im still trying to build up my ar, but have been wanting to purchase an ak for some time now. my question is which is the best “buy” for a base model ak. like my ar, i want to buy a base model and build it up to my own preferences. anything under $500 would be around my price range. pics would be great as well, and links. thanks crew
Well im by no mean an AK expert but i have been reading on them for quite some time… I got my first ak about 5 months ago. Its a Century Yugo M70 fixed stock. While Century is notorious for crappy quality control the yugos actually come out pretty good. Mine has run flawless and the only problems i had was cant of the from sight. But i can still shoot less than 2 inch groups with it at 50 yds. It cost me about 450. Anyways if you can save up alittle more you can get something much better. Im hoping to purchase a vector arms classic at Atlanticfirearms.com it cost right at 600. Its supposed to be a superb rifle. Anyways check out this site: theakforum.net. Its basically the AK version of M4carbine.net. Anyways hope this helps and good luck with your purchase!
In that price range, try to get a handpicked Century WASR-10 high cap, or a Century M70 Yugoslavian rifle.
I’m kinda partial to mine: A Special Interest Arms AKM-47 7.62 x 39 that I took and installed the CAA(Command Arms Accesories) AK-47 conversion kit to. http://www.commandarms.com/Default.asp?c=153046
Century Arms also offers a gun like mine was before the install.
Henderson Defense has some good hand picked and certified WASR deals going right now. They even have a tactical version available if you want to crap up an AK with tacticool accessories… 
http://shop.hendersondefense.biz/product.sc?categoryId=4&productId=78