Want to buy my first AK. :o)

About two years ago I bought my first "black rifle"(only one to date)...a Sig 556. I love it. Now I'm ready to add the other half of the "evil" rifle collection..an AK variant. However, the amount of data out there about these rifles is IMMENSE!! My dad has a couple of AKs (a pre-ban Maadi and a Norico 5.56 copy) and they are a hoot to fire and ultra reliable. But, other than what he owns he can't give much advice on what to buy/look for. So, I'm turning to the people who know/love them to help me a bit. I'm not looking to spend a ton on this (I've got close to $3500 into my 556 so I'm a bit drained) so I'd be looking at around a $800 ceiling on what I'd be willing to spend. Used/new doesn't matter much to me as long as it's in at least good condition. This rifle will spend a good part of it's life in a gun safe with occasional plinking sessions and possibly some deer hunting.

What should I look for? I see a ton of WASR-10s around where I live brand new. But, I've heard a lot of bad about them and who imports them. The single stack variety goes for around $500 here and another hundred to if it for the hi-cap option (I.E. already opened for 30rd mag). Are they all that bad? If so, what should I look for in an AK? Thanks for your help!!!

BTW, I really don't know whether to go with 7.62 or 5.45...the 7.62 kind of calls to me. But, how many good 5.56 copies are out there? I already have a couple thousand rounds of 5.56 kicking around. Thanks for all the info!!!

-Aveguy

Oh, and BTW...I'm a mechanic by trade and always been a tinkerer. If I have to do a little modifying to the rifle to "tune" it up that doesn't bother me a bit.

Thanks again!!!

I recently lucked into a Sile imported fixed stock Norinco 56S for $800 OTD. These are among my favorite preban Chicom rifles. I have seen them in the $800 to $1000 price range quite frequently. Can't go wrong with one of these, plus you would have an all factory original AK without having to worry about the 922r BS.

my first one was a Chinese Norinco NHM-91 which has had about 7000 rds put through it and runs like a champ, my 2 latest additions are both Saiga .223 rifles converted back to a AK and both of these little russian bitches function flawlessly. i had about 460 bucks in the first one and about 610 bucks in the second one.
you got a lot of choices out there pick what suits you.

Given your locale I'd go with the superior penetration of the 7.62 x 39.

MO

There are plenty of choices, as has been said.

If you go with any Century rifle get your hands on it first and check it out. I found a really sweet Yugo at a show. Damn fine rifle--one of the best I've seen. A friend bought one sight unseen and it is okay but not as nice, nor as well built, as mine. They make some good ones and they make some real crap.

If you want a WASR, get a Henderson Defense Certified one. They're only $469 and you don't have to worry about the BS that sometimes comes with WASRs. I got one from 'em back when they were a little cheaper, but it shoots just as good as my converted Saiga.

Gunplumber (one of our members here) Owns Arizona Response Systems. He builds some beautiful AKs, and the price is right. Check him out and see if he has any available