best ak-47 variant???

bravo30 · 09-23-2007, 01:40 AM

i hear the vepr are preety good as are the yugo's whats your opinion?>

BattleRifleG3 · 09-23-2007, 08:43 AM

Best by objective standards - my opinion is the SLR101, Bulgarian milled AK imported as single stack but professionally restored to military config using US parts. Why? Excellent uniform machining of receiver and all other critically mating components (bolt, barrel, carrier). Side rail scope mount on milled receiver is actually worth using, while those on stamped receivers may or may not be firm enough.

IF you don't want to use a scope, I'd say a Saiga in the chambering on your choice and adapted to use military mags (if in 223 or X39) and in pistol grip config.

Neither will be cheap. The Bulgarian is worth it if it's worth it to you. The converted Saiga is worth it in the most objective sense.

The VEPRs and Yugos are worth it IF you want a heavy gage AK. The Yugos are built on US receivers and some with US barrels using ex military kits, most of them refurbished from an unattractive condition. The VEPRs are all Russian but with US compliance parts. Some people have criticized their QC, but the VEPRs are known for being very accurate.

meatloaf · 09-25-2007, 05:08 PM

wow I had no idea that my YUGO is an Ak varient. Whats makes a real AK?

BattleRifleG3 · 09-25-2007, 08:21 PM

Yugo AKs are the only Yugos that are AK variants. Yugo SKSs, Mausers, and cars are not AK variants. If the Yugo cars were AK variants, they'd have a much better reputation.

meatloaf · 09-26-2007, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BattleRifleG3

Yugo AKs are the only Yugos that are AK variants. Yugo SKSs, Mausers, and cars are not AK variants. If the Yugo cars were AK variants, they'd have a much better reputation.

Ok, again stupid question what makes an Ak a true AK and is there any differance in performance?

BattleRifleG3 · 09-26-2007, 09:12 PM

That's a good question. My answer is that there are things that are AKs and things that aren't. SKSs and Dragunovs aren't AKs, they're SKSs and Dragunovs. FPK/PSL/Romak-IIIs that are marked Dragunovs are actually AKs.

Ok, to get a little more technical, there's a light machinegun designed from the AK called the RPK. Some AK variants are actually based on this. Some parts interchange. This includes VEPRs, FPKs, and some Yugos.

meatloaf · 09-30-2007, 12:11 PM

I understand thanks, G3 you are a wealth of information. Thanks for your posts on my cetme too.

HandsomeRob · 11-30-2007, 06:36 PM

I was wondering the same thing meatloaf and thanks for answering it BattleRifleG3 and I see what you mean now by there is no Romanian Dragonov, they are just AKs with Dragonov style stocks.

billy · 12-08-2007, 08:05 AM

my wasr 10 gets sub MOA everytime!

rocketmonty · 12-15-2007, 10:39 AM

my ak from iraq is awesome! and mostly all other's are too .

Rex Kramer · 12-15-2007, 11:24 AM

I like the Chinese AKs!

knightRider · 12-15-2007, 12:00 PM

i like all AKS

Dale · 12-15-2007, 02:05 PM

I would answer that a true AK is one that was built on Kalashnokov's design in a Soviet factory.

Anything else is a variant.

It woud be like..."What is a genuine Colt 1911"?......a Colt 1911!

Anything else is a variant.

SilverRun · 12-15-2007, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bravo30

i hear the vepr are preety good as are the yugo's whats your opinion?>

Yep, both of these are good. I currently have a couple of the Yugo's that I really like. The Bulgarian and Chinese are also good.

Rex Kramer · 12-15-2007, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dale

I would answer that a true AK is one that was built on Kalashnokov's design in a Soviet factory.
Anything else is a variant.

Weren't all Kalashnikov AKs full auto?

SwedeSteve · 12-15-2007, 08:50 PM

Billy gets the nod, BRG gets the thumbs up for stepping in once again!

Dale · 12-15-2007, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rex Kramer

Weren't all Kalashnikov AKs full auto?

My understanding is the Soviet Klashnikov AKs made back in the 1947s was selective fire with, of course, the option of full auto.

Blaster13 · 12-20-2007, 04:08 AM

True AK's are built in Russian factories and are selective fire. By Russian made it also means they were built to V. Kalashinkovs design, but also built in factories that were Soviet Bloc nations. Some of those nations made modifications to orginal design to fit their own needs and spec's, but used the same basic designs. Take the example of Maddi made in Egypt. They were made in their factories but on tooling and use of tech personel supplied by Russia. Your variants will come from factories that use their designs but are built for import and are semi-auto only.

Snowman · 12-20-2007, 08:37 AM

My .02 The Arsenal Bulgarians are definitely top of the line. I have several Century Yugos and they are great, much better than the Romanian crap that Century kicks out. That being said, a Romy kit built on a quality receiver by someone who knows what they are doing (not me) is a fine weapon. All ak's are great, even a lowly WASR can be a fun weapon. Bottom line, as long as it's built correctly, you pretty much can't go wrong with an AK.

ma96782 · 12-25-2007, 09:53 PM

IMHO.....IF it fits the classic silhouette of an AK made in a country aligned with the commies......it's an AK. A "shorty" Krinkov is an "AK variant." As an M4 is a variant of an M16.

A Velmet and Galil ain't.......cause, it ain't a commie made weapon. Though, one could say it's a variant.
_______________________

Now, would I want an AK47 style rifle with a stupid looking frt hand grip, thumb hole stock or muzzle device? Nope.....not me. I'm a traditional kind of guy.

