Absolute best quality and most accurate new production AK?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Absolute best quality and most accurate new production AK? (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 12/2/2005 11:21:24 PM EDT

Hi All,

What is the absolute BEST quality, most accurate AK in 7.62 available? I have been debating between a milled arsenal versus a VEPR K versus a Krebs custom VEPR (no longer made, but available used). Are there other manufacturers I am overlooking? I would ideally like to keep the cost under $2000. I would like parts to still be available from the original manufacturer. Any insight appreciated. Thanks.

I should mention this will be my SHTF/TEOTWAWKI rifle. So Durability is key. Yeah, I know all AKs are extremely durable. I would assume this would point me toward polymer versus wood stocks, etc for durability.

Posted: 12/3/2005 1:39:39 AM EDT

[#1]

SA M7of course!!

Posted: 12/3/2005 2:51:57 AM EDT

[#2]

Another vote for the SAM7. It's also one of the most expensive

Btw nice classics LUGERMAN!

Posted: 12/3/2005 3:29:13 AM EDT

[#3]

$2000....I'd buy 5 Bulgy kits and pay somebody to build them...

Posted: 12/3/2005 3:37:54 AM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
Hi All,

What is the absolute BEST quality, most accurate AK in 7.62 available? Probably an Arsenal, Inc. SA M7 or a VEPR K. I have been debating between a milled arsenal versus a VEPR K versus a Krebs custom VEPR (no longer made, but available used). I doubt that the Krebs KTR is any more accurate than a standard VEPR. It does have a lot of bells and whistles, though. Are there other manufacturers I am overlooking? A Saiga conversion from AKUSA will be very accurate and high quality. I would ideally like to keep the cost under $2000. That's a lot of money for an AK of any type except class 3. I would like parts to still be available from the original manufacturer. Arsenal, Inc. SA M7, then. Any insight appreciated. Thanks.

Posted: 12/3/2005 3:38:43 AM EDT

[#5]

Get two VEPR Ks with flash supp and spend the rest on ammo.

Posted: 12/3/2005 5:23:15 AM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Get two VEPR Ks with flash supp and spend the rest on ammo.

+1 The VEPR is hands down the most accurate AK out of the box. Remember, higher price does not always mean higher quality.

Posted: 12/3/2005 7:46:29 AM EDT

[#7]

Another +1 for the Arsenal. Vepr are very nicely done of course but they don't seem to balance as well as the Arsenal. In addition the Vepr has the non traditional look.

Posted: 12/3/2005 7:58:51 AM EDT

[#8]

The amount of money you spend isn't going to change the ballistic capabilities of the 7.62X39 round. A $2000 dollar AK will shoot the same groups as a $500 AK. I'll throw in a vote for the Arsenal.

Posted: 12/3/2005 9:33:33 AM EDT

[#9]

Vepr all the way! And the KTRs are "supposed" to be more accurate than standard Aks. I would have to say the VEPR is going to be more accurate than anything else your gonna get. And I am sure he already knows that the VEPRs are not traditional looking AKs But Arsenals arent built in rissua!

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:03:19 AM EDT

[#10]

do all Veprs use stamped recievers? I would think for accuracy a milled reciever is better, less flex.

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:12:56 AM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
do all Veprs use stamped recievers? I would think for accuracy a milled reciever is better, less flex.

yeah they do. the russkies switched over to stamped a long time ago when they found they lasted longer and generally delivered greater accuracy. Veprs use RPK thickness receivers too, 1.6mm instead of 1.0 standard.

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:17:23 AM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
$2000....I'd buy 5 Bulgy kits and pay somebody to build them...

I'm not looking for the best value...best economical buy...but the single best rifle for the money.

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:18:08 AM EDT

[#13]

Just take a VEPR in your hands and handle it. Then come back and tell me how much it flexes

The solid-feeling I experience with a VEPR I hardly get it even with other (non AK) top line rifles I own.
My suggestion is, try both by yourself and do not trust anyone. Make up your minf and choose freely. Enjoy FREEDOM

Now, if only I'd have time to go at the range instead of working even this w/end, I'd report how my new SA M7-R is doing accuracy wise

- Ice

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:19:44 AM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
Get two VEPR Ks with flash supp and spend the rest on ammo.

