New 1960 Polish AK 47 Range Report

GunBugBit · 04-03-2011, 10:31 PM

Picked this up at J&G Sales in Prescott AZ yesterday. Was there wanting a VZ2008 but since they were fresh out, the backup plan was to get one of these puppies.

One of the mags was VERY dirty so I'm glad the first thing I did was to disassemble all 3 mags (bought 2 extra) and clean 'em up. I think it was mud in that one mag! Another mag had the issue of not being able to get the follower out through the bottom. Closer look with reading glasses revealed a bend in one corner of the mag bottom. Quick tweak with a needle nosed pliers and the follower slid right out. Gotta love these beat-up steel mags! Not for metrosexuals who can't sleep at night if they've got dings in their guns or mags.

After a field strip, oiling and reassembly, I was pretty confident everything was going to work, as I've heard and read plenty about legendary AK 47 ruggedness.

I took it out this morning and wanted to do a quick check of all 3 mags in the rifle so I loaded 'em all up and just had a fun shoot. Zero issues, it just felt great to shoot this rifle.

Took it home after the brief shooting session and rubbed down every metal surface I could get to with transmission fluid, wiped off the excess, lubed it with Mobil 1, and put it away.

As I look back on the weekend experience with my first AK, I have to say, one pleasant surprise was the sweetness of the trigger. It is lighter, shorter and crisper than I expected -- nowhere near like the sloppy yucky trigger on my Yugo SKS. The small amount of pretravel felt gritty because the new trigger was quite dry and not broken in, but I had very little time to ponder that grittiness because the rifle goes BANG shortly after a mild squeeze begins.

I did some aimed fire, standing, and was happy to see the rounds hitting pretty much where I'd intended. The rifle shoots a little to the right, but I'll probably be putting on optic on this hellhound after I get the tacticool quad rail, stock, grip & foregrip.

The felt recoil was less than I'd anticipated. To me the AK has a pleasant rolling sensation and find it a far more comfortable weapon to handle than I expected. It is a bit heavy but that solid feeling inspires confidence.

I did some rapid fire from the hip and that was just plain fun!

The rifle sure did get hot, but that was no surprise, having seen at least one YouTube video with a guy shooting an AK that's on fire!

rayman1 · 04-03-2011, 10:52 PM

Very nice!

You can also find original laminated wood pistol grips that are the thicker variety for your PMK rifle. Also, there's US-made muzzle nuts to complete the original look.

Good luck and congratulations on your new rifle!

Tomfoolery · 04-03-2011, 11:43 PM

I was going to make a Yugo underfolder my next AK purchase but I keep reading good things on these Polish builds.

This has helped cement the deal.

Good looking rifle and glad you like it.

GunBugBit · 04-04-2011, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rayman1

Very nice!

You can also find original laminated wood pistol grips that are the thicker variety for your PMK rifle. Also, there's US-made muzzle nuts to complete the original look.

Good luck and congratulations on your new rifle!

Thanks, good suggestions on going the direction of making it look more original. I'm pondering the tacticool route too. Maybe I'll buy outfits for both looks. I'll shoot it a lot as-is before making any moves.

Maximos · 04-04-2011, 06:10 PM

the only issue that I see with this gun is that it's got a US, non-chrome barrel installed. does anyone know how one would go about sourcing a proper replacement, and changing the barrel (ie, if it's the screw type or the pin type)? With such a mod, I think this would be the semi-auto AK grail at the moment (price being the main determining factor, ie, "bang for the buck" as it were).

Tomfoolery · 04-04-2011, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximos

the only issue that I see with this gun is that it's got a US, non-chrome barrel installed. does anyone know how one would go about sourcing a proper replacement, and changing the barrel (ie, if it's the screw type or the pin type)? With such a mod, I think this would be the semi-auto AK grail at the moment (price being the main determining factor, ie, "bang for the buck" as it were).

If it shoots straight I would just leave it on there. All the chrome barrel does is help fight corrosion from older milsurp ammo.

Even if that's what you shoot.... so what? People here swear by just spraying some Windex down your barrel after your done plinking. Clean it when you get home and love it up with some RemOil. That barrel should last a lifetime.

skeeterbay · 04-04-2011, 11:15 PM

I wouldn't worry about the chrome bore. There have been lot's of rifles made without chrome bores and most outlasted their owners.

GunBugBit · 04-05-2011, 05:18 PM

I personally don't worry at all about non-chrome bores. I have two now. I clean with transmission fluid after each outing and that stuff has good anti-corrosive properties. Plus Phoenix AZ is very dry.

pale horse · 04-06-2011, 04:34 AM

wow tranny fluid for cleaning. I knew a mech that used tranny fluid for chain cases and said it was the best lube there was. I soak actions in it also prier to barrel coming off anyway I have to try it on bores.

surfacefire · 04-06-2011, 03:04 PM

I've been thinking about picking one of these up. Thanks for the review.

