Im looking to buy a AK74. But the builder that I use doesnt have any kits to build.
I know a lot of you guys on this forum shoot AK’s, so I figured I would post here for your guy’s opinion.
Which AK74 manfacturer should I look to buy from?..I only really looking for a fixed stock (NATO) and a original barrel.
What are you guy’s suggestions/opinions?
Have you looked over this thread?
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=934
Arsenal is probably going to be the best overall make on the US market:
http://www.arsenalinc.com/about.htm
Since you’re interested in 5.45x39, you should consider the SGL31:
http://www.arsenalinc.com/sgl31-61.htm
If you want an AKM or AK-74 clone in 7.62x39, consider the SLR-108:
http://www.arsenalinc.com/slr108.htm
Personally, I would go with the SGL31 as it has the more modern 24mm muzzle threads and the design is supposed to help with accuracy. The SLR-107 series is probably the most modern design and it also has the better muzzle design(only in 7.62):
http://www.arsenalinc.com/slr107f-pr.htm
Not sure if your heart is set on 5.45, but overall the 7.62x39 is a better cartridge. There are quite a few branches of the Russian military that are actually going back to the 7.62 over the 5.45.
Rather than go with a kit build on a US receiver, I’d highly recommend getting one of the Russian SGL-31’s from K-Var.
http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=17038&cat=354&page=1
Kvar SGL31.
Arizona Response Systems has some. They are built on new Bulgy parts kits and about same price as the SGL-31.
Anyone know if the side optic mount is compatible with US made red dot sights or variable power optics?
Gewehr Werks built some sweet Bulgarian sidefolders. Like new Bulgy kits, on a No-Dak Spud rcvr, with a folding stock. I think Tim still has a few…$890 IIRC. I’ve got one and it’s a quality build. Love the sidefolder. Do the math on a good kit, REAL sidefolder, receiver, build, etc and $890 aint bad.
OR…there were a ton of cheap builds the past several months; TGI, AIM Surplus, Lancaster Arms, just to name a few. They ran from $500 down to $400. Decent kits, No Dak rcvr, parkerized, didn’t read all that many complaints.
I have one of the original $499 AIM’s and it’s a very decent, useable 74. Just bought on of the cheap Lancaster Rough riders for $420. About the same…oonly cheaper and a lifetime warranty from Lancaster!
+1 on the Arsenal 74’s. They had some great sales a few months back. I’ve got an SGL Ak47 nice gun, very high quality.
You have several options…
FN in MT
So the Arsenal is the best rifle to buy in the 5.45 caliber?
Totally depends on the mount that you put on that side rail.
Most Russian/Beylorussian/Ukrainian mounts will put the optic way high (chin weld) and/or offset a bit to the left of the bore.
For a standard stock yes, if you want an A frame folder get a Gewehr Werks.
As stated above, if you want quality pony up the extra cash for the Arsenal/K-VAR rifles. My first '74 was a AKS-74 kit built by a local AK shop back right after the ban expired in '04…needless to say the rails are out of spec and the damn thing fails to chamber a round. My SLR-105R (converted to pre evil goodness) runs like a champ.
Lancaster makes a nice Ak74 with a milled receiver for around $800. They also make a WZ88 tantal for similar price.
I have both Lancaster and Arsenal rifles, either are a good choice. The only downside to the Lancaster IMO is the lack of side rail as standard. Easy enough to add later on.
I’d highly recommend getting one of the Russian SGL-31’s from K-Var.
Templar, are there any practical mounts available on the market that don’t have the chin weld or offset or would the only viable alternative would be a rail receiver cover or railed forearm?
Roger, there’s a side mount that has been re-introduced. I’ve handled an original one a couple years ago and it seemed decent.
Here’s the thing though…there are so many variables with AK’s and side rails, so you might get one and it’s good to go, and you might not.
If I may make a few comments…
MWI makes a nice railed forearm assy. Seems solid, well made and reasonably priced. Certainly an option.
I recently added one of the Kalinka Optics POSP Russian scopes to my Arsenal AK47. The scope IS mounted off to the left but after sighting it in…unless the range is fairly long the offset really doesn’t matter. I was hitting my 150 and 200 yd plates just fine with a center hold. Took me longer to get used to the funky Russian reticle than it did using a semi cheek weld with an offset scope.
I don’t know what you wish to do with your AK and optics…but if the ranges are not too long…don’t let the idea of an offset mount concern you. It doesn’t seem to be an issue.
FN in MT