OK which AK

[Zilberbak]

Now that I have filled my spare .223 slot with the Bradley Arms and given up on ever seeing a 9mm MARS VZ58 I am contemplating a one for one from 9mm to 7.62 x 39 to finish off the armoury with an AK.

The question is who makes the best AK that is generally available to the UK as a pre-loved or new from the usual source. I would like to stick to the original calibre (although .223 makes more sense in terms of simplifying ammunition requirements).

Any thoughts or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

[snayperskaya]

Bulgarian variant from Rusmilitary are very good, the Bulgys make an excellent AK.Saiga variants are also very good, and made in Russia at the same Arsenal as their Russian military counterparts so have the provenance of a Russian AK.
Romanian AKM and AKMS underfolder are also good and as close to an original AKM pattern as you'll get over here at the moment (the Saiga is closer to an AK-100/74 series than an AKM due to smaller bolt/bolt carrier size, gas block angle etc).

I had owned a few Saigas and currently own two Romanians and accuracy-wise etc there isn't much in it, if anything the finish on a Saiga is a touch better but on the flipside a Romanian version doesn't need any mods to run any milsurp mag, be it a 30r Bakelite or a 75 round drum.
For more info on Saigas and milsurp mags Google "Saiga feed ramp mod").

My two Soviet-ized Romanians.....

[Zilberbak]

Thanks Snayperskaya I almost PM'd you as I knew you would have the answers.

How easy is it to get 7.62 x 39 surplus?

[froggy]

Very easy in my experience ... £ 27/100 for Russian mil surp or GBP/100 Prvi
You could also go for a straight-pull 7,62x39 Vz58 ?

[Zilberbak]

Already have a VZ58 SP in .223 and if I was to do again would have had it in 7.62 x 39 rather than the .223.

Like the VZ58 although doesn't like under arm straight pull likes to be pulled over arm otherwise extraction was a bit hit and miss. Still get the occasional drop back stove piping the fired cases but used to pulling these out of the way. Just fitted a Mepro M21 to it but not had time to sight it in yet.

Will stick to 7.62 x 39 for the AK though.

[bnz41]

Oleg at Russian Military is not selling new Saiga AK's at the moment (trade issues with Russia) so you will have to buy second hand if you want a Saiga only down side they are holding their value well, almost the same price when new, and not seen many for sale I know of one at a dealers wants £850 ish for it.

No problem finding 7.62x39 ammo either.

[safetyfirst]

to finish off the armoury.

Lolololololol.

Like there's a "finish" :)

[lasbrisas]

I have a Romanian AKM which is very good, I have also fitted a different safety that holds the bolt open as my club required it, also download it with 6 grains of N320 so I can shoot it indoors. It always attracts the most attention especially amongst new shooters when they see it in the rack.

[polemass]

Here is Bulgarian short barrel under folder from Oleg,Rusmilitary.Currently only AK platform on UK market with milled receiver.I used it first time this month in CSR-Winter Liege, up to 200m,ok.Need more testing-some lacquered cases bounced back/SP'ed,but I was told it could be me....It is weird but nice experience standing on firing line and AR's to the right....and AR's to the left....

[pe4king]

Here's a bargain might well be worth contacting about it
http://www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk/s ... 03-7-62x39