Well, after some reading and Campybob's continued praise-singing, I have almost decided to get an AK variant in 5.45X39.  I've held back because I have several 7.62 AK's/mags/drums/etc and wanted to avoid any confusion.  You know like bringing the wrong mags/ammo etc when going to the range.  I also like the fact that everything shoots the same ammo and can use the same accessories - a sort of standardization for my own little arsenal!

But now that I'm going to get one (which will undoubtably lead to getting 2 and ...), Which one do I get?

I've had an SAR1.  Accuracy was not impressive.  I gave it a kvar make over, put a 74 style muzzle brake on, fixed the trigger and refinished it but parkerizing and KG gun coat.  By the time I was done. I had invested alot of time and $$ for a rifle that looked as good as any out there but was a sheep in wolf's clothing.  My SAM7 was about $50 more and it way out shoots the SAR1 and I didnt have to do squat to get it that way.  Buy - clean - shoot.

Does someone out there make a 74 along the same lines as the sam7 in quality? Yes, I know I can go with a builder, but I was just wondering what else is out there.

Also, those of you with Inrange/ohio 74's what kind of accuracy are you getting?

Thanks,

Jim

My SAR2 is as close to a tackdriver as I've ever seen at 100m in an AK with the possible acception of the 20" Norinco .223 I had once upon a time. I know the '1s had some problems, but I realy wouldnt poo-poo a -2 before you try it.

After that? I'd go for an ORF gun.

those of you with Inrange/ohio 74's what kind of accuracy are you getting?

2 MOA

ive been real impressed with Ohio Rapid Fire
-74, i get on average 2moa.

How does the ammo availability/price compare to the 7.62X39?

For ammo,see www.dansammo.com/ammo.asp $85 for 750 delivered E of the Miss. You won't find at at the corenr hardware store like 7.62, but cases by distributors are no problem.
My SAR2 with RSA and 4x scope can get 2.5-3" rested at 100 for 5 shots. My bulgy kit build with RSA and 3.5x gets .5" better and is more consistent (built by another Oh LEO, but he is buried in a new street crimes project now). Comparing a SAR2 with trigger set at $400, spend $200 more for the Bulgy build. Glad I have both but my Bulgy build is my favorite semi gun.

Ha, if Arsenal Kerschplacki USA builds any '74s they will probably have milled receivers....