SGT. MAC · 04-07-2011, 10:24 AM

Does your Polish 1960 have a hole in the bottom of the receiver near the magwell? What is this hole for? I handled one in Ohio and it had this feature.

GunBugBit · 04-07-2011, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGT. MAC

Does your Polish 1960 have a hole in the bottom of the receiver near the magwell? What is this hole for? I handled one in Ohio and it had this feature.

I'll have to check...

GunBugBit · 04-07-2011, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pale horse

wow tranny fluid for cleaning. I knew a mech that used tranny fluid for chain cases and said it was the best lube there was. I soak actions in it also prier to barrel coming off anyway I have to try it on bores.

Yeah tranny fluid is a good CLP for firearms, cuts powder residue quite well and isn't nasty to work with. I do follow up with Mobil 1 on bolt assemblies and rails. These two fluids have never let me down, whether it be rifles or pistols. Don't own a shotgun yet but I'm sure the same principles apply.

Check this out:

http://www.grandpappy.info/itips.htm

GunBugBit · 04-07-2011, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surfacefire

I've been thinking about picking one of these up. Thanks for the review.

You're welcome, I think you'll be pleased if you get one.

SGT. MAC · 04-08-2011, 11:14 AM

Did you check to see if there was a whole near the magwell?

GunBugBit · 04-08-2011, 03:59 PM

Not yet...

GunBugBit · 04-11-2011, 02:10 PM

Shot it again last weekend, still didn't check for that hole, sorry!

However...it appears I was being lazy about careful sighting my first time out. ( I said it shoots a little to the right. )

The second time out, I thought, "Let me see about this windage 'problem'" so I was more intentional about really taking steady aim with special emphasis on centering that front pin right over the center vertical line of my target, and....

I was printing holes that were quite centered. Some a little to the left, some a little to the right, several right bang-on CENTERED.

I started out shooting a few inches LOW but then slid the rear sight alll the way back which raises it up a tad, and then I was squared away as far as elevation at short range, too.

All of this was standing, at about 20 yards.

So then I got to thinking, what is all of this about being an inaccurate rifle? I suppose at longer distances, I wouldn't fare too well, but at shorter ranges I'm quite delighted with where the rounds are hitting and even more tickled at the 100% trouble-free operation and FUN factor of the rifle.

I've got a serious case of AK fever, and the only cure is at least 180 rounds per week.

Enraged Gecko · 04-13-2011, 08:09 AM

Don't mess up a perfectly good Kalashnikov by slapping a bunch of tactical accessories on it. AK-47s are so popular because of their inherent reliability, exceptional stopping power, and light wieght. Just toss a good reflex sight on it and get an AR-15 for tacticool accessorizing.

GunBugBit · 04-19-2011, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGT. MAC

Did you check to see if there was a whole near the magwell?

I just remembered to check and yes there is a hole just in front of the magwell. I don't know what it's for either...

g3fal · 06-14-2011, 08:12 PM

The hole in front of the rec is for the bullet guide rivet

04-03-2011, 10:31 PM	#1
GunBugBit Member AKaholic #: 140929 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: AZ USA Posts: 106	New 1960 Polish AK 47 Range Report Picked this up at J&G Sales in Prescott AZ yesterday. Was there wanting a VZ2008 but since they were fresh out, the backup plan was to get one of these puppies. One of the mags was VERY dirty so I'm glad the first thing I did was to disassemble all 3 mags (bought 2 extra) and clean 'em up. I think it was mud in that one mag! Another mag had the issue of not being able to get the follower out through the bottom. Closer look with reading glasses revealed a bend in one corner of the mag bottom. Quick tweak with a needle nosed pliers and the follower slid right out. Gotta love these beat-up steel mags! Not for metrosexuals who can't sleep at night if they've got dings in their guns or mags. After a field strip, oiling and reassembly, I was pretty confident everything was going to work, as I've heard and read plenty about legendary AK 47 ruggedness. I took it out this morning and wanted to do a quick check of all 3 mags in the rifle so I loaded 'em all up and just had a fun shoot. Zero issues, it just felt great to shoot this rifle. Took it home after the brief shooting session and rubbed down every metal surface I could get to with transmission fluid, wiped off the excess, lubed it with Mobil 1, and put it away. As I look back on the weekend experience with my first AK, I have to say, one pleasant surprise was the sweetness of the trigger. It is lighter, shorter and crisper than I expected -- nowhere near like the sloppy yucky trigger on my Yugo SKS. The small amount of pretravel felt gritty because the new trigger was quite dry and not broken in, but I had very little time to ponder that grittiness because the rifle goes BANG shortly after a mild squeeze begins. I did some aimed fire, standing, and was happy to see the rounds hitting pretty much where I'd intended. The rifle shoots a little to the right, but I'll probably be putting on optic on this hellhound after I get the tacticool quad rail, stock, grip & foregrip. The felt recoil was less than I'd anticipated. To me the AK has a pleasant rolling sensation and find it a far more comfortable weapon to handle than I expected. It is a bit heavy but that solid feeling inspires confidence. I did some rapid fire from the hip and that was just plain fun! The rifle sure did get hot, but that was no surprise, having seen at least one YouTube video with a guy shooting an AK that's on fire! Last edited by GunBugBit; 04-04-2011 at 05:23 PM.

