AK 47 Expert Needed

[carlson1]

I am looking at a Yugo AK. I would like to know where that falls of the spectrum as far as the value and dependability. What is the top magazine to buy?
Thanks
Carl

[longtooth]

I thought you were the authority on them. I just bought mine trusting you to have the answers to ALL my ?s.

What have I got myself into.

[RECIT]

I don't own a Yugo, but I can answer your mag question. I own a Lancaster made AK and it has been 100% reliable for me in about 500rds. I have been using Promag 20rd mags and they have been great. I like the 20rd mags b/c you can still shoot from a rest without hitting the mag on the bench. I also have some surplus steel mags that are OK, but not great.

[carlson1]

Don't fret LT. I am getting our answers early. I am no for sure the difference between the AK and the SKS.

[PeteCamp]

I'm not an expert, but I have owned two for quite a while now. One is a Century M70AB2 Yugo underfolder. The other is a Romanian (ROMAR) standard rifle. The Yugo is by far the better quality rifle. It has an American made barrel and bolt and actually looks as if was not machined between swigs of vodka.

There are some lists of these things, quality-wise, over on AR15.com in the AK section. IIRC the Russian and Chinese are the best, not counting the American made high $$$ versions. I like the metal mags. You never have to worry about when the M1 Abrams runs over them!!!

The Yugo underfolder is great for late night answering the doorbell when you're just not sure who is there.

[mymojo]

I have a milled M64 and love it. It is my go to rifle. Very reliable and more accurate than I am.

I bought an M70AB2 before the election last year and they were running $500-550 then. So as far as pricing goes I'd be hesitant to pay more than that at this point.

On the mags issue, opinions are gonna vary (I personally have had trouble with Promag stuff). But if bench shooting is the plan then, yes, look for 10 or 20 rounders. If you are planning on humping the rifle and ammo any distance I would suggest looking into bakelite mags. They are light and durable, but kind of expensive. Otherwise, the steel surplus are solid and inexpensive options that will serve their purpose well.

[OverEasy]

carl,
The Yugos rebuilt by Century that have the gas block (flip up grenade launching sight) have a receiver that is thicker than the standard sheetmetal receiver. The barrels are new US mfg. but are not chrome lined. If you use new ammo it isn't corrosive like the old surplus, so the chrome is not an issue.

I have a Century Yugo underfolder. It is well built and accurate. I did change out the trigger, but the one in it wasn't bad. This new one is just better. The Yugos have a different sized handguard on them so most of the after market handguards won't fit. I would buy another one. Hope this helps.
Regards, OE

[carlson1]

Thanks for all of the help. It will be my Christmas present and first AK.

[remington79]

Any steel mag will work in the AK. Just make sure they are Eastern European. If you want a polymer mag go with the Bulgarian Circle 10 mags. They have a waffle pattern on the body. K-Var is one of the places that has them. Stay away from Tapco, ProMag, etc, whether they are steel or polymer. They don't work as well and aren't as durable.

[carlson1]

AK 47 looks great. The stock is wood and the underfolder locks up tight. Barrel was excellent. It is in terrific shape and very clean. I have two mags on the way. It came with a great bayonet and carrying case. Pictures soon to come. Thanks for all of the help.

[Mike from Texas]

I don't own a Yugo, but I can answer your mag question. I own a Lancaster made AK and it has been 100% reliable for me in about 500rds. I have been using Promag 20rd mags and they have been great. I like the 20rd mags b/c you can still shoot from a rest without hitting the mag on the bench. I also have some surplus steel mags that are OK, but not great.

You mean people shoot an AK from the bench?

[C-dub]

All I know is that it makes a distinct sound when fired at you.

[RECIT]

I don't own a Yugo, but I can answer your mag question. I own a Lancaster made AK and it has been 100% reliable for me in about 500rds. I have been using Promag 20rd mags and they have been great. I like the 20rd mags b/c you can still shoot from a rest without hitting the mag on the bench. I also have some surplus steel mags that are OK, but not great.

You mean people shoot an AK from the bench?

I shoot MY ak from the bench. I like to see how accurate my firearms really are. Everyone says the AK design is horribly inaccurate at 100yds... but I have found it easy to group at 100yds for me. I do shoot from a standing position on my property, but the range I go to will only really let you shoot a rifle from a bench at any decent distance.

[carlson1]

NO PICTURES YET, but I took her to the range today and had a blast. I met one of the other forum members for a few rounds down range. The rifle shoots better than me.