these are difficult questions to answer because so much depends upon persoal tastes and preferences.

literally, ALL of the pre-ban ak's are worth owning with the exception of the american receiver/chinese part b-west rifles.

in folders, you have a choice of norinco right-side folders and traditional underfolders. the chinese polytechnologies are also available in underfolder style.

both are excellent choices in the $800-1200 range.

a very few maadi egyptiam ak's were imported. they command very high prices due to rarity.

also avalable are the yugoslavian (stay away from the post-ban m-90 underfolders) underfolders. these are top shelf and also fetch a pretty penny. expect to pay $1500-2200 for one.

underfolders tend to loosen up and wobble a wee bit with usage. they also offer an odd cheek weld and are hot/cold on the face to go with the weather they are exsposed to.

the sidefolders offer a little bit better cheek weld, but are less desirable among collectors.

the norinco model for an underfolder can be an aks, and akms or a 56s1.

hungarians are priced between the chinese and yugo's.

in my 'hood, $1400-2000. as an average selling price, probably closer to the $1400 figure, what with the economy still in the tank.

i also should mention the valmet and galil sidefolders.

valmets are somewhat of a bargain in my book...$1500 and up. galils, too. look around and see if they have dropped any due to the economy.