Going to the experts, A little advice please.

[AmericanWarrior47]

I just received two catalogs, “Shooters” and “Cheaper Then Dirt” and I have a few questions. First off you must remember I’m new to the AK scene but I’ve been bitten by the bug and I feel I need more AK’s. I just love them; my first and only AK is a Romanian SAR-1 in very good condition. I’ve been shooting it a lot I have put about 1000 rounds downrange now. And really enjoy it!

And now for a few questions.

First off in the “Shooters” catalog I have found a Russian AK-47 parts kit with an under-folding stock for $169.97. My questions are…

1) What do you think the condition is?

2) Has anyone had a gunsmith build an AK for them how much do you think that would cost? I could but the parts kit tomorrow but I just don’t know how much a smith would charge, I might just call one. I just don’t think I could build one myself.

3) Do you think the Rifle would have trigger slap? My SAR1 has none!

4) This might sound stupid but does the under-folder work? (Do they fold?)

5) Is that price a good deal? I’ve heard that Russian is like some of the BEST.

6) And I see that the parts kit does not come with a receiver, is that the way they all work?

7) And where could I get the right Russian receiver? How much would that cost?

…I think that’s about it for that item.


Now muzzle brakes, they have to AK-74 style ($24) that fits AK-47 rifles, what do you think? And another that is an Ak-47 slant for $10, any input would help. How do they work? Like the laws that go with them?

Now in “Cheaper Then Dirt” they have an AMD-63 and an AMD-65 parts kit my questions on them are the same as the above on the Russian parts kit.

Thank you for your time, and you input.

AW

[mbakercad]

First off in the “Shooters” catalog I have found a Russian AK-47 parts kit with an under-folding stock for $169.97. My questions are…
1) What do you think the condition is?


Unknown at this time, they look well used in the pics but until more people start receiving these we will not know.


2) Has anyone had a gunsmith build an AK for them how much do you think that would cost? I could but the parts kit tomorrow but I just don’t know how much a smith would charge, I might just call one. I just don’t think I could build one myself.

For a complete build most smiths charge around $350 + $100 extra for a folder. You may find prices a little higher or lower.


3) Do you think the Rifle would have trigger slap? My SAR1 has none!

Depends on the trigger. You must get the necessary # of US made parts. Most people elect to get a trigger set. If you go with a quality one such as Red Star Arms you will not have any problems.


4) This might sound stupid but does the under-folder work? (Do they fold?)

They can, but currently you have to get them 'fixed' into the open position unless you build on a preban receiver. It appears that no replacement will be ready for the sunsetting AWB this fall. If it does not get replaced/continued you can have a functional folder.


5) Is that price a good deal? I’ve heard that Russian is like some of the BEST.

Depends on the condition. I would like to have a Russian AK because it is the original and not commonly seen. Other high end AKs include Yugoslavian and Polish made guns.


6) And I see that the parts kit does not come with a receiver, is that the way they all work?

Yes. Technically the gun part of the gun is the receiver. A lot of parts kits are coming into the country that would not be allowed if they were complete rifles.


7) And where could I get the right Russian receiver? How much would that cost?

Not going to happen. Complete Russian AKs/receivers have never legally made it into this country.

Other things to consider.
I have seen several places selling these Russian kits. I think most or all are selling milled receiver kits. Nothing is wrong with a milled receiver AK, actually a lot of people are quite fond of them but be aware the receivers are costly. You can get a Ohio Ordanance Works stamped receiver for ~ $75 while a quality US made milled receiver will run $350+.

Also be aware you need to satisfy your 922r (i think) rule. This has to do with the maximum number of imported parts a rifle can have to be considered a domestic weapon. To simplify it you just need the following.
Stamped receiver gun with muzzle attachment needs 6 US made parts.
Milled receiver gun with muzzle attachment will need 5 US made parts.

[AmericanWarrior47]

: ( --Sounds too expensive, I really would like to own a Russian but I just don’t have the cash. I still would really, really love to own it.

[mbakercad]

Custom built AKs are generally expensive, especially if you want something a little different. Are you familiar with the Saiga rifles? I had forgot to mention them. They are true Russian but have a sportsterized stock instead of the pistol grip configuration. Some people buy these and do some modifications, I never looked into it much myself so I do not know the costs involved.

[preokc]

doesnt robinson armament offer russian vepr rifles? i know they did at one time and although ive never had one they were suppossed to be top rate. PE

[mbakercad]

doesnt robinson armament offer russian vepr rifles? i know they did at one time and although ive never had on they were suppossed to be top rate. PE

Good catch, I nearly forgot about them. I think I heard they were either no longer imported or something slowed way down in the supply chain. The are supposed to be real nice, I just don't care for the looks. I know they can be modified but time you start modifing a $600 rifle it may be better to start elsewere....

Although, it would have made an awsome donor receiver for my RPK :D