Shopping for an AK-47/103. What are some good brands I should look at?

[Kong Sheng Han]

Hey everyone. I decided that I’m going to take a short break from collecting WWII era firearms and want to buy a new semi-automatic rifle.

I like the AK platform and want one that shoots 7.62x39. The rifles aren’t marked up as much as ARs, it seems, and ammo is more easily found compared to 5.56, so that’s a plus. For a 47, I think a classic full length rifle with fixed stock and wood furniture is what I want.

I’m not familiar with the AK market. So, if I’m trying to stay below $1,000 for a new rifle, what are some reputable brands I should look at? I was looking at a Zastava M70 yesterday, but it went OOS before I could buy it. It appears that WASR is also a good brand. Thanks.

 

[easy rider]

Hey everyone. I decided that I’m going to take a short break from collecting WWII era firearms and want to buy a new semi-automatic rifle.

I like the AK platform and want one that shoots 7.62x39. The rifles aren’t marked up as much as ARs, it seems, and ammo is more easily found compared to 5.56, so that’s a plus. For a 47, I think a classic full length rifle with fixed stock and wood furniture is what I want.

I’m not familiar with the AK market. So, if I’m trying to stay below $1,000 for a new rifle, what are some reputable brands I should look at? I was looking at a Zastava M70 yesterday, but it went OOS before I could buy it. It appears that WASR is also a good brand. Thanks.

I also wanted an AK, but after researching I decided against the WASR, and Zastava was maybe slightly better.

I nearly bought an Arsenal for $1900, that is, until I started looking into the M+M M10x. Now that's not an AK, more of a breed of it's own, but I'm happy with it.

I guess it all depends on what you want out of it, and how much you are willing to spend. Do your research, you may find exactly what you're looking for.

 

[majormadmax]

If you can find one in your price range, get an Arsenal or a Saiga.

Most likely they won't have wooden furniture on them, but that's easily remedied.

Zastavas are good, but they won't have a chrome-lined barrel. That will decrease barrel life, but slightly improves accuracy. Most likely you won't shoot it enough to notice either. Try to find one with a RPK receiver (1.5mm) like this...

Zastava ZPAPM70 ZR7762WM Rifle SALE - AtlanticFirearms.com

Zastava Arms ZPAPM70 AK47 Classic Wood Rifle ZR7762WM-685757098120. Semi automatic 7.62x39 classic wood furniture AK-47 rifle.

atlanticfirearms.com

WASRs are rough but good rifles. You used to be able to find them for $299 many years ago.

Steer clear of anything made by IO or anything built (not imported, but actually built) by Century. I have a C39 Centurion that is actually a great-shooting AK, but its build quality is questionable and they have known issues. Many people don't experience any problems with them, and I have been lucky so far, but it doesn't get shot much.

Right now AK prices are highly inflated. If you can wait, you'll more likely find a better deal unless the elections go the way of the Democrats.

 

[craigntx]

Chinese mak90 is gtg also. Nice trigger action.
Still available under a thousand. However the blued finish is easily scratched

 

[London]

Maadi was made by Egyptians on original Russian machinery given to them by the Soviets. Some were even recalled by the ATF for having an F/A hole that was filled in with weld. ATF said that made it too easy to convert.

 

[rotor]

Arsenal milled receiver if you can find but almost for sure out of your price range. Cheapest is $1400.

SAM7R-61 7.62x39mm Semi-Automatic Rifle with Enhanced Fire Control Group

SAM7R Series Milled Receiver 7.62x39mm AK47 Rifle

www.arsenalinc.com

PSA seems to be pretty popular and always out of stock. Can't go wrong with a nice AK.

 

[Aus_Schwaben]

I like the Vz 58 - the Czech version of the AK. It has some refinements. In Vietnam, the Vz model was found with NVA special units were armed with the Vz 58s.

However, the inexpensive models are not always built well (Century Arms) and the well made models go for $1k or more - Technik for example.

 

[majormadmax]

I like the Vz 58 - the Czech version of the AK. It has some refinements. In Vietnam, the Vz model was found with NVA special units were armed with the Vz 58s.

However, the inexpensive models are not always built well (Century Arms) and the well made models go for $1k or more - Technik for example.

Absolutely great rifles, but not Kalashnikovs. The only thing they share in common with the AK-47 is the 7.62x39 round. Everything else, including the aluminum magazines, cannot be used in an AK-47!

Still, having spent time with the Slovak 5. Pluk špeciálneho určenia (5th Regiment of Special Purpose) back in the early 90s, I can attest that the vz.58 is an outstanding firearm!

The Czechpoint or Technik models are nice and original, but cost well over a thousand these days...

Sa vz.58 Rifles | Czechpoint-USA

www.czechpoint-usa.com

The Century versions (called the Vz2008) aren't actually that bad, I have one and it's been a great shooter; but they're also not 100% original. They can still be found for under a grand...

VZ2008 Rifle for Sale - AtlanticFirearms.com

VZ2008 Rifles from Century Arms RI3678-X. Semi automatic gas operated 7.62x39 gas operated military sporter rifle. 787450594333.

atlanticfirearms.com

 

[smittyb]

Zastavas are good, but they won't have a chrome-lined barrel. That will decrease barrel life...

Can you show me evidence of this?

 

[majormadmax]

Can you show me evidence of this?

Newer production ZPAP ones do have chrome-line barrels.

True Zastavas (M70AB2, M70B1, etc.) don't.

If it doesn't have provisions for a grenade launcher (i.e. gas gas cut-off block), it's not a real Zastava which is one of the reasons the modern company is 145 million euros in debt. Zastava Arms the most indebted defense industry company in Serbia...

