Recommend me an AK 74

USEY · Apr 20, 2014

I'm jumping into the 74 world now from the 47...still own multiple ak 47 (AKM) rifles. But now I'm wanting to go ak 74...I want an arsenal because I love 107fr in 7.62x39 but they are to damn hard to find in the 5.45 pattern right now plus I want to keep it under 800 bucks...when I try to do my own research all that really pops up is polish tantals which are all out of stock, arsenals which are great but out of stock and a little high for me right now and Waffen Werks which are in stock but I'm scared to go that route because the reviews lately on them are not so good and claim that waffen werks quality control is sub par lately....

Am I missing something here? Are there any others I'm overlooking or worth taking a shot on? I'd love to hear all of your recommendations. Thanks.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SpeedRacer · Apr 20, 2014

Wait. With cheap surplus 5.45 being recently banned from import, a LOT of guys will be dumping their 74s (already starting to see it happen). I think prices on the new rifles will drop as well due to a decrease in demand.

USEY · Apr 20, 2014

That's crazy man the ammo still available is plentiful and still pretty cheap. The same as 7.62x39 from what I can tell

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SpeedRacer · Apr 20, 2014

USEY said:
That's crazy man the ammo still available is plentiful and still pretty cheap. The same as 7.62x39 from what I can tell

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Surplus 7N6 ammo is the reason most people own 5.45 rifles, it's that simple. The supply of it that's left is drying up quickly and already jumping up in price. By the summer it'll be a buyer's market when it comes to AK74s.

Either way if I was in the market I'd go for an Arsenal SGL31 or an original barrel kit build from a reputable builder.

USEY · Apr 20, 2014

Original barrel kit build as in buy a kit buy a receiver and build it myself??? I don't have the tools or patience I don't think.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

USEY · Apr 20, 2014

Sgl 31 would be great just not wanting to spend 1200 on one...but then again what's the old saying buy once cry once

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SpeedRacer · Apr 20, 2014

USEY said:
Sgl 31 would be great just not wanting to spend 1200 on one...but then again what's the old saying buy once cry once

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The fixed stock SGL31s are usually sub-$900.

By kit build I mean a rifle already built (the Waffen Works would be an example of this). With the key being built by a reputable builder. Waffen Works has been hit or miss over the years, and I much prefer rifles built with the original barrel. I've been out of the AK game a while, but for a loooong time the US made barrels just weren't up to par. Maybe that's changed recently.

USEY · Apr 21, 2014

Sgl 31 will be bought if I can find one sub 900

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

frankinola · Apr 21, 2014

Atlantic has some nice choices and offer layaway plan
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/ak-47-74-rifles/ak-74-rifles/by,price.html

The Bulgarian Red is on my options list

AK shooter · Apr 21, 2014

104fr

USEY · Apr 21, 2014

frankinola said:
Atlantic has some nice choices and offer layaway plan
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/ak-47-74-rifles/ak-74-rifles/by,price.html

The Bulgarian Red is on my options list

I saw that James river gun...looks solid

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

USEY · Apr 21, 2014

AK shooter said:
104fr

Is love one but don't want one $1200 bad enough.........yet

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

JadeRaven · Apr 21, 2014

SpeedRacer said:
Surplus 7N6 ammo is the reason most people own 5.45 rifles, it's that simple. The supply of it that's left is drying up quickly and already jumping up in price. By the summer it'll be a buyer's market when it comes to AK74s.

Yeah +1

Although there have always been 5.45 enthusiasts, the 74s only became as popular as they are today because of the comparative price disparity between 7.62x39 and 5.45x39.

Now that the price difference is likely going away, there is less reason to love and likely less demand which will translate to lower prices.

AK shooter · Apr 21, 2014

USEY said:
Is love one but don't want one $1200 bad enough.........yet

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

But they are not $1200, atlantic list them for $1065.

USEY · Apr 21, 2014

AK shooter said:
But they are not $1200, atlantic list them for $1065.

Ya this is true but after FFL and shipping it would be close...regardless I'm thinking I wanna stay under 800 if possible if not then I most likely will go with an arsenal

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

AK shooter · Apr 21, 2014

USEY said:
Ya this is true but after FFL and shipping it would be close...regardless I'm thinking I wanna stay under 800 if possible if not then I most likely will go with an arsenal

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

One thing to remember is factory built guns will hold their value better than a kit built gun with a US made barrel.

Vermiform · Apr 21, 2014

Nothing wrong with an Arsenal either really. Hell, there's not really much wrong with an old WASR. There are exceptions to the rule such as possible canted sights, etc, but overall IMVHO an AK is an AK is an AK. Some have better finishes and look "purtier" but the design's inherent strengths and weaknesses usually has them all performing about the same. Become proficient with the platform and it's capabilities and they all start to shoot the same. Just don't baby your AK. It's ok to be rough with her. She's a dirty, dirty little whore and likes that sort of thing. YMMV.

#1bambam · Apr 21, 2014

US made AK barrels suck.If you dont want to spend a lot but want a quality AK then get a Saiga and convert it to what you want.

Vermiform · Apr 21, 2014

#1bambam said:
US made AK barrels suck.If you dont want to spend a lot but want a quality AK then get a Saiga and convert it to what you want.

Saigas have dried up now. As much as I hate to admit it, it's cheaper to buy one than convert a Saiga these days and I don't see that changing anytime soon. Izmash went through an upheaval and now Putin is acting like an ass so there is no telling what is going to happen to Russian imports. All I know is that they are hard to find and over priced when you do find them.

Recommend me an AK 74

The Best online firearms community in Louisiana.

Member Benefits:

Louisiana Trash

Well-Known Member

Louisiana Trash

Well-Known Member

Louisiana Trash

Louisiana Trash

Well-Known Member

Louisiana Trash

Well-Known Member

Redneck with a gun!

Louisiana Trash

Louisiana Trash

Oh Snap

Redneck with a gun!

Louisiana Trash

Redneck with a gun!

Free Candy!

Well-Known Member

Free Candy!

Log in

Forum statistics