I don't WANT to spent the entire $2000, just want the best single rifle for under $2000. If it cost $2000, so be it. Cheaper than that would be a nice bonus. I understand more expensive does not necessarily equate with higher quality...but you never know.

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:21:45 AM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:
Vepr all the way! And the KTRs are "supposed" to be more accurate than standard Aks. I would have to say the VEPR is going to be more accurate than anything else your gonna get. And I am sure he already knows that the VEPRs are not traditional looking AKs But Arsenals arent built in rissua!hr

Thanks. I don't care about "traditional" looking. Just want the best quality and accuracy period, regardless of looks (of course, don't want a pink rifle with a 40" bbl)

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:27:53 AM EDT

[#16]

do u have documentation on this? I doubt the change was for endurance or accuracy but rather manufacturing simplicity. 1 thing is for sure, u can't dent a milled reciever, whereas stamped recievers do dent (esp the thin skinned euro 1s). interesting the RPK reciever is only 1.6mm thick. guess the chinese got it right a long time ago.

Quoted:
yeah they do. the russkies switched over to stamped a long time ago when they found they lasted longer and generally delivered greater accuracy. Veprs use RPK thickness receivers too, 1.6mm instead of 1.0 standard.

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:30:43 AM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Vepr all the way! And the KTRs are "supposed" to be more accurate than standard Aks. I would have to say the VEPR is going to be more accurate than anything else your gonna get. And I am sure he already knows that the VEPRs are not traditional looking AKs But Arsenals arent built in rissua!

Thanks. I don't care about "traditional" looking. Just want the best quality and accuracy period, regardless of looks (of course, don't want a pink rifle with a 40" bbl)

Ok, buy a VEPR with 20" barrel. I own that rig and it quacks, talks and walks like a kickass duck

I'd choose 7.62x39 as a caliber. Price tag about $550. Awesome accuracy, awesome trigger top-line build level.
If you plan a scope on it, then you can also look in the 308 version, that will allow you longer shooting range.
Price is little bit higher IIRC.
Arsenal are great looking too, much closer to the classical AK, but I'd definitely pick again a VEPR as first AK.

- Ice

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:30:54 AM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:
The amount of money you spend isn't going to change the ballistic capabilities of the 7.62X39 round. A $2000 dollar AK will shoot the same groups as a $500 AK. I'll throw in a vote for the Arsenal.

+1..

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:34:13 AM EDT

[#19]

'nuther ARSENAL vote

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:36:08 AM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:
SA M7of course!!

www.huntingpictures.net/photo/002881

You have two Classics???

That's not fair

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:39:51 AM EDT

[#21]

You know, for the most part the people in this forum are split between a VEPR and an Arsenal. I think both are excellent rifles. You can buy both for well under $2000 and still have money for mags and ammo. Since you obviously have the enough money to do that, you may buy both and then determine which you like best. You can always sell the other (which I highly doubt you would want to, regardless of which you choose) and recoup most of your money on the E.E. Worst case you lose around $100 to $150 on the sell, but guarantee you got the better rifle.

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:40:21 AM EDT

[#22]

You could just get both.

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:42:58 AM EDT

[#23]

Arsenal SA M 7A1-R ( make sure you get the Optic Rail, hense the " - R " )

About $800.00

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:45:36 AM EDT

[#24]

How many of you that vote VEPR Vs. Arsenal have actually handled, inspected, and shot both to determine your favorite?

Also, does krebs just accesorize the VEPR, or does he also fine tune the action, improve the paint/coating, accurize the gun? Seems that if he does improve the mechanics of the VEPR, a Krebs VEPR might be the way to go since the board is clearly divided between the VEPR and Arsenal.

Does anybody customize milled Arsenals? :)

How do the Ak-USA customized AKs compare to the Krebs/VEPRs/Arsenals?

Thanks for all your responses!

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:48:14 AM EDT

[#25]

Quoted:
How many of you that vote VEPR Vs. Arsenal have actually handled, inspected, and shot both to determine your favorite?

