AK-103 which one is the best value for $ ?

Major727 · October 21, 2024, 07:36 PM

I am thinking about buying my first AK103. I see different option and prices. On PSA site, for example, prices for a folding stock version range from $600 to $1,400. The main difference I see in FN barrel on more expensive model. The cheaper versions without chrome lining are not an option for me. AK had to have a chrome lining to be AK IMHO. What model and vendor would you recommend to get the best value? Good barrel is important to me but the price markup should be reasonable. I plan to shoot steel case ammo most of the time.

stagpanther · October 22, 2024, 05:46 AM

Opinions about AKs are not as heated as those over ARs, perhaps that's why you haven't heard much back. Mine is a PSA (which I am ambivalent about) but have shot a higher-end Zastava and thought it was one of the best AKs I've ever seen and shot.

Major727 · October 22, 2024, 08:37 AM

Thanks! If you had to choose just one, would you pick Zastava or PSA? There is also Kalashnikov USA .

stagpanther · October 22, 2024, 05:17 PM

I would say you should get more opinions than just mine; since I have only my personal experience (and bias). Without hesitation I'd take a zastava over a PSA; Kalashnikov USA is in something of legal import purgatory at the moment and from what I've heard further imports are restricted so I'd be reluctant to go that route.

MC 1911 · October 22, 2024, 05:58 PM

Zastava over PSA everyday.

Major727 · October 22, 2024, 09:25 PM

When we talk PSA, I assume we mean PSA Sabre with CHF barrel by FN chrome lined.

October 21, 2024, 07:36 PM	#1
Major727 Junior Member Join Date: August 7, 2024 Posts: 11	AK-103 which one is the best value for $ ? I am thinking about buying my first AK103. I see different option and prices. On PSA site, for example, prices for a folding stock version range from $600 to $1,400. The main difference I see in FN barrel on more expensive model. The cheaper versions without chrome lining are not an option for me. AK had to have a chrome lining to be AK IMHO. What model and vendor would you recommend to get the best value? Good barrel is important to me but the price markup should be reasonable. I plan to shoot steel case ammo most of the time.

October 22, 2024, 05:46 AM	#2
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 12,973	Opinions about AKs are not as heated as those over ARs, perhaps that's why you haven't heard much back. Mine is a PSA (which I am ambivalent about) but have shot a higher-end Zastava and thought it was one of the best AKs I've ever seen and shot. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

October 22, 2024, 05:17 PM	#4
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 12,973	I would say you should get more opinions than just mine; since I have only my personal experience (and bias). Without hesitation I'd take a zastava over a PSA; Kalashnikov USA is in something of legal import purgatory at the moment and from what I've heard further imports are restricted so I'd be reluctant to go that route. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

October 22, 2024, 08:37 AM	#3
Major727 Junior Member Join Date: August 7, 2024 Posts: 11	Thanks! If you had to choose just one, would you pick Zastava or PSA? There is also Kalashnikov USA .

October 22, 2024, 05:58 PM	#5
MC 1911 Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 419	Zastava over PSA everyday.

October 22, 2024, 09:25 PM	#6
Major727 Junior Member Join Date: August 7, 2024 Posts: 11	When we talk PSA, I assume we mean PSA Sabre with CHF barrel by FN chrome lined.