Getting a ak47 and need help!

[romanhastati]

Hey guys Im a member at hkpro and have seen alot of threads from members post here and they seem to be very informative and need some help on selecting my next semi auto ak47.

The two rifles are these I am trying to decide from. Also note money is not a issue atm.

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct1145.aspx

And this one.

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct1289.aspx

I will start off with number one and my thoughts then number 2 and if it pleases you would like some direction, advice, thoughts, and anything that will help me in my decision.

First From what I gather both are good ak47s but I hear number 1 is accepted as being superior to some degree and want to know why this is exactly? Also I wanted to attach a side rail mount with a red dot (KalinkaOptics) but knowing this does not have one is there any way to attach a sight to the back of the rifle instead of the handguard? Also can this wood stock set here be added in the future without any problems? http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct1032.aspx
Finaly I have a PWS compensator (PCS heavy buffer, hk rubber butpad) on my HK93 which I freaking love (feels like a airsoft) and want to put this one on it and need to know if it would work. http://primaryweapons.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=57&idcategory=6

The second one is cheaper by alot not that it matters but it still makes a diffrence especially If I wanted to add a red dot sight like this http://kalinkaoptics.com/rifle-scopes/red-dot/pk-a-military-fast-acquisition-red-dot-rifle-scope-ak-version.html. Also another nice thing is not having to find a way to get a red dot on the back. Number 2 also does not have the wood stock and would like to know if the same wood stock set in ak 1 could be added at a later date? Can the PWS comp be added as well? As a side note the side rail mount looks bad apples and this is one the things tearing me atm.

Dont have much else and like mentioned want to see what you guys recomend! I thank anyone for helping in anyway our taking the time to read this and help out a ak newb.

Best regards,
Luis

 

[Sam1911]

I honestly can't tell you why that first is "better" than the second. They're both milled (the Soviet stop-gap design before they perfected stamped receivers), which is either better or worse than a stamped receiver, depending on how well you understand Kalashnikovs.

The stock set won't work. That's for a stamped AK with a straight cut rear receiver.

The "Flash Suppressing Compensator" should fit. But what the heck does this mean? "All of the FSC Series muzzle devices have been classified as a non-flash suppressing device by the BATFE." So, it's basically a lookie-loo sort of thing, but doesn't do anything?

Only the second rifle has a side-mount optics rail, so that would be an obvious choice if you're going to add the red-dot.

 

[hso]

14mm AK threading is left handed and your muzzle device may not be left handed or the same size.

As Sam has explained, there is not much reason to have the milled receiver compared to a quality stamped receiver AK variant unless you like the heavier weight. I have both milled and stamped quality AK types and there's no difference in performance. Quality in country of origin is considered highest with the Bulgarian and Russian source AK types whether milled or stamped. The VEPR rifles used the 1.5-mm as opposed to 1-mm stampings and produce a good AK. Where you would find greater differences is in the more expensive firearms where fit and finish and alignment is more precise and the furniture can be of better quality. If I were buying today I would get a NoDak receiver and have the carbine built by a skilled US builder. Below are some shops that consistently produce high quality AK type carbines.

http://www.inrangec2.com/
http://www.krebscustom.com/KalashnikovRifles.shtml
http://www.ak-103.com/rifles.html

 

[Sam1911]

14mm AK threading is left handed and your muzzle device may not be left handed or the same size.

The PWS (non-flash-hiding) flash-hiding compensator he linked to is 14x1 LH.