Also, does krebs just accesorize the VEPR, or does he also fine tune the action, improve the paint/coating, accurize the gun? Seems that if he does improve the mechanics of the VEPR, a Krebs VEPR might be the way to go since the board is clearly divided between the VEPR and Arsenal.

Does anybody customize milled Arsenals? :)

How do the Ak-USA customized AKs compare to the Krebs/VEPRs/Arsenals?

Thanks for all your responses!

I have handled both. I have shot both. I vote VEPR.

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:48:28 AM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:
How many of you that vote VEPR Vs. Arsenal have actually handled, inspected, and shot both to determine your favorite?

Also, does krebs just accesorize the VEPR, or does he also fine tune the action, improve the paint/coating, accurize the gun? Seems that if he does improve the mechanics of the VEPR, a Krebs VEPR might be the way to go since the board is clearly divided between the VEPR and Arsenal.

Does anybody customize milled Arsenals? :)

How do the Ak-USA customized AKs compare to the Krebs/VEPRs/Arsenals?

Thanks for all your responses!

Well, I own both (even if I stil did not fire my SA M7-R

).
I both cases, I'd definitely leave the rifles alone. These are not el-cheapo AK, and they are as good as it gets from the factory.

- Ice

Posted: 12/3/2005 11:57:38 AM EDT

[#27]

+1 For VEPR by Robinson. It seems to be the best match for price and accuracy. The only thing I've heard bad about them is they seem to be front heavy. Either way they are both great rifles. I can't see you having problems.

If your dead set of $2000, but them both. You should still have enough for good optics and mount, mags, ammo.

Posted: 12/3/2005 12:05:36 PM EDT

[#28]

Quoted:
Quoted:
How many of you that vote VEPR Vs. Arsenal have actually handled, inspected, and shot both to determine your favorite?

Also, does krebs just accesorize the VEPR, or does he also fine tune the action, improve the paint/coating, accurize the gun? Seems that if he does improve the mechanics of the VEPR, a Krebs VEPR might be the way to go since the board is clearly divided between the VEPR and Arsenal.

Does anybody customize milled Arsenals? :)

How do the Ak-USA customized AKs compare to the Krebs/VEPRs/Arsenals?

Thanks for all your responses!

I have handled both. I have shot both. I vote VEPR.

Thanks!

Posted: 12/3/2005 12:11:40 PM EDT

[#29]

I have also shot both, And was more impressed by the VEPR. Just more comfortable with less felt recoil, more accurate and it stands out. People ask about our VEPRs with little to no mention of the arsenal! But its still a top quality AK

Adited for spelling, Thanks biggerstick

Posted: 12/3/2005 12:23:07 PM EDT

[#30]

Since people are posting pics, here's some things PARA BELLUM (member brokenbank) has done with some VEPRs.

ETA the pics below are brokenbank's, not mine.

Posted: 12/3/2005 12:26:00 PM EDT

[#31]

Quoted:
Since people are posting pics, here's some things Para Bellum (member brokenbank) has done with some VEPRs.

tinypic.com/i4r2i0.jpg

tinypic.com/i4r2uh.jpg

tinypic.com/i4r37m.jpg

What now?!?!?!?!
Who said you cant do anything with a VEPR just didnt have the patience to do anything with a vepr. And Theres more parts to come

ETA: check out the pics on thier site of the VEPR with the snow camo outside!!!!!!

Posted: 12/3/2005 12:26:01 PM EDT

[#32]

Ligament, either/or man you really cant go wrong and wont be disappointed.

I own 2 Arsenals ones a SAM-7 SF and the other is a SLR 105R (5.45 stamped). I also own a VEPR K in 5.45 and used to own a VEPR K in .223

I shoot the hell out of my rifles. My only advice is if you get an Arsenal get one with an optics rail.

Posted: 12/3/2005 12:42:32 PM EDT

[#33]

Hey BiggerStick47 what kind of stock is that in this photo?

Posted: 12/3/2005 12:55:07 PM EDT

[#34]

Quoted:
Hey BiggerStick47 what kind of stock is that in this photo?

tinypic.com/i4r2uh.jpg

I believe it's an ACE Ltd. Contact Para Bellum, it's their rifle. Does look damn good, huh?

