My SGL-31 will be hitting my FFL in a couple days and I’m pretty excited about getting it. With that said, I know that K-VAR seems to be a pretty reputable dealer. I have noticed some of you mention them in other threads and I don’t recall anything negative.
What I would like to know is, are there any other reputable dealers either online or in the Houston area that carry quality AK’s, without having to worry about getting crappy guns or service?
So far, I know of K-VAR, Century and Lancaster.
I’m pretty new to the AK scene, but somewhere down the line, I would like to get a good quality 7.62 underfolder, and not have to be concerned about canted sights and the other QC problems.
I have a gun shop relatively close that carries a few WASR 10 underfolders, but I haven’t really checked them out very thoroughly. I know that I can get either a diamond or a dud dealing with that particular model.
PS… I have been reading the AK related threads for a couple weeks now, and you guys have taught me a LOT!!
I’ve pimped them before, and I’ll do it anytime AK’s come up in conversation. I have both a 5.45 and a 7.62 AK’s from them and they are top notch builds and priced reasonably. Ron has treated me like gold, was pleasant on the phone, and talked to me like a friend and I’ve never even met the man in real life.
Class act, the whole Henderson Defense crew.
Also in reference to the WASR10’s. HD offers them and they individually inspect each one so you do not have to worry about a sloppy or tight mag well, canted sight base, ect. Peace of mind!
Steer clear or Century and don’t bother with Lancaster.
Check AIM surplus for good deals on surplus military mags (make sure and get the real ones, they carry the crap ones too) and cheap surplus ammo (but remember all military ammo is corrosive).
Im confused…are you wanting to know reputable AK dealers or manufactures?
As far as reputable dealers go I have had good experiances with Atlantic Firearms. They are who I bought my Arsenal SLG 21 from, back when Arsenal/K-VAR had them for $499 Atlantic matched their price. They are good to go.
I have already learned that Arsenal is one of the better manufacturers. The rifles are Russian Saigas that Arsenal converts. K-Var is a “dealer” that sells Arsenal firearms. Is that correct? Maybe I’m wrong.
As far as manufacturers, doesn’t that depend on where they are imported from?
From what I gather, the better rifles are either Russian or Bulgarian. Then you have the Yugo’s, Polish, Chinese, Maadi’s and then Romanian.
What I am looking for are other dealers that sell quality AK’s that I may use in the not to distant future to make another purchase. I don’t want to go through the hassle of having to return a rifle because someone’s idea of QC isn’t anywhere close to mine. It has already been mentioned to stay away from Century and Lancaster. I will heed the warning, but who IS reputed to sell high quality weapons the first time without further time and anguish on my part?
Keep an eye out for Hungarians as well. The SA-85 is a damn fine rifle for a fixed stock.
For a UF a good Vector built (if you can find one) Polish build,
A Chinese double underfolder, or if you don’t mind the straight stock and lack of a Chrome bore the Yugo UF is damn accurate.
I’ve found over time any underfolder tends to loosen up over time and have play in the rotating mechanism. I’ve also been cut by the sharp edges of the stock on a Yugo before.
If you want a Parts Kit built up, some great builders are:
Troy Sellars @ Inrange
Will Hayden @ Red Jacket Firearms
Ted Marshall of Marshall Arms (The wait list is beyond I year I think?)
Mario @ Piece of History Firearms.
The list goes on.
Some great shops not mentioned are
J and G Sales, Copes Distributing (AK accessories and kits), and Classicarms.us was at one time good, don’t know about the new owners.
I’ve always heard mixed things about Centerfire Systems.
