Reader Participation Time. I’ve got several firearms including my beloved Bushmaster (and another Bushmaster rifle planned) and other stuff. But. I want an arsenal of “assault weapons” before the Dementiacrats take over. Frankly, the cost counts. Okay, cash is actually in short supply.
I know very little about the SKS other than that I see them for sale in the classifieds for only a couple hundred bucks. And what’s the deal with knock-off AK’s?
So, let’s say I had a pound ($1,000 for you un-initiates) to spend and I want to buy at least two but preferably (in a perfect world) 3 cheap but soon to be illegal “AW” rifles. What would you recommend?
See, it’s like this: I hate being told that one of my constitutional — and more importantly, God given — RIGHTS, are going to be infringed shortly, like in January. If you tell me I can’t have something, that only makes me want it that much more. Since money is in short supply, I’ll settle for cheap stuff that you (or rather, they,) don’t want me to own.
SO! I could spend a million hours on the Web or instead, as I will do now, I will rely on you all to fill me in on cheap “assault weapons” I could buy and have some fun with. Notice that — for the last five and 1/2 years I’ve always put “assault weapons” in quotes? It’s a made-up term that means nothing to most of us rational folks but based on their definition, their arbitrary cosmetics, it drives the liberals crazy and therefore they will ban them.
Your turn!
54 Responses to “Cheap “Assault Weapons””
on 13 May 2008 at 1:15 pm # Gregory Morris
SKSs were never considered “assault weapons”… but I have a feeling they will be. Stock, the Yugo version has a grenade launcher, a big scary bayonet, night sights, and a 10-round integral magazine. You can replace the magazine with removable ones, but I’ve heard they are generally not reliable. My Yugo is minute-of-badguy accurate out to 100 yards, and has never ever failed to function correctly. I bought it for $100 almost 2 years ago, and the price has risen to around $200+ these days for one in average condition. You can pimp them out as much as you want, but nothing you can buy for it (fancy stock included) will make it any better than the stock configuration.
I hear the WASR-10 AK knockoffs are cheap garbage, but there are lots of options out there. If you want something strictly for “scariness” factor, I’d find a few more used ARs. On the other hand, I’ve seen STG-2000s (another AK knockoff) for cheap. I think they even chamber some of them in .223, which is cool.
on 13 May 2008 at 1:24 pm # Sam
the SKS is a good choice. Pretty much from any country. The WASR ak rifles are pretty cheap, and rough, but still functional. Some have canted front sights so you should check them out in person before you buy. the saiga AK rifles are pretty inexpensive and high quality, but aren’t evil yet. You have to do some work to switch them to hi-cap and pistol grip configuration.
on 13 May 2008 at 1:26 pm # anon
My first recommendation would be to pick up both an M1 Garand and an M1 Carbine from CMP. Garands aren’t typically on the ‘ban’ lists, but Carbines are. Stick to the ‘rack’ grade to stay withing your budget.
Others:
I don’t have an SKS, but I’ve shot a friends, it’s a pussy-cat.
The honkin-big bolt soaks up all the recoil.
AKs are the obvious answer since they’re vilified by the anti’s…but I can’t tell you which ones are good or bad.
French MAS-49 and MAS 49/56 (guns are rare but cheap at $500 to $600, ammo is expensive)
Kel-Tec SU-16 ($600 ish)
Cobray ‘assult pistols’ can be had cheap ($350 or so)
Buy a couple AR stripped lowers maybe? ($100 a pop)
Buy a high-cap pistol (CZ SP-01 @ 18+1 rds for about $550)
go here and start browsing:
“http://world.guns.ru/assault/as00-e.htm”
“http://world.guns.ru/smg/smg00-e.htm”
on 13 May 2008 at 1:36 pm # doug in Colorado
I love my Yugo SKS and you can’t beat an M-1 carbine, they are number one and two (can’t decide which is which but the M-1 goes to the range more often) for both fun and effectiveness in a pinch.. In a real SHTF situation though, I’d probably grab the SKS. The Carbine has proven reliable with available 20 round and even 30 round mags, it’s smaller, lighter, and less scary looking than an SKS, easier to maneuver in tight places. The .30 Carbine round is maybe slightly less effective than 7.62 x 39 but more powerful than a .357 Magnum.
on 13 May 2008 at 1:50 pm # KCSteve
WASR-10’s vary widely in quality. Some are complete junk, a lot are ‘ok’ with rough spots that will draw blood and canted sights.
