What's the best AK for the money right now?

I've heard the PSA models are what to buy.

WASR
WBP Fox Polish AKs
PSA

WASR. Combloc > US made in the realm of Kalashnikovs

Who is importing the WASR guns? Do they still have the QA/QC issues?

I would also say to look on youtube at AK Operator's Union Local 4774. He does a lot of reviews and torture tests. You can at least see what he has to say about the models you are interested in.

I would go with an Arsenal, PSA AK G3 or wait for PSA to release their PSA AK G4

Carolina Tater said:

Yeah I've noticed WASRs being listed on a number of sites (although it appears they no longer have bayonet lugs because... reasons) and they're all like 700+ are they better than they used to be or something?

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Better than they used to be? No, not really. They are reliable bullet hoses, so operationally no real change. Maybe some have better wood if you like American furniture so long as you are okay with missing lug and welded cap instead of the slant break (the barrel is treaded correctly underneath). Still common to have canted sights and sloppy tolerances. The guns haven't gotten better, they moved up the list of reliable AKs as the truly good guns became unavailable new from dealers at a reasonable price.

Carolina Tater: How about a different 7.62x39 rifle?
Most of us realize that the VZ-58 (striker-fired) is...Not...an AK. Have you considered a true Czech VZ in 7.62x39?
*$1175-$1299 are the lowest Gunbroker prices now, for the three available Czech 58s.

I finally bought a "Buy Now" Czechpoint 58 on Gunbroker two months ago, which compliments my 'other' imported 7.62x39 Sport Utility Rifles.
It's certainly a very interesting gun, and with the brake offered by Czechpoint, there is not much muzzle rise at all.
** The muzzles are already threaded.

AKOU's Rob Ski recently finished a 5,000 rd. test on a VZ-58, and the test seems to have gone very well.
***All of them have milled receivers. Mine has no mount for any scope (and isn't needed).

Ignition Override said:

..... Mine has no mount for any scope (and isn't needed).

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For people with Astigmatism, a scope is very necessary. Foe me, without a scope, a rifle is just a club.

Carolina Tater:
The 'secret': I could not have justified the cash for this VZ-58, except by selling guns (on Armslist) which were seldom, or no longer getting used.

You probably watched Rob Ski's good results on his WASR, after 5,000 rds.?

My Romanian SAR-1 (basically a WASR) has been as 100% reliable as my other three imported AKs. It has used about 1,500 rds.
And changing the trigger group along with swapping the shepherd's hook (for a "retainer plate") really IS as easy as it looks. The receiver's retainer pins are easy to push out, or back in. YouTube "AK-47 trigger removal..." by "nsz85".
No more trigger slap with a Tapco trigger group, or so little, you might notice a tad just on a cold day.

Never shot a PSA AK so no opinion there, but between $750 WASRs, $1000 MAK-90s, and $1200 Arsenals, I think the MAK-90s are the sweet spot. Better fit and finish than Century, without trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. They just kind of smooth the ear up a bit.

That being said, I think all 3 of those guns are way overpriced for what you get. The AK market is crazy.

About the best I can say is, I at least like the MAK-90. I bought my Romy AK for $400, and I wasn't happy with it for that much. $1K is too much for a MAK, but at least you aren't getting a bad rifle for that money. $750 Century Romys are just a screw-deal all the way around.

IMO, AKs are a market you want to either avoid or limit your exposure to. I have no idea if the PSA AKs run or not, and I've heard so many conflicting opinions that I don't want to endorse them either way. But if they check out, $600 for a new AK that functions is probably the best value you are going to find.

I have a nice Romanian AK pistol and a PSA Ak. My Psa is very good. A lot of AKs seem like parts guns. The Psa feels like what it is, which is a new rifle. Made out of new parts that fit together.

The best deal was $999 bucks for a Sam-7 pistol but that deal is over now. They are in the $1100 range. The finish kinda sucks but it's an AK. If I was buying a serious AK brand new at this point it would likely be Arsenal or a good gunsmith kit build. Now is not a good time to decide you want an AK and if you still want one bring the tissues as it's all overpriced now that people have determined they are much more than inaccurate bullet hose fun-guns and kits and imports are restricted more. At one time they were a great solution for poor people who needed real affordable firepower. Now I have people offering me triple for what I paid. They can have their AR's I can buy a junk one of those anywhere but can no longer afford to replace what I have. Thank Obama, he ruined it by crushing russian imports. Saiga and VEPR, gone, it would seem.

