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Which AK?

965 Views 20 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  barberl
New to AKs and I want one. Trying to keep it below $600 and don't want a Romanian. What would you buy?
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Yugoslavian
Bulgarian
Russian Saiga
Okay, where can I find the best deal on one of these?
Burntmypiston said:
Okay, where can I find the best deal on one of these?
keep an eye on the marketplace for Yugos... you want the ones built on DCI receivers. they're about 500 for teh century builds.

The bulgarian and saigas can be had at Aimsurplus for bout 550
From what little I know, the yugos don't have chrome-lined barrels. Does it matter?
Burntmypiston said:
From what little I know, the yugos don't have chrome-lined barrels. Does it matter?
you are correct, they're not chrome lined

it doesnt matter at all...

if you shoot non-corrosive ammo... you're fine. If you shoot corrosive ammo, as long as you clean it very well, you're fine.

there's nothing to be scared of if you do your part. hot water and soap will take care of the corrosive salts and as long as you make sure you completely take apart your rifle, clean..oil and lube it.. you'll be just dandy.

there are so many products out there that do an excellent job.. but often times the simplest solution works best.
Alrighty then. Where do I find a deal? I'm the impatient type (hence the quick replies). Found a nice 'new' Yugo at the local shop, but they're real proud of their stuff ($700 proud). It's a nice looking gun, with a nice black finish and tan furniture. I'm sure I can do better, but that one caught my eye.
Burntmypiston said:
Alrighty then. Where do I find a deal? I'm the impatient type (hence the quick replies). Found a nice 'new' Yugo at the local shop, but they're real proud of their stuff ($700 proud). It's a nice looking gun, with a nice black finish and tan furniture. I'm sure I can do better, but that one caught my eye.
no.. do not buy it at that price.

that isnt 'proud'.... that's Pound you in the ass without a reach around...

ALL yugos are used. Every last one... the Century ones have a brand new US made barrel.. that coupled with the receiver make it a gun that will outlast you AND the next generation..but the parts are from kits that used to be military issue and HAVE seen combat.

at the $700 and up range.. you're looking at top shelf rifles from primo builders. If you can afford it, I definitely recommend you getting the best.
10Gauge said:
Burntmypiston said:
Okay, where can I find the best deal on one of these?
keep an eye on the marketplace for Yugos... you want the ones built on DCI receivers. they're about 500 for teh century builds.

The bulgarian and saigas can be had at Aimsurplus for bout 550
I am also new to AK's and was leaning towards a Yugo based upon what I have read. Being a total newb, what is a DCI receiver and how would an untrained eye spot one?

Thanks in advance!
Okay, find me a deal! (LOL). I'll pay you a 'finders fee'. Just don't want to get screwed as I'm new to AKs.
chomp chomp said:
10Gauge said:
Burntmypiston said:
Okay, where can I find the best deal on one of these?
keep an eye on the marketplace for Yugos... you want the ones built on DCI receivers. they're about 500 for teh century builds.

The bulgarian and saigas can be had at Aimsurplus for bout 550
I am also new to AK's and was leaning towards a Yugo based upon what I have read. Being a total newb, what is a DCI receiver and how would an untrained eye spot one?

Thanks in advance!
DCI is Dan Coonan Inc... you simply look for "DCI" on the receiver usually located on the side if it's a century build. it is a superb receiver.

NDS (NoDak Spud) is the gold standard for kit builds. you look for "NDS" stamped on the underside of the receiver near where the magazine goes in. These are usually found on professionally built kits.
finders fee
:walkdoor:
Burntmypiston said:
Okay, find me a deal! (LOL). I'll pay you a 'finders fee'. Just don't want to get screwed as I'm new to AKs.
LOL HOLY CRAP NO

Okay... upper left hand part of your screen reads "THE AK FORUM" "It's about the Kalashnikov... not the money!"

The running joke is there was a guy here who got banned for being a profiteer... and the last thing he did was ask for mags in return for finding deals.

AIM surplus (www.aimsurplus.com) has the saiga and the bulgarian. Yugos you can check this forum's marketplace.

and as xcibes said even romanians arent all bad. I'd steer clear of WASRs but kit built guns by reputable manufacturers run better than some of their higher dollar cousins.
What about a thumbhole stock MAK90? Any good?
xcibes said:
WASRs can be good also but they are rough and they tend to have more issues than the older romanian rifles, also they are not pretty. There are deals to be had, just be patient and keep your eyes open on the for slae section here. A lot of people do not like them because they do not have the dimples and many have canted sights. Me, I just stay clear of those but I may buy one just a s a beater that I can throw in the back of my truck and forget about it it for a while without worrying about it's looks.
and so I'm not misunderstood... I owned a WASR in both 7.62 and 5.45 sold em both off.