There’s a guy here in Missouri that re-builds from de-milled imports (chopped in half). He does great work and you get a nice, functional, evil gun. The wood is the original ‘quality’ stuff and it’s still a stamped AK but it’s a good stamped AK.
Got the ever-indulgent wife one three years ago. Don’t recall a FTF or FTE - well a couple when she had trouble holding it up with the 75-rd drum on it, rested the drum on a rail and canted it, but no problems with the gun itself. Give her a chance to grab the case it’s in and you’d better have used the time to find cover (and not just concealment).
I don’t believe he has a web site - he just does gun shows as a part-time thing - but he operates under the name “Citizen’s Armory” and he’s out of Mexico, MO.
Last time I checked $350 would get you a nice WASR-10, either straight stock or underfolder - but it’s been a bit so the price has probably gone up some.
on 13 May 2008 at 1:55 pm # Dave
Samco has the Yugo SKS in like new condition for about 250. I know 250 seems a tad high for a Yugo these days, but it is worth it to spend a little extra and get one of the higher grade ones, just to make sure you don’t get one that was abused by the last soldier that carried it. They used corrosive ammo, and I guess were too busy trying not to get shot to clean up properly sometimes. I know, I had to replace the gas system on one of the beater Yugo’s I picked up a couple years back.
If the price is right $370 ish Romanian AK doesn’t suit you, S.O.G. has SAIGA AK-47’s in this months catalog for 549.95 plus shipping and transfer fee of course. Polish AK’s in 5.45mm are available for 449.95 from them as well.
If you would like, I can send you a list of prices, and item numbers from the SOG catalog. I have an FFL dealer that does $15 transfers for me, and he regularly sends me a copy of their dealer catalog so I can pick out my next gun order.
on 13 May 2008 at 2:02 pm # Billll
I’d say an SKS would be a good start at about $325 plus $175 for 1000 rds of ammo, then a K31 Schmidt-Ruben ($200) with a Tasco scope (abt $100) for your “evil Sniper Rifle, and the spare change on ammo for the K-31.
on 13 May 2008 at 2:06 pm # maxpwr
Another vote for a Yugo SKS and an M1 Carbine. About $250+/- for the SKS, about $600 for the M1 Carbine if you get it from the CMP, $800+ from other sources.
Guys may not like the pistol caliber but a Beratta Storm rifle in 9mm or .45 or .40, while not an assault weapon, will be banned. Mine is laser accurate with an Eotech and never jams. $550+/-
WASR-10 rifles from Century are OK and quality is variable, but I’d spend a little more and go for a true import such as an SLR-95 or Polytech Legend. The Legend might push $1000 by itself, however, and of course they are likely to be in used condition.
on 13 May 2008 at 2:07 pm # wizardPC
nothing says lovin like an 8″ AK Pistol in 7.62×39
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=99583487
on 13 May 2008 at 2:09 pm # Cepik
Jeff,
Yugo SKS is dependable, sturdy even though it doesn’t have the chrome lined barrell (not found in former Yugoslavia) and fairly heavy. Russian and Chino SKS are supposed to be well built also but cost more. Check gun shows in your area, here (So. Texas) they go from $100 - $125 packed in cosmoline up to $250 if someone else cleaned them up. I don’t think the SKS is a cheap knock off of the AK, I think the AK just came after the SKS.
Anyways, they are alot of fun to shoot. Here are some more links.
http://www.surplusrifle.com/sks/index.asp
http://world.guns.ru/rifle/rfl01-e.htm
on 13 May 2008 at 2:11 pm # thirdpower
I have a Romanian SAR-1 (AK knock-off) that I’ve never had any issues w/. I’ve put a laser sight and a scope on it zeroed out to 100m w/ less than 2moa depending on ammo and how I’m shooting. Originally paid $350 for it
http://www.ak-47.net/ak47/sar-1.html
I also recently picked up an out of the box, still covered in cosmoline Norinco SKS (wood stock, 10 round fixed)for $240 a few months ago. Haven’t gotten a chance to really test the sights but the results of some plinking showed decent accuracy and it fires like a dream.
on 13 May 2008 at 2:17 pm # The Shaggy Shoggoth
+1 on the SKS, I got mine years ago in the eighties and have run at least three thousand rounds through it. It just keeps going, only a couple bobbles in that time, which were my fault (bad reloads).
I have a wasr10, although the fit and finish on these are horrid, I’ve not had a problem with it, although some have. I would not by one through the internet, I would go to a store and pick one out.