 

[jason41987]

milled AKs will cost you about twice the price for more weight and very, very little increase in accuracy over a conventional AKM style rifle.. AKM patterns have more aftermarket for them and in my opinion are better... should you do anything to damage an AKM receiver you just grind the rivets off and rivet on a new receiver for $30

are you settled on 7.62x39?.. i wouldnt go with 5.45x39, but 5.56x45 is an option offered by arsenal thats going to be cheaper and easier to find ammo for and give you more range (7.62x39 drops like a rock after only a couple hundred yards)

 

[MIL-DOT]

IMO, that kind of money for an AK is absolute insanity....and I say that as a HUGE fan of AK's. Hell, $1600 for an AR is ridiculous, but for an AK, it's lunacy.
My advice would be to spend some time checking Armslist.com for your area, and going from there. You could get THREE perfectly good,reliable,uncanted, WASR's for less than that $1600 rifle from Atlantic, plus no paper trail, which is looking like a better idea every day. (I've also seen lots of nicer AK's there as well, like Arsenals, for much less than $1600).
And then, you could do your own re-finish job on the wooden furniture for very little money. It's not difficult, it's actually pretty fun, and you'll be quite surprised at how nice they come out after some sanding, Minwax stain and some Tru-oil.

P.S. As already stated, milled recievers on AK's do nothing more than add weight and cost ( and a lot of both.) Their supposed benefits are urban legend nonsense

 

[mshootnit]

the smart money is on the SLR101S rifle. I have owned two. These are the rifles that Arsenal built their name on. I definitely know which one I would get if it was a one and done deal.

 

[jason41987]

if youre looking to spend that kind of money on a 7.62x39mm rifle, get a sig 556R.. can use AK magazines, long-stroke piston operated, pretty similar to an AK but well, well refined and far more ergonomic... close to AR accuracy too... if you want an AK $1600 is just a waste of money

 

[JHansenAK47]

the smart money is on the SLR101S rifle.

+1
It has the scope rail that you want which the other doesn't have and it is 600 less than the other one.

I however would suggest this rifle.
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct1226.aspx
It has the wood stock you want already on it. It has an RPK style receiver so the bolt rides butter smooth like a milled rifle and it is stiffer than a regular stamped receiver. Only thing is the muzzlebrake is pinned so you aren't going to be able that pws compensator on it. I however find that style of brake quite pleasant to shoot on my VEPR and would pick it over the PWS.

 

[mshootnit]

I've owned three milled rifles, two reinforced RPK style AK;s, and at least three stamped rifles. The milled rifles are audibly and perceptively smoother. And their accuracy is almost always at the top of the heap, at least the ones with the Steyr technology chrome lined barrel. There is a reason the SA-M7 A1R is so expensive. They are very nice. The above linked suggestion is also a very nice option. That looks like the old Robinson pinned brake, I wonder where they are getting the old Rob arms parts.

 

[jason41987]

I've owned three milled rifles, two reinforced RPK style AK;s, and at least three stamped rifles. The milled rifles are audibly and perceptively smoother. And their accuracy is almost always at the top of the heap, at least the ones with the Steyr technology chrome lined barrel. There is a reason the SA-M7 A1R is so expensive. They are very nice. The above linked suggestion is also a very nice option. That looks like the old Robinson pinned brake, I wonder where they are getting the old Rob arms parts.

theres also a reason nearly every AK equipped military has gone back to stamped AK designs... the slight edge offered by milled AKs just isnt worth the added weight and cost

 

[romanhastati]

14mm AK threading is left handed and your muzzle device may not be left handed or the same size.

As Sam has explained, there is not much reason to have the milled receiver compared to a quality stamped receiver AK variant unless you like the heavier weight. I have both milled and stamped quality AK types and there's no difference in performance. Quality in country of origin is considered highest with the Bulgarian and Russian source AK types whether milled or stamped. The VEPR rifles used the 1.5-mm as opposed to 1-mm stampings and produce a good AK. Where you would find greater differences is in the more expensive firearms where fit and finish and alignment is more precise and the furniture can be of better quality. If I were buying today I would get a NoDak receiver and have the carbine built by a skilled US builder. Below are some shops that consistently produce high quality AK type carbines.

I honestly can't tell you why that first is "better" than the second. They're both milled (the Soviet stop-gap design before they perfected stamped receivers), which is either better or worse than a stamped receiver, depending on how well you understand Kalashnikovs.

The stock set won't work. That's for a stamped AK with a straight cut rear receiver.