04-04-2011, 06:10 PM	#5
Maximos Member AKaholic #: 156633 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: OH Posts: 32	the only issue that I see with this gun is that it's got a US, non-chrome barrel installed. does anyone know how one would go about sourcing a proper replacement, and changing the barrel (ie, if it's the screw type or the pin type)? With such a mod, I think this would be the semi-auto AK grail at the moment (price being the main determining factor, ie, "bang for the buck" as it were). Last edited by Maximos; 04-04-2011 at 06:24 PM.

04-06-2011, 03:04 PM	#10
surfacefire New Member AKaholic #: 156346 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 20	I've been thinking about picking one of these up. Thanks for the review. __________________ ♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠ ♠♠♠♠

04-03-2011, 10:52 PM	#2
rayman1 Senior Member AKaholic #: 74053 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 950	Very nice! You can also find original laminated wood pistol grips that are the thicker variety for your PMK rifle. Also, there's US-made muzzle nuts to complete the original look. Good luck and congratulations on your new rifle!

04-03-2011, 11:43 PM	#3
Tomfoolery III% AKaholic #: 155777 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 3,533	I was going to make a Yugo underfolder my next AK purchase but I keep reading good things on these Polish builds. This has helped cement the deal. Good looking rifle and glad you like it.

04-04-2011, 11:15 PM	#7
skeeterbay Member AKaholic #: 7110 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Northern Maine Posts: 43	I wouldn't worry about the chrome bore. There have been lot's of rifles made without chrome bores and most outlasted their owners.

04-05-2011, 05:18 PM	#8
GunBugBit Member AKaholic #: 140929 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: AZ USA Posts: 106	I personally don't worry at all about non-chrome bores. I have two now. I clean with transmission fluid after each outing and that stuff has good anti-corrosive properties. Plus Phoenix AZ is very dry.

04-06-2011, 04:34 AM	#9
pale horse Senior Member AKaholic #: 18335 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: usa alaska tununak 99681 Posts: 622	wow tranny fluid for cleaning. I knew a mech that used tranny fluid for chain cases and said it was the best lube there was. I soak actions in it also prier to barrel coming off anyway I have to try it on bores.

04-07-2011, 10:24 AM	#11
SGT. MAC Senior Member AKaholic #: 15525 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 570	Does your Polish 1960 have a hole in the bottom of the receiver near the magwell? What is this hole for? I handled one in Ohio and it had this feature.

04-08-2011, 11:14 AM	#15
SGT. MAC Senior Member AKaholic #: 15525 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 570	Did you check to see if there was a whole near the magwell?

04-08-2011, 03:59 PM	#16
GunBugBit Member AKaholic #: 140929 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: AZ USA Posts: 106	Not yet...

04-11-2011, 02:10 PM	#17
GunBugBit Member AKaholic #: 140929 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: AZ USA Posts: 106	Shot it again last weekend, still didn't check for that hole, sorry! However...it appears I was being lazy about careful sighting my first time out. ( I said it shoots a little to the right. ) The second time out, I thought, "Let me see about this windage 'problem'" so I was more intentional about really taking steady aim with special emphasis on centering that front pin right over the center vertical line of my target, and.... I was printing holes that were quite centered. Some a little to the left, some a little to the right, several right bang-on CENTERED. I started out shooting a few inches LOW but then slid the rear sight alll the way back which raises it up a tad, and then I was squared away as far as elevation at short range, too. All of this was standing, at about 20 yards. So then I got to thinking, what is all of this about being an inaccurate rifle? I suppose at longer distances, I wouldn't fare too well, but at shorter ranges I'm quite delighted with where the rounds are hitting and even more tickled at the 100% trouble-free operation and FUN factor of the rifle. I've got a serious case of AK fever, and the only cure is at least 180 rounds per week.

04-13-2011, 08:09 AM	#18
Enraged Gecko Curio & Relic AKaholic #: 156919 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Louisiana Posts: 2,697	Don't mess up a perfectly good Kalashnikov by slapping a bunch of tactical accessories on it. AK-47s are so popular because of their inherent reliability, exceptional stopping power, and light wieght. Just toss a good reflex sight on it and get an AR-15 for tacticool accessorizing.

06-14-2011, 08:12 PM	#20
g3fal Member AKaholic #: 5610 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: ark Posts: 45	The hole in front of the rec is for the bullet guide rivet

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