Best for $ is Definitely Zastava O pap if you can find one buy it right away if it's under 900.

I hope you guys are joking about WASR
Those are pure crap and more of a rattle than a rifle.

I also don't really think you can consider an american-made AK to really be an AK I mean come on guys let's be serious...

If you can get your hands on a molot vepr that's what I'd go for.

I'm currently selling a Molot VEPR AK-74 for less than $900 and I am convinced the AK-74 is better than an AK-47 and I've had several of both. The round is just inherently more accurate and less recoil but you do sacrifice a tiny bit of punch. Anyway the Russians play chess and they switched to the AK-74.

Someone is selling a melot vepr AK-47 for $1,300 and that's ridiculous.

Get Zastava they're the best bang for the buck

Huntolive said:

I hope you guys are joking about WASR
Those are pure crap and more of a rattle than a rifle.

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I dispute the pure crap claim. A decent built wasr will do just about anything any other AK ever made will.

Huntolive said:

If you can get your hands on a molot vepr that's what I'd go for.

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Agreed. Vepr is about as nice an AK as you can find. But heavy. Iraqveteran8888 torture test of vepr gives a new meaning to true firearms reliability.

Huntolive said:

I'm currently selling a Molot VEPR AK-74 for less than $900 and I am convinced the AK-74 is better than an AK-47

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They are unless you want barrier penetration, cheap ammo, or to try and sell the gun!

Huntolive said:

Someone is selling a melot vepr AK-47 for $1,300 and that's ridiculous.

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I would pay it if I was set on getting an AK for a duty quality weapon. No crazier than a 750 wasr. Less crazy, actually.

Nothing wrong with a WASR, do a little research, see how they hold up in full auto at BFV

I can't speak about current production because I've had my WASR 10 for 10+ years. It doesn't have a beautiful finish and the wood looks like hell, but it's more accurate than I am shooting offhand and it has never once jammed or failed to fire.

There are no doubt better finished and more accurate AK's available, but if you want bughole accuracy, beautiful wood and finely finished metal, an AK probably isn't the best choice to begin with.

The AK is about reliability, and my el cheapo WASR delivers that in spades.

JDGray said:

Nothing wrong with a WASR, do a little research, see how they hold up in full auto at BFV

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I don't think psa did as well there but they aren't saying, lol. Until psa gets their junk together they are selling you AK s cheap for range toys. If the chips were down I'd grab a wasr before a psa. I doubt psa will ever become sought after ak but I hope I'm wrong.

fireside44 said:

I don't think psa did as well there but they aren't saying, lol. Until psa gets their junk together they are selling you AK s cheap for range toys. If the chips were down I'd grab a wasr before a psa. I doubt psa will ever become sought after ak but I hope I'm wrong.

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Last count was +11K!! Lets hope for the best!!!

Ignition Override said:

Carolina Tater: How about a different 7.62x39 rifle?
Most of us realize that the VZ-58 (striker-fired) is...Not...an AK. Have you considered a true Czech VZ in 7.62x39?
*$1175-$1299 are the lowest Gunbroker prices now, for the three available Czech 58s.

I finally bought a "Buy Now" Czechpoint 58 on Gunbroker two months ago, which compliments my 'other' imported 7.62x39 Sport Utility Rifles.
It's certainly a very interesting gun, and with the brake offered by Czechpoint, there is not much muzzle rise at all.
** The muzzles are already threaded.

AKOU's Rob Ski recently finished a 5,000 rd. test on a VZ-58, and the test seems to have gone very well.
***All of them have milled receivers. Mine has no mount for any scope (and isn't needed).

Click to expand...

Best 762 shooter I own! Smooth as silk, lighter then an AK too.

I've been very happy with the PSA AR's I've shot.

I wonder why they can't make an AK cleaning rod to go with their rifles...