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Posted: 11/26/2008 7:50:48 PM EDT
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I may be in the market for an RPD and had a few question for you guys.
Firstly, what is a fair price for a Vector clone? Are they good quality? Secondly, how hard is it to get belted ammo, or for that matter just the belts themselves? And how hard is it to put loose 7.62 into the belts? I know M60 linked ammo is a bear to unload from the links, let alone load it.  And lastly, is it worth building from a parts kit? I know I have to follow the parts count rule, and I would need to find the correct amount of US made parts.
Any other help you guys can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, 
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I may be in the market for an RPD and had a few question for you guys.
Firstly, what is a fair price for a Vector clone? Are they good quality? Secondly, how hard is it to get belted ammo, or for that matter just the belts themselves? And how hard is it to put loose 7.62 into the belts? I know M60 linked ammo is a bear to unload from the links, let alone load it. And lastly, is it worth building from a parts kit? I know I have to follow the parts count rule, and I would need to find the correct amount of US made parts. Any other help you guys can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Fair price is probably around $1900-$2000 nowadays. Vector was selling them a bit cheaper a while back but that price range seems to be the norm as a lot of folks are starting to creep over to the belt-fed area right now. Quality is good - but Vector is going through a bit of legal troubles at present and, although the official word is that they'll be around for a long while, a few employees I've talked with aren't as sure. But I bought one many years ago that was one of the first or second runs that was built on a Russian kit which was simply the luck of the draw, I guess. I had some trouble with it and finally had to send it back for new mods. Their customer service used to be A+ but since their legal problems, it's really dropped. After going through a nightmare regarding communication/complete miscommunication, they finally did me right on my rifle. Belts can still be found but they normally are empty and come with the drums which you usually have to buy together. Loading the belts is as easy as simply pushing a round into the hole. Not much effort but it will depend on quality/condition of the specific belt. Building an RPD from a kit is not like building an AK from a kit. You'll need to find a receiver, make the it function in semi-automatic, and adhere to the US parts count. In the past, Vector was the only game in town and they do a good clone. Marcolmar Firearms is currently toying with the concept of producing a semi-automatic version of the RPD as well as another outfit. However, there's no exact time when they will be ready or start selling built rifles/accepting kits for builds. And it will probably be a bit more expensive. |
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I concur with Rayman1. I got a Soviet one. The price in the last couple of months seems to be going up though. I would assume some of that due to Vectors problem and with the incoming gungrabber and his administration. Even before the election the price was moving up.
Copes has a pretty good deal on belts and drums right now and they are always a conversation piece at the range as well. I would love to see Marcolmar (Wiselite)build one as well. I have the semi PKM and it is flawless. We will wait and see. I think it's going to be tough next four years for the firearms business and it's consumers. 
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Okay thanks for the help guys. I am trying to work out a trade with someone for one of these. I just need to find room in my safe. Post pics when you get it! Great to have another RPD driver on board :) If I can find someone willing to do a trade with one. I'm also looking at a FN MAG 58 parts kit. Anyone willing to trade for a MSAR STG 556, and a HK USP Tactical .45?
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. I bought extra drums w/belts from Cope's. Mine is a Bulgarian from Vector. Sad to hear about there legal troubles. I love my classic AK as well.
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