Waffen Werks 7.62*54r problems figured out?

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  • ezeerider

    Mount Airy, Marylandistan
    Feb 10, 2009
    887
    Mount Airy, Md.
    Anyone know if Waffen Werks ever got their issues figured out? Centerfire has a nice special, Waffen Werks AK with all the usual stuff that comes with a PSL. If they only had OD it would be worth contemplating.

    http://www.centerfiresystems.com/RIFLE-AKFPK-BLK.aspx

    I'll let ya know on Wednesday. Pickin mine up on Tuesday.
    Oh, and they DO have OD green....... plum and black too.

    http://www.centerfiresystems.com/RIFLE-AKFPK-GR.aspx

    rifleakfpkgrrtd2.jpg


    EDIT: Sorry....... I just looked again, and the green ones are out of stock.
     

    Jimbob2.0

    Ultimate Member
    Feb 20, 2008
    16,600
    Let me know (assuming Green comes back) I could pop for one of these if they have straightened out their issues.
     

    RobMoore

    The Mad Scientist
    Feb 10, 2007
    4,765
    QA
    Bump for an update:

    I am still interested in an AK54R. With the price of x54R, I am surprised there isn't more interest in these. Perhaps it would be more popular if they had 20 round magazines.
     

    Jimbob2.0

    Ultimate Member
    Feb 20, 2008
    16,600
    Bump for an update:

    I am still interested in an AK54R. With the price of x54R, I am surprised there isn't more interest in these. Perhaps it would be more popular if they had 20 round magazines.

    I have been thinking the same thing, wonder how Easy Rider's is working for him? Though cleaning corrosive ammo out of a gas system is a pain.
     

    Sirex

    Powered by natural gas
    Oct 30, 2010
    10,380
    Westminster, MD
    I have been debating over my next rifle. I wanted either a Cetme .308, Saiga .308, or a PSL or one of these posted by the OP. I have boxes and cans of 54r for my Mosins, even have a few of Wolf and Bear non corrosive. The Cetme was looked at for it's low price, and low price of magazines. However I've been rethinking it because it needs real 7.62x51 Nato ammo, not regular .308 you can buy in Walmart. I was considering a PSL because of the low cost of ammo, using the corrosive stuff for the easy to clean Mosins and only using milsurp in last case scenario but many places have been out of stock on these and I've read very bad reviews searching the internet on the Century PSLs and Cetmes. The Saiga .308 is currently #1 because I'm a little familiar with it since I have a Saiga 7.62x39. The mags are more expensive but have 20 or 25 rd capacity as opposed the the Dragunovs 10 round capacity I've found. The Saiga is also very reliable, close in cost to the PSL if not cheaper sometimes, and shoots both commercail .308 and NATO. I had though the AKFPK was built by Tennesse Guns, and had some problems as well. If anyone has any info on the AKFPK I'm waiting, as I am interested in it too. I can get a 20 rd box of 54r commercial ammo for $11.00 which isn't too bad locally. The Saiga is mainly number one for me because it is a genuine manufactured gun that hasn't been F'd with. Seems all the Cetmes, PSLs, and these AKFPKs have been imported and rebuilt by some questionable folks. I am unsure whether I want a gun that's been rebuilt, especially if they were built well in the first place. If it ain't broke don't fix it. I'm subscribing for more info as well.
     

    Scott7891

    Love those Combloc guns
    Sep 4, 2007
    1,894
    Back in MD sadly
    I have been debating over my next rifle. I wanted either a Cetme .308, Saiga .308, or a PSL or one of these posted by the OP. I have boxes and cans of 54r for my Mosins, even have a few of Wolf and Bear non corrosive. The Cetme was looked at for it's low price, and low price of magazines. However I've been rethinking it because it needs real 7.62x51 Nato ammo, not regular .308 you can buy in Walmart. I was considering a PSL because of the low cost of ammo, using the corrosive stuff for the easy to clean Mosins and only using milsurp in last case scenario but many places have been out of stock on these and I've read very bad reviews searching the internet on the Century PSLs and Cetmes. The Saiga .308 is currently #1 because I'm a little familiar with it since I have a Saiga 7.62x39. The mags are more expensive but have 20 or 25 rd capacity as opposed the the Dragunovs 10 round capacity I've found. The Saiga is also very reliable, close in cost to the PSL if not cheaper sometimes, and shoots both commercail .308 and NATO. I had though the AKFPK was built by Tennesse Guns, and had some problems as well. If anyone has any info on the AKFPK I'm waiting, as I am interested in it too. I can get a 20 rd box of 54r commercial ammo for $11.00 which isn't too bad locally. The Saiga is mainly number one for me because it is a genuine manufactured gun that hasn't been F'd with. Seems all the Cetmes, PSLs, and these AKFPKs have been imported and rebuilt by some questionable folks. I am unsure whether I want a gun that's been rebuilt, especially if they were built well in the first place. If it ain't broke don't fix it. I'm subscribing for more info as well.