Cheers
Shaggy
on 13 May 2008 at 2:19 pm # Gene Hoffman
If you really want to maximize your AW spend before the election, buy 8 stripped receivers. I’d recommend 3 NodakSpud AK rifle receivers and 1 or 2 AK pistol receivers. Also, grab some inexpensive stripped AR-10 and AR-15 receivers. Once you have the receivers you can take your sweet time building up the firearms as you’d like them. The AK receivers average about $80 and the AR receivers can be had for $110 per.
-Gene
on 13 May 2008 at 2:30 pm # USCitizen
I can’t testify to the quality, but I can source 12 “Excellent Condition” under-Folders in 7.62 x39 (Century Internation Arms - M70AB2) for $532.99, and ’several’ SKS’s for $232.99 ea.
That’s two SKS and one AK-style for $998.97.
Prices do not include delivery to your FFL.
on 13 May 2008 at 3:20 pm # Chris
May I suggest a few Saiga rifles, of varying calibers? For your dollar figure (or a little more), you should be able to get one in .223, one in 7.62×39, and one in 12g… what could be finer?
Good quality, dead reliable, inexpensive, and sure to be named in any ‘assault weapons ban’ that the dems are likely to come up with.
With a little home gunsmithing, you can stick a normal trigger, pistol grip, and stock on it.
on 13 May 2008 at 3:34 pm # Ron W
In addition to the SKS and AK variants you might want a Marlin Camp 9 or Camp 45. Good guns. I have a Camp 9 and 30 round mags are fairly cheap and easily found.
I have both an SAR1 and a WASR-10. The SAR1 is much better quality and worth a few more bucks.
There have been some decent price TT-33s around for the $200 range. They don’t have high cap mags, but might be banned as even non-AP ammo will pierce most body armor.
on 13 May 2008 at 3:41 pm # Sigivald
Yeah, you’re just not going to get three “real” assault rifles for $1k anymore.
I got my CETME for $450 a while ago, but I don’t think they’re that cheap anymore, or at least not plentiful.
Honestly, these days, I’d suggest either an AR or AK, and if you get an AR, buy some P-Mags. One rifle with a bunch of good magazines is a win.
(An SKS is a great thing for the “change”, but I can’t call it an assault rifle.)
on 13 May 2008 at 3:46 pm # yeti
Jeff,
You need an AK. I’m going to send you an email.
And BTW, here at the center of the universe, a pound still means $5. You’ve been in the sticks too long.
A Large used to be $1,000, but it seems that inflation has hit the lingo.
on 13 May 2008 at 3:53 pm # Mike Gallo
Jeff-
I’ve got a WASR that was a single stack I picked up at Dunham’s for $220. I put an ATI Druganov style stock on it, and I milled out the reciever for a double stack and fitted a feed ramp myself, and haven’t had any problems, other than the bolt lock-up being a little tight. Rounds are much easier to chamber after putting a few hundred downrange, though. Like others said - check for front sight cant before buying. They make these in the 5.45mm AK-74 cartridge which seems to be pretty darned cheap to buy in bulk still (compared to 5.56 NATO, 7.62 NATO, or 7.62×39)
I’d also look at a CETME for the $400-500 range. FN-FAL style rifles are cool, and the .308 is a great cartridge.
on 13 May 2008 at 3:58 pm # Dave
Here’s one review of the Romanian AK that is worth a read.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/79010/firearm_review_romanian_ak47_variant.html
on 13 May 2008 at 4:47 pm # Dave
Well, I got to thinking about that 1000 while perusing the aforementioned SOG catalog.
You could grab two Romanian’s, one in 7.62×39, and another in 5.45 for 329.95 each
A excellent grade Yugo from SOG for 189 ( they are out of stock on these but more are coming in soon from what I am told)
Not an assault anything but in the minds of gun grabbers, but they have Hi Point 995’s for 149.95 cheap, fun, fires affordable ammo and it has the bonus of being something the grabbers really hate
If you don’t fancy those lovely little planet of the apes guns, you could swap in a nice .22 like the Tula manufactured TOZ-99, or the Henry made version of the AR-7 for another twenty bucks.
Total, almost exactly a thousand. The shipping and the transfer fees would take it closer to 1100 or more depending on what your dealer want to charge for transfers, but it is four rifles for that much.
