Like all of us. Ammo prices are killing me. Thus, I’ve been looking hard at 5.45x39 so I can shoot. Initially I started looking at an AR based upper - but lack of manufacturers, support and mag issues have me questioning that approach. Any weapon I buy has to first meet the requirement of “would I rely upon it?” I do not want any weapon to simply be a “range toy”.
Not being a total noob to the AK system, I started investigating. The majority of reviews are very positive to the Waffen Werks AK-74. Yes I know, US build and US barrel (chrome lined). From reviews, I can’t see the justification for an Arsenal/Fime SLG31 based rifle. I have seen one report of bad craftsmanship on a WW but overwhelming very good quality.
I keep wavering between platform familarity vs. reliablity. I think this would be good to practice on an alternate system. I’m willing to learn and master a different platform - which I think is better for me in the long run of defense mastery.
What say you? I appreciate this site’s expert opinion. It has led me on a “quality vs. cost” path in the past.
I’ve got one and while only having 1500rds thru it as of now I will say it shoots great! Very smooth, reliable. Doesn’t like pro mags tho so stick to Bulgarians. Got a couple of 45rd mags for it and a bi pod and dressed it up like a RPK.
I have a Waffen Werks 74 that I bought last year for right around $700 from Atlantic. Unfortunately it’s only seen about 30 rounds so far, but I can say that it’s a very well put together AK. Everything is nice and tight and the numbers all match on the Bulgarian parts. The gunkote finish looks great is a nice feature not found on some of the more expensive guns like Arsenals. It does have a US made barrel, but that’s a given now on all but a handful of AKs. I’d say it hits a nice sweet spot in terms of price and quality that few other AKs offer.
WW is just a little west of me, and I have seen a lot of his 74’s. In this market, its a solid rifle for the money. Buy one, and Wideners has 545 in stock.
Yep thanks guys for your input. This seems to be the typical response concerning WW. Nice thing is it seems quite common for most guys to be into round counts in the thousands with no or very little issues. As mentioned, I’d be going strictly with the Bulgarian Circle 10 or 21 mags for reliability (Classic Arms has them at $99/4pack and were $79/4 pack). Not cheap but not bad either considering quality mag availability seems to be the weak spot in the chain. Sure will be a lot cheaper to shoot than the BCM or Romy G.
If you are looking for one for cheap to get more ammo, it is great. love mine. Shoots very nice. Very tight too.
If you want it to be reliable and shoot gaggzooks amount of ammo, or worried about SHTF stuff, get the Arsenal. You honestly can’t go wrong with either one.
(And now 5.45 just got more expensive with another 74 sold). hehehe.
I was seriously debating the 5.45 platform, possibly in a Waffen Werks weapon. Ultimately I went with an Arsenal in 7.62 because I know stores carry that caliber and Magpul will be releasing their mags for it soon (hopefully). I’d still like one of these though but an RSO at the club I shoot at was saying that all surplus Russian ammo that’s been imported in the last decade or so is all steel core. Is that true? I know my specific range doesn’t allow steel core, nor do the other two in my area.
It’s not steel core, it’s a bimetal jacket. It will stick to a magnet though, because there is steel in the alloy. You can buy domestic ammo from companies like American Eagle though. There are also other non-bimetal options, but they can be expensive.
I was in the exact same boat a month or so ago. I too pondered the 5.45x39 upper, but really I wanted a platform that was designed and proven for the round.
I originally searched for an aresenal mainly because I wanted a 100 series side folder stock. I stumbled upon an older red jacket build that was identical to the SGL-31/94 I was after. It was also $300 less than what an arsenal would have cost me. Seeing as most high end AK 74’s were up in price it was worth it and a good deal.
Then centerfiresystems came out with the grade B wood WW 74’s for $599. I could have slapped a $100 arsenal stock set on it and had a solid rifle for $700 and saved some $$. Oh well… I still have my side folder :D.
I just ran it through a VSM class this weekend and I could not be happier with it. To me it proved the setup. Not only did mine function flawlessly, the 3 other AK’s in class held their own. 1 also being the instructors. 2 things I wanted to change after class. The honkin muzzle brake and safety selector.
Your video was one of the reasons I started to consider the WW. I think I first stumbled across it at AKFiles - good stuff and great job reviewing.
Miller:
a.) Thanks very good comments on your thought process and congrats on finding a good reliable rifle.
b.) $599 Classic Firearms Deal:
The only reason I really hesitated was a recent report (June 2013 delivery) ( http://www.akfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=152797 )of a WW from Classic (never specified which “grade level” it was) with poor fitment, stiff action, etc. Good news is this is one of only a couple poor reports on WW quality I find.
I see WW is now bending their own receivers instead of using NoDaks.
I wonder if the “questionable” rifles with dimensional “issues” end up as “Grade B” stock/hardware special price rifles?
Someone had mentioned they believed Atlantic might receive the cream of the crop backed with Atlantic inspecting each rifle prior to shipment - however, I admit, that is heresy on my behalf - just throwing it out for discussion.
3.) My math (excuse any mistakes and deletions of shipping/misc. fees):
Arsenal SGL31-69 @ $1300
WW-74 Full Price @ $800
Bulgy Circle 10/21 Mags (4@$100 x 3 = 12 total) @ $300
Surplus Corrosive Ammo (1080 spam can) @ @$225 high end
- Total @ $1325
So before shipping. Break even with a basic minimum 12 each (IMO - I want personal carry + back-up. I’ll likely use commercial grade mags for range/screwing around to save the good 'uns) quality mag set and 1k ammo. If quality is on par for the reviews, it’s a hell of value.
Good question. Pesawar is correct (AFAIK for 7.62) and been through this before for some shoots… Some RO’s will use a magnet to DQ ammo. For the life of me, I cannot find the a great article on this very issue. It is the perfect thing to show a grumpy RO regarding bimetal.
Most steel core will divot the AR500 plates which they do not like = ricochets.
