AK-22 rifle.. Opinions??

[Evergreen]

Hey, I am wondering what people's opinions are about what looks to me, a very cool gun. Right now, classic arms is selling these AK-22s that are made in Germany and are essentially AK-47s chambered in the 22LR caliber. I am realy kind of bored of my Marlin 60 and not particularly fond of the tube loading mechanism. Well, I like the Marlin 60, but I thought it be nice to shoot a gun that is closer to the ARs and Saigas I will be shooting. Also, I am wondering if I can find some type of speed loader to put those tiny 22s into the mags faster. Fast loading has been my main issue with shooting 22s as loading those tiny rounds is always tedious.

Has anyone shot the Ak-22s? What do youfeel about them? Are they worth anymerit? I was told the Colt 22LRs are complete garbage from a few different sources. Whats the consensus on these guns? I like to hear if anyone has one. Is it worth buying one or are they total ripped-off, knocked-off pieces of garbage.

 

[WardenWolf]

These are German-made, I believe, and called the GSG-5. Supposedly they're quite good. I'd imagine they'd be very accurate, too, because they're dramatically overbuilt for the .22LR cartridge. They'd probably exceed a 10/22 in accuracy, and far exceed it in fun. They're good enough that Mikhail Kalashnikov himself gave them his blessing, if that says anything.

 

[Evergreen]

Dang it.. now you're making me want to buy one, just when I said I had enough.. Wondering if I should go with poly or woodstock.. hmm.

 

[zhyla]

These are German-made, I believe, and called the GSG-5. Supposedly they're quite good. I'd imagine they'd be very accurate, too, because they're dramatically overbuilt for the .22LR cartridge. They'd probably exceed a 10/22 in accuracy, and far exceed it in fun. They're good enough that Mikhail Kalashnikov himself gave them his blessing, if that says anything.

That's not a GSG-5 and I highly doubt it approaches a 10/22 for accuracy. These are the ATI-imported AK 22's, made by the same company as the GSG-5's.

I don't like the GSG-5 because of how it is put together (airsoft-style construction, screwed together). I suspect these are similar. I would look at the Sig 522, it seems at least to be closer to a real gun's construction.

 

[Justin]

The GSG-5 was the MP5-style .22 made by the same company. They are no longer on the market due to a legal dispute with HK.

I've handled one of the AK-22s, and it seemed to be well built, though not as robust as an actual AK. I haven't shot one, so can't comment on reliability or accuracy. I would assume it to be on par with the GSG-5 that I've shot, or a 10/22 one would find at Walmart. Probably nothing stellar, but good enough for plinking, Steel Challenge, etc.

As for old Mikhail putting his name on it, I imagine that if the check is sufficiently large enough and clears the bank, he'd be happy to put his name on anything. Poor guy never made even one red cent off of his original design.

 

[TheDriver]

Handled one the other day. If you don't mind ALOT of plastic, you'd probably like it. I thought about getting one of these types (like the GSG 5 or something) but ended up getting a CMMG stainless .22 conversion kit for my AR.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

I can't comment on that particular one but I have an AK-22 made by Mitchell Arms (actually it was made by Armi Jager in italy and imported by Mitchell) my dad picked up for me back before the AWB, they were only imported for 2 years IIRC.
Mine is a lot of fun, reliable, accuracy is on par with an off the shelf 10/22 like Justin said. It was hell on ground squirrels and seemed to like hyper velocity 22lr ammo. It strips a lot like a real AK, has similar size and weight so it's good cheap training. The only problem I had was a broken firing pin so we bought a few spares.
I'm not aware of any mag loaders for either gun. My mag loader became a callous on my thumb Put many bricks (cases, actually) of 22lr through that gun.

 

[WoofersInc]

I have one of them. Since you are working with AK sights it is not going to be a tack-driving rifle. It is however great as a range toy. Mine was a little bit picky at first about ammo. Had some issues but as it has broken in, and I've found the ammo it likes, it runs a lot better. Mine absolutely hated anything made by Remington. Runs perfect on CCI mini-Mags, and is good with Federal bulk.

I am keeping my eyes open though for the AK coming from Inter-Ordnance. They have a 22 caliber version coming out that is based on the standard gun. It will have the regular steel reciever and just be chambered in 22LR. Will be a lot closer to the real thing from what I have read..

 

[Maverick223]

They feel a little "chunky" to me, and construction does leave a bit to be desired (built like an air rifle, nothing like the AK, same with the GSG-5), but I own the GSG-5 (similar but not to be confused with the AK-22) and it runs like a top. It is a blast to shoot, fairly easy to reload, pretty reliable, and surprisingly accurate. I see no reason the AK-22 wouldn't be the same. No question it is better than the Coltarex abomination. FWIW, I like the look of the polymer furniture a little better, but to each their own.

 

[CnRnut]

Seach sale boards and find a WASR-22.
Mine runs like a champ.