So I am going to buy an AK....

[WrongHanded]

I've settled my desires on an AK of some sort, chambered in 7.62x39.

The AK market is a little overwhelming. Lots of options, prices in flux, varying quality, etc. I know I want a fixed stock, and traditional iron sights. I'm happy to spend around $1000, but not much more.

I've handled a Zastava ZPAP M70, and had no complaint about what I saw. They're now distributing in the US for themselves, which should be useful if I have any issues. I've also heard good things about PSA from the Gen 3 up. I thought the Gen 4 with the chrome lined barrel might be a good option, and again warranty coverage should be simplified. Other than that, WBP is a new name that just came up.

I probably can order online in many cases. I may also be able to find some imports in certain local stores. I recently handled a Kalashnikov, and couldn't figure out why the price tag was over $1300, other than brand name and limited availability.

So, input and discussion welcome. An AK will be my next purchase, I just don't know which one yet.

 

[N555]

Whatever you get make sure it has a forged trunion.

 

[Tinker-S]

Whatever you get make sure it had a forged trunion.

What N555 said on his post.
I would also be inclined to buy WBP. Their price is very competitive, and their stuff is (Supposedly) made in Poland. Their stuff looks really good.
I had one built by M+M, and it was very nice, but I did not have a need for it anymore. Sold it to a buddy for $400. It came with a double stage trigger, and Magpul furniture. The trigger makes a big difference, since most people complains about the "trigger slap". I wear gloves when at the range, so it was not an issue for me. If I were to go back, I would go with a WBP. I do not see a need for an adjustable gas block, but some people likes the fact that it makes it easier if using suppressor. Iron sights makes it a very short effective range rifle, but Midwest Industries make the best AK scope mounts, no questions.
The push rod on my M+M did show some peening after a few hundred rounds, but it did not affect function at all. I did buy a push rod, just in case, and it is still in the parts bin, along with some steel magazines, and left-over ammo, just in case.

 

[481]

Milled Arsenal M7 series: high quality and durability all in one package.

 

[Ignition Override]

WrongHanded:
WBP Fox. But they can sell out quickly, depending on so many ever-changing market, inflation, and perceived political factors.

I've never seen, other than with recent ZPAPs (mine has been perfect), so many nice reviews of a civilian AKM. Being retired, I've spent a couple of hours reading such compliments on both AKforums and AKfiles.
The skeptical/(often) cynical guys on the 'Files only approve of the Best Guns, Period, ie the WBPs, recent ZPAPs. Arsenals began to have canted sights at one time.

Gun Digest: "...Fox...nice rivets, No canted sights, no pre-scratched parts (as with some Romanian AKMs)...".
For me reliability/durability are the objectives, but when a gun has very high quality control And a very attractive finish, that can't be surpassed.

No WBPs were available for a few months --- due to Atlantic Firearms quickly selling out their Polish AKMs--- When I had avail. cash in 2021 for another imported AKM.
That's Exactly why I bought a ZPAP, but had wanted a Fox instead.

Quite frankly, recently my desire for my first "battle rifles" in .308 (PTR-91, my FAL + the nib M1A) has further delayed buying a WBP "AKM", and luckily 7,62x39 ammo will always cost Far less than .308 ammo.

 

[Beck]

Not to rock the boat, but get a Ruger Mini-30.

Lots of good reasons why if you want to hear about it.

 

[JCooperfan1911]

Not to rock the boat, but get a Ruger Mini-30.

Lots of good reasons why if you want to hear about it.

Another vote for the Ruger Mini-30.

MUCH better guns than any AK. Don’t look like a commie gun either which is a big plus unto itself.

 

[WrongHanded]

Not to rock the boat, but get a Ruger Mini-30.

Lots of good reasons why if you want to hear about it.

If the Mini-30 is anything like the Mini-14 I have, I'm sure the reasons are many. However, I'm set on an AK. Actually I just dropped about $250 on mags, a sight tool, Rob Ski's book 'AK Boot Camp', a cleaning kit, cleaning rod, and a sling. So I'm committed.

