My son want to pick up an ak 47 at a gun show. This is out of my realm of expertice, but I think it is a great idea. We need info on what to look for, and what to avoid. Any and all input very welcome. Thank you all in advance. This is a great forum!

Ben, where are you located? Lots of options.
You may be better off buying from one of these companies, and having it transfered to your FFL. Any problems, send it back. Most sales at shows are final.
Aim seems to have the best buy!

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/NEW_AK_WASR_RIFLE_w__Bayonet_Lug___Muzzle_Break.ht ml

http://64.226.66.194/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CSI&Category_Code=AKGUN

http://www.makarov.com/guns/index.htm

There are a lot of different choices out there. Basically, it comes down to AK 47 versus AK 74 designs, and 7.62x39mm versus 5.45x39mm ammo. While most of what you see advertised as AK 47's are actually AK M (stamped sheet metal receivers with pinned barrels) variations, practically speaking there isn't all that much difference. The AK "47" designs are .311 cal, and the AK 74 designs are .22 cal (more like our 5.56 Nato).They all should be very reliable, fun and cheap to shoot, and good values for the money.

The Romanian based versions are usually the roughest looking, and least expensive to buy. The Yugo's are usually a little better looking, and cost a little more. The Bulgarian (Arsenal) models look a little better yet, but also cost a little more than the Yugo's. All of them should be very reliable and good weapons.

The 7.62x39mm ammo is usually much easier to find than the 5.45x39mm, and also usually quite a bit cheaper as well. Last year, the 7.62mm ammo seemed to be eveywhere for less than $100/1000 rounds. Around here today, it seems that there isn't as much 7.62mm available, and the prices are more like $170/1000 rounds, which is about what the 5.45mm used to cost. At the last gun show I went to, there didn't seem to be much 5.45mm ammo at all. I've read on some other forums that even mail order places like Cheaper Than Dirt, and Centerfire Systems are back ordered on ammo right now. One of the dealers I talked to said that the domestic ammo manufacturers have been lobbying to get the government to cut back the importation of cheap ammo. I don't know if this is true, or not, but the prices around here are higher right now.

Whatever you decide on should be a good choice. I think everyone should have an AK!

My son want to pick up an ak 47 at a gun show. This is out of my realm of expertise, but I think it is a great idea. We need info on what to look for, and what to avoid. Any and all input very welcome. Thank you all in advance. This is a great forum!

These folks have given good advice. I have a Chinese AK-47 and a Hungarian FEG. The Hungarian is superb and very well made. All the best...
Gil

There's a forum for the AK over at www.AR15.com Very informative info there. Just recieved 9 new in the crate Russian select fire AKMs here in Iraq. Guns were made in 75-76 and never fired. There are now quite a few assoceries from mounts, upper and lower forearm rails for the AK. Have used the Utimak and Surefire rails on AKs for the Iraqis. Good way to mount an Aimpoint or Surefire light.

CD

I remember hearing that during the Clinton Gun Ban (boo, hiss) some AK's were imported modified to only accept specific 10 round magazines. They will not accept large capacity magazines. If this is important to you, do some research and make sure you're getting what you want.

I may be wrong, but ti is worth checking out.

Luisyamaha,
yep. CA state weapons laws neutered those. That was the only way California would approve of their importation.

There are a number of AKs on the market now. You can get a Romainian for around 350.00 or so. They are ok but they suffer from trigger slap which I find annoying. You can fix it with a new fire control group but it takes time and money. Depending on what you want to spend, The Vepr From Robinson Arms is very good but about 599.00. Currently I have 3 AKs: a 308, a 7.62x39 and a 12 gauge. All are Russian Saigas. These are "sporting" models with a conventional stocks (no pistol grip). Importation stopped for about a year but now has resumed. The Saiga is the best buy. They are nicely made and one of the most accurate AKs. Check out Saiga-12.com. The Saigas can be converted to the pistol grip and regular stock by putting in the required amount of US made parts. This info in on the Saiga forum. They can also be had in 223 and 30-06. Prices start at around 240.00.