RAS47 or DDI AK for my first AK?

[ray1970]

I've had examples from China, Egypt, Romania, Bulgaria, and Yugoslavia over the years. All functioned perfectly but fit and finish varied from pretty nice to WTF were they thinking.

Honestly, if I were looking for one today, I would be keeping an eye out for a Norinco or Poly Tech. The ones I had were nicely blued and the fit of all the parts was spot on. I knew a guy that had to send one of his Norincos back because it had an extra hole and pin in the receiver that shouldn't have been there. How's that for "mil spec"?

[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?

[SideShow Bob]

WASR isn't bad if you can find a cheap one.

So, my WASR went up in value ? Good thing the member that was interested in it never got back in touch with me....

[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.

[osok-308]

What do you guys think about converting a sporterized VEPR? Is that a good idea or a bit too much for an AK newbie?

[mutt]

What do you guys think about converting a sporterized VEPR? Is that a good idea or a bit too much for an AK newbie?

VEPRs, unlike SAIGAs, generally don't require much backend conversion since the trigger group is already in the right place. It's just replacing the stock and getting an adapter if you have the slant cut receiver.

Frontend conversion, on any sporterized AK, is a different matter. You have to remove the front sight and gas block to get on the proper handguard retainer. And, depending on your barrel, you may need to cut the slots in the barrel needed to accept the retainer. After getting everything back together you'll need to reapply the finish as pressing parts on and off tends to mar up paint/park.

If you plan to use standard AK mags, then a bullet guide needs to be installed and you'll probably have to trim the mag catch till your mags lock in properly.

[Gunner]

Dangerlee industries has a unconverted saiga for sale

[osok-308]

Dangerlee industries has a unconverted saiga for sale

This sounds great. Unfortunately, I only have about half the money I need. If he still has it once I've dabbed up enough, I'd love to go this route.

[beast556]

I've had ak's from most of the countrys manufacturing them over the year's. They are all the same just cosmetic differences. With that said the only ak in my safe now is a arsenal sgl-20 and I dont think I will ever part with it. Save your penny's and get the nice one

[Marine24]

Timely thread. I've never been a big fan of AKs, even though I've handled/shot a few of them but I'm warming up to the idea of adding one to the collection. There is a Yugo NPAP listed for sale that looks interesting. Not looking for anything fancy, but something that has the historic look of an AK (wood furniture, slant muzzle break...etc).

I realize accuracy will be more in line with the 300 Blackout AR than my DMR, but what other expectations need to be in check when looking at an AK? Number of comments above on fit and finish. This in reference to wood to metal fit and basic finish (bluing/parkerized finsih)?