AK Gun Selection

[Picard]

I was considering buying a new rifle within the next two weeks. I wanted to buy another AK, since I love them so much

I was debating on whether to buy a Romanian RPK AES 10-B or a Romanian Underfolder. Does anybody have any experiences with any of these guns? Will they give me any problems? I've never had a Romanian AK so I don't really know what I'm getting myself into but I do know that I want to pick up another AK while I can.

-Picard

 

[RP88]

I'd personally get the RPK model. It's something different than what you probably have. I'd figure that you already have at least one underfolder of better quality (Yugo, etc.), so I would personally wait on the Rom and get the AES first.

 

[FEG]

If you already own a nice Kalashnikov, odds are you will be disasppointed in a Romanian build. Do you own any SKSs or other rifles in 7.62x39? The Saiga sporters aren't real AKs, but they are better shooters than the Romanian builds, just for example.

Don't get me wrong. You can get some great Romanian guns out there, but they are often the exception, not the rule. My SAR-1 actually was pretty decent once I had the barrel recrowned.

The reason I mention all this is because I have come full circle on the 7.62x39 rifles. I currently own a vz-58 (and building a second one), a Saiga sporter, and a few SKSs. I'm sure I'll own an AK again some day, but I'm in no big hurry. As a group, they are the least accurate of the bunch.

 

[nalioth]

The Saiga sporters aren't real AKs, but they are better shooters than the Romanian builds, just for example.

Myth. The Saigas are 'real AKs', you just have to de-politic them. They are as "real" an AK as any Izhmash turns out today.

As far as "better shooters", 'better' is subjective. All of my Kalashnikov type rifles -what/whereever their origins- shoot just fine.

 

[Picard]

I only have a Yugo with a fixed wood stock. I don't own any underfolders, that's why I was looking at one. It seems like they are both opposite ends of the spectrum. The underfolder is small and compact and the RPK is long and unwieldy, but would be fun shooting from a prone position. I just don't know what to get.

If I get the underfolder, would there be a high chance of me getting a junk gun, with canted sights and things like that?

 

[FEG]

Myth. The Saigas are 'real AKs', you just have to de-politic them.

I understand that. I was trying to keep it simple; it's much harder to type out "despite their inability to take standard AK magazines when initially sold in the U.S."

Every SKS I have owned was more accurate than every AK I have owned with the same ammunition. They also don't heat up as fast. The Saiga and vz-58 I recently purchased are more accurate than any AK I have owned (SAR-1, WASR, and Maadi, for the record).

My only point was that there are a lot of good rifles in this chambering that have a lot to offer, as opposed to a Romanian build, which is kind of a crap shoot if you can't examine the rifle before purchasing. I've got nothing against AKs, but I went through that kick and learned that I like the cartridge just as much or more than the weapon itself. Just throwing out some other ideas...

Picard, I have seen the Romanian underfolders at various gun shops. They do vary greatly in quality, although many of them seem to be fine rifles. As a general measure, I started having the barrel of any rifle built from parts kits recrowned. This can make a huge difference in their accuracy. You occasionally hear people say that their Romanian can't hold a group. I think this is often (or at least possibly) due to invisible damage to the crown.

 

[nalioth]

If I get the underfolder, would there be a high chance of me getting a junk gun, with canted sights and things like that?

No more so than with any other Kalashnikov. Heck, Arsenal has been shipping their 'priced like gold' rifles with canted sights and crap paint lately . . .

s a general measure, I started having the barrel of any rifle built from parts kits recrowned

It can also start the chrome flaking process if it has an original military barrel ( not applicable with the Century kit builds, as they use non-chromed barrels ).

 

[FEG]

It can also start the chrome flaking process if it has an original military barrel ( not applicable with the Century kit builds, as they use non-chromed barrels ).

Thanks for the tip. I was not aware of that. I have had two redone so far. One was chromed, and I wish the gunsmith had warned me of that. I don't have either one anymore, but a friend has the chromed one. It makes sense though; my understanding is that the chrome lining is really thin.

 

[Shear_stress]

I agree with RP88. Get the AES-10B first, while they're still under four bills.

 

[buck00]

As far as "better shooters", 'better' is subjective. All of my Kalashnikov type rifles -what/whereever their origins- shoot just fine.

I agree. Saigas are neat and all, but its not like they somehow shoot so much better than a regular AK clone.

The AES-10B is interesting (hopefully you could get a drum down the road) but remember you get what you pay for.

 

[briansmithwins]

I've got a AES-10B

Had to send the 1st one back for canted front sight base and a floppy mag well. 2nd one is a keeper, 3MOA from irons and no malfs. Fit and finish is actually halfway decent.

I like it.

BSW

 

[Omnivore]

We've had several underfolders in here, and I've fired several others including a full auto. FWIW I'm not a fan of underfolders. They're more fiddly to get into action and they have a stinky cheekweld. Better to have a good sidefolder. Also, the Underfolder designs I've seen pretty well disallow the use of a side rail if that's an issue for you, whereas some of the sidefolders accommodate a side rail.

If you want a Rom underfolder, be sure you can take a good look at it before you commit.

Haven't had a Rom RPK, but if it's anything like the Russian from Molot, they're pretty nice. Super rugged, and they generate more velocity than a 16" barrel. The most accurate AK I've tested is a Russian RPK.

 

[Picard]

I'm also considering getting a Yugo SKS and modding it until it looks nothing like an SKS. I really like the look of the Tapco body kit.



From what people say, it'd be more accurate than the Yugo AK than I already own and will probably be better quality than a Romanian AK, right? Is this endeavor worth the $350 or so that it'll cost or would it be better to just get a Romanian AK?

 

[Picard]

I've been reading some reviews and I think that I'll end up going with the AES 10. It seems like a really fun gun and it's pretty darn accurate as well. I don't know if I'll be able to afford a drum but perhaps in the future I might get one too.

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll be sure to post some pics if I get it in a couple of weeks.

 

[Shear_stress]

I've also got one on order and am interested to see how yours turns out.