Hear alot of talk about the ban of Russian Imported AK-47 or Saiga 12 through various site.  Check gunbroker and price is going up.  Is it now to buy or hold off?  I got an approval from my loving wife to get one, just need more information. What should be the average price to look for?

There are so many models and variants out there that there is no one average price. The choice to by or now or not is up to you. There are AK pattern rifles from many countries that are not affected by the ban, but as the Russian supply dries up it is only logical presume that it will cause the price of non Russian guns to rise as the demand rises.

Russian AK's are nice, but...

Don't go rush out and overpay for a Russian one.

In all honesty, the Russian ones are good but definitely not the best AK's available.

Let someone else overpay for a Russian and pick up an excellent Bulgarian or Chinese one.

If you're new to AK's, the relatively inexpensive Romanian ones are better than ever.

If you don't mind a proprietary AK, the "N-pap & O-pap" A k's are very inexpensive too.

Looking for a 7.62x39.  I would rather buy a great AK.  Buy once, cry once.  I agree if the Russian Ak drys up, the other Ak will goes up in price.  I was looking at K-Var, Legionusa and Red Jacket.  Price is higher than normal.

I'm agree with KK.  Get a good Bulgarian or Chinese.  I believe Bulgarians are easier to come by than Chinese.  I have an Arsenal that is primarily Bulgarian and it's great. 

Romanians can be had cheaper, but you will (or may) find QC issues, like canted front sights and stuff like that.  I think WASRs are back to pre-2012 pricing. 

If you can find them for what you can afford, I'd highly recommend going with an Arsenal.  Stamped will likely be slightly (or even a lot) cheaper.

Not sure if I read the ban correct. What would happen to the Saiga 12 and vspr 12 ?  Isn't it part of the ban.

With all this talk about the EO put out last week or so, I have been looking at AKs as well.  I don't have the slightest clue as to the latest news and what not.  But I did run into various gun channels on Youtube actually praising the latest attempt by the US made C39 from Century Arms.  For the price can't really go wrong at less than $700.  About the only thing holding me back from pulling the trigger on this deal is I'm still researching what is available as far as aftermarket parts go.  I have narrowed down the front hand guard and pistol grip.  The stock on the other hand, I have no clue what actually will fit.

Not sure if I read the ban correct. What would happen to the Saiga 12 and vspr 12 ?  Isn't it part of the ban.

The ban is only on the importation of the aforementioned firearms.

It has nothing to do with current inventory.

There's not a ban on ownership.

There's enough inventory to keep everyone happy, except for the fact that people will start hoarding and flipping them for double their value.

.

I like my Polish Model 1960!



 

a cheap chinese AK?
All chinese firearms and parts were banned from importation since the 90s.

When it comes to the 7.62x39, how come no one mentions the American made Ruger mini 30? AK's are ok but the connotation and association with that firearm to every enemy we've faced, including all the extremist wishing death to America kind of turns me off to owning one

When it comes to the 7.62x39, how come no one mentions the American made Ruger mini 30? AK's are ok but the connotation and association with that firearm to every enemy we've faced, including all the extremist wishing death to America kind of turns me off to owning one

Style.

AK's are iconic. Mini 30 is not.

Besides, it's not the gun's fault.

When it comes to the 7.62x39, how come no one mentions the American made Ruger mini 30? AK's are ok but the connotation and association with that firearm to every enemy we've faced, including all the extremist wishing death to America kind of turns me off to owning one

Maybe no one mentioned the Mini 30 because the OP had stated that he would like an AK pattern rifle.

But if you look here http://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=15250 I recommend both the Mini 30 and the CZ 527 to another gentleman.

When it comes to the 7.62x39, how come no one mentions the American made Ruger mini 30? AK's are ok but the connotation and association with that firearm to every enemy we've faced, including all the extremist wishing death to America kind of turns me off to owning one

Because the title of the post is "educate me about the AK-47"

Not "educate me about rifles that shoot the 7.62x39 cartridge"

With all this talk about the EO put out last week or so, I have been looking at AKs as well.  I don't have the slightest clue as to the latest news and what not.  But I did run into various gun channels on Youtube actually praising the latest attempt by the US made C39 from Century Arms.  For the price can't really go wrong at less than $700.  About the only thing holding me back from pulling the trigger on this deal is I'm still researching what is available as far as aftermarket parts go.  I have narrowed down the front hand guard and pistol grip.  The stock on the other hand, I have no clue what actually will fit.

Has anyone tried the Century Arms C39 yet?

I agree that if you can get a Russian model without paying an inflated price due to recent ban on importation, I would go for it if you are in the market.  However as stated there are other models that are as good or even better.  I like my Russian, but I also have an excellent Chinese and Yugo variant.  Bulgarian makes are excellent also.  As for pricing in general, Russians are going for more obviously and in some areas there is a slight bump in pricing in general, but I think that is just a reaction.  In general the firearms market has settled down since a year ago so I would not be looking to pay inflated pricing. 

If you want a saiga go check out Honolulu firearms.
They recently posted they have inventory at reasonable prices.  $700 I think is what they posted on here.
Ogc also posted they have inventory in their thread.

Good luck with any rifle you choose.

Has anyone tried the Century Arms C39 yet?

Yes.

Great gun.

The one I have works flawlessly.

Saiga 12 or Vepr 12?