Best AK-47 that isn't a Saiga...

[Okiegunner]

Hello guys,

Once upon a time (2009) before I lost my job (at the time), I owned an Arsenal SAM7-A1R, milled Bulgarian, from Kazanlak, Bulgaria, via Las Vegas.
I bought this rifle in 2005 for a little over $900.00. This rifle now sells for (actually, you can not purchase brand new now) for around $1800-$1900.

In the mean time (after I have gotten back on my feet), what I have purchased is the Waffen Werks AK, in 5.45 X 39. This is a really sweet AK variant.

Just my opinion...OK?? For those of you searching for "that AK" to buy, and do not want pay "Arsenal" prices.

You would be hard pressed to pass up the Waffen Werks "Bulgarian" product.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

Hello guys,

Once upon a time (2009) before I lost my job (at the time), I owned an Arsenal SAM7-A1R, milled Bulgarian, from Kazanlak, Bulgaria, via Las Vegas.
I bought this rifle in 2005 for a little over $900.00. This rifle now sells for (actually, you can not purchase brand new now) for around $1800-$1900.

In the mean time (after I have gotten back on my feet), what I have purchased is the Waffen Werks AK, in 5.45 X 39. This is a really sweet AK variant.

Just my opinion...OK?? For those of you searching for "that AK" to buy, and do not want pay "Arsenal" prices.

You would be hard pressed to pass up the Waffen Werks "Bulgarian" product.

Waffen Werks are a step down from Arsenal on the AK quality ladder. For the big players, I would say it goes. Arsenal, Waffen Werks, Interarms, Century, and lastly Inter Ordinance. I wanted a Waffen Werks but they were all back ordered so I settled on an Interarms Tantal. No complaints about it and I'm happy with my rifle.

Here's my Tantal in it's current configuration.

 

[JShirley]

I am really wanting an AK47, and i would love a saiga arsenal, but for the price of those, i might as well get a M-16

Fixed it for you. It's ludicrous to correctly identify the US-made rifle, but misidentify the Comblock one. If you're going to be inaccurate, might as well go all the way.

John

 

[Inebriated]

Gotta agree with you there, 527.

Though I've never handled an IO, I have seen a lot of evidence regarding their... "quality".

 

[Okiegunner]

OP, I understand your question. There are many more on this forum who are much more in the know than me.

At one point in my life, I wanted (and did) buy the finest AK I could find. I bought an Arsenal SAM7-A1R milled. Wow!! Still regret the circumstances that arose for me to sell that rifle. I went thru a few years of financial uncertitude.

Long story short...I have recently purchased a "Waffen Werks" stamped reciever 74'.

Half the price of a current Arsenal, and a absolute beautiful rifle. Stamped as opposed to milled I know. Please trust me on this...With this rifle , you give up absolutely nothing, other than weight.

So... IMHO, the best AK on the market that is not a Saiga...

Is a high Quality build (your option here), based upon an equally high quality (un-issued) Bulgarian parts kit.

Gunner

 

[JHenry]

if at all possible avoid kit builds. Not all are bad but unless you can really inspect it before purchase there isnt anyway of knowing what your going to get.

IMO you want to find a gun that was imported with the ability to accept standard mags and has furniture options available.

Alot of older SLRs are this way along with mak-90s, early Maadi's etc.

If you dont mind losing the bayo lug and cleaning rod holders these are the best ways to go. all you have to do is replace the furniture and at max 2 other parts(1 if its milled i believe).

Ive been nothing but pleased with my Mak-90 although i did pay a premium price for it. But if you find something you really like dont be afraid to overpay a little, these older imports are getting harder to come by. It took me over a year to find my mak, and other than that the only other ak i described was an SLR-95 but it was out of my budget at the time(really wish it wouldnt of been).

Btw for your referance ironwood stock sets average around 160 minus hardware and theyre unfinished so be sure to factor that in if your planning on taking it back to a more original configuration

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

if at all possible avoid kit builds. Not all are bad but unless you can really inspect it before purchase there isnt anyway of knowing what your going to get.

Kit builds aren't bad if bought from a good manufacturer.

 

[meanmrmustard]

I was referring to the lower end Arsenals, as I was pretty sure at the time (and later confirmed) that the OP was trying to keep costs down. I was thinking about something like a SGL 21 with fixed stock etc. I've seen them going for around $700 (sometimes a bit less) locally. I wasn't aware that the Colts were going for that little though. I may have to look at picking one up soon...

They're not in my neck of the woods. Still over the grand mark for "gold" standard Too many other rifles in that price range to warrant $1000+ on an AR.

I'd go $700-900 on an Arsenal, in a heart beat. But, they have some that'd make yer jaw drop upon seeing the price tag. Personally, not spending over a thousand dollars on an AR or AK ever again. I get yelled at by the old lady too much

I'm thinking Polish, converted Saiga, or an AMD.

 

[BearGriz]

M10-762

For all you that have tried out the M10-762:

I hear reports that the side mount is canted? Users report that their scope mounts are off bore to the right by about 1/4"

Is there a fix for this (like a mount that works with this gun)? This gun looks promising to me, but I probably will want to put a red dot on a mount.

Oh, and I already have a really nice AK (an Arsenal Bulgarian-made SLR-95), so I'm not looking for perfection...I just want a decent AK that I won't mind abusing by putting a Bumpski on it and running simulated full-auto.

 

[Trueno]

Where's the love for rewelds?