Btw I save a good bit of money ordering directly, and using a local work at home FFL dealer that makes his money doing nothing but dirt cheap transfers. If you feel like going that route with whatever you decide to get, there are bound to be guys like that near your location
http://www.gunbroker.com/User/DealerNetwork.asp
on 13 May 2008 at 5:10 pm # Bob
Have an Yugo SKS and it is great. Reliable, sturdy, and almost unbreakable. Ammo is equivalent to .30-30. Also have an M1 carbine. Fun to shoot. Not as reliable or sturdy as SKS and a bit underpowered.
You should also consider a Ruger mini-14. It was not outlawed last time but it will be this time. Fires same round as M-16 but is MUCH more reliable being operated by short piston gas same as M1 carbine and M-14. I am not in love with the 5.56 but you can get them in 7.62X39 same as SKS.
on 13 May 2008 at 6:53 pm # john of sparta
i agree with Gene.
buy parts.
or, plan B,
buy 3 of the exact same kind.
preferably used to lessen cost.
my brand is Mini-14.
not the best, not the worst,
but i have enough parts to keep
it shooting until the tech revolution
in self-defense overrides gunpowder.
on 13 May 2008 at 11:10 pm # Scott
Like everyone else here has said already the Yugo SKS’s and Chinese SKS’s are the cheap ones you can get great ones for less than $300 if you look enough. They can be mounted with scopes and a bunch of other accessories.
AK’s nowadays are going to be a little more pricey. If you want an AK just for shooting and do not care much for finish then get the WASR-10, just be careful to inspect to make sure it is not a lemon. They are in the $330-$430 range these days. However if you want one with a little better quality and finish than Lancaster Consulting AK’s are good bangs for the buck. Atlantic Firearms has a good selection with some decent to average prices on what you are looking for. If not there try GunBroker.com or local sales.
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/programming/listview.asp?CatId=2
on 14 May 2008 at 12:25 am # Mudshark
Check out this website:
www.centerfiresystems.com
They have a special on Druganovs now, I have a Romak that I bought 3rd party from there, and I do like their stuff. You will have to get someone with an FFL to ship it in.
on 14 May 2008 at 12:36 am # John
I too like the mini. Actually I don ‘t like it but it’s the most reliable and accurate enough for rough combat (oh matches, of course). One mini and one sks ought to do. Do not forget cases and cases of ammo. 50,000rounds at least. That drives them absolutly cwackers. They effin spew.
on 14 May 2008 at 2:48 am # Lawrence
I just spent more money than I should have on a semi tricked out Semi auto M4 Carbine from Olympic plus ten mags.
Theres a lot of avenues for you to go.
You could get two SKSs. On one, buy an aftermarket folder so its easy to wield in a hallway or you can put it in a camp chair bag and take it with you in the RV.
I have another stock SKS with an optical sight that I plan to use on deer this fall with wolf hollow point 7.62×39 ammo.
Not all WASRs are crap. Somewhere, the name of it escapes me right now, theres a website that shows you what to look for in a wasr to make sure its not a junker. They can still be found for $299.00. Ive never really tried but I should buy one soon as I pay off this M4. If I did, I would quickly shed most of the furniture on it and put a lighter, folding stock.
As someone said, you can convert a semi auto SAIGA rifle into a really nice AK forgery that would serve you well as a self defense rifle.
A Kel tec 9mm carbine set up to take my glock 19 magazines is something Im also thinking of. Ive started carrying 9mm pistols exclusively now, so it makes sense to have a carbine with a couple of 33 round glock mags. They are easy to carry and store and even small handed women and kids can be trained to use em.
I recommend you get an SKS for plinking, and carrying around amongst friends. You can get a good one for less than $200..Id stay away from the Yugos because of the grenade launcher..then Id get a WASR 10 or a romanian AK from century arms. then Id dump the stuck and put a good side folder stock on it so its easier to carry and yes…to HIDE.
Ammo is cheap…get all the wolf you can..and it wont go back, nor will it ever lose its value.
on 14 May 2008 at 2:59 am # Lawrence
Some things I forgot
I am told the TAPCO replacement 20 round fixed mags for the SKS work ok…Ive never gotten around to getting one, but if I fix up a folding stock SKS Id probably put one on it.
Also for you folks thinking of 223 AKs, keep in mind that a 223 AK mag for one gun won’t necessarily work on another 223 AK. Some of them are modified AK-74 mags, which are close, but not quite right and may not work if you ever need it in a pinch.
on 14 May 2008 at 4:29 am # Keith
Get some extended mags for your camp carbine, Browning Hi Power mags are the same dimensions and will work if you carefully file a new mag release cut in to match the carbine mags.
