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Posted: 7/7/2007 1:51:09 PM EDT
Alright, I've been wanting an RPK for a long time but have A, not been able to find a kit and B, not had the money. So anyways, how are Century Arms International's new AES-10B's? Are they reliable? I noticed that now they have the correct bulged receiver and the bipod in the correct spot, but I've heard that the bipod and muzzle nut are both welded on?  Would it be possible to get the nut taken off? Also, would it be possible to take the carry handle off and cut the lug off as well and then put some cold blue or something on the bare metal? I hate that carry handle. I handled one of these the other day at a gunshop in Middleburg. It felt REALLY nice and it LOOKED nice as well, except that friggin carry handle. I would have to refinish the wood and put a Russian grip on there, as well. But anyways, whats the verdict? I may look for one of these at Knob Creek. Are they worth it? |
Well the AES-10B is 2 lbs heavier than the regular AES-10 so I'd assume that it would be the barrel that adds that weight. Also, in the description, it says they've "taken the AES-10 and added a brand new heavy barrel.." so it looks like the barrel is right. |
I've seen it in person and I REALLY liked it and it looks like a real Romanian RPK (except the darn carry handle, which yeah, I know there were some with it, but it just doesnt look right to me) |
According to this one on Gunbroker, they do. Might have to call Century and "take one for the team" here... look, the ads might say "we added a heavy barrel to our AES-10" but honestly, this looks alot like an actual RPK parts kit they've assembled on a DCI receiver (so we can't bitch about the reciever being substandard, DCIs are great). Awhile back we had one of the Century-built Yugo RPKs come through and it was really, really nice, best Century AK I've ever seen. From these pics it looks like the other DCI receivered RPKs look pretty decent too. www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=75465785  
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I've heard Century's price is $449.95 but I'm not sure. J&G Sales has them for $489. |
You couldn't get a kit and a receiver and have one built for that. I'd buy one for that price. Might have to drop in a new trigger group unless they've done so already. I'd like to handpick mine though, to look for cants and stuff like that. Which are notorious for romy century imports. |
| I have also heard that the bipods are welded on. My AES-10 has an e-clip that holds the carry handle on. It comes right off. Look closely at the pics from GB, and you can clearly see the e-clip on the carry handle. Like most others here, I wouldnt buy one sight unseen. I lucked out on my AES-10: It is the nicest one I have seen to this day. I got it from my dealer who got it on a trade for a very reasonable price. |
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Well I may be able to get a kit for a good price, so I may build, but then again, it may fall through. I ALMOST came home with an AES-10B today but the shop actually wanted $569.99 instead of the $509.99 that I thought they wanted. Almost came home with a CAI-made Romanian underfolder as well, but they wanted over $500 for it so I passed. I do have a couple question though. Were ALL Romanian RPK47s equipped with scope rails? Also, were there ever bakelite 40 round 7.62x39 mags made? If so, where could I get one? |
What store was this? If I may ask? |
The 40 round Bakelites in 7.62 are few and far between, I have only seen a couple for sale in the last 5 years |
New HB smells like a US mfg part to me, which would prob not be chromed. Another vote for the VEPR and a Harris bipod. |
Good point. Anyway, I'm not a VEPR man. I don't buy AKs for performance, I buy them for historical significance and pure evil-ness. I have other guns that shoot faster, cheaper, or straighter (but never all three at the same time! LOL). |
I think that just a gimmick to advertise like tactical tapco folding stocks. If those pictures on Gun broker are what the rifle actually is, then they look the exact same as the Romanian RPK kits coming into the country now, barrels and all. |
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