The "Flash Suppressing Compensator" should fit. But what the heck does this mean? "All of the FSC Series muzzle devices have been classified as a non-flash suppressing device by the BATFE." So, it's basically a lookie-loo sort of thing, but doesn't do anything?

Only the second rifle has a side-mount optics rail, so that would be an obvious choice if you're going to add the red-dot.

Thanks for the honesty I appreciate it. The second I read it I changed my options to something thas seems to be "better" from what I gathered. Since both of my new options are now stamped the stock should fit then correct, PLUS both have the side rail mount thing.

I dont mind weight as I am coming from a HK91 which honestly does not feel "weighty" at all and have done lots of drills with it. But less weight is never a bad thing so I have changed my mind to 2 rifles now. These are the two. Either the KREBS CUSTOM SPEED LOAD TACTICAL RIFLE our this
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct1102.aspx
The krebs flanged magazine is freaking awesome thats my main complain against my hks is hitting those expensive hk93 mags against the magwell =). The krebs is cheaper then the sam 7 as well and its one of the builders you mentioned.

The PWS (non-flash-hiding) flash-hiding compensator he linked to is 14x1 LH.

Its a compensator so it helps with recoil felt and seend. The reason they want it ruled non flash suppresing is some areas cant have em our even countries, so now since its ruled non flashing you can attach it without worry. I have one on my hk91 and 93 and its helps crazy.

milled AKs will cost you about twice the price for more weight and very, very little increase in accuracy over a conventional AKM style rifle.. AKM patterns have more aftermarket for them and in my opinion are better... should you do anything to damage an AKM receiver you just grind the rivets off and rivet on a new receiver for $30

are you settled on 7.62x39?.. i wouldnt go with 5.45x39, but 5.56x45 is an option offered by arsenal thats going to be cheaper and easier to find ammo for and give you more range (7.62x39 drops like a rock after only a couple hundred yards)

I am def settled on 7.62x39 as I can get easy range with my kar 98 and hk93 and 91, my 3 hk93's 2 of them being clones are 5.56 I would like something bigger for close to mid range as thats the only thing lacking from my little collection.

As I am writing this that krebs is crying out to me and it looks so polished its hard should I spend the extra 200 and get the krebs? Again thanks for all your time and input guys I really appreciate it. Will look forward to more replys!

Best regards,
Luis

 

[jason41987]

well, id go for an arsenal AK then.. very high quality products.. love what the bulgarians are doing

 

[dcarch]

The first is superior because it's 600 dollars more. I'm serious, actually. So many people fall for the line that "this is more money, so it must be better." Honestly, either one will be a rifle that should last you a lifetime. If I was you, I'd save the extra money and buy your significant other a nice dinner date and flowers to "make up" for the new rifle.

 

[JHenry]

the sa m7's receiver is milled in the us and is made to accept double stack mags.

The SLR 101's receiver was milled in bulgaria to accept single stack mags, was brought over and then had the magwell opened up.

Thats the primary difference between the two. I dont think youd go wrong just getting the SLR 101 and replacing the flash hider with a muzzle nut(unless you want to keep that)

 

[Ian]

At four figures for an AK, you're buying the name engraved on the side. If you're going to lay out that kind of money, keep saving and buy a Valmet. It's equally well made and overpriced, but it has a lot more provenance than Arsenal.

 

[JHenry]

or find a nice milled mak 90. I bought mine for 950 with the thumbhole already swapped out.. it lacks the cleaning rod, threaded barrel, and bayo lug but i didnt really need any of that anyhow.

Plus the blued finish is alot nicer than arsenal paint imo.

You may be able to find some various other milled aks if you hunt around long enough but other than maybe a century 1960 polish(which is more american than i would like) or c39(which i wouldnt trust you probably wont find anything else in a timely manner.

the milled yugos and other variants are few and far between

 

[romanhastati]

What about that krebs model seems reasonable?

Edit: Just took a look at those valmets and my god they are ugly.

or find a nice milled mak 90. I bought mine for 950 with the thumbhole already swapped out.. it lacks the cleaning rod, threaded barrel, and bayo lug but i didnt really need any of that anyhow.

