The end of the AK-47

[Seadog]

Which negates the argument of many that the SKS is "overpriced" now; it has always been undervalued. Fully machined, hardwood stocks, most - even the Chinese, were decently built. Could be said for milled AKs as well, though I'm not really a fan. Just more weight with no real benefit that I can see.

I like the AR rifles, but much less than the AKM. They function well, accurate, dependable, but just.....sterile to me. No "soul". The AKs I've owned have been reliable, easily accurate enough for their design, easy to maintain, and fun to shoot. But then like Rick, I really like the G3, and FN49. And FAL. And prefer all three of those to any AR-type.

The FAL is another great rifle. The G3 eh. I’m preferential to old school machined weapons. The stamped ones will work but I don’t see the value comparison. Weight savings while humping the guns around out in the field I most definitely see value. I guess it is the old machinist in me coming out. I definitely look down on stamped vs machined work.

I don’t see undervalued at all. When one compares the value to value of money exchange value of China, Russia to the USA, SKSs or AKs are still cheep guns. If a gun made there costs 200 it may cost 2000 to make here. I don’t see the value going up or it being undervalued.

Don’t get me wrong. I like using milled or stamped firearms.

In all actually I like most all firearms. Played with a good portion of them. Look forward to the ones I haven’t yet.

 

[TedKennedy]

If I had to walk into a fire zone downtown tonight, I'd probably take a G3. Ammo resupply would be the only benefit of an AR to me, and absent a 7.62 NATO rifle, I'd likely go AK. If parts availability and interchangeability are a concern, then just grab a new "battlefield pick-up", and soldier on. I've never understood the mindset of the wargamers online that always choose an AR because of the availability of replacement parts in some SHTF scenario. It's not like there will be parts vendors or online shopping, so if your AR takes a dump in a full Lord of the Flies climate, I'm sure there will be "donors" who don't need theirs anymore. Take theirs.

I guess I've just seen too many ARs outperform some of the older style rifles. I've run Mini-14, Garand, M1a, K98, Mosin, AK, and ARs at runnguns through heat, wet, sand and mud.

For "old school" I'd choose the M1a in a heartbeat. For anything else it's the Mini or the AR. The lighter your load, the faster you move.

 

[cjjtulsa]

I guess I've just seen too many ARs outperform some of the older style rifles. I've run Mini-14, Garand, M1a, K98, Mosin, AK, and ARs at runnguns through heat, wet, sand and mud.

For "old school" I'd choose the M1a in a heartbeat. For anything else it's the Mini or the AR. The lighter your load, the faster you move.

I've owned two "Minis"; I currently own zero. The Mini-30 threw shotgun patterns, and the 14 I wasn't all that impressed with. Cool concept, but didn't do anything for me. In the runnguns, I can see the AR being at the top of the heap, though. Lightweight, accurate, and plenty durable now days. I'd take a G3 over an M1a all day, every day. Just personal preference. A "bush" model FAL over it as well. They're all just heavy as an anvil.

 

[OK Corgi Rancher]

Wife's AK. A NoDak Spud NDS-2SF in 5.45X39. I know how to field strip and clean pretty much any AK or SKS type rifle. Aside from that I'm pretty AK illiterate. I don't know the differences between all the modern variants. I describe them all as AK rifles even though that's just a generic description.

I've tried to like them. I've owned several...Chinese, Russian, Yugo...some are just heavier than others but they're still just an AK to me. I've sold every single one I've ever owned. I don't like anything about them to be honest. But, as I said before, it seems like a rifle every gun guy should own. So now I have one in the safe that isn't going anywhere and it'll likely never be shot again. Wife liked it until I introduced her to the AR.

 

[cjjtulsa]

That's really a pretty nice piece; triangle side folder and all. Different strokes, but I'd prefer that over an AR. Just personal preference. Maybe I've been shooting them too long.

 

[OK Corgi Rancher]

I looked at one that recently sold on GunBroker for $2070 and the folder was pinned to make it CA legal... I could turn that into something really nice if this was my gun.

 

[HarryBear]

I'm an import AK guy myself.
When those dry up, might consider a USA made AK, but the sound of that just makes me uhh.

 

[Foxfire5]

I'm quite a fan of the AK-47 personally. Now, don't get me wrong, it's not a perfect platform. If i had to choose between an AK and an AR i'd choose an AR-15 for multitude of reasons. Availability in USA, reliability, accuracy, Ammo availability, Cost in USA, etc. but the AK-47 is a 'cool' gun, it has a lot of history too it, it's reliability is legendary, though i've seen the infamous Youtube videos that dispel it and show how reliable the 'closed' AR system is comparatively in adverse conditions. But the low maintenance nature, and (for the time) ease of manufacturing made it the weapon of choice amongst bad guys. I mean, it's an ugly ass gun, but that ugly has it's own sexiness to it.

ak-74s are pretty awesome, too. it's a shame that the weapon isn't as available in the USA, and 7.62x39 is much cheaper and more available(or was) than the AK74 rounds.


It seems all is changing, the doomsday has arrived. With the sanctions, war in Ukraine and so on, these guns that used to be cheap beaters are now 1k+, some good examples over 1,300(!), even the old WASR is like ~800+

I can get a top of the line AR-15 for that. a superior weapon(in my opinion). Is there any reason to even own these things anymore? i bet the ammo is going thru the roof, too. Are the days of WASR over? I was wondering what ya'lls opinion on the AK market in 2022 and the future of the semi auto AK in the USA. I heard Kalashnikov USA is making new ones for 1,300, but it's hard to justify the price when i can get a decent AR for half that.... I mean, how do ya'll feel about the AK47/74?


Having said that

Friday ordered two New AK Blems from Palmetto State for $600.00 each. More info on their site.

 

[Big50]

As far collectibility what would be the top five?

 

[n423]

Didnt Steve Largent have a company in midwest city or dell city making top grade ak 47's before he was a congress critter. Anyone know if they are still in business. Handled one of years ago nicely made ak

I think retired Lt Col Steve Russell and he owned Two Rivers Arms. Very nice guy, met him at Big Boys one time.



.