I have decided to enter the eeeevil black world of eeevil AK ownership [male choir humming atonally]. I'm an experienced gun owner, but haven't been attracted to the AK line because of my virulent anticommunist views - but I've gotten over that.

I think I'm getting an AK-74-style rifle (.223 Soviet/5.45 x 39) 'cause I like the trajectory of the round, and 'cause they're supposed to be more accurate, esp. at distance, than the 7.62 x 39. I'd like an ACE stock folder, too, and wouldn't turn my head at a Galil fore-end, for the completely eeevil look.

Of the stuff that's out there, where can I buy a half decent gun for $500 new? I notice Atlantic Firearms has some good deals... Is there anything you WOULDN'T touch? I have heard the even the lowly Romanian guns (I am unsure if they are "manufacturing," if that's what you could call their drunken attempts at making "crood veapons," a 5.45 x 39 version of their WASRs), function properly and will make BOOMBOOM without drama.

Where do I go, how much should I spend, and is there any path you guys have taken that you wouldn't go down again?

The best option for a AK-74 and 5.45mm is the Arsenal Inc SLR-105A1 R
arsenalinc.com/slr105a1r.htm

Quoted: The best option for a AK-74 and 5.45mm is the Arsenal Inc SLR-105A1 R arsenalinc.com/slr105a1r.htm

Mmm, Me Likey. Can you put a side-folder on that bad-boy?

There's word that Arsenal Inc will start making a AKS-74 out of the SLR 105's.
Which is the AK-74 with the sorta triangle folding stock that folds to the left.
Here's a pic of the AKS-74.

ETA:

Quoted: There's word that Arsenal Inc will start making a AKS-74 out of the SLR 105's. Which is the AK-74 with the sorta triangle folding stock that folds to the left. Here's a pic of the AKS-74. ETA: www.arsenal-bg.com/images/defense_police/5,45ar-m1f.jpg

Oh, oh OH! That's eXACTLY the rifle I am talking about!

Wo0t!

what if you dont want that huge muzzle break?

Quoted: what if you dont want that huge muzzle break?

You can take it off. Replace it with a flash hider or muzzle nut which are avaliable.

Muzzle Nut
www.k-var.com/product.asp?0=216&1=218&3=153

Flash Hider
www.k-var.com/product.asp?0=216&1=234&3=574

bumpity for the night crew...