Just not my bit of pie...hehe
Burntmypiston said:
What about a thumbhole stock MAK90? Any good?
not bad at all. Factory chinese and while people poo-poo chinese goods...they know their guns.

I have a debanned mak and it's pretty nice. I'd get rid of that retarded thumbhole stock but you need compliant parts because its not how it was imported.

922r is retarded but it must be followed. You need compliant parts to make it legal if you choose to de-ban it.
10Gauge said:
chomp chomp said:
10Gauge said:
Burntmypiston said:
Okay, where can I find the best deal on one of these?
keep an eye on the marketplace for Yugos... you want the ones built on DCI receivers. they're about 500 for teh century builds.

The bulgarian and saigas can be had at Aimsurplus for bout 550
I am also new to AK's and was leaning towards a Yugo based upon what I have read. Being a total newb, what is a DCI receiver and how would an untrained eye spot one?

Thanks in advance!
DCI is Dan Coonan Inc... you simply look for "DCI" on the receiver usually located on the side if it's a century build. it is a superb receiver.

NDS (NoDak Spud) is the gold standard for kit builds. you look for "NDS" stamped on the underside of the receiver near where the magazine goes in. These are usually found on professionally built kits.
Thanks for your Reply!

I am looking to pick up a Yugo this weekend and would like to buy a decent one. In your opinion, is the DCI a better made rifle than one marked with the NDS on the receiver?

I am looking to spend in the $500-600 range approx.

it might be a bit of a strech but if you know of a good vender in Ohio let me know.
thanks again!
You can get a very nice Lancaster with a lifetime warranty for that price. That will be a matching number Romanian G rifle. You cant go wrong with them.
As far as Yugo's go. I found a nice Century built under folder at a pawn shop in Prescott. I was on my way to J&G. I think I scored with that one at 429.00. It is also a nice gun. looks like it must have been a safe queen. Read and learn before you run out and spend your hard earned cash. Lots of people out there trying to rip you off.
chomp chomp said:
10Gauge said:
[quote="chomp chomp":16wtz71r]
10Gauge said:
Burntmypiston said:
Okay, where can I find the best deal on one of these?
keep an eye on the marketplace for Yugos... you want the ones built on DCI receivers. they're about 500 for teh century builds.

The bulgarian and saigas can be had at Aimsurplus for bout 550
I am also new to AK's and was leaning towards a Yugo based upon what I have read. Being a total newb, what is a DCI receiver and how would an untrained eye spot one?

Thanks in advance!
DCI is Dan Coonan Inc... you simply look for "DCI" on the receiver usually located on the side if it's a century build. it is a superb receiver.

NDS (NoDak Spud) is the gold standard for kit builds. you look for "NDS" stamped on the underside of the receiver near where the magazine goes in. These are usually found on professionally built kits.
Thanks for your Reply!

I am looking to pick up a Yugo this weekend and would like to buy a decent one. In your opinion, is the DCI a better made rifle than one marked with the NDS on the receiver?

I am looking to spend in the $500-600 range approx.

it might be a bit of a strech but if you know of a good vender in Ohio let me know.
thanks again![/quote:16wtz71r]DCI/NDS is the same manufacturer.
chomp chomp said:
10Gauge said:
[quote="chomp chomp":qcantwpc]
10Gauge said:
Burntmypiston said:
Okay, where can I find the best deal on one of these?
keep an eye on the marketplace for Yugos... you want the ones built on DCI receivers. they're about 500 for teh century builds.

The bulgarian and saigas can be had at Aimsurplus for bout 550
I am also new to AK's and was leaning towards a Yugo based upon what I have read. Being a total newb, what is a DCI receiver and how would an untrained eye spot one?

Thanks in advance!
DCI is Dan Coonan Inc... you simply look for "DCI" on the receiver usually located on the side if it's a century build. it is a superb receiver.

NDS (NoDak Spud) is the gold standard for kit builds. you look for "NDS" stamped on the underside of the receiver near where the magazine goes in. These are usually found on professionally built kits.
Thanks for your Reply!

I am looking to pick up a Yugo this weekend and would like to buy a decent one. In your opinion, is the DCI a better made rifle than one marked with the NDS on the receiver?

I am looking to spend in the $500-600 range approx.

it might be a bit of a strech but if you know of a good vender in Ohio let me know.
thanks again![/quote:qcantwpc]

The NDS has a bit of an edge over the DCI ...I'd give the nod to an NDS because it would have been ordered by a builder who knew what they were doing.

DCI is still a fine brand but Century built up the rifles on that receiver... nothing against DCI, but Century isnt exactly known for consistent quality.

I need to know where in Ohio and really there are quite a few excellent builders here on the forum who would be happy to help you out
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