Ddi ak47?

[Bobson]

Just watched the Military Arms Channel video on the DDI "Military" AK (here, if you want to see it). Wondering if anyone has any experience with DDI AKs. I know this particular offering is a newer thing, so I'm not really expecting experience with it, but if you have some, I'd be happy to hear about that too.

Here's the thing. I've shot both ARs and AKs, and I've enjoyed both, but I don't own any of either. In fact, I don't own any semi-auto rifle at all. After a lot of back and forth trying to decide which I wanted to but (not both), I decided I'd go with an AR just because they're more popular, ammo is a bit cheaper and much more widely available locally, etc. So I've been looking into and planning to buy a BCM AR15. Priced that at just under $1300 before shipping cost for the upper and the transfer fee for the lower. So about $1350.

I just don't have the funds for that right now and I won't until next year's tax return comes around, but I'm thinking I'd prefer to not wait until then... just in case, if you get my meaning.

So when I saw this video, I started thinking maybe it'd be better to just jump on this. $500 cheaper, that's something I can swing by the end of the summer. And I do like AKs. So the question is, am I gonna kick myself later for not holding out for an AR?

This is the rifle in question, built with a Hungarian parts kit, for $799. And this is what appears to be a very similar rifle, built using a Polish parts kit instead, for $899. Practically, what's the difference between these two rifles?

If it helps answer the question, this rifle will be filling the "just in case" role, whether I pick one of these AKs or hope for the best and hold out for an AR. Given that, it really doesn't have to be anything super fancy - just functional, reliable, and durable.

Thanks a bunch.

 

[Fishbed77]

DDI AKs seem to be the only US-made AKs that get any respect over at akfiles.com.

There is a pretty high noise-to-signal ratio at that forum, but a lot of the folks there really do know their AKs, and RobSki, who is probably the preeminent AK reviewer in the US, hangs out there a bit.

 

[Inebriated]

They're a growing company, but to be perfectly honest, picking DDI over BCM wouldn't even cross my mind as an option... and I'm an AK guy, if that tells you anything. Something more proven like a VEPR, WASR, SLR-107, used MAK/NHM, etc. would be at the top of my AK list right now.

What sort of BCM build are you planning on?

 

[Bobson]

Just their standard lower with the Mod 0 stock, and a 16" middy upper with A2 front sight and a 9" KMR-A. Nothing super fancy. I'd put a DD A1.5 on the back and use irons as primary until next summer after I've finished school.

Lower:
http://shop.bravocompanymfg.com/AR1...oup-Stock-Mod-0-Black-p/lrg-stk-mod-0-blk.htm

Upper:
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-...Receiver-Group-w-p/bcm-urg-mid-16-kmr-a-9.htm

 

[OldBrownDog]

Just put together exactly that BCM rifle, and I'm very happy with it if that's worth anything in your decision. Only put about 40 rounds through it, but I have no complaints.

 

[Bobson]

Yeah, I think I'm just going to hold out and hope for the best, and get the BCM as soon as I'm able. Might have to pay more for it down the road, but I know it's not gonna be something I regret. I keep thinking, if I buy the AK, I know I'll still want an AR down the road. If I buy the AR, I won't have a need or want for the AK. So may as well just wait for the AR. I wouldn't be able to justify (to my wife) having both, and really I don't want both.

 

[highpower]

You know, you can put together a pretty nice AR for around $700. The lowers are basically all the same. Where the money is on an AR is the barrel and bolt.

One of the nice things about an AR is the ability for the average person to change things around on one without any special tools to speak of.

Rob Ski has been doing a torture test on a Radical Firearms AR, which is a lower priced rifle, it has been doing great and he beats the snot out of the guns he tests. I know there is a lot of snobbery among AR guys and many turn up their nose at cheaper AR's, but rifles like the S&W and Ruger have a good reputation and are about half of what the BCM costs.

I have a PSA that I built back in 2010 using one of their rifle kits that came with the FN barrel and it has been chugging along for the last six years without a single problem. I think I have a total of about $550 in that gun not counting sights.

Now on to AK's. I have a few of them, everything from a Polytech spiker (expensive) to a Yugo M70AB2 (inexpensive). For the money, they are about the most fun you can have with your clothes on.

I don't sit on my butt at a bench and try for tiny groups, I find that to be as exciting as watching paint dry. I shoot at reactive targets standing or kneeling and it is just as challenging as any other type of range shooting that I can think of.

If I was looking at getting a rifle, I don't think I would wait. While I can't predict the future, past history tells me that prices go up the closer to a national election we get. If the Hildebeast gets elected (God forbid), prices are going to go through the roof, and prices may very well double.