Considering picking up a AK in .223 just for S&G. 

Looking for good/bad comments and opinions from those who have one or thought about getting one.

I know that the Arsenal's had a bad initial batch, but other than that seem to get good reviews. 

 

Arsenal .223 uses 1:7 twist barrel
Saiga .223 uses 1:9 twist barrel

Now if you buy the Saiga...
1. Convert it to AK stlying (Make sure it is 922r Compliant
2. ADD AR15 mawell adapter http://magnoliastatearmory.com/
3. the Most expensive part would be Russian/Arsenal side folding AK stock.

it will still come out cheaper than an ARsenal one except for the 1:7 barrel twist.

..............Galil...............

..............Galil...............

Wish I could,  but $$ for a good one. Don't want a century sporter.

^^^How much are you looking to spend?

I am not a big fan of 223. I would prefer the 762x39 but
That's me. Also depends on what you're doing with it.

^^^How much are you looking to spend?

Considering a decent used 386 goes for over 2k easy, it's outta my range. Trying to stay around half that.

I am not a big fan of 223. I would prefer the 762x39 but
That's me. Also depends on what you're doing with it.

Don't get me wrong,  I love and have my share of x39, I just have the itch for something different.

Plus I already reload. 223

I just have the itch for something different.

Date a midget   

Date a midget   

What if that box is already checked?   

What if that box is already checked?   

 

you're one sick dude KK...............and I like it! lol!

 Locating the proper 223 ak mags can be a challenge and these mags are more expensive. Some of the 223 ak mags do not function reliably in all guns.  I am an ak fanatic but given a choice, I would prefer a mini 14 over an ak in 223.

Locating the proper 223 ak mags can be a challenge and these mags are more expensive. Some of the 223 ak mags do not function reliably in all guns.  I am an ak fanatic but given a choice, I would prefer a mini 14 over an ak in 223.

I here you on the mags not fitting/functioning across the board like x39, but c'mon, a .223 AK has gotta be fun as hell to shoot right?

Don't know why, but the mini 14 never appealed to me.  I have seen others say get a Sig 556 when asked about .223 AK's, but I just love the look of wood stocked AK's. 

Hi Pit808,

Have you considered a 545x39 ak 74? The 545 ammo might not be as available as the 223, however it is available locally. Hornady makes an excellent load with a 60gr. Vmax bullet. Daniel brought some in a while ago. The lowest priced ammo would have to be the Bulgarian 7n6 in spam cans. It is corrosive but cleaning an ak is no big deal.  I am sure that somebody would be able to get some for you. I bought some dies to make this ammo from 222 brass. One day I may start reloading it but I have enough 545 ammo for this life time.     

I know 2 local shooters who bought 223 aks. They both had problems with them. One of the rifles was made by Arsenal. An incredible amount of work had to be done to the rifle to make it functional. I am sure that there are those that are happy with their 223 aks. The mag prices and availability problems compound the potential headaches you may encounter. What is worse than an unreliable ak? 

Hi Pit808,

Have you considered a 545x39 ak 74? The 545 ammo might not be as available as the 223, however it is available locally. Hornady makes an excellent load with a 60gr. Vmax bullet. Daniel brought some in a while ago. The lowest priced ammo would have to be the Bulgarian 7n6 in spam cans. It is corrosive but cleaning an ak is no big deal.  I am sure that somebody would be able to get some for you. I bought some dies to make this ammo from 222 brass. One day I may start reloading it but I have enough 545 ammo for this life time.     

I know 2 local shooters who bought 223 aks. They both had problems with them. One of the rifles was made by Arsenal. An incredible amount of work had to be done to the rifle to make it functional. I am sure that there are those that are happy with their 223 aks. The mag prices and availability problems compound the potential headaches you may encounter. What is worse than an unreliable ak?

Thanks for the info, and I agree there is nothing worse than a choking AK.  As far as the 5.45, I have one but haven't taken her out for a spin yet.  I need to get to the range more often.....

If you want some real fun...

Come bump fire my 223 SAR-3.   

If you want some real fun...

Come bump fire my 223 SAR-3.   

One if these days.......

Since I started this thread I've picked up 223 AK's and shot my 5.45.  I actually like shooting them more than x39.  If y'all haven't tried one out, I highly recommend doing so.

If you want some real fun...

Come bump fire my 223 SAR-3.   

That SAR3 was sick and very accurate! 

That SAR3 was sick and very accurate! 

It was good to see you out shooting.

You should shoot more often.

I volunteer (almost) any gun you want to shoot. 

I noticed that 223 AK's, well at least mine are really picky with mags.....

The Circle 10's that they came with kept stove piping... The 5.45 bakelite mags with 223 followers worked perfectly!

All my 7.62x39 AK's have no issues just my 223's... I don't own any 5.45's ......yet

It would probably be good to try different mags from friends to see what mags work the best before you buy a bunch

that don't work then KK will buy them from you as soon as you post it up for sale......