    The Saiga is an excellent choice :thumbsup:. On the group of rifles you mentioned it will be the most reliable and flexible, you cannot beat a rifle that was made professionally at Izhmash, home of the AK. Also to add the PSL CANNOT use commercial ammo because the PSI is way too high for the receiver to take since it is stamped so it will cause damage to your gun in the long run every time you fire it being not strong enough to absorb the long-term pressure of constant commercial ammo use. PSL can only take milsurp ammo since it is in the 140's bullet weight range compared to 180's bullet weight range of commercial ammo.

    However, if you save up a little more money on top of the money you are planning for the group of rifles mentioned, you have better choices.

    -PTR-91 GI can be had for $899 brand new. Its a G3 like the CETME but better made all around and can use .308 and 7.62 NATO plus with deeper flutes in the chamber as well as barrel makes it more reliable. Also uses cheap mags.

    -SVT-40 if you are looking for a good semi-auto 7.62x54r. They can be had for under $1000 too if you look hard enough and really want one. They are also well-built but also only have 10 round mags. The plus side is they can be fed via stripper clip directly into the rifle. Barrel is much more sturdy, thicker, and will last longer than on the PSL. They can also fire commercial and milsurp ammo since the receiver is milled. Only downside is parts are hard to find and the gas system can be finicky if not adjusted properly but also a plus so that you can adjust it to the type of ammo being fired.

    What were the reported problems with this rifle?

    Head-spacing issues as is usually the #1 problem with U.S. builders rebuilding foreign parts kit on to BATFE compliant receivers. A lot of FTF's have occurred. Receivers are also another problem since they were out-of-spec as well.
     

    DarthZed

    Ultimate Member
    Sep 25, 2010
    1,647
    Howard County
    +1 on the PTR91. I plan on picking one up this year. I already bought 50 magazines for it. (Hey, they were $1 a piece for the aluminum, and $2 for the steel. :))

    Some things to be aware of though. The PTR 91 has an "accurized" (their word) heavy barrel, and they do not use mil-spec dimensions for the chamber; something about different fluting to increase accuracy. So PTR's have had issues running any mil-surp ammo that used tar to seal it (PTR actually has a list of ammo that can cause FTE problems). They recommend only using current commercial ammo.

    Still a great gun though.

    http://hkpro.com/forum/showthread.p...Enterprises-PTR-91-vs.-Heckler-amp-Koch-HK-91
     

    Scott7891

    Love those Combloc guns
    Sep 4, 2007
    1,894
    Back in MD sadly
    +1 on the PTR91. I plan on picking one up this year. I already bought 50 magazines for it. (Hey, they were $1 a piece for the aluminum, and $2 for the steel. :))

    Some things to be aware of though. The PTR 91 has an "accurized" (their word) heavy barrel, and they do not use mil-spec dimensions for the chamber; something about different fluting to increase accuracy. So PTR's have had issues running any mil-surp ammo that used tar to seal it (PTR actually has a list of ammo that can cause FTE problems). They recommend only using current commercial ammo.

    Still a great gun though.

    http://hkpro.com/forum/showthread.p...Enterprises-PTR-91-vs.-Heckler-amp-Koch-HK-91

    Does not apply to the new GI model I mentioned. That is the model where JLD Enterprises actually listened to their customers who wanted to fire milsurp ammo from the gun so they made the flutes deeper thus helping in extraction therefore making it more reliable. It also has a more rugged as well as traditionalist look than the standard lines of 91's especially with the gray parkerized finish and green surplus furniture. The gun is more along the lines of a bring anywhere kind of truck gun you can bring into the bush without worries of it crapping out on you reliability wise. I have fired British and Taiwanese surplus ammo with no issues at all.
     

