Yugo AK: M70AB1 vs B2 and felt recoil / other factors

[jad0110]

I know that there are lots of AK threads floating around, but I did not want to hijack any, hence yet another thread .

I have been bitten by the AK-clone bug, and will be purchasing my first shortly. I was interested in a solid, basic no-frills model for an affordable price (chambered in 7.62 x 39), and it seems that the Yugoslavian M70 fits the bill nicely. I will probably purchase online from http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/New_Long_Guns.html, as I don't see too many AKs in my area and the nearest good gun show is a 5 hr round trip.

I am having a hard time deciding between the more traditional M70AB1 with the wood stock and the underfolder M70AB2. At this time, I am leaning more towards the traditional wood stock variant. I've heard lots of great testimonials about the underfolder though, but looking at the photos I've seen it looks like it would be less comfortable to shoot.

FYI, this will used for range fun (not to mention it is my way of flipping the bird at the gun haters ). Though I suppose in a really bad SHTF situation (ala another 9/11 or Katrina), it may come in handy alongside my pump shotgun.

So what say you? Which do you/would you prefer and why? What are the pros and cons to each?

Thank you for your input!

 

[Mikee Loxxer]

Get the fixed stock rifle. Folders suck.

 

[scbair]

Purely as a range rifle? Fixed stock, for sure.

I have a Yugo M70 underfolder under my pickup seat, 'cause it's a nice, compavt package. The M70 underfolder is (due to the lockup angle) more comfy to shoot than most underfolders (my opinion), but not as ergonomic as the Yugo wood fixed stock.

 

[rbernie]

Get the fixed stock; the underfolder locks you in to one stock style for the life of the receiver, due to the cuts in the receiver that mount the folding mechanism. The fixed stock has a 'standard' receiver/trunnion.

You can always put an Ace sidefolder on the fixed stock variant if you get the hankering for a folding stock; it's much nicer than the underfolder anyway.

 

[az_imuth]

The M70's seem to be well built and reliable rifles. I have one of the M70AB2 underfolders and love it for its portability. The stock locks up nice and tight with very little wobble. I did braid some leather around the left side of the folder to help with the cheek weld and it has worked out quite well. While I wouldn't trade my folder for a full-stock version, I have been considering ordering the full-stock just to have one of each.

One other consideration in making your decision should be whether or not folders will be an option for much longer due to the political climate. If you don't get one now, you may be forced to pay a hefty premium if you decide that you want one in the future.

azimuth

 

[Tin Gizel]

I have both Yugo's; a fixed stock and underfolder.

I prefer shooting the fixed stock, although the underfolder isn't bad.

Pros for Fixed Stock: More robust - won't bend. Better cheekweld IMO.
Pros for Underfolder: smaller package, good enough cheekweld.

Heck, you could get both for the price of an AR.....

 

[nalioth]

The fixed stock has a 'standard' receiver/trunnion.

"Standard" for Yugoslavian fixed stock AKs and RPKs, maybe. Pretty much only the trigger group and muzzle threads on a Yugo AK/RPK are standardized among Kalashnikovs.

The nice thing is that Ace (or somebody) makes an adapter for the fixed stock Yugo AK/RPK so you can use an Ace fixed/folding stock on it.

I don't care for underfolders, either.

 

[jad0110]

Thanks for all the info. Fixed stock it is!

I got a chance to handle a SAR-1 and two different Yugo underfolds today. I definitely preferred the feel of the fixed stock, though I was unimpressed with the quality of that particular Romanian. The prices on the two M70AB2 rifles were a little steep and ludicrous: $539 and $899 .

You can always put an Ace sidefolder on the fixed stock variant if you get the hankering for a folding stock; it's much nicer than the underfolder anyway.

Great suggestion, I did not think of that ... thanks!

 

[Mojo-jo-jo]

$539 is a little on the high side, but I haven't seen them for less than $499, and that was about a year ago. $899 now, that's just ridiculous. You can get a rather nice AR-15 for less.

There's quite a bit of political scare factor going on, and price of guns is up in general, especially EBR's, and super-especially any folder. With each new mall shooting and hysterical media piece over "assault weapons," the price rises some more.

FWIW, I have the M70AB2. I went with the synthetic because it is black and the price difference was only $10. I could tell no practical difference between the wood and synthetic otherwise, they are about the same weight. Actually, the Yugo underfolding stock is surprisingly comfortable. It looks like it would be uncomfortable as heck, but really isn't bad.

 

[Macmac]

I'm all ears WHY THE PRICE differnces?

I have 2 Sar-1's with wood of course and the yugo underfolder and I can't say as I like that cheek weld much. If fits places..

 

[jad0110]

I'm all ears WHY THE PRICE differnces?

The shop selling the underfolder for $899 was selling S&W 642s (without lasergrips) for $539 and a 98% S&W Model 10-5 for $499.

He did have a NICE selection though ... fun to look.

I have a Yugo M70 underfolder under my pickup seat, 'cause it's a nice, compavt package.

Dang, in NC that would be considered concealment of a long arm (within easy reach of the user), which is strictly illegal (even with a CCW). The CCW only covers handguns. Yeah, NC may be a gun friendly state (overall), but we do have some mighty strange firearms laws here . If it was legal to conceal it under the seat here, I might consider it. Lucky you .

 

[dstorm1911]

Mojo-jo-jo, here ya go just so ya can update your "I haven't seen under" to the current price range of $419 - $439

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Yugoslavian_AK_M70AB1_7.62x39_Rifle.html

 

[jad0110]

dstorm,

Just ordered a M70AB1 from AIM a few minutes ago, I can't wait ! I've joined the AK club!

Somewhere, someplace ... a hoplophobe is wetting his pants . Maybe one day I'll buy a set of extra politically incorrect, super evil black furniture for it too!

That is one of the better deals I have found, and it comes with two 30 round mags. It is missing the cleaning rod (kinda looks naked without it), so I ordered one from akparts.com, along with a front sight adjustment tool.

 

[Mojo-jo-jo]

Mojo-jo-jo, here ya go just so ya can update your "I haven't seen under" to the current price range of $419 - $439

AIM surplus is wholesale. I was talking retail.

By the time you pay shipping and FFL transfer, you're up to about $475. Still a pretty good deal though.