AK Scene 2016: The Verdict?

Model12Win · December 3, 2016, 03:49 PM

Hey AK shooters! Guys I had me a DDI stamped AK 7.62x39mm last year and it was a good gun. I had some problems with a tight magazine well and due to DDI using some weird surplus handguard parts, the Russian plum handguards I attached wobbled around like a walrus on a boogie board. I sold the gun off to pay for a different gun, but now I'm feeling that AK bug once more.

Guys I've matured in my opinion on AKs and I think I finally decided what I'm looking for. Basically, I'm looking for a basic AK with a wood stock on to it. That's it. Iron sights only, no rails, scopes, none of that. Just a wood n' metal AK. Not really picky other than that.

Now stamped or milled? Not sure. I really don't care either way and I hear the stamped guns are just as good. But guys I'm looking for some help on which AK to buy. I need something that won't murder my wallet, hell I'd really prefer something more on the budget side of things, BUT I also want a good AK. It doesn't have to be the BEST AK on the market, no it doesn't.

BUT I need it to shoot relatively straight, and above all else, I need the cotton pickin' thing to WORK. I need a reliable weapon. Something not prone to a bunch of issues and problems.

So there you have it fellas. Please recommend me a relatively affordable, wood stocked, basic yet reliable and serviceable AK-47 7.62x39mm semi-automatic rifle.

Thanks so much all!!

Model12Win · December 4, 2016, 11:53 PM

Nobody knows anything about new AKs here?

TXAZ · December 5, 2016, 12:11 AM

What's your budget?
That drives a lot of it.

Model12Win · December 5, 2016, 12:24 AM

Budget is about $750, I don't want to go much more than that if at all possible.

DubC-Hicks · December 5, 2016, 01:54 AM

For that money, I'd get a PSAK-47 or a WASR. Both run around $750.

I've actually got a WASR 10/63 for sale if you're interested.

hasn't been used much, maybe 600 rounds though it. No canted sights or anything out of spec

marine6680 · December 5, 2016, 04:14 AM

Go check out Rob Ski and his videos on the PSA AK. 5000rds with a bit of torture testing thrown in, and it passed with flying colors.

Of all the ones he has tested, it seems the PSA is one of the better choices for a reliable, good quality, and good looking AK for the $750 price range.

He has vids on many different manufacturers as well.

Road_Clam · December 5, 2016, 05:50 AM

I have an Opap . Absolutely love it. Very nicely assembled and the Opap's have the thicker RPK type recievers. Opaps are no longer being built but you should be able to find one used. The Npap is also a solid choice and are still available new. Lots of great reliable choices within your budget.

Ramey · December 5, 2016, 08:38 AM

Another vote for the Wasr 10. I own one and it's been a good rifle. Also heard good things about the C39v2 from Century.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Model12Win · December 5, 2016, 10:49 AM

Thanks guys. I should note I'm looking for NIB guns.

Chainsaw. · December 5, 2016, 07:09 PM

C39v2. Its ~$750 and its everything you are looking for.

Model12Win · December 5, 2016, 07:13 PM

Interesting. Yes I've heard heard that the C39 V2 is a good gun. I will have to research that one some more.

Model12Win · December 5, 2016, 09:08 PM

Guys I've read the C39 V2s shoot high.

Will a swap of the front sight help this? Again, I want to run irons, but I want the gun to hit where I'm aiming it.

Ignition Override · December 6, 2016, 02:47 AM

Model12Win:

If you watch some videos by "Rob Ski", he will show the internal wear after 5,000 rds. in the WASR 10, RAS and a few others. His 'drop tests' do Not cause the extra wear in bolt lug channels or trunnions of some of his 'lesser candidates'.

He was not impressed by premature metal wear inside the RAS. For your budget would be the newer WASR 10-if it is still in this price range.

As Marine6680 suggested, these comparisons are quite informative. Which other Youtube video actually depicts internal wear after very Much more than a few rounds?

You probably realize that Romania stopped WASR exports to the US months ago. Prices will only continue to go upwards.

Fox84 · December 6, 2016, 07:43 AM

Reid Henrichs just did a informative youtube video on AK's. He talks about stamped vs milled. He knows his stuff

drobs · December 6, 2016, 08:53 AM

All good recommendations above.
That being said, unless the $ are burning a hole in your pocket, I'd wait 6 months. See what Trump does with Russia.

AK's are high right now. Unless you stumble on a deal, I'd wait a little while longer.

Fishbed77 · December 6, 2016, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Budget is about $750, I don't want to go much more than that if at all possible.

Then you are looking at a WASR.

For now, avoid the US-made AKs. The PSAK-47 did well in Rob Ski's testing, but everything else has failed miserably.

Model12Win · December 6, 2016, 04:17 PM

Would a WASR-10 be better than a C39 V2?

