Hi,

I have 2 Norinco 7.62 x 39 AKs that I love.  I'm now considering a 5.45x39 AK. What choices and recommendations do you guys have?  

AIM has a great price on the SAR 2.  What are some other choices?

Also - do most 5.45x39 mags fit most rifles like the 7.62?  For instance, all my European 7.62 mags work great in my Norincos.  Is that the case with the 5.45x39 mags as well?

Thanks.

I hear the Vepr makes a good rifle in 5.45 x 39.  You could also get custom made ak-74 with a Bulgarian kit.

All the 74 mags (E. German, Bulgarin polymer, Romanian steel, Russian bakelite/pumb) will fit in the sar-2/ak-74.  Some fit tighter than others.

Thanks Banana-clip.

I heard that the VEPRs are nice, but very heavy.  Have you shot one?

My SAR2 best groups of 5 at 100 with rest and 4x scope are 2.5-3", and my Bulgy build is .5" smaller and more consistent. $300-600 choice, along with superb detail work on the Bulgy.
$5 used E Ger bake mags are the best deal.

Depends on what you want/can spend.

The SAR 2 is probably the best value.  I also like the similarly priced ROMAK II in 5.45, but it does require some US parts to convert to a pistol grip.

the VEPR is a great gun, but in most cases about $150- $200 more.  And yes, it is heavy.  Although depending on your intended use, that might not be a bad thing.  It also does not have the "traditional" AK look.

From here you can get into the custom builds on kits or re-work on a SAR or ROMAK.

BTW, I love my SAR 2

i love my sar-2 it is an awsome rifle

Thanks for your thoughs guys