Hey guys - forgive me for being an AK newbie, but I'm considering trying to buy an AK-74.  So, I guess I have three main questions:  

1)  Where can I get one reasonably cheap?  It's an AK, so I'm not too concerned with cosmetics, as long as it goes bang every time.  

2)  I'd prefer a stamped receiver, but have heard some horror stories about some of the receivers floating around out there - Which ones should I avoid?

3)  Where can get one with laminated buttstock and forend?  (Or get these as aftermarket add-ons?)

Thanks!

First choice would be an Arsenal SLR105A1R and then second choice would be a slightly used SAR2...

Neither of those rifles come stock with laminated furniture but you can put ANY laminated furniture on them as long as they are for a stamped receiver. BUT if you put laminated furninture on the SLR be sure to stay 922r compliant because the SLR comes with all made in US furniture and you will be reducing your US part count by 3 if you swap it out to laminate...

I have a SLR105R which I converted to a 105A1R and I own 2 Sar2 rifles- the 5.45 is my favorite round and I think they are the best looking rifle amongst the 3 calibers available for the AK

do a search on my name on this board to see pics of them.....

So, there isn't anybody selling U.S-made laminated furniture?

As far as I know this is correct. Your best bet would be to contact Ironwood Designs and ask them if they can make a stockset from laminated wood. There is bound to be a supplier of laminated wood out there somewhere.

Quoted: As far as I know this is correct. Your best bet would be to contact Ironwood Designs and ask them if they can make a stockset from laminated wood. There is bound to be a supplier of laminated wood out there somewhere.

www.ironwooddesigns.com/2aprod/1zAKproduct.html

They make US made laminates.....

Not a great pic. Ironwoods laminate.

Schulze,

Sweet 74 !!!

Quoted: Not a great pic. Ironwoods laminate. www.gunsnet.net/album/data//500/7718AK-74_003-med.jpg

Oooooh...  that's nice!   Take that sucker out and beat the hell out of it, and then sell it to me for about $350!  

I chunked it to the ground at one of the Hay's carbine matches a few months ago