I know almost nothing about AK's

[Armed Citizen]

I am beginning the search of a possible AK to buy in the next month or so in the $600-$800 range but I know very little about AK's as far as things to look for in a decent rifle. I don't know the good from the bad manufacturers, good vs. bad parts, features, anything. All I really know to look for is a chrome lined barrel. So to those knowledgeable in the AK platform, any pointers you can give me when shopping around for an AK?

 

[WheelHead]

I've had Aks from Waser to Arsenal and its mostly about how much you want to spend. Usually can't go wrong with the Saiga route. Chrome lining is irrelevant since non of us will ever live long enough to shoot out a barrel on a semi ak.
I like an M70 since they have a bit thicker receiver.
Here is a M70....
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/component/virtuemart/shipping-rifles/zastava-ak-47-m70-pap-7-62x39-rifle-detail.html?Itemid=0

 

[chompers]

I have a Pap m70 and I do like it. I had problems with the bolt hopping over cartridges with my Hungarian metal mags. It's double stack but it comes with a single stack bolt. I replaced it with a double stack bolt and ground out the lip on the trunnion so it could pass over. haven't had a problem since. Here's a shot of how small the contact point is(and it gets smaller when the round tilts up to go into the chamber). when the bolt hops, it slams the side of the round denting/gouging it.

 

[Bafflingbs]

I have a Pap m70 and I do like it. I had problems with the bolt hopping over cartridges with my Hungarian metal mags. It's double stack but it comes with a single stack bolt. I replaced it with a double stack bolt and ground out the lip on the trunnion so it could pass over. haven't had a problem since. Here's a shot of how small the contact point is(and it gets smaller when the round tilts up to go into the chamber). when the bolt hops, it slams the side of the round denting/gouging it.

Where did you find a double stack bolt? Been looking for 7-8 months.

 

[chompers]

It was off of gunbroker for 35$ back in january. I found a bolt dimension table online. Then i took some calipers to mine and found the most compatible. It was a romanian that was the closest to the yugo m70s that others said they used. it was .001 bolt face recess difference and the bolt stem was the same. I bought some go/no-go gauges and it worked out.

 

[Vile Shadow]

I am beginning the search of a possible AK to buy in the next month or so in the $600-$800 range but I know very little about AK's as far as things to look for in a decent rifle. I don't know the good from the bad manufacturers, good vs. bad parts, features, anything. All I really know to look for is a chrome lined barrel. So to those knowledgeable in the AK platform, any pointers you can give me when shopping around for an AK?

http://clydearmory.com/century-international-arms-wasr-19.html

 

[Bafflingbs]

Can you post the chart? And the measurements for the yugo pap bolt?

 

[Bafflingbs]

I am beginning the search of a possible AK to buy in the next month or so in the $600-$800 range but I know very little about AK's as far as things to look for in a decent rifle. I don't know the good from the bad manufacturers, good vs. bad parts, features, anything. All I really know to look for is a chrome lined barrel. So to those knowledgeable in the AK platform, any pointers you can give me when shopping around for an AK?

To answer your question, I'd go with an unconverted saiga 7.62 and have it converted. There was a post here earlier showing one for $450. From what I've read, it's not hard to do the conversion. I did my own conversion on my Saiga 12 and I am far from an expert.

 

[chompers]

I know we took this convo to PMs but since it was asked here, i'm posting for anyone else that might come across it. Credit to the person who compiled it, I don't know anymore.

 

[WheelHead]

http://clydearmory.com/century-international-arms-wasr-19.html

Expensive....AF has them listed not on sale for $699 and if you call and tell him you MDS name he does discounts. Also the Saiga method listed is always a good way to go..

 

[Sirex]

+1 for a Saiga

 

[dohc97]

I only started buying rifles last year and have bought 2 Arsenals; an SGL-21 and a SAS M7 Classic. Get the best you can afford and you'll be happy for a long time. When I started researching about AKs last year, the only thing common was the Arsenal brand. I don't see myself selling any of my AKs for a long time.

 

[l730dc]

Does the opap yugo m70 come with the singlestack or double stack bolt?

 

[MDNavyVet]

 

[Dan44]

Does the opap yugo m70 come with the singlestack or double stack bolt?

I've seen both reported.

Me, I stick to Chinese pre-ban. Clayco, PolyTech and Norinco

 

[ziondogg]

+2 for the Saiga

 

[Mike OTDP]

Right now, I'd go for a Waffen Works AK-74. Then buy three or four spam cans of ammo.

 

[Vile Shadow]

I've seen both reported.

Me, I stick to Chinese pre-ban. Clayco, PolyTech and Norinco

Nice family pic!

 

[armed ferret]

Nice family pic!

 

[BLACKTALON]

unconverted saiga for cheap get it converted later after shooting it a bit