 

[BreechFace]

Keeping to around $1,000, here are some in stock (as of 03/26/23) options I would consider:

Hungarian AK63F - Radom barrel, Childers receiver - $1,169

WBP Jack 7.62 Classic - Radom barrel, close copy of original AKM, no side rail for optics for a traditional look - $1,199

Zastava ZPAP M70 - bulged front trunnion, heavier 1.5mm receiver, these receivers were made for the RPK style AK, unnecessary weight (IMHO) but made well, CHF barrel - $992

The Zastava would serve you well, the main differences between it and the WBP and Hungarian options would be the barrel and receiver differences. The Zastava keeps you honest with your budget.

Radom barrels have a reputation of quality and good accuracy. Zastava doesn’t specify who makes their barrel, but I’ve heard nothing bad about them or the accuracy in context of AK. The thicker 1.5mm receiver and blushed front trunnion is what one desires, I like keeping my iron sighted AK’s light, and I feel those features are not important for my needs, but not to say they are in themselves bad. Just preference.

Check around for better prices than the ones I linked but I think you’ll find those are the best prices of in stock AK’s.

As far as the WBP Jack or Fox, I’m in the Jack camp as I don’t care for the Beryl type rear trunnion setup on the Fox which is the difference between the two. But personal preference.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

Good to hear you made a choice.

 

[BreechFace]

I tried putting this picture in my comment above but here are the differences on the rear trunnion if it helps:

You can see the “WBP Fixed Stock” Trunnion would be the Jack.

The “WBP Beryl” would be the Fox

The raised cylinder on the Beryl type allows for dust cover replacements for a pic rail dust cover it provides a secondary secure attachment at the rear trunnion for better lock up for optic rail consistency.

 

[JB111]

Another vote for the Ruger Mini-30.

MUCH better guns than any AK. Don’t look like a commie gun either which is a big plus unto itself.

Sorry but that is just an opinion and one that is not really based in any fact. Sounds more like personal bias than a real suggestion.

To answer the op question: Stick with the imports, especially for your first AK purchase. Imports are always teetering on the edge of not being available anymore, so it is best to snag one while they are readily available. If you are wanting a new production AK, there really are only a handful of choices that are good. Cugir, WBP, Zastava, FB Radom and Arsenal. If budget is of no concern go with Arsenal Sam7 or FB Radom Beryl. These are top notch. WBP Fox/Jack and Zastava M70 zpap are mid tier very good guns with good fit and finish. The Cugir Wasr is the budget option, but still a step above any domestic AK imo. Although any company can have qc issues, the wasr has been notorious for canted sights and loose magazine fitment, so that is something to watch out for. Also, the Zastava and arsenal takes unique furniture where as the wasr and WBP offerings take standard akm.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

What is a trunnion? Even with the pic i can't figure it out.

 

[WrongHanded]

Keeping to around $1,000, here are some in stock (as of 03/26/23) options I would consider:

Hungarian AK63F - Radom barrel, Childers receiver - $1,169

WBP Jack 7.62 Classic - Radom barrel, close copy of original AKM, no side rail for optics for a traditional look - $1,199

Zastava ZPAP M70 - bulged front trunnion, heavier 1.5mm receiver, these receivers were made for the RPK style AK, unnecessary weight (IMHO) but made well, CHF barrel - $992

The Zastava would serve you well, the main differences between it and the WBP and Hungarian options would be the barrel and receiver differences. The Zastava keeps you honest with your budget.

Radom barrels have a reputation of quality and good accuracy. Zastava doesn’t specify who makes their barrel, but I’ve heard nothing bad about them or the accuracy in context of AK. The thicker 1.5mm receiver and blushed front trunnion is what one desires, I like keeping my iron sighted AK’s light, and I feel those features are not important for my needs, but not to say they are in themselves bad. Just preference.

Check around for better prices than the ones I linked but I think you’ll find those are the best prices of in stock AK’s.

As far as the WBP Jack or Fox, I’m in the Jack camp as I don’t care for the Beryl type rear trunnion setup on the Fox which is the difference between the two. But personal preference.

Much appreciated! I think I'm going to check one or two local stores, now that I have a better idea of what names to look for and some idea of pricing. But if I come up dry, those look like some good options to consider.

