There are two kinds of AKs that I would not buy. A WASR-10 with a canted gas tube(makes your AK shoot like a bolt-action) and most of the AK pistols. I have seen AK pistols shoot more loose than bird shot.
Check out atlantic firearks. If there is a problem their return policies are great. WASR's, the pap series of rifles and pistols are the lowest priced.
The absolute best bang for the buck in the lower end AK market, in my opinion, would be a Yugo, but a Romanian SAR-1, Egyptian Maadi, Hungarian, or Polish AK would probably do the trick just fine.
Just my 2 cents.
sportsbud, glad you said that. There are DEFINITELY things I like better about the SKS over the AK and the BHO is the best thing. I really should try my hand at a VZ to see what it's all about. With Metal Mags and an SKS I think I'm actually faster at reloading it. Forget stripper clips though...I'd be dead after the first 10 rounds.