Fishbed77 · December 6, 2016, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Would a WASR-10 be better than a C39 V2?

Much better.

A WASR is proven rifle made in a factory alongside military-spec AKs and has a chome-lined hammer-forged barrel and other proven parts.

The C39 V2 is a civilian consumer product made to hit a price point (which is also the case with all other US-made AKs).

HistoryJunky · December 6, 2016, 08:58 PM

I like my Yugo N-PAP. It's a new made gun, wood stock, everything is tight.

Cycles smoothly, reliable. It does not have a chrome lined barrel if that matters to you. It is quite accurate though for an AK.

All I have changed on mine so far is refinishing the wood to a color I liked better.

Sent from my SM-G930R4 using Tapatalk

Model12Win · December 6, 2016, 10:17 PM

It seems the WASR-10 is available for $699 from Atlantic Firearms. I like the look of it.

But Romania stopped importing them? That's troubling. Who, if anyone, does the customer service for WASR-10s then? I would prefer something with customer service support in case I have to send it back, or would Atlantic take it back?

I think it's down to the WASR-10 or the C39 V2 for me guys... I just can't decide which one yet! I need more information and inputs. Thanks for the help all!!

Mr. Hill · December 7, 2016, 03:49 PM

Check classic firearms too, they have a wasr 10 for $679 I think.

marine6680 · December 7, 2016, 06:30 PM

I think the importer would be the one to handle service if needed.

You are not likely to get the same level of service as you would a domestic manufacter AK.

I hear a few mixed things about the Century C39v2... But I was tempted by it, until I found out they had no rail, then I got the PSA. If you don't want the rail then it's probably the way to go.

DubC-Hicks · December 7, 2016, 08:33 PM

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/comp....html?Itemid=0

They do come with the rail now. But I'd still rather have the wasr10 with the cold hammer forged barrel, chrome lining, and military production background

amd6547 · December 7, 2016, 08:40 PM

If I were buying a new AK, I would look no further than a Vepr. Without a doubt, Vepr.

marine6680 · December 7, 2016, 09:03 PM

Yeah, the WASR is a good rifle, but if warranty service is a desired thing, imports may not be what he wants.

December 3, 2016, 03:49 PM	#1
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	AK Scene 2016: The Verdict? Hey AK shooters! Guys I had me a DDI stamped AK 7.62x39mm last year and it was a good gun. I had some problems with a tight magazine well and due to DDI using some weird surplus handguard parts, the Russian plum handguards I attached wobbled around like a walrus on a boogie board. I sold the gun off to pay for a different gun, but now I'm feeling that AK bug once more. Guys I've matured in my opinion on AKs and I think I finally decided what I'm looking for. Basically, I'm looking for a basic AK with a wood stock on to it. That's it. Iron sights only, no rails, scopes, none of that. Just a wood n' metal AK. Not really picky other than that. Now stamped or milled? Not sure. I really don't care either way and I hear the stamped guns are just as good. But guys I'm looking for some help on which AK to buy. I need something that won't murder my wallet, hell I'd really prefer something more on the budget side of things, BUT I also want a good AK. It doesn't have to be the BEST AK on the market, no it doesn't. BUT I need it to shoot relatively straight, and above all else, I need the cotton pickin' thing to WORK. I need a reliable weapon. Something not prone to a bunch of issues and problems. So there you have it fellas. Please recommend me a relatively affordable, wood stocked, basic yet reliable and serviceable AK-47 7.62x39mm semi-automatic rifle. Thanks so much all!!

December 5, 2016, 12:11 AM	#3
TXAZ Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2010 Location: McMurdo Sound Texas Posts: 4,322	What's your budget? That drives a lot of it. __________________ Cave illos in guns et backhoes

December 5, 2016, 01:54 AM	#5
DubC-Hicks Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2009 Location: Backwoods, Northern MI Posts: 1,031	For that money, I'd get a PSAK-47 or a WASR. Both run around $750. I've actually got a WASR 10/63 for sale if you're interested. hasn't been used much, maybe 600 rounds though it. No canted sights or anything out of spec __________________ ”Gun control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it tougher for sober people to own cars.” ~Unknown

December 5, 2016, 05:50 AM	#7
Road_Clam Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,695	I have an Opap . Absolutely love it. Very nicely assembled and the Opap's have the thicker RPK type recievers. Opaps are no longer being built but you should be able to find one used. The Npap is also a solid choice and are still available new. Lots of great reliable choices within your budget. __________________ "To be old an wise you must have been young and stupid"

December 5, 2016, 07:09 PM	#10
Chainsaw. Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2015 Location: Issaquah WA. Its a dry rain. Posts: 1,774	C39v2. Its ~$750 and its everything you are looking for. __________________ Just shoot the damn thing.

December 4, 2016, 11:53 PM	#2
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Nobody knows anything about new AKs here?