I’m out of touch on AKs (been banned here for 20 years now).
Don’t turn your nose up at a good m1 carbine, the round is only 100 foot pounds behind 7.62×39 muzzle energy!
How are you fixed with re-loading gear? if you go for eastern bloc stuff you’ll need a berdan primer remover.
There was a thread over at the Practical machinist site a while back, where a guy posted about making his own bolo rounds (2 12g lead balls with 6 inches of piano wire between them in a 3 1/2 inch case)
there was a lot of comment about the shit he’d get if he ever shot someone with one (”excessive force”) and the bus loads of lawyers who’d show up to feed off the carcass…
Be wary of Ruger!
perhaps some here could shed more light on it. I heard it alleged that Bill Ruger had actively lobbied for restrictions on mags holding more than 10 rounds, to limit competition for his mini .30
I can’t confirm allegations, but if true, don’t spend your hard earned and hard taxed there!
Keith
on 14 May 2008 at 8:36 am # Lazarus Long
Jeff, If interested in an SKS, head up to John’s Gun Shop in Morrisville. They still have the Yugo version (with grenade launcher extension) for a price less than others have written about.
on 14 May 2008 at 8:55 am # Bill Twist
OK, here are my two cents worth:
Get an SKS instead of an AK, if you can only get one of them. The SKS is actually the superior action: It’s every bit as reliable as the AK, but more accurate. I’ve seen AK’s that are about as accurate as the average SKS, but they are the exception, not the rule.
The reason that the AK achieved dominance is that it was cheaper to make: More stamped parts, and fewer milled, along with less wood.
The SKS is also more amenable to being converted to look less threatening. You can take an SKS deer hunting* without looking like a refugee from the Michigan Militia. You can also get a very sharp looking synthetic Monte Carlo stock. Slap a flush 5 round magazine in it, and it looks like a respectable sporting rifle
On the other hand, you can also dress it up with large capacity removeable magazines and a funky looking stock.
Or you can just leave it in the 10 round stock configuration.
It’s like having 3 guns in one.
*I’ve done it: due to NYS law though, I had to block the magazine to 5 rounds. I whittled a piece of wood to fit the bottom of the magazine, though they have some nice looking flush 5 round magazines you can buy. I’m a notoriously cheap bastard, though.
on 14 May 2008 at 10:41 am # scott
I have 2 M1-Carbines on order from the CMP.
Yes, I know its not that much of a round, but they’re good guns for women, and youngsters.
Oh, and the Marines liked em a lot in WWII. Guess they can’t be all bad.
$575 each might be a little steep for old Carbines that have come back from Italy. Still, I like em better than SKS’s.
on 14 May 2008 at 11:20 am # John
This poll seems so familiar…
Earlier this year I bought two AKMs, a Romanian WASR-10 and SAR-1 for around $700 for both. I then bought 10 surplus magazines for ~$100.
Get them while you can. Gun purchases are an excellent way to stimulate the economy.
John
on 14 May 2008 at 12:21 pm # JD
I have to say I am happy with my WASR 10 for the AK in my gun case. . . needed minor trigger work and it is fun to shoot. They run a bit under $400 here in the Peoples Republik of MA. . .
May have to look into an SKS myself after reading all the comments. . . .
I got a Bushmaster myself for the same reason - election year - a few months back. . . .
on 14 May 2008 at 1:18 pm # wrangler5
I shot an SKS with the grenade launcher feature and thought the rifle was a pretty neat little package for not a lot of money. Also, as others have noted, it’s not an “evil black rifle” that gets some folks’ shorts in a twist.
One of the “advantages” of the grenade launcher is that it has a switch to cut off the gas tube, meaning when the gun fires the action doesn’t cycle and heave the empty case into the weeds. You just pull back on the handle and let it fly to eject the empty case and reload - sort of makes it into a straight-pull bolt action for those times when you don’t need high firepower and don’t want to chase brass. Personally, I would look for this feature rather than avoid it.
on 14 May 2008 at 1:19 pm # Blackwing1
If it’s the “assault weapon” look you’re after, nothing says Achmed the Dead Terrorist like an AK-clone. The Romanian WASR’s work just fine, and you can mail-order one to your favorite FFL from J&G Sales (Arizona) for $379.
Here’s a tip: Get the 20-round AK magazines, rather than the commonly-found 30-rounders. Hungarian ones can still be found for relatively cheap…they’re more reliable and weigh less than the 30-round magazines. And if you buy at “dreaded loophole” gun show, see if you can get the dealer to throw in a couple of 5-round magazines. Much easier to sight the carbine in off of sandbags than either 20- or 20-round, and you can fire two or three shots without having to handload them (a VERY dangerous practice).
