What kind of AK would you buy and why? I'm thinking about picking up a Yugo Underfolder from a local shop for $699, or one built from a kit from my AK Smith for $750...What do you all think?

compare the 2, but I'd get the one from the smith, just in case something needs fixin, he's close by

Well I'm currently kicking around the idea of the Interarms Tantal for $699.00.  They have the original barrels and overall a (I'm told) a much better, or at least more consistently better build than the Century guns.  The thing I specifically like about the Tantal is the fact that it's in 5.45, which not only can you actually get it now, but it's still fairly cheap.  What good is an AK that you can't shoot.

I tell you, the first decent AK74 rifle that someone offers me and I'll swap out my SGL 20...I'm really regretting buying a 7.62 at this point.

Not hijack, but whats wrong with 7.62 and/or the SGL20?


To the OP, do you have a thing for the underfolder or are you just looking at a 7.62 AK?






Z

I got my first AK back in February and fell in love with the AK platform. It's a WASR-10 with a shiity finish, but I still fell in love lol. It was a good starter AK IMO, but its time to move on. I'm planning on selling it, and I want something alittle nicer in 7.62. About 2 months ago I picked up a Polish Tantal from my AKsmith and I love it!

My Tantal.

I kinda do have a thing for the underfolders, but I'm not 100% sold on it, so I'm open to all options.

BBT

The under folders bug me too much. I think the side folders are better. The last G build I did was with a AMD65 side folder. Loved it!! BUT Some one with a lot of money on his hands loved it too so I sold it. Wish I had it back. Tries to buy it back but he's in love with it.  O well.

I've also been thinking about an AMD65 also...I think they look pretty cool even though some people think their ugly.

Galil Golani, without a doubt.

Or maybe a PSL.

But my basic AK collection is pretty filled out, though I would like a skeleton sidefolder AK-74.

Yugo - easy decision.

Yugos are some of the most robust out there.  Very sturdy.  I don't have a Yugo but I do have a total of 4 AK's and my newest was an underfolder.  As the only AK I own, I'm not sure that's the rifle I'd have if I didn't have any others.  I honestly think I'd have one in 7.62 with a standard stock.  They're a lot more comfortable to shoot, they just don't look as tough or as cool as some kind of folder.  When it comes to the practicality of it, though, any type of folder is really only good for you if you plan on carrying it day in and day out.  You're not out in the field so that doesn't apply to you.  Yours will be carried in a gun safe/cabinet or in the trunk of your car.  Get a fixed stock in 7.62.  Yeah, the ammunition has gotten out of control lately but it's already started to show the first signs of loosening up.  It WILL get cheaper soon.  You have no shortage of options for a fixed stock 7.62 AK.  Do a little searching and see what's out there.  A few months ago you'd have to order one and wait God knows how long (and that's if YOU supplied the receiver and parts kit).  They're already gotten to where plenty of people have them just sitting there collecting dust so the surplus is, once again, building back up.

You definitely make some good points...thanks for the advice!

Can you give me a few reasons why?
Nevermind...I'm not too interested in .223/5.56

It's a Galil... end of story.

I tried to avoid 5.56 for awhile too.

Good luck with so many kickass guns in that caliber (AUG, FS2000, SIg 556, Galil, Valmet).

$750 is starting to buy a lot of AK again.  Look in the EE for one you like.  Last week there was someone selling two beautiful -47s built by ARS for $750 apiece:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=122&t=694279

Right now, for $825, you can get a fixed stock Vector polish 47 here:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=122&t=696707

It's a buyer's market.  Good luck (note:  no affiliation with either of the rifles mentioned above).

Ammo availability and cost; that's it.  The SGL 20 is great, absolutely great. but I want something I can afford to shoot.

Well it looks like my WASR is going bye bye...so I'm going to really begin my hunt for it's replacement...please keep the suggestions coming! I already see some great prospects. I'm waiting for my AKsmith to send me pics of the finished Yugo. I'll post them when I get them. Thanks for all the feedback!

i just picked up a nice AMD-65 (TGI ) for 550 out the door from my local shop. with the left over 150 you could get a case of ammo or a bunch of mags :)

Yeah I'm definitely eyeballing them. I've also just started looking at the Romanian PSL...any thoughts?

If I had $700 to burn? Well, I actually had $710, so I bought this Polish AKM on GB. I pick it up next month.

Here's the Yugo that my AKsmith just built. She's pretty, but I went to a shop today, and held one again, and I don't think I like the feel of them anymore...BUT I did see a Romanian PSL...I think I've found my replacement...