Posted: 12/3/2005 1:02:00 PM EDT

[#35]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Hey BiggerStick47 what kind of stock is that in this photo?

tinypic.com/i4r2uh.jpg

I believe it's an ACE Ltd. Contact Para Bellum, it's their rifle. Does look damn good, huh?

Sure does look good!

Posted: 12/3/2005 2:43:14 PM EDT

[#36]

crazy to pay that much .....buy yourself the next Bulgarian 5.45x39 kit , an Ohio Ordnance Reciever and Send it to Troy Sellars at Inrange. Save yourself 1400.00 and have a totally reliable accurate SHTF rifle.....I have beat the livin S out of mine with over 6K rounds thru it no jams, and just as accurate as the day I got it from Troy. I own 3 now for less than you are planning to spend.

Posted: 12/3/2005 4:02:06 PM EDT

[#37]

I like the Vepr too. My Krebs KTR-03

Posted: 12/3/2005 4:10:08 PM EDT

[#38]

Quoted:
I like the Vepr too. My Krebs KTR-03

www.huntingpictures.net/photo/000716

Posted: 12/3/2005 4:17:58 PM EDT

[#39]

VEPR and Arsenal are great guns, but if you want quality and accuracy i would recommend the WASR low cap converted to high cap!

Posted: 12/3/2005 4:22:51 PM EDT

[#40]

Quoted:
VEPR and Arsenal are great guns, but if you want quality and accuracy i would recommend the WASR low cap converted to high cap!

That's a great idea, he could buy seven WASRs with his $2000. Surely one of them would function properly.

Posted: 12/3/2005 4:26:31 PM EDT

[#41]

Quoted:
That's a great idea, he could buy seven WASRs with his $2000. Surely one of them would function properly.

You know what they say, seven rifles are better than one.

Posted: 12/3/2005 4:43:39 PM EDT

[#42]

Aresenal

Posted: 12/3/2005 4:53:45 PM EDT

[#43]

Quoted:
do u have documentation on this? I doubt the change was for endurance or accuracy but rather manufacturing simplicity. 1 thing is for sure, u can't dent a milled reciever, whereas stamped recievers do dent (esp the thin skinned euro 1s). interesting the RPK reciever is only 1.6mm thick. guess the chinese got it right a long time ago.

http://www.ak-47.us/VEPR_Receivers.php

http://www.ak-47.us/AK-47Receivers.php

good info on there, and as you see opinions do vary. I do know about milled receivers, had a milled russian SKS i loved dearly, got rid of it because i was young and stoopid.

Posted: 12/3/2005 4:59:52 PM EDT

[#44]

Quoted:

www.ak-47.us/VEPR_Receivers.php

www.ak-47.us/AK-47Receivers.php

Made 'em hot.

Posted: 12/4/2005 2:47:57 PM EDT

[#45]

TTT

Posted: 12/6/2005 3:44:26 PM EDT

[#46]

Where would a custom Firing Line milled reciever AK fit in the quality rankings?

Posted: 12/6/2005 4:02:25 PM EDT

[#47]

Quoted:
Where would a custom Firing Line milled reciever AK fit in the quality rankings?

They are highly regarded.

Posted: 12/6/2005 8:04:37 PM EDT

[#48]

If you want to spend 2 grand, you should wait and see if Sig start's building 550's here in the states. There are some reputable sources who say it is true.

Posted: 12/6/2005 8:41:59 PM EDT

[#49]

both are very nice but the VEPR is too damn heavy
you can't go wrong with either

Posted: 12/6/2005 9:35:10 PM EDT

[#50]

I am going to vote for the Vepr. It is funny when you hear people say they are flimsy because they have a stamped reciever (Laugh) they may flex some but the proof is on the paper after all it is an RPK reciever designed for longer sustained rates of fire. I am not a huge fan of traditional AK furniture and I hate normal AK stocks normaly. The Veprs are about as accurate as you are going to get with an AK and the weight is not that bad especialy on the Carbines. If you do not get a Vepr I would get an Arsenal or a Vector. Just my opinion.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Absolute best quality and most accurate new production AK? (Page 1 of 2)

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