Plus the blued finish is alot nicer than arsenal paint imo.

You may be able to find some various other milled aks if you hunt around long enough but other than maybe a century 1960 polish(which is more american than i would like) or c39(which i wouldnt trust you probably wont find anything else in a timely manner.

the milled yugos and other variants are few and far between

Theres one for 900 on arms list and comes with this

FTF in Central MN or to your FFL on your dime/Actual Shipping.

Norinco MAK-90 - $900

Chambered - 7.62x39

Muzzle Break – pinned AK-74

Barrel-Chrome-Length – 16.25”

Blackjack Recoil Buffer

Collapsible - Folding Stock w/ Recoil Pad
(Adjustable Cheek Rest - 2 Sling Mount Points)

Tri-Rail Scope Mount (See -Thru for Iron Sight use)

Quad Rail Forearm Grip

Folding Forearm Grip
(Has Optic Power/Switch well)

1.25” 2-Point Sling

Scope - 4 x 20 Red Star

Bi-Pod - Fold-up Clamp-On

8-30 Rd Mags Original Steel

1-5 " "

8-Mag Caps

2-Mag Speed Loaders

2-Mag Pouches (5 Mags Each EGerman Rain Camo)


Comes with:

Original Blonde Wood (99%)
Original Receiver Cvr w/1" Rings
New Std AK47 Receiver Cvr

Real Sweet Shooter !!

 

[JHenry]

What about that krebs model seems reasonable?

Edit: Just took a look at those valmets and my god they are ugly.



Theres one for 900 on arms list and comes with this

FTF in Central MN or to your FFL on your dime/Actual Shipping.

Norinco MAK-90 - $900

Chambered - 7.62x39

Muzzle Break – pinned AK-74

Barrel-Chrome-Length – 16.25”

Blackjack Recoil Buffer

Collapsible - Folding Stock w/ Recoil Pad
(Adjustable Cheek Rest - 2 Sling Mount Points)

Tri-Rail Scope Mount (See -Thru for Iron Sight use)

Quad Rail Forearm Grip

Folding Forearm Grip
(Has Optic Power/Switch well)

1.25” 2-Point Sling

Scope - 4 x 20 Red Star

Bi-Pod - Fold-up Clamp-On

8-30 Rd Mags Original Steel

1-5 " "

8-Mag Caps

2-Mag Speed Loaders

2-Mag Pouches (5 Mags Each EGerman Rain Camo)


Comes with:

Original Blonde Wood (99%)
Original Receiver Cvr w/1" Rings
New Std AK47 Receiver Cvr

Real Sweet Shooter !!

i dont see this one, but fyi replacing the furniture on a milled mak 90 isnt very cheap so if its not already done be sure to use that point to get the best possible deal, ideally look for >800, which isnt unheard of unless its nib

 

[romanhastati]

http://www.armslist.com/posts/497614/minnesota-rifles-for-sale-trade--7-62x39-ak-sks-battle-pack

 

[JHenry]

well thats a tacticooled stamped mak.

That rifle is way overpriced imo, plus im almost certain he wants a milled ak considering his options were the SA M7 and SLR 101

 

[Fremmer]

The slr looks nice, and you'll have money to spend on the side mount, glass, and ammo. The bulgarian milled rifle looks well made. I have a hard time seeing spending more than $1000 or so on an ak, but if you're gonna get one, you might as well get something nice, right?

 

[romanhastati]

So If I get this rifle http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct1102.aspx what kind of compensator is good to get? Our is this one suffecient.

 

[JHenry]

if you want to get a milled rifle get the milled, espically if your going to be spending the same amount on a stamped model.

As for muzzle brakes/flash suppressors the 74 brake isnt bad but i prefer the look of a muzzle nut. And should you want to put a nut or slant brake on that praticular model your SOL since it isnt 14x1 LH

 

[mshootnit]

for that rifle I would leave the stock compensator on there.
That's about as nice a folding stamped ak as you will find. You sure have a nose for decent AK's