As promised, here's my range report.
Before leaving to the range
I thoroughly cleaned the rifle to remove all the packing grease, etc. The amount of grease/oil was normal for a newly purchased gun but I typically like to remove it all before shooting. I used Rem Oil everywhere in the gun. I've heard that AK47's can run dry without any issues, but I'm sure a little oil can't hurt.
I also decided to adjust the windage on the front sight. When I received the rifle the front sight post was pushed very far to the left (I guess I should have taken a picture). Coming from the AR world, I was thinking that was normal for an AK. I didn't realize that windage on an AK is adjusted on the front sight. Anyway, a few google searches and figured out that I need a front sight adjustment tool. Well, no time for that so I oiled up the front sight, got a big punch, supported against a 2x4 will hole drilled, and hammered the front sight post to center. Figured I'd get it close and pick up a tool at a later time.
Next, I attempted to throw the rifle in my 36" rifle case and found that it doens't fit. Not sure if that is because the stock on this AK is longer than normal, but the slant brake would have torn up my case if I tried to squeeze it. So I'll probably end up buying a 42" case.
At the range
Realized I forgot the camera. Doh.
Accuracy
Most of the ranges in this area only allow HP or JHP so I ran by Walmart on the way to the range and picked up some expensive brass 7.69. Get to the range and figure out its FMJ :( In any case, this range did allow FMJ on their tactical bay so I was good to go. I set all my stuff up and decided I'd shoot one of my ARs first. Figured I'd get rid of any nerves or shakes with the AR so that I could shoot the AK better. I don't typically get nervous or shake much, but I had to go #1 really bad and didn't want to leave my stuff unattended. So I was a little fidgety because of all the water I drank that morning. In any case, shot the AR with backup sights at 25 yards and verified I was shooting my normal accuracy.
Next up, the Wasr10. Now the whole time I shot the AR I only had one guy comment and ask what type of rifle I was shooting. Not much more than a sneeze though. After pulling the AK out I had 4 different people come by to stare and/or ask questions. I guess ARs are much more common at this range. Or people aren't used to seeing AKs without wood furniture. 3 of the 4 people had no idea what kind of gun it was. 1 guy just asked what kind of AK it was. All were pretty impressed with the price tag.
Now on to the good stuff. I shot about 5 rounds and found the windage to be pretty close but the elevation about 8 inches high. Windage I was pretty much stuck with due to lack of adjustment tool. For elevation I brought along a small pair of needle nose pliers that I used to make a few rotations and raise the front sight post. After another 15 shots or so I got it pretty decent and hit the bullseye a few times. I wasn't really looking for much accuracy out this gun so I was satisfied. I have very little patience when it comes to waiting for cease fires so I skip the whole 3/5/10 shot group and just keep shooting. Note: the shot at the top of the target on this one was the second shot of a double tap. I only tried this once because I found it hard to control, evident by the 2nd shot placement.
Magazines
So I tried the Tapco mags first. With more effort than needed, I'm able to get one seated and start shooting. First round goes ok. Second round get's hung up going into the chamber. I clear that one, try again and it works. Fourth round get's hung again. I continue this for 40 rounds (2 mags) and find that the bullet is getting hung below the chamber about 50% of the time. Sometimes rendering the bullet useless. I got about 6 of these:
I was ready to throw the Tapco mags down range and shoot at them but I'd like to get my money back on them. So I switch to surplus european mags for the next 160 rounds and like magic I don't have a single issue.
Recoil
Now I've shot alot of long guns in my life. Everything from .22 to .50 in a rifle. And up to 12 gauge in a shotgun. The best thing I can equate the recoil to is a 12 gauge. Most high caliber rifles I've fired, I've done so out of novelty or hunting. Both of which you're only shooting a few rounds at a time and typically wearing more than a t-shirt. I've done alot of shooting of 12gauge in a t-shirt but typically 200 rounds or less. To me, the recoil of the AK reminded me of shooting several rounds of skeet or sporting clays. My shoulder and right cheek were a little sore afterwards but nothing too bad. The recoil is definitely much more than an AR. I'm also thinking that wood furniture weighs more than polymer furniture and would probably absorb recoil a bit more. In any case, the recoil is very manageable but because you shoot an AK a few hundred rounds at a time it's felt more than your typical rifle.
Summary
Overall, I really, really like the AK47 platform. It's mind numbingly simple and it packs much more of a punch than an AR. A nice and reasonable trade off with the accuracy of the AR. I could care less about the debates and don't favor one over the other (well ok ARs are better looking). After buying one, I think it should be on the wish list of any gun owner. Now I need to buy a bunch more magazines (NOT TAPCO) and a few thousand rounds of ammo. Here's a couple of additional pics for your enjoyment :)
