Why Are AKs So Much More Expensive Than they used to Be?

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because parts kits are getting harder to find and more expensive... barrels are more expensive too... sucks...
 
there is also a pattern that American shooters have toward the acceptance of Russian/East Bloc/Red Chinese firearms.

This is a factor, for sure. I've noticed a number of guys who trained on the AR's switching to AK's recently. The availability of nice AK's and a recognition that they can be a serious platform for tactical purposes is sinking in.

I remember back in the late 90's when I brought my SAR-1 to the range, a fellow was actually angry at me for shooting a communist gun.
 
This is a factor, for sure. I've noticed a number of guys who trained on the AR's switching to AK's recently. The availability of nice AK's and a recognition that they can be a serious platform for tactical purposes is sinking in.

Heh not around here :neener:
 
Sam1911: It's very easy cleaning corrosive residue in my bolt actions.
And as soon as a non-Century AK 74 is available here FTF for $250, I'll rush out and buy my first AK.
A Tech Sight is also available.
 
And as soon as a non-Century AK 74 is available here FTF for $250, I'll rush out and buy my first AK.
Uh...$250?

That price hasn't been realistic in quite a few years.
 
Sam, thanks for beating me to that.

And xxjumbojimboxx, AKs don't need forward assists because they don't have non-reciprocating charging handles.
More proof to the point as you just pointed out a major design difference, that in turn leads to more maintenance.

My view on AR's may be a little cloudy though as I've only had cheap ones... They all fire well when clean... My oly-arms , post ban (not made in a complete hurry) would start to get sticky if i didnt clean it..

Sorry i didnt mention that part earlier. :)
 
What's a good value in AKs now? I have looked at AKs for 15 years now without having picked one up. The Bulgarians that were $500 back then are what $1200 now? No thanks. An AK just doesnt feel like a $1000 gun to me.
 
sam1911: Quite true. But having a really good SKS with the TS200 Tech Sight, $250 is all that any AK-74 would be worth to me, just to be able to shoot such really cheap centerfire ammo.

My decisions as to which guns to buy are mostly based on ammo prices (in normal times).
 
Why Are AKs So Much More Expensive Than they used to Be?

The AK can't be imported as a complete weapon anymore

The value of the US dollar isn't what it was 10-20 years ago

The US parts required to be in newly made AK's are more expensive than the surplus parts in the demilled kits

AK's are made with US labor which is more expensive than slave labor in the third world countries we used to get complete AK's from
 
What's a good value in AKs now? I have looked at AKs for 15 years now without having picked one up. The Bulgarians that were $500 back then are what $1200 now?

Those $500 Bulgarians were probably parts guns assembled in the US on an American receiver. Today, Bulgarians are available of which all the most critical parts, including receiver and barrel, are built and assembled in Bulgaria in the same factory that makes the military version. Before the panic they were going for under a grand.
 
AKs are now priced par with ARs because of many factors. It has also gained acceptance and respect in the American market after 25 yrs since they ve been imported . And the great about it is the bulk ammo surplus are better priced compared to the 5.56. They are also available in these difficult times so what s not to like . The value overall goes up .
 
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More proof to the point as you just pointed out a major design difference, that in turn leads to more maintenance.

Jumbojim, I'm not sure why you would think a non-reciprocating charging handle has anything to do with more maintenance. As I stated earlier, my ARs require no more maintenance than my AKs.

Sorry you've only had ARs from crappy makers. FYI- there are plenty of crappily-made AKs out there too.
 
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