AK choices

THeres still O PAPs in gunshows.

I'd get a VEPR, the cadillac of AK's!

fireside44 said:

I'd get a VEPR, the cadillac of AK's!

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Not really in the under $700 range though...especially not a converted one.

A VEPR is a nice rifle, but really doesn't do anything better than a WASR. While the fit and finish might be a little nicer, the current crop of WASR's are much better finished than the earlier versions. My son has one that has been rode hard and put away wet for several years now and it just won't quit.

I have a OPAP and it is truly built like a tank. There are those that get all excited about whether a AK has a chrome bore, but if you aren't shooting one full auto, it isn't going to make all that much difference. I also have a M70AB2 and it is a very solid gun.

Unless you want to install one of those out of place looking AR collapsing stocks on your rifle or If you are into hanging a bunch of lights, lasers, grips and other nonsense on your rifle, stock Yugo furniture works just fine. If you feel the need to dress up your rifle, just get an AR and then it is much easier to play Barbies by accessorizing it.

I haven't shot one, but from everything I hear, the Century M39 is a heck of a gun for the $. If you go that way try to get the latest version as they have upgraded things like the dust cover and sights over the original versions.

Finally, it is all very well and good to ask around about various rifles, but ultimately all you are going to get a bunch of personal opinions. What you really need to do is to try and find some place where you can handle as many different brands and types as you can before you make a decision.

A VEPR is a nice rifle, but really doesn't do anything better than a WASR.

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Is noted by some for superior accuracy. Thicker receiver and barrel.

Unless you want to install one of those out of place looking AR collapsing stocks on your rifle or If you are into hanging a bunch of lights, lasers, grips and other nonsense on your rifle, stock Yugo furniture works just fine.

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The collapsing stock is a great idea for someone who needs a longer length of pull. I don't see it as looking out of place, there are scores of various rifles using some sort of collapsible stock.

I have a OPAP and it is truly built like a tank.

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An OPAP is a nice rifle, but really do anything better than a WASR.

The collapsing stock is a great idea for someone who needs a longer length of pull. I don't see it as looking out of place, there are scores of various rifles using some sort of collapsible stock.

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To each his own....

You must have one on your rifle and if it works for you I guess that's great. I personally think they look like the rear end of a baboon when installed on an AK.

Is noted by some for superior accuracy.

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If you want accuracy, you can spend the same or less than a VEPR costs on an AR and get much better inherent accuracy.

And finally:

An OPAP is a nice rifle, but really (don't) do anything better than a WASR

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Exactly! Just as a Arsenal, Saiga or other expensive AK really doesn't function any better than the lowly WASR. I never said that an OPAP was better, I merely said they were built like a tank. OPAP's are out of the price range the OP stated in his first post, as are VEPR's.

With what he is looking to spend, a NPAP, WASR or Century product is more in line with his stated budget.

I've got a Saiga. Love it to death. I occasionally wonder why I even own an AR...then I remember the weight difference

The one i really regret was not getting one of those Polish Milled AKs many years back . They were beautiful although the barrel is said to be non chromed made by Green Mountain. At one time they were selling them like $500 with all the extras.

I'm not a fan of thick receivers on a x39 AK, it just adds unnecessary weight for little practical gain. However, my VEPR 308 is a lightweight, coming in at 8lb 10oz with a 23" barrel. Heck, thats only a few oz heavier than a SCAR 17 with its short 16" tube.

Maybe you could find a used SLR 95.

Molot is more likely to be straight and well finished than Ichevisk. Romanian rifles are what they have always been. I would like a pap better if it came with a combloc CHF chrome lined barrel.

dvdcrr said:

Maybe you could find a used SLR 95.

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^^^^^^
Great recommendation, I'm guessing most have forgotten about them as you you don't see them often but a SLR95 or the earlier 93 is getting hard to find as most people that have them don't let them go unless they've been beat to crap ... Correction, I just checked GunBroker and there are several 95's listed but they range from $2,000 to $455 so you might get lucky. They have milled receivers & chrome lined barrels, they are where "Arsenal" in Las Vegas got their start.

Last summer I bought a Zastava PAP M-85 (.223) and SBR'd it ... and have been getting the urge to get the M92 PAP to keep it company, but with the Yugo RPK, 4 Hungarian's, the Valmet & Norinco ... I'm having a hard time justifying it.

You asked for "best bang for your buck" ... The PAP rifles are hard to beat ... And you could get the pistol version with the ArmBrace if you want something with a shorter barrel. Yes it is proprietary but that only matters if you want to change stuff, IMHO they're great rifles as they are if you find the configuration you want.

An OPAP is a nice rifle, but really do anything better than a WASR.

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It sure looks a hell of a lot better.

Honestly, other than the internet, I have never seen nor heard of an AK variant that did not run like a ticked off cat on the roof of a tin crapperhouse in a hail storm...

... I would just recommend getting any that you can touch and feel before you buy. If you do have problems, they are cheap and easy to fix, but I doubt you will have any issues.

CHinese replaced their AK 47s with the Type 81 variant supposed to be more accurate. Heres a Kachin soldier (Burma) holding one.

CHinese replaced their AK 47s with the Type 81 variant

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Please provide Moparnut with a source where he can order one.

He cant find one in- country unfortunately. The receiver of the Type 81 is much longer giving a little longer sight radius .

Oh darn. I think he was looking for a recommendation for something he can buy.

^^ Obviously humor is lost on some.

To the OP: (and take this the right way please) As an "Unsophisticated" first time AK buyer, *just buy one* and forget about it. *No matter what it is* it'll shoot probably better than you and will last several lifetimes. No matter how cheap or how expensive, basically... an AK is an AK is an AK is an AK.

That's from the standpoint of someone who's a fairly advanced collector of these, with examples ranging from cheap home-folded receiver builds using worn out surplus parts sets and machine screws to attach the trunion to the receiver, to top of the line Pre-Ban Galils and Valmets. Know what? As much as it'll piss-off the Fan-Boys of ("fill in the blank" manufacturer), they all shoot just about the same....

You've heard this before, but either a WASR or a PAP is going to be a great choice. I tend to like the Yugos, but that's just me. I'd be happy with either.


Willie

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As a side note, I think collapsible stocks on AKs are terrible.

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Yeah, imagine having a correct length of pull and improved handling. You are right, that is terrible. Then again the Warsaw length stock works pretty good for oompa loompas. But those collapsibles sure are purty on an AR.....eh, whatever....

LOL. Naah, the AR buffer tube stocks do look like teats on a bull when stuck on an AK. The traditional length stock works pretty well for the squared-up shooting stance most common with dynamic rifle work. But you can usually find "NATO length" stocks if you're really in need.