I’ve been thinking about buying an AK74 or 5.45 Krink. I’ve seen on some sites where people are stating that the 5.45 ammo will dry up and make an AK74 useless. People are saying to get a 7.62x39 or 5.56. Any opinions, agreeing with or contesting that claim? All info with truly be appreciated.
TIA,
TS
I’m not as worried about the 5.45mm drying up as I once was. There is Russian commercial ammo available, as there is a metric shit-ton of surplus 7N6 from 3 countries coming in currently.
Russian, Bulgarian, and Polish. There’s actually a glut on the market right now, and there’s more coming in.
I really enjoy my AK-74. It’s a very light recoiling, flat shooting little rifle.
I think that if you’re at all interested in an AK, you should pick at least one up in 7.62x39mm and 5.45x39mm.
Hopet that helps.
In addition to Wolf I see that Golden Tiger is now making and selling 5.45!
While it’s more expensive than the surplus 7N6 it is readily available.
I was at the Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot on Saturday and I actually saw more 5.45 ammo for sale than 7.62x39 or 5.56 and .223.
Made me wish I had an AK-74…
Derek
What kind of prices were they asking for the 5.45?
If I recall correctly, most of it seemed to be in the $150-170 per thousand range. I think it was mostly Wolf and Golden Tiger. I wish I had more details but I was really only shopping for 5.56 and 9mm. I just remember seeing many, many cases of 5.45 (and several full pallets of it) and wishing 5.56 were that cheap…
Derek
Thanks Derek.
That sounds about right. I’ve see Wolf & Golden Tiger mostly goes for $160/1000 on the internet and in the shops.
Wasn’t it a few years ago that “all the 5.45 is drying up” posts abounded? I laughed at them and still do now. 
recommended ak74 assembled and ready to go for under $800? looked at some from Ohio Rapid Fire but thats about it so far. love the skeleton side folder like in TigerStripe’s avatar.
Is all the surplus stuff corrosive? I have been thinking of picking up a 74 but im trying to decide if I want to stock another personal caliber and than I have to make sure I have plenty of mags for it and parts. What parts do or do not interchange from the AKM?
I’ve read that the surplus is corrosive and isn’t corrosive and I’m talking about the milsurp Russian/Bulgarian, so I don’t know for sure. I may buying or building that AK74 or Krink-type after reading about the ammo situation.
Thanks,
TS
Yes, it is corrosive.
“Wasn’t it a few years ago that “all the 5.45 is drying up” posts abounded?”
I actually got into a “discussion” on another board just recently
The classic satament “it won’t be cheap or available for long”
But no specifics…heck I can predict things will get more expensive
Funny thing is the guy was saying how much cheaper 5.56 was to make…more use, etc…and yet here it is more than double the price
My concern is that there is no domestic producer of 5.45.
Yes its available now, but who knows what will happen in the world ammunition market and the politics that can affect it.
It could dry up quick.
Of course that could just be over-thinking it considering the initial investment in the weapon platform isnt overwhelming and few of us on this board at least would have it as a primary weapon 
Well, Atlantic Firearms has some rifles built on Polish Tantal kits that should be really nice.
If you can, try to find an Arsenal Inc. SLR-105A1, they’re the best of the breed.
Baring that, I’d get the best condition kit that Ohio Rapidfire has and send it to be built up on a DCI/NODAK receiver.
And yes, ALL surplus 5.45x39mm is corrosive. No bid deal.
That’s mine as well.
Yes its available now, but who knows what will happen in the world ammunition market and the politics that can affect it. It could dry up quick.
True, especially with the upcoming elections.
Of course that could just be over-thinking it considering the initial investment in the weapon platform isnt overwhelming and few of us on this board at least would have it as a primary weapon
Hmm… Configuration…???
TS
Buy it cheap and stack it deep!
I have one of the Tantal’s from Atlantic, it’s a nice rifle. It’s a great shooter, noticeably more accurate at extended ranges than my 7.62x39 guns (not that the others are inaccurate). I’ve only shot 70 grain Wolf so far, I’m keeping the surplus for a rainy day, reminds me I need to buy some more.
fixed or folder? how are they with support and warranty backup?
What he said…
TS