    DarthZed

    Ultimate Member
    Sep 25, 2010
    1,647
    Howard County
    Where did you find a GI model? I've looked for them and haven't been able to locate one? I didn't see anything about that model on the PTR website. I just need a basic model, I already have a select fire lower and paratrooper stock to install. :D
     

    DarthZed

    Ultimate Member
    Sep 25, 2010
    1,647
    Howard County
    Also what do they cost? They are supposed to be a "Special Edition" from what I've read. Sorry, I didn't notice you mentioned the GI in your post.
     

    Markp

    Ultimate Member
    Dec 22, 2008
    9,392
    Sirex, If you're adventurous, you might consider a Hakim in 8mm, 10 round detachable mags (and 25's can be found.) 8mm is still cheap to shoot.

    Mark
     

    Sirex

    Powered by natural gas
    Oct 30, 2010
    10,380
    Westminster, MD
    Sirex, If you're adventurous, you might consider a Hakim in 8mm, 10 round detachable mags (and 25's can be found.) 8mm is still cheap to shoot.

    Mark

    I won't be adventurous for a while now, maybe until after getting taxes back, due to car repair and medical bills. I would rather like a 8mm. maybe eventually getting a Mauser, I like to share ammo between rifles.:D

    Edit; Just Googled and looks like the FN-49 and Hakim are pretty much the same, but using Google I can't find anyone selling them right now except a couple on local gun forums. Any idea on which is better, the FN-49 or Hakim, and does any places that ship to FFLs carry them online?
     
    Last edited:

    KMK1862

    Ultimate Member
    Oct 12, 2010
    2,046
    York County, PA
    The Hakim is a cool rifle, they can be had for decent prices, but wow it's one heavy rifle. The unique action uses direct impingement (sp?) like the AR-15 with an adjustable gas port. AFIAK, you will need to look for Hakim's on the secondary market, ie Gunbroker and gun shows/shops. I usually see one or two at the larger shows. Check the Chantilly/Dulles gun show this weekend, I bet there will be at least one there.

    I can't speak to the FN-49.
     

    Markp

    Ultimate Member
    Dec 22, 2008
    9,392
    I won't be adventurous for a while now, maybe until after getting taxes back, due to car repair and medical bills. I would rather like a 8mm. maybe eventually getting a Mauser, I like to share ammo between rifles.:D

    Edit; Just Googled and looks like the FN-49 and Hakim are pretty much the same, but using Google I can't find anyone selling them right now except a couple on local gun forums. Any idea on which is better, the FN-49 or Hakim, and does any places that ship to FFLs carry them online?

    The Hakim is a cool rifle, they can be had for decent prices, but wow it's one heavy rifle. The unique action uses direct impingement (sp?) like the AR-15 with an adjustable gas port. AFIAK, you will need to look for Hakim's on the secondary market, ie Gunbroker and gun shows/shops. I usually see one or two at the larger shows. Check the Chantilly/Dulles gun show this weekend, I bet there will be at least one there.

    I can't speak to the FN-49.

    I have the Hakim and FN-49, if I had to say one was "better" than the other, it would be difficult. The Hakim is heavier, but it has the advantage of taking detachable magazines. The FN-49 is lighter but only has a stripper fed 10 round box magazine unless you purchase it in .308 caliber (I currently have 3 in .308 and 1 in 8mm). Just in case you are wondering, they come in a variety of flavors including 7mm Mauser, 7.65x53mm, .308, .30-06, and 8mm Mauser. FN-49's work a lot like a SKS as far as the action is concerned.

    I just got my Hakim and 8mm FN-49's in decent shape are running $500-600 on gunbroker. My Hakim was like new at $550, but an obvious restoration. I don't care it looks awesome.

    There are some beat-up .308 FN-49's still available at SOG, I have purchased 2 from them so far, other than needing a stock and mags, they have not needed work. They have 5 left last I checked probably the saddest remaining ones. There were only about 5500 FN-49's imported by Argentina, these are the newest of the contracted rifles made in 1953. It was estimated that half were converted to .308 and that half that number or roughly 1,000 .308 FN-49's made it to the US. So it's a fairly rare variant and the only one to have 20 round detachable box magazines.

    Either is a cool rifle to add to the stable.
     
    May 13, 2005
    2,769
    Well, I broke down and got one of the FPK AK rifles in 7.62x54.

    Initially though, it looks great, fit and workmanship is great. cycles smoothly, mags lock up well and the parts appear to be virtually new.

    More to come maybe after this weekend. I'll be testing it at Sanners sometime over the weekend if anyone is interested in seeing it. Not sure of the exact time yet though.
     

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