Which AK?

[Nick1911]

OK... On March 29, I will turn 18 years old. To celebrate I have decided to buy an AK clone. (I found them appealing for many reasons, cheap ammo, reliable, politically incorrect ) I *thought* I had figured out which one I was going to buy, but the shop that had it now only has the lo-cap version. From local shops I seem to have 2 choices:

1) WASR-10; hi-cap, $329, comes with (2) 30 round mags.

2) SAR-1; hi-cap, $339 (on sale), comes with (1) 40 rd mag.

I like the SAR-1 better because it seems better made. Both WASR-10's I handled had loose stocks. So based on this info, what would you buy, and why?

 

[Feanaro]

I'd take the SAR-1. The SAR series seem better built than the WASRs... although I'm not a big AK fan/expert.

 

[Nick1911]

& another question i forgot, are these prices fair?
Thanks

 

[10mmshooter]

Get the SAR-1, and don't look back! They are no longer being imported, and prices will only go up. Make sure the gas tube, and front sight are staight, and you should be good to go.
BTW....Those prices seem very fair for a local shop. You aren't likely to find a better deal anytime soon.

 

[RustyHammer]

I have a WASR, SAR-1 and SAR-2 (5.45x39).

I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite.

Not much difference between the WASR and the SAR-1, except that the WASR started it's "life" as a low-cap/single-stack receiver and was converted to a double-stack receiver by CAI. Both are produced at the same factory in Romania.

I'd go more for fit and finish (of the individual rifle) than a particular label. Check the mag for wobble and the trigger for trigger "flap", if possible. Also, as mentioned, check the front sights to make sure they're not canted. (Those are some of the more common problems.)

Price range you mentioned are fine, depending upon where you're at, and the mags that you mentioned.

You probably should check out: http://www.ak-47.net too. Good sight, great info.

Lock and load,

Rusty

 

[Black92LX]

www.aimsurplus.com has a better price!

289.99

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Romanian_AK_WASR_10_7_62x39_Rifle.html

 

[Nick1911]

Thanks for the info. I think that I'll buy the SAR-1; it seemed to feel better, more soild so to speak. Oh and although they are cheaper on the internet, I think that this will probably be easier face to face, seeing as I'll be buying this on my 18th birthday; walk in with $400 and walk out with an AK and change. (or not; ammo... ).

One more question, I know that when they call the fbi it can come back as either approved, delayed, or not approved. Being as this is on my 18th birthday, is it any more likley that it'll come back delayed? (I can't see them not approving it, I have an absolutly flawless record) The reason I ask is because it is more then an hour drive each way, and these will be on school days.

Thanks

Nick

 

[Mulliga]

Pretty good prices. Snap them up!

 

[cool45auto]

I bought a WASR-10 last Sunday. It was $329 and came with the thumbhole stock, a regular stock and a pistol grip, a sling, a cleaning kit, two 40 round mags and a 30 round mag! Shot it for the first time today and couldn't be happier.

 

[Black92LX]

check for canted sites on those SAR 1's it's a problem they had

 

[KaceCoyote]

Nick I bought my Marlin 336 .30-30(Best gun ever!) on my 18nth birthday, had -no- problems. Pay in cash, and print as clear as you can on all the paperwork.

 

[bad_dad_brad]

I too like the SAR-1. I only paid $320 for mine about a year ago. The price has gone up.

I would also second the lever action .30-30 - Marlin or Winchester. A hedge against any sort of "assault" weapon ban.

 

[igor]

The Bulgarian Arsenal products have an unbeatable quality/price -ratio.

 

[OEF_VET]

For the $10 price difference, go with the SAR-1. The only WASR that I've fired has a problem fitting some magazines. From what I've heard, the folks doing the modifications didn't do that great of a job sometimes. Maybe that rifle was the last one the guy did on a Friday before work let out, and he was in a rush to get to happy hour, I don't know. One bit of warning about the SAR's and WASR's, watch out for trigger slap. Some of them are prone to this affliction, which will cause your trigger finger to be mildly sore after a long day of shooting. It's easy to remedy with a new fire control group though. (My next project for my SAR-1.)

Enjoy whatever you buy. Happy Birthday also.

Frank

 

[Nick1911]

Thanks. I've pretty much decided that I'm going to buy the SAR-1. Now the really hard part, waiting.

(Watch, knowing my luck it'll be sold by the 29th... )

Nick

 

[forquidder]

AK purchase

Maybe you could put a deposit on it and have the shop hold it until you are legal.

 

[Nick1911]

Maybe you could put a deposit on it and have the shop hold it until you are legal.

Yea I considered doing that, but I remembered seeing it in there a few months ago, so it'll probably be alright.

One other quick question, is it safe to dry fire these? I'd think it would be, being as it's a centerfire and all, but does anyone know?

Nick

 

[RustyHammer]

Yea I considered doing that, but I remembered seeing it in there a few months ago, so it'll probably be alright.

You've obviously never heard of Murphy!

(... as in Murphy's Law: "If anything can go wrong, it will ... ")

Lock and load,

Rusty

 

[igor]

There'll be absolutely no technical problem dry firing an AK. Obviously, you'll have no live ammunition in the vicinity and always observe the basic rules... .

Remotely related: what you want to observe is that the firing pin is always well mobile in its place, i.e. you can hear and feel it "pling" from back to front and reverse when shaking a separated bolt in your hand. Never fill the bolt with oil or do anything to gunk it up... you might get surprise full auto which won't be fun. Seldom seen but possible.

 

[Nick1911]

Awsome. And yea, always the 4 rules. So AK's have free-floating fireing pins like a garand?
Nick