How to buy ak for first time shopper

pgb205 · January 25, 2017, 02:08 PM

I've done some research and have arrived at two choices that I would like to purchase. Namely:
http://www.k-var.com/shop/SLR104-31.html
http://www.k-var.com/shop/SLR107-31.html

104-31 is available on k-vars website but not 107-31. No matter how hard I try I am unable to find this sold in NEW condition anywhere on the internet. Seems like a very popular rifle so I'm wondering about what am I doing wrong.
Is buying this rifle local my only option?

kozak6 · January 26, 2017, 05:16 AM

I suspect the death of 7N6 is a factor in the availability of SLR-104's.

Allegedly, large military orders result in the (frequent) shortages of SLR-107's.

Have you considered bidding on one at one of the online auction sites?

peggysue · January 26, 2017, 05:55 AM

Budsguns
Amazing how the imports are $2000. now.

highpower3006 · January 27, 2017, 11:31 AM

Unfortunately, quality European AK's have gone way up in price. Instead of Arsenals, look at VEPRs. At the shot show they introduced an AK47 that has a retail price of $899. VEPRs are built like tanks with the thicker RPK receiver and one will last you the rest of your life. They take standard AK47 magazines which are still cheap and plentiful.

I avoided the AK74 series because they relied on cheap imported surplus ammo and my experience is that sooner or later surplus dries up. This happened with 7.62x39 too with a ammo ban by Klinton, but the void was filled by commercial manufacturers.

Since the ban on 7N6, there have been commercial offerings available and the cost is roughly the same as comparable 7.62x39. From all accounts, the round is a great performer and if you have to stock up on magazines and ammo, I think you will be about even on the cost even though 5.45x39 magazines cost a bit more.

January 25, 2017, 02:08 PM	#1
pgb205 Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2013 Posts: 104	How to buy ak for first time shopper I've done some research and have arrived at two choices that I would like to purchase. Namely: http://www.k-var.com/shop/SLR104-31.html http://www.k-var.com/shop/SLR107-31.html 104-31 is available on k-vars website but not 107-31. No matter how hard I try I am unable to find this sold in NEW condition anywhere on the internet. Seems like a very popular rifle so I'm wondering about what am I doing wrong. Is buying this rifle local my only option?

January 26, 2017, 05:55 AM	#3
peggysue Junior member Join Date: May 20, 2014 Posts: 1,835	Budsguns Amazing how the imports are $2000. now. Last edited by peggysue; January 26, 2017 at 05:39 PM.

January 26, 2017, 05:16 AM	#2
kozak6 Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 3,113	I suspect the death of 7N6 is a factor in the availability of SLR-104's. Allegedly, large military orders result in the (frequent) shortages of SLR-107's. Have you considered bidding on one at one of the online auction sites?

January 27, 2017, 11:31 AM	#4
highpower3006 Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2011 Location: Savannah TN Posts: 1,220	Unfortunately, quality European AK's have gone way up in price. Instead of Arsenals, look at VEPRs. At the shot show they introduced an AK47 that has a retail price of $899. VEPRs are built like tanks with the thicker RPK receiver and one will last you the rest of your life. They take standard AK47 magazines which are still cheap and plentiful. I avoided the AK74 series because they relied on cheap imported surplus ammo and my experience is that sooner or later surplus dries up. This happened with 7.62x39 too with a ammo ban by Klinton, but the void was filled by commercial manufacturers. Since the ban on 7N6, there have been commercial offerings available and the cost is roughly the same as comparable 7.62x39. From all accounts, the round is a great performer and if you have to stock up on magazines and ammo, I think you will be about even on the cost even though 5.45x39 magazines cost a bit more.