RAS47 or DDI AK for my first AK?

[mutt]

AKOU has tested several AKs to see if they will make it through 5k rounds. IO and RAS47 did not do so well. While his tests are samples of one, the results seem to mirror similar reports of serious quality issues.

IO Test - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...YBTgXp3Dn9oItI
RAS47 Test - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...9yNsL0ev4TpNjX

Even DDI's latest all US made entry failed miserably. The only all US made AK to make it through the test was PSA's Gen2 AK.

I avoid all 100% US made AKs like the plague. I only buy combloc made AKs. After stamping them out for the last 60+ years following their TDP, I'd say old combloc factories know how to make a proper AK. Granted they can have fit and finish issues, but those rarely affect function. If you are a fit and finish freak, then AKs may not be for you =). A foreign parts kit rifle is fine if you find one that was put together properly and the price is right. If the price is the same as a comparable combloc factory made rifle, combloc is always preferred.

WASRs are great AKs and are the cheapest of the combloc rifles. Arsenals are also nice but a bit over priced considering the shit paint job they come with. Saigas are great too if you don't mind doing a little conversion work on the backend. VEPRs seem to have the best over all build quality in my opinion. Get a VEPR with a traditional straight cut receiver. They're harder to find but at least they'll take standard aftermarket stocks. I'd also hold off a bit on buying an AK. Now that Trump won, I think you are going to see the price of rifles like the WASR return to more sane levels in a few months.

[osok-308]

Believe it or not, some of the Century "kit build" AK's are damn good rifles. Just inspect it closely for workmanship.
I have had a slew of Kalishnakov platform rifles, pre ban CommBlocs, post ban, kit builds etc.
The one that has stayed with me is an early Yugo M70. It is a Century gun assembled from a matching numbers part set from the Croatian conflict.
It's a tank of a rifle that is accurate and smooth.

I know that they don't accept standard stocks and handguards, but how is the worksmanship on those Yugos? I've looked at them a bit as well. Would you recommend an NPAP to a WASR?

VEPRs seem to have the best over all build quality in my opinion. Get a VEPR with a traditional straight cut receiver. They're harder to find but at least they'll take standard aftermarket stocks. I'd also hold off a bit on buying an AK. Now that Trump won, I think you are going to see the price of rifles like the WASR return to more sane levels in a few months.

I agree fully, I will for sure wait a few months before making the purchase, I'm just getting sick of making my mind up, and then changing it 5 minutes later. Having a Russian made AK would be amazing too.

The only factory built ak's I ever had was a Poly legend and a mak 90, all my other aks I built myself.

I LOVE the idea of building my own AK; however, I'm aware that it's not the same as building an AR. Seeing as I have no experience with AK building, and I have none of the tools, required. I'll probably be buying my first one.

[mutt]

I know that they don't accept standard stocks and handguards, but how is the worksmanship on those Yugos? I've looked at them a bit as well. Would you recommend an NPAP to a WASR?

I've had a few NPAPs. They're nice. Metal seems to be a little softer than a real military yugo. Makes me suspect they are lesser quality commercial export guns vs those from the military assembly line. However that is totally conjecture on my part. I have no hard evidence just my opinion from comparing them to my other AKs.

I agree fully, I will for sure wait a few months before making the purchase, I'm just getting sick of making my mind up, and then changing it 5 minutes later. Having a Russian made AK would be amazing too.

Russian AKs are nice. They aren't necessarily better than other quality made combloc AKs, but it's neat having an AK from the Mother Country.

[osok-308]

Russian AKs are nice. They aren't necessarily better than other quality made combloc AKs, but it's neat having an AK from the Mother Country.

I definitely understand that. Are there any countries (other than US builds) to avoid? I've been doing research on AKs, but it seems like every one I research has a dozen people touting it as the best, and another dozen saying they wouldn't be caught dead within ten feet of one. What makes you think the Yugo metal is softer? Just more wear?

[mutt]

I definitely understand that. Are there any countries (other than US builds) to avoid? I've been doing research on AKs, but it seems like every one I research has a dozen people touting it as the best, and another dozen saying they wouldn't be caught dead within ten feet of one. What makes you think the Yugo metal is softer? Just more wear?

I think any combloc made AK will be GTG. Which is better really comes down to personal preference and desired features/perceived collectors value. NPAPs seem to have softer bolt carriers (tail mushrooming) and thinner receivers than their military counterparts. That said, I don't think NPAPs are bad. They just don't seem to be as overbuilt as a real M70. If you find an NPAP you like, I say go for it. They are still way better than the current crop of 100% US made AKs.