December 5, 2016, 12:24 AM	#4
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Budget is about $750, I don't want to go much more than that if at all possible.

December 5, 2016, 04:14 AM	#6
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	Go check out Rob Ski and his videos on the PSA AK. 5000rds with a bit of torture testing thrown in, and it passed with flying colors. Of all the ones he has tested, it seems the PSA is one of the better choices for a reliable, good quality, and good looking AK for the $750 price range. He has vids on many different manufacturers as well.

December 5, 2016, 08:38 AM	#8
Ramey Member Join Date: December 1, 2016 Posts: 60	Another vote for the Wasr 10. I own one and it's been a good rifle. Also heard good things about the C39v2 from Century. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

December 5, 2016, 10:49 AM	#9
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Thanks guys. I should note I'm looking for NIB guns.

December 5, 2016, 07:13 PM	#11
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Interesting. Yes I've heard heard that the C39 V2 is a good gun. I will have to research that one some more.

December 5, 2016, 09:08 PM	#12
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Guys I've read the C39 V2s shoot high. Will a swap of the front sight help this? Again, I want to run irons, but I want the gun to hit where I'm aiming it.

December 6, 2016, 02:47 AM	#13
Ignition Override Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2008 Location: About 20 nm from the Big Muddy Posts: 2,884	Model12Win: If you watch some videos by "Rob Ski", he will show the internal wear after 5,000 rds. in the WASR 10, RAS and a few others. His 'drop tests' do Not cause the extra wear in bolt lug channels or trunnions of some of his 'lesser candidates'. He was not impressed by premature metal wear inside the RAS. For your budget would be the newer WASR 10-if it is still in this price range. As Marine6680 suggested, these comparisons are quite informative. Which other Youtube video actually depicts internal wear after very Much more than a few rounds? You probably realize that Romania stopped WASR exports to the US months ago. Prices will only continue to go upwards. Last edited by Ignition Override; December 7, 2016 at 09:17 PM.

December 6, 2016, 07:43 AM	#14
Fox84 Senior Member Join Date: September 25, 2012 Location: Chester Va Posts: 360	Reid Henrichs just did a informative youtube video on AK's. He talks about stamped vs milled. He knows his stuff __________________ Rest assured "evil is on the way, but the BEST is yet to come"

December 6, 2016, 08:53 AM	#15
drobs Senior Member Join Date: July 17, 2015 Location: South Central MO / Africa Posts: 1,111	All good recommendations above. That being said, unless the $ are burning a hole in your pocket, I'd wait 6 months. See what Trump does with Russia. AK's are high right now. Unless you stumble on a deal, I'd wait a little while longer. __________________ NRA Life Member

December 6, 2016, 04:17 PM	#17
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Would a WASR-10 be better than a C39 V2?

December 6, 2016, 08:58 PM	#19
HistoryJunky Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2010 Location: Freeport, IL Posts: 833	I like my Yugo N-PAP. It's a new made gun, wood stock, everything is tight. Cycles smoothly, reliable. It does not have a chrome lined barrel if that matters to you. It is quite accurate though for an AK. All I have changed on mine so far is refinishing the wood to a color I liked better. Sent from my SM-G930R4 using Tapatalk

December 6, 2016, 10:17 PM	#20
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	It seems the WASR-10 is available for $699 from Atlantic Firearms. I like the look of it. But Romania stopped importing them? That's troubling. Who, if anyone, does the customer service for WASR-10s then? I would prefer something with customer service support in case I have to send it back, or would Atlantic take it back? I think it's down to the WASR-10 or the C39 V2 for me guys... I just can't decide which one yet! I need more information and inputs. Thanks for the help all!!

December 7, 2016, 03:49 PM	#21
Mr. Hill Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2015 Posts: 384	Check classic firearms too, they have a wasr 10 for $679 I think.

December 7, 2016, 06:30 PM	#22
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	I think the importer would be the one to handle service if needed. You are not likely to get the same level of service as you would a domestic manufacter AK. I hear a few mixed things about the Century C39v2... But I was tempted by it, until I found out they had no rail, then I got the PSA. If you don't want the rail then it's probably the way to go.

December 7, 2016, 08:33 PM	#23
DubC-Hicks Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2009 Location: Backwoods, Northern MI Posts: 1,031	http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/comp....html?Itemid=0 They do come with the rail now. But I'd still rather have the wasr10 with the cold hammer forged barrel, chrome lining, and military production background __________________ ”Gun control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it tougher for sober people to own cars.” ~Unknown

December 7, 2016, 08:40 PM	#24
amd6547 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Posts: 2,313	If I were buying a new AK, I would look no further than a Vepr. Without a doubt, Vepr. __________________ The past is gone...the future may never happen. Be Here Now.

December 7, 2016, 09:03 PM	#25
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	Yeah, the WASR is a good rifle, but if warranty service is a desired thing, imports may not be what he wants.