 

[SQLGeek]

I have the wants for an AK-E or AK 103 from PSA. Both look pretty promising. The AK-103 with the 74 brake looks sharp IMO.

AK-103

https://palmettostatearmory.com/ak-103.html

AK-E

https://palmettostatearmory.com/ak-e.html

My favorite version:

Both are $$$ but cheaper than an Arsenal. Alas I'm a poor boy so I continue to have the wants.

 

[smittyb]

Newer production ZPAP ones do have chrome-line barrels.

True Zastavas (M70AB2, M70B1, etc.) don't.

If it doesn't have provisions for a grenade launcher (i.e. gas gas cut-off block), it's not a real Zastava which is one of the reasons the modern company is 145 million euros in debt. Zastava Arms the most indebted defense industry company in Serbia...

Not that part.

 

[smittyb]

That will decrease barrel life

This part

 

[majormadmax]

This part

This explains it better than I ever could...

To Chrome or not to Chrome? Myths and Facts of Chrome-Lined Barrels - The Shooter's Log

Ever since the military began chrome-lining barrels on standard issue machine guns and rifles there has been debate concerning the…Read More >

blog.cheaperthandirt.com

 

[Kong Sheng Han]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I ended up crossing out WASRs bc they are way overinflated right now. Apparently the Zastava M70s were going for around $800 pre-rona, when they didn’t have chrome-lined barrels and 1.5mm bulged trunions.

I ended up going for a new M70, since I couldn’t find what I wanted, used or new. After tax, shipping, and transfer fee, it’ll be around $950, which isn’t too bad IMO. I was tempted to buy a PSA AK, but they just weren’t worth it to me. $750 for a GF3 with ugly poly furniture, $800 for a GF3 with wood furniture, and $1000 for an AK-103, all before shipping and tax. I think the M70 was a better buy. I couldn’t justify paying more for an Arsenal rifle..just way out of my price range.

Will post photos when I get it!

 

[Kong Sheng Han]

I have the wants for an AK-E or AK 103 from PSA. Both look pretty promising. The AK-103 with the 74 brake looks sharp IMO.

AK-103

https://palmettostatearmory.com/ak-103.html

View attachment 230157

AK-E

https://palmettostatearmory.com/ak-e.html

My favorite version:

View attachment 230156



Both are $$$ but cheaper than an Arsenal. Alas I'm a poor boy so I continue to have the wants.

I think AKs with triangle stocks look really cool. I imagine they’re not very comfy though. I saw the PSA 103 several times, but I could get myself to pay $1k for it. I want to see how they’ll compare with the Kalashnikov USA 103s.

 

[candcallen]

Can you show me evidence of this?

Chrome is harder than any steel blend.
Although some nitride finishes claim to be harder but the question becomes corrosion resistance which is one of the things AKs are famous for.


That all said if not in a jungle shooting corrosive ammo will you ever notice a difference or reap the benefit? But, we dont prep or plan for safe queen like environments so if I had the choice I would by chrome lined barrels. Still I dont really have heartburn over buying some that arent.

Wishey washey? I know.

 

[TexMex247]

I have a mak90 but my vz58s are some of my favorite semi autos I've ever owned. My dtechnik is a joy to shoot even without any modern sights. The vz2008 is solid but runs a much tighter chamber. This thread is another good reminder that I need to finish a pair of VZ 58 folder builds I started years ago with ORF receivers and mil surp kits.

I'm also eyeballing zastavas, just waiting to get one for under $800. I try to stay disciplined about my cost thresholds.

 

[Sam7sf]

I’m late but my two cents:

ok choice for the Serbian. She will be straight and the rivets gtg. Sold mine a few years ago. Don’t regret it. It’s just not the time to buy but if you feel you need it hey...I get it.

As for Romanian types they are hit or miss. most couldn’t hit jack. I had one that I regret trading. Shot great.

If you could have done so, I would have gotten the best and imo that’s a sam7. My sam7sf will never be sold.

Saiga rifles can shoot fine for an ak. Here’s a group at 100 yards with monarch hp’s using a 4 power.

FYI the hostage was a prick.

 

[imntxs564]

Hey everyone. I decided that I’m going to take a short break from collecting WWII era firearms and want to buy a new semi-automatic rifle.

I like the AK platform and want one that shoots 7.62x39. The rifles aren’t marked up as much as ARs, it seems, and ammo is more easily found compared to 5.56, so that’s a plus. For a 47, I think a classic full length rifle with fixed stock and wood furniture is what I want.

I’m not familiar with the AK market. So, if I’m trying to stay below $1,000 for a new rifle, what are some reputable brands I should look at? I was looking at a Zastava M70 yesterday, but it went OOS before I could buy it. It appears that WASR is also a good brand. Thanks.

This one here is definitely going to be listed For Sale or Trade it for a WW2 USGI M1 Carbine. Once I get everything together like All the Goodies that were given to me from Friends of mine when I bought it then I will list it. This will be Priced to Sell or Trade Quickly. It's a Saiga AK-47 Mod. IZ132L Made at the Famous Izhmash Plant that was moved to the U.S. and therefore the New Ones have a U.S. Mod. #. I have over 7 Magazines and half of box of Tula Ammo with Slings and Other Cool Stuff. I rarely Shot it. I only bought it because these were the last ones Made in Russia. I was going to list earlier after I built my M4 Shorty .223/5.56 but waited. I'm going to make Somebody Real Happy with the Price after all Christmas will be here before we know it.