Posted: 10/12/2014 10:46:32 AM EDT
| I am interested in purchasing my first AK rifle. I know pretty much nothing about them. I have around $1000 for the initial purchase and will add the "Cool Guy" stuff over time. I hear Arsenal or Bulgarian rifles are the way to go. Looks like there are plenty of options at this price point in the equipment exchange. I plan to take a class to learn to run the rifle. Please point me in the right direction as I am going in nearly blind. |
| Arsenals are excellent (basically the Colt 6920 of the AK world), the PAP series that come out of Serbia now are very nice (the receivers are 1.5mm think instead of the standard 1mm) but many parts and accessories meant for standard AKs will not fit and the barrels are not chrome lined. They're considerably less expensive than the Arsenals as well. WASRs are cheaper still with a poorer finish but they run well and don't seem to be any less accurate than more expensive AKs. Many of the problems that they had years ago like loose mag wells and canted front sights seem to have been fixed on the newer runs. Parts kit guns are so variable I can't make any kind of generalization, but I would strongly recommend a factory gun for your first AK. |
| I was looking at the upgraded Saiga IZ132SM by Concern Kalashnikov. That thing looks pretty sweet. From what I have read, prices on the AK platform should stabilize here pretty soon with Concern Kalashnikov selling a major stake in their company to an outside interest so as to skirt Obummer's executive order. They are going for just over a grand right now from the scalpers out there, but will come down in price hopefully in the near future. |
|
Quoted:I hear Arsenal or Bulgarian rifles are the way to go. You are on the right track. Arsenal Bulgarian SLR107 is a great choice. I saw one at Fed Way Discount Guns for $979 recently, might still be there. I paid $999 through K-VAR for my SLR107FR, and very happy. Runs flawlessly and good built quality. Same goes for my Arsenal Bulgarian SLR101S but that is more money (milled). |
|
I've got an Arsenal SLR 107-FR. Originally I wanted an underfolder, then realized it wouldn't be the most comfortable so expanded my search to fixed stocks. When I picked up the FR, I knew it was the one for me. The stock is extremely sturdy and locks up super tight. You wouldn't even know it was a folder.
After I bought it, I made a thread here on the forums as well as asking peoples opinion. The results? It's one of the most popular configurations out there. Nothing but positive things to say about it's fit, function, and looks. Buy once, cry once is what most people say. With an AK it's no different. Avoid the cheap stuff and get something that'll work for you. I'd have absolutely no problem putting my life in the hands of my AK. My friends love it too. They've picked it up and immediately begun pinging steel at 300 yards. It's a winner, I promise you! |
|
If I was going to buy one today, it would be an Arsenal.
They are by far the best out there. I have always loved AK's and still to this day have my original MAK-90 that I bought in '92. They are a joy to shoot and when the SHTF, its one gun to have. Arsenal makes many types and variants with excellent performance and everyone loves them. I dont think there is an AK they build, that I would not love to have. Good luck and have fun, they are great guns. |
|
I like both the AR and AK systems... To each their own I guess!!
I have several Arsenal rifles and to me, they are the "go-to" AKs in the USA... Bulgarian AKs are great guns, but the Russian made SGL series AKs are better, but you will pay more for them now since there is a temporary ban blocking them from being imported due to Russia showing its @ss. BTW, I have their; A) SLR-104 B) SLR-105 C) SLR-106 D) SLR-107 E) SGL-21 F) SGL-31 |