 

[trackskippy]

Ive had a number of AK's over the years and found that the guns made where they issue them, almost always work and shoot better than the guns made or assembled here from parts.

And other than "looks", price really didnt seem to make a difference. My lowly SAR's and WASR's shot just as good as my Kreb's converted Saiga. Both ends of the cost spectrum there.


And the poor accuracy crap you always seem to hear, is from people who cant shoot, and/or bought a parts gun. If you have a reasonable example of an AK, it will shoot just fine. They arent target rifles, but they will shoot. If that style iron sight is a challenge for you, and you want to make it a bit easier, just put a red dot on it, and I think youll find they shoot very much like an AR with the same red dot on it.

 

[WrongHanded]

What is a trunnion? Even with the pic i can't figure it out.

My understanding from watching Rob Ski from AK Operators Union is that the front trunnion is where the bolt locks in at the barrel. And the rear trunnion is where the mainspring guide rod attaches and where the bolt carrier's rearward travel stops.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

If the Mini-30 is anything like the Mini-14 I have, I'm sure the reasons are many. However, I'm set on an AK. Actually I just dropped about $250 on mags, a sight tool, Rob Ski's book 'AK Boot Camp', a cleaning kit, cleaning rod, and a sling. So I'm committed.

Good choice. Ive got AKs and Minis and would take the AK over the Ruger if I had to choose, with the sole exception of ease of scope mounting on the Mini. Dont rule out a clean used Norinco if one drops your way. Even the ones made for the commercial trade are good, durable guns. Must be lucky, as Ive had 3 Chicoms, a Yugo, and a Maadi and never experienced trigger slap or anything less than acceptable accuracy.
Of the choices you listed Id go with the Zastava, but thats the only one Ive personal experience with and it was excellent.
Good luck!

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

My understanding from watching Rob Ski from AK Operators Union is that the front trunnion is where the bolt locks in at the barrel. And the rear trunnion is where the mainspring guide rod attaches and where the bolt carrier's rearward travel stops.

They are the two solid forged/cast/milled blocks to which all the other important bits are riveted/threaded/pinned.

 

[JB111]

What is a trunnion? Even with the pic i can't figure it out.

Those are rear trunnions in the picture. The front trunnion is A LOT more important.

A front trunnion is what the barrel is pressed into and is used to set headspace. It also helps contain the explosion when you shoot the gun. A bad trunnion or a bad install or improper headspacing can cause a kaboom.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

I have a ZPAP and PSA GF3.

Recommend both. The ZPAP has more street cred, but it's super duper heavy with its beefy receiver.

The PSA is sweet. Seems all issues are worked out, plus you get a good warranty with some sort of customer service.

If you are unsure, I would just go with a Blem PSA and be done with it until you get a lot more rounds to see what you like/don't like about AKs

 

[Sgt_Mike1]

@WrongHanded wish you the best of luck in your choice.

As I'm not a fan of a AK although is a fine enough system it is a personal choice so no bashing or even recommending a different platform from me. I can't provide a response such as others have to which brands are best on the commercial market i apologize for not being able to do so . Just posted so I can watch your success in your quest.

 

[WrongHanded]

So the Zastava ZPAP sounds to be a solid option, but possibly overbuilt and therefore unnecessarily heavy? How much additional weight are we talking about?

 

[JB111]

The zpap is over built, that much is true. They weigh around 8 pounds unloaded if I remember correctly. That puts it anywhere from 1/2 to 1 pound heavier than comparable ak's. I have 2 of them, and have never found them to be unyielding or overly bulky, just solid.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

The extra weight tends to mitigate recoil and muzzle rise too, especially during rapid fire. 7.62x39 isnt a shoulder bruiser, but you still definitely know when you've lit one off. Keeping the front post on target is an aquired skill, and the lighter examples do benefit from a slant-cut muzzle device.

 

[Fooey]

I watched the online auctions for a year and got a pre-ban Norinco NIB for an arm and a leg. Now my favorite place to eat is IHop! But the rifle shoots great. Dont let anyone tell you they are inaccurate. They are accurate as any other milsurp out there. It will shoot better than I can and I ain't too bad. Great fun for new shooters. Those shooting one for the first time have a big smile on every time I tell them to do a mag dump.