours every night in the Krinkov and Pistol/SBR sections doing research as to how everyone has theirs done I have a Krinkov in 5.45 but spent around $2000, if you have the capability to get one and know you love the Kalashnikov system, you need to act fast and get it built |
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WASR - Thumbs Up - Solid rifle, especially if buying in person, as the common issues (ie, canted sights) are well documented, and can be checked. 'Bottom Barrel' is a relative description, and may be true when comparing it to AK's that cost twice as much. However, that 100% price differential doesn't get you a 100% performance increase. A WASR will likely shoot just as well as an Arsenal, but with a little less refinement.
Draco - Thumbs Up - Another solid choice, and will likely hold value better than a WASR (if that matters to you). If priced the same as a WASR, I'd be tempted to go with the Draco. Hellhound - THUMBS DOWN - I refuse to buy IO products. I don't want to be 'that guy' making blanket generalizations, but I simply don't see the point in giving business to a company with so many negative reviews on quality, customer service, etc... Not to mention, their products have a notoriously bad reputation within the AK community -- resale is usually pretty bad. M70 - Neutral - Depends on the model -- search for an explanation of the different PAP models (ie, O-PAP, N-PAP, etc..) |
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Quoted: Is there any accuracy difference between the Draco or wasr? And I thought I read on here that the wasr was like bottom barrel my local store is selling wasrs, dracos, hellhounds, and m70 zavastas for about the same price for all of them Wasr's are considered to be bottom of the barrel, but only because the finish is rough, the wood can be ugly, and they are notorious for having canted front sight blocks, gas blocks, and rear sight blocks. This may sound really bad, but if you buy one in person and make sure you are getting a straight one, then you will be good to go. The finish and wood could also be addressed later if needed. IMHO, the ugly wood and finish makes a Wasr a Wasr, and inherently Romanian. A $500 Wasr will shoot the same as a $1000 SGL. There is no shame in owning one, and most do not look down at those who do. I traded mine a while back, but would have no problems owning one in the future. As far as the Hellhound, ....stay away. Stay away from anything manufactured or assembled by IO. Some have had good luck with them, but their problems have been duly noted. Don't let the Hellpup sucker you in either. Not sure about the accuracy difference between a Draco and a Wasr. Draco's have a shorter barrel, but I would think the overall accuracy between the two would be negligible. |
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