Aloha, Mark

09-23-2007, 01:40 AM	#1
bravo30 Banned Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: philly Posts: 69	best ak-47 variant??? i hear the vepr are preety good as are the yugo's whats your opinion?>

09-23-2007, 08:43 AM	#2
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,401 Images: 13	Best by objective standards - my opinion is the SLR101, Bulgarian milled AK imported as single stack but professionally restored to military config using US parts. Why? Excellent uniform machining of receiver and all other critically mating components (bolt, barrel, carrier). Side rail scope mount on milled receiver is actually worth using, while those on stamped receivers may or may not be firm enough. IF you don't want to use a scope, I'd say a Saiga in the chambering on your choice and adapted to use military mags (if in 223 or X39) and in pistol grip config. Neither will be cheap. The Bulgarian is worth it if it's worth it to you. The converted Saiga is worth it in the most objective sense. The VEPRs and Yugos are worth it IF you want a heavy gage AK. The Yugos are built on US receivers and some with US barrels using ex military kits, most of them refurbished from an unattractive condition. The VEPRs are all Russian but with US compliance parts. Some people have criticized their QC, but the VEPRs are known for being very accurate. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf Last edited by BattleRifleG3; 09-23-2007 at 08:46 AM.

09-25-2007, 08:21 PM	#4
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,401 Images: 13	Yugo AKs are the only Yugos that are AK variants. Yugo SKSs, Mausers, and cars are not AK variants. If the Yugo cars were AK variants, they'd have a much better reputation. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

09-26-2007, 09:12 PM	#6
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,401 Images: 13	That's a good question. My answer is that there are things that are AKs and things that aren't. SKSs and Dragunovs aren't AKs, they're SKSs and Dragunovs. FPK/PSL/Romak-IIIs that are marked Dragunovs are actually AKs. Ok, to get a little more technical, there's a light machinegun designed from the AK called the RPK. Some AK variants are actually based on this. Some parts interchange. This includes VEPRs, FPKs, and some Yugos. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

11-30-2007, 06:36 PM	#8
HandsomeRob Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Wisconsin Posts: 170	I was wondering the same thing meatloaf and thanks for answering it BattleRifleG3 and I see what you mean now by there is no Romanian Dragonov, they are just AKs with Dragonov style stocks. __________________ You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind each blade of grass.

09-25-2007, 05:08 PM	#3
meatloaf Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: lakewood CO Posts: 904 Images: 3	wow I had no idea that my YUGO is an Ak varient. Whats makes a real AK?

09-30-2007, 12:11 PM	#7
meatloaf Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: lakewood CO Posts: 904 Images: 3	I understand thanks, G3 you are a wealth of information. Thanks for your posts on my cetme too.

12-08-2007, 08:05 AM	#9
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 12,157 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 146	my wasr 10 gets sub MOA everytime! __________________

12-15-2007, 10:39 AM	#10
rocketmonty Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: florida Posts: 137	my ak from iraq is awesome! and mostly all other's are too .

12-15-2007, 11:24 AM	#11
Rex Kramer Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 395	ChiCom I like the Chinese AKs!

12-15-2007, 12:00 PM	#12
knightRider Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: you know where Posts: 2,683 Images: 19 Blog Entries: 11	i like all AKS __________________ I'm part kalishnakov, part heckler and Koch.

12-15-2007, 02:05 PM	#13
Dale Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Too Dang Hot, Arizona Posts: 4,284	I would answer that a true AK is one that was built on Kalashnokov's design in a Soviet factory. Anything else is a variant. It woud be like..."What is a genuine Colt 1911"?......a Colt 1911! Anything else is a variant. __________________ "It confuses me how some people can vigorously go against the 2nd. Amendment and still call themselves patriotic"-me

12-15-2007, 08:50 PM	#16
SwedeSteve Thor's Hammer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Alaska Posts: 10,372 Images: 1	Billy gets the nod, BRG gets the thumbs up for stepping in once again! __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

12-20-2007, 04:08 AM	#18
Blaster13 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 10	True AK's are built in Russian factories and are selective fire. By Russian made it also means they were built to V. Kalashinkovs design, but also built in factories that were Soviet Bloc nations. Some of those nations made modifications to orginal design to fit their own needs and spec's, but used the same basic designs. Take the example of Maddi made in Egypt. They were made in their factories but on tooling and use of tech personel supplied by Russia. Your variants will come from factories that use their designs but are built for import and are semi-auto only.

12-20-2007, 08:37 AM	#19
Snowman Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CO Posts: 94	My .02 The Arsenal Bulgarians are definitely top of the line. I have several Century Yugos and they are great, much better than the Romanian crap that Century kicks out. That being said, a Romy kit built on a quality receiver by someone who knows what they are doing (not me) is a fine weapon. All ak's are great, even a lowly WASR can be a fun weapon. Bottom line, as long as it's built correctly, you pretty much can't go wrong with an AK.

12-25-2007, 09:53 PM	#20
ma96782 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 25	IMHO.....IF it fits the classic silhouette of an AK made in a country aligned with the commies......it's an AK. A "shorty" Krinkov is an "AK variant." As an M4 is a variant of an M16. A Velmet and Galil ain't.......cause, it ain't a commie made weapon. Though, one could say it's a variant. _______________________ Now, would I want an AK47 style rifle with a stupid looking frt hand grip, thumb hole stock or muzzle device? Nope.....not me. I'm a traditional kind of guy. Aloha, Mark Last edited by ma96782; 12-25-2007 at 10:15 PM.