Another AR or an AK?
 

Debating whether to get an AK on the cheap or wait until funds are available for a 2nd AR.

I have a Colt HBAR Target Comp in factory spec. I don't want to do any mods on it; the Colt name alone has kept the resale value above my cost new, but I'd always planned on building out an M4A with bells & whistles someday.

Lately, though, I've been thinking it might be nice to have an AK type, but the M4A would have to wait even longer if I get the AK.

On the other hand, I could sell my Mini-14 and probably come up with enough for the basic M4A build. However, my son is a lefty. He's shooting the Mini-14. He'll want to be able to use M4A or AK if I sold the Mini-14.

I have not looked into the AK's ability to go ambi. That could be a factor. And, I have a stockpile of AR mags and ammo already.

Any opinions? Suggestions on a good, reasonably priced AK or best starting point on the M4A?

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

Lefties tend to get a bunch of gas in the face from same maker's AKs, I would suggest your son try a couple and see what he thinks. AR's are a bit better but any side ejecting semi-auto is going to be a problem. You could always save pennies and get an AUG with a left hand bolt as well and both of you could shot it just by changing bolts and moving the ejection port cover.

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

It's something to think about, though I'm not a bullpup fan and the price is a factor. I appreciate the suggestion, though.

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

If you own a Mini-14, you already own an AK...well, sorta. Gas piston-operated reliability.

If you want something inexpensive and reliable to shoot the 7.62x39, look at the Saigas. You can always convert it to PG config later as funds allow and you would then have one of the best Kalashies available (Russian).

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

and all you need is a couple minutes and a drill press to convert it to full fun.

- mtnman

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

I would go with another AR you already have one so getting another allowes you to use the same clips ammo ect as for the lefty you can get a stag arms lefty striped upper for about 200 that way all your parts are interchangeable. Also if its a 7.62X39 you want to have the ability to use drop in uppers in that round are available for the AR

Just my 2 cents

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

http://www.stagarms.com/index.php?cPath=13_21


http://catalog.stagarms.com/cart/images/model-2tl.gif

Left handed AR.

Worth EVERY penny if you are a lefty.

My first one spoiled me so much I bought a couple more, and then started buying ambi pistols.

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

My amateur recommendations, don't know about AKs and lefties though:

Arsenal SLR (.223)
http://www.impactguns.com/store/medi..._SLR-106FR.jpg

or

Modded Saiga (.223)
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/g...ter/Saiga1.jpg

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

My wife is a southpaw and she prefers the AR. Is it SP3 that has the brass deflector? She reaches for that one, it just so happens that is the one one with the red dot. ;) I would stick with AR until you're ready to go for an entire new caliber including magazines, cleaning gear and laws, (10 part rule still applies).

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

The AK is actually easier to operate as a lefty, I know from personal experience.

Quality AKs for decent prices are harder to come by these days. Avoid a WASR. I am sure you will find a bunch of people here who will flame me for this, but if you don't believe me, go to your local dealer and handle a WASR. There is a joke that WASR stands for What A Sh**ty Rifle. It is more true than it is funny.

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

I'm sure there's some messed up ones out there, but mine go bang every time.

If you know what to look for when you handle them, a decent WASR can be found for sure.


.

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

Thanks to all for the input. Keep it coming!

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

WASR's are the bottom of the food chain, no doubt. I like Bulgarian, Russian and Chinese. It is important to note that not all WASR's are made the same though. If you're looking for a bargain try to find a WASR 10/63. You can tell by looking at the left side of the front trunnion, it should have a date stamp of 196-something. These are made with real military parts that are actually nicely machined and the front site block and gas block are well done. They still have a WASR receiver but they are heads and shoulders above the double stack WASR 10's. They are as accurate and reliable as most AK's.

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

Robinson Arms - XCR

I've got one in the 7.62x39, and you can get an 5.56 and 6.8 barrel for under $200 and change barrels in less than 5 minutes.

Shoots awesome, very accurate, and 1/2 the recoil of my old AK. Just a tad more than my AR-15. I suspect that most zombie action is within 200 yards max, and with the stopping power of the 7.62x39 you'll be treated right.

http://www.robarm.com/resources/prod...std/index.aspx

Second from the bottom.

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/5141/troublemakes.jpg

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

If you already have a AR, now you need a killer AK. Pretty simple.
Nothing quite folds up and spits fire and salt like a good 'ole AK.
It could even make a curmudgeon smile.:wink:

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

SA vz. 58

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vz._58

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

Mmm.. porn of the gun...

Like .308s myself. Arsenal AK74 with forged bits in .308, accurised would be absolute win. Otherwise an AR-15 with CNC milled lower in .308 or a Keltec. Sigh.. so much to choose from, gun laws so restrictive here.. hah.. For long range ET capability, Saka TRG-42, for close range, semi-auto shotty, then P228 .357 or H&K .45 Mod. 0, and various GLOCKs.

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

You just described the Saiga .308... Izhmash made, AK74 design(actually AK-10x), extra locking lug on the bolt for better accuracy, and an RPK diameter barrel. If you really want to accurize it, put a good crown on the barrel, although with the right ammo you can get 1 MOA or less results out of the box.

You will want to return it to it's original pistol grip/trigger forward configuration, because the factory trigger leaves a lot to be desired, but it's surprisingly easy. Best .308 for the money.

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

K I just got a 308 saiga and I want to do just that. I dont really care for how the trigger pulls up into the reciever. kinda hard to get used to. Where would I buy those parts, and is it a job I could do myself? whats the legality? can I make it folding stock?

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

All the info you need can be found here: http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?act=idx

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

I have done a Saiga conversion. It's not hard but it will go much faster and easier with a drill press.

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

The .308 is crazy easy... you need a pistol grip(+nut and screw), stock of your choice(as long as it's legal in your state), and fire control group. If you're on a tight budget get the Tapco G2 and modify it to fit, if you want it as easy as possible get an already modified G2 here or an RSA adjustable. Remember that 922r comes into play if you use a folding stock or "large capacity" magazine.

I don't want to threadjack here, but I can post a thread with a basic rundown of a minimal conversion. I'm not allowed to spend any more money on guns right now, but if someone wanted to send me the parts, I'd be happy to make a conversion video :tongue_ma:

Re: Another AR or an AK?
 

Since you've already got an AR,ya gotta go with an AK.There rough,tinny,hardly the fine precision Colt H-Bar your used to,thats what makes them so fun.
A $400 WASR you can shoulder on your ATV while going through mud,drop it in the snow or sand and it willl fire every time.
Sure the furniture on its rough but its a "Work rifle."Or spend three times as much on another AR.
AK variants are fun,reliable,simple,VERY low maintenance and affordable. Everyone should have a good "Beater"