hello,
I am new to the AK world and i am ready to buy my first one(after a shit load of research), but what should i look for on the rife before i buy to insure i don't get a POS?

Thanks
Chris

It's all about what you want to spend.

Quoted: hello, I am new to the AK world and i am ready to buy my first one(after a shit load of research), but what should i look for on the rife before i buy to insure i don't get a POS? Thanks Chris

Buy with confidence from a large number of manufacturers/builders.  However, most of the stuff you see at the local stores are WASRs.  To buy a good AK, find it online and have it transferred in to your FFL.  

I happen to be lucky that my local store is a stocking dealer for Armory USA.  I've bought two Armory USA rifles, and both have been fantastic!  

Rule of thumb: if the build is made from a Bulgarian or Polish parts kit, it's probably good.  If it's Romanian, I'd be careful.  If you really want a Romanian, buy a parts kit and send it to a smith to build.  

Another thing.  The ban is over; don't buy a non-threaded AK without a bayonet lug.  Get a "real" one!

Bulgarian Armory USA SSR85C-2:



Polish Armory USA underfolder:



Or you could find a pre-ban Norinco AKM-47S:



Good luck!

Quoted: Quoted: hello, I am new to the AK world and i am ready to buy my first one(after a shit load of research), but what should i look for on the rife before i buy to insure i don't get a POS? Thanks Chris Buy with confidence from a large number of manufacturers/builders.  However, most of the stuff you see at the local stores are WASRs.  To buy a good AK, find it online and have it transferred in to your FFL.   I happen to be lucky that my local store is a stocking dealer for Armory USA.  I've bought two Armory USA rifles, and both have been fantastic!   Rule of thumb: if the build is made from a Bulgarian or Polish parts kit, it's probably good.  If it's Romanian, I'd be careful.  If you really want a Romanian, buy a parts kit and send it to a smith to build.   Another thing.  The ban is over; don't buy a non-threaded AK without a bayonet lug.  Get a "real" one! Bulgarian Armory USA SSR85C-2: i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/053105.jpg Polish Armory USA underfolder: i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/050925.jpg Or you could find a pre-ban Norinco AKM-47S: i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/NorincoAKM-47S.jpg Good luck!

Just to clarify; the SSR-85C-2 does not have a bayo lug.  At least my two don't.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: hello, I am new to the AK world and i am ready to buy my first one(after a shit load of research), but what should i look for on the rife before i buy to insure i don't get a POS? Thanks Chris Buy with confidence from a large number of manufacturers/builders.  However, most of the stuff you see at the local stores are WASRs.  To buy a good AK, find it online and have it transferred in to your FFL.   I happen to be lucky that my local store is a stocking dealer for Armory USA.  I've bought two Armory USA rifles, and both have been fantastic!   Rule of thumb: if the build is made from a Bulgarian or Polish parts kit, it's probably good.  If it's Romanian, I'd be careful.  If you really want a Romanian, buy a parts kit and send it to a smith to build.   Another thing.  The ban is over; don't buy a non-threaded AK without a bayonet lug.  Get a "real" one! Bulgarian Armory USA SSR85C-2: i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/053105.jpg Polish Armory USA underfolder: i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/050925.jpg Or you could find a pre-ban Norinco AKM-47S: i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/NorincoAKM-47S.jpg Good luck! Just to clarify; the SSR-85C-2 does not have a bayo lug.  At least my two don't.

You are correct.  I bought it afte the ban, but before all the "no-ban" AKs were available.  That is where my "buy no-ban AKs" comes from.  I bought too quick and ended up having to buy another in order to get an authentic configuration.  

Buy a Vector or an Arsenal and you won't get a POS.  Where in NH are you?  If you are in northern NH there are a couple good gun shops that I can recommend.