I was recently bitten by the AK bug ( Lancaster RR AK74) and have now decided that I must have a folding stock AK in 7.62X39 for use as a "trunk gun." I don't care if it's a silly excuse to buy a new gun... I need one!
My rough budget is around $500 and I have narrowed it down to two choices, a M70AB2 Yugo underfolder or WASR with an ACE internal receiver block side folder installed. Either option will work out to around $500. I don't have any time behind either one of these rifles but Ive been doing plenty of Internet research. From what I have read about these rifles, my Pro's and Con's are:
Yugo Underfolder
Pros:
No major modifications required, like cutting off the tang, its pretty much ready to go from the box.
Word on the internet seems to be that this is a very robust and reliable build.(i.e, no mag wobble, canted sights or receivers, thicker receiver, etc.) BTW, this is a big deal for me.
Looks cool as hell.
Cons:
Mixed reviews with the comfort/functionality of the underfolding stock. I have no personal experience with such a design and have been unable to find one in a local store to try out. I'm not looking for a benchrest rifle, and am not recoil sensitive in the least ( one of my favorite long guns is my 444 marlin) but I do want something that will work well with irons or red dot.
Inability to change out stocks. (cutting the tang off the WASR will limit options somewhat but not in the same manner.)
Lack of a side rail. This is a big one for me as I am a huge fan of the quick detach mount, especially in a SHTF scenario. I will probably only use a red dot sight if any, but I prefer a rear mounted scope as opposed to a handguard mount.
WASR or Romy MV (basically the same thing as I understand.)
Pros:
I am confident that the ACE stock will fit/function exactly the way I want it to.
Side Rail. Nuff said.
Chrome lined bore. ( this is not a huge factor for me since I shoot corrosive 7N6 in my non chrome lined '74 all day long and have had no problems with it.)
Full compatibility with AK parts/accessories
Warm fuzzy feeling you get from personally completing a gun project. (albeit a minor project.)
Cons: All the bad things that can happen when you buy a WASR sight unseen. You all know what I'm talking about. Some of these problems will be mitigated by buying from a reputable dealer, but, really, who wants to keep sending a rifle back?
With either rifle I will be adding a Hogue Monogrip (LOVE the one I put on my AK) and a different muzzle brake/flash supressor ( I hear good things about the YHM Phantom.)
I appreciate all of your input. I have been going back and forth on this for a couple of weeks.
My rough budget is around $500 and I have narrowed it down to two choices, a M70AB2 Yugo underfolder or WASR with an ACE internal receiver block side folder installed. Either option will work out to around $500. I don't have any time behind either one of these rifles but Ive been doing plenty of Internet research. From what I have read about these rifles, my Pro's and Con's are:
Yugo Underfolder
Pros:
No major modifications required, like cutting off the tang, its pretty much ready to go from the box.
Word on the internet seems to be that this is a very robust and reliable build.(i.e, no mag wobble, canted sights or receivers, thicker receiver, etc.) BTW, this is a big deal for me.
Looks cool as hell.
Cons:
Mixed reviews with the comfort/functionality of the underfolding stock. I have no personal experience with such a design and have been unable to find one in a local store to try out. I'm not looking for a benchrest rifle, and am not recoil sensitive in the least ( one of my favorite long guns is my 444 marlin) but I do want something that will work well with irons or red dot.
Inability to change out stocks. (cutting the tang off the WASR will limit options somewhat but not in the same manner.)
Lack of a side rail. This is a big one for me as I am a huge fan of the quick detach mount, especially in a SHTF scenario. I will probably only use a red dot sight if any, but I prefer a rear mounted scope as opposed to a handguard mount.
WASR or Romy MV (basically the same thing as I understand.)
Pros:
I am confident that the ACE stock will fit/function exactly the way I want it to.
Side Rail. Nuff said.
Chrome lined bore. ( this is not a huge factor for me since I shoot corrosive 7N6 in my non chrome lined '74 all day long and have had no problems with it.)
Full compatibility with AK parts/accessories
Warm fuzzy feeling you get from personally completing a gun project. (albeit a minor project.)
Cons: All the bad things that can happen when you buy a WASR sight unseen. You all know what I'm talking about. Some of these problems will be mitigated by buying from a reputable dealer, but, really, who wants to keep sending a rifle back?
With either rifle I will be adding a Hogue Monogrip (LOVE the one I put on my AK) and a different muzzle brake/flash supressor ( I hear good things about the YHM Phantom.)
I appreciate all of your input. I have been going back and forth on this for a couple of weeks.