BoatsAndGuns
Shooter
When it comes to AKs, always, always, always get imports, especially if you don't have one or are only going to get one. Imports always go away and prices skyrocket (due to import bans, export bans, sanctions, factory simply stops making them, factory goes out of business, etc. It happens to all of them eventually). I'd recommend an AK made in an actual military factory overseas in a former combloc state (Zastava in Serbia, FB Radom in Poland, the state plant in Cugir, Romania, Arsenal in Bulgaria, etc). The exception to this is the Polish WBP Jack, which is made by a commercial company (though they do have military contracts and select fire Jacks are being used in combat in Ukraine) using state factory FB Radom Cold Hammer Forged Chrome Lined barrels, the best in the world.
At my place of work we get PSA AKs come through on transfer on the regular and I see too many QC issues out of the box, not to mention customers bringing them back to ship back to PSA for warranty work (we don't sell them, but FedEx and UPS have gotten so squirrely with individuals shipping guns that people bring them to us to ship back for warranty). I would resist the temptation to save money on a domestic, consumer-grade AK and get a quality one from a proven factory. Buy once, cry once.
-While it doesn't take standard AKM furniture, the Zastava ZPAP M70 is a solid option for about a grand, and there are plenty of aftermarket options for it these days. 50% thicker receiver, bulged RPK front trunnion, heavier profile cold hammer forged chrome lined barrel (7.62x39 ZPAPs are chrome lined now), and a proven history from a factory making these for military use for many decades.
-If you're willing to spend about $1600, I think the Polish FB Radom Beryl is the highest quality AK on the market right now (available from Atlantic and Arms of America). FB Radom is the main factory for the Polish military since before communism and has been making AKs for military use since the 1960s. You can get the Beryl in either 5.56 or 7.62x39. The 5.56 Beryl is the only NATO AK used by allies in Afghanistan and Iraq. If you want to stick with 5.56 for commonality, this is the best choice. I own a couple of Beryls and they are at least as high quality if not higher than my preban Russian AK imports.
-You can find Romanian WASR 10s for about $700 online. Solid base specs with a CHF CL barrel and forged components, I'd just inspect it before accepting the transfer at the gun shop when you pick it up (AK Operators Union has a solid video on inspecting an AK). I'd still take this over even the most "premium" US-made AK.
-Arsenal from Bulgaria used to be king of the hill, but as mentioned by others, QC has dropped while prices have skyrocketed. I love my older Arsenals but I wouldn't buy a new one.
-The Polish WBP Jack is a good option for $1150 on Atlantic and Arms of America, for the reasons mentioned above. Very high QC and amazing fit and finish. Beautiful classic AKMs and are compatible with all standard AKM furniture and parts.
At my place of work we get PSA AKs come through on transfer on the regular and I see too many QC issues out of the box, not to mention customers bringing them back to ship back to PSA for warranty work (we don't sell them, but FedEx and UPS have gotten so squirrely with individuals shipping guns that people bring them to us to ship back for warranty). I would resist the temptation to save money on a domestic, consumer-grade AK and get a quality one from a proven factory. Buy once, cry once.
-While it doesn't take standard AKM furniture, the Zastava ZPAP M70 is a solid option for about a grand, and there are plenty of aftermarket options for it these days. 50% thicker receiver, bulged RPK front trunnion, heavier profile cold hammer forged chrome lined barrel (7.62x39 ZPAPs are chrome lined now), and a proven history from a factory making these for military use for many decades.
-If you're willing to spend about $1600, I think the Polish FB Radom Beryl is the highest quality AK on the market right now (available from Atlantic and Arms of America). FB Radom is the main factory for the Polish military since before communism and has been making AKs for military use since the 1960s. You can get the Beryl in either 5.56 or 7.62x39. The 5.56 Beryl is the only NATO AK used by allies in Afghanistan and Iraq. If you want to stick with 5.56 for commonality, this is the best choice. I own a couple of Beryls and they are at least as high quality if not higher than my preban Russian AK imports.
-You can find Romanian WASR 10s for about $700 online. Solid base specs with a CHF CL barrel and forged components, I'd just inspect it before accepting the transfer at the gun shop when you pick it up (AK Operators Union has a solid video on inspecting an AK). I'd still take this over even the most "premium" US-made AK.
-Arsenal from Bulgaria used to be king of the hill, but as mentioned by others, QC has dropped while prices have skyrocketed. I love my older Arsenals but I wouldn't buy a new one.
-The Polish WBP Jack is a good option for $1150 on Atlantic and Arms of America, for the reasons mentioned above. Very high QC and amazing fit and finish. Beautiful classic AKMs and are compatible with all standard AKM furniture and parts.