So for under $400 (plus whatever your FFL wants, plus shipping) you’ve got a dog-reliable, reasonably accurate (6″ to 8″ groups at 100 yards) carbine. All told, maybe $500.
SPEND THE OTHER $500 ON AMMO!!! The Wolf 123-grain hollow-point can be had for reasonably cheap, and shoots well (it’s also accurate from a bolt-gun…my wife shoots 1″ groups from a CZ 527 in 7.62×39 with it). Stack the spam-cans high, shoot well and often, and never worry about reloading.
on 14 May 2008 at 1:20 pm # wrangler5
Another thought: there is comfort in commonality. I’m personally sticking to 9×19 calibers in my handgun purchases now, and would probably add another 223 rifle to my AR-caliber collection rather than bringing in another caliber. Also, the choice of a carbine that took the same mags as your handguns will also simplify some of your logistics.
on 14 May 2008 at 4:47 pm # Carl H.
Like many others I’d suggest a Yugo SKS, AIM has them for $200 + shipping/transfer (tho you might beat that if you shop around). I’d also suggest a Saiga rifle from Russian American Arms as your AK. A Saiga IS a Russian AK just without the pistol grip. Well made, and a bargain. My local cost was about $280 when I bought mine last year. You should have enough $$$ left over to buy a 1000 rounds of 7.62×39 and voila!
http://www.rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=GIZ132
http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/copy_of_SKS_Yugo__Yugoslavian_M59_66_SKS_7_62×39_Rifle.html
http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/copy_of_7_62×39.html
on 14 May 2008 at 8:10 pm # Sharpaxe
This is clearly a minority position, but a .223 Ruger, whether Ranch Rifle or Mini 14, is a stopper at meaningful contact ranges. Lots are available for little cash, and even the factory new ones are value for money. Also, 30 round mags are available everywhere, although from my experience too many rounds going down the pipe too quickly causes some heating problems if you’ll be using iron sights.
on 14 May 2008 at 9:32 pm # John in MA
WASR-10s are fine, just do a little research on what to look for.
(Used) Chinese MAK-90s are well-made AKs that can be found for the price of the WASRs. They were imported in “ban” configuration, but still look pretty “evil” to the liberals.
on 15 May 2008 at 12:56 am # CT Mike
I have two SKS, one was my first high power rifle purchase and the other one was a cheap from AIM. I read through all these comments and found that everyone is adding in transfer fees, etc. The Yugo SKS is C&R, except in CA - I had both of mine delivered right to my back door! No fees except the shipping (and the $30 for the 03FFL). I know I’m on the Gov’t radar with the thing, but there’s something about getting a scary -looking rifle delivered right to your house.
on 15 May 2008 at 2:13 am # Chaz
If you want to buy an assault weapon, first define an assault weapon. Best way to do that is to look at the very first one, the Sturmgewehr (storm rifle) 43/44 (Stg43/44) from Germany - box magazine fed, gas-operated, select fire, intermediate cartridge (7.92mm Kurz). Move to the AK47 - mag-fed, gas-operated, selective fire, intermediate cartridge (7.62×39mm). Then the M16 - box mag, select fire, gas, small cartridge (5.56×45mm). Lots of others like the CETME, G3, FAL, etc. except that they fire full-power rifle cartridges so they don’t fit the precise definition of the type.
So that’s the basics and the only thing you’re missing is the select fire, since getting guns capable of fully automatic fire is expensive and you’re on a budget. An SKS is NOT an assault rifle, it’s a semiautomatic rifle, doesn’t have a detachable magazine or select fire as originally designed. It’s a good utility rifle and one you should own, but I’d get an AK first.
Everyone needs at least one AK. The Romanian guns are basic and they work. They’re rough and ugly and sometimes need to have the mag wells cleaned up, but they hold up to hard use and they work. There are other, more expensive AKs such as those sold by Krebs Custom, but it’s kinda like making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. If you’re on a budget, stick with the Romanian and don’t be deterred by people who don’t like them. Sure, some have broken but show me a gun that’s never broken and I’ll show you one that’s never been used. All the Romanian AKs I’ve seen, owned and shot have held up and worked fine. Mine required having the mag well filed out a bit to work with the plastic mags, but it worked with the metal mags out of the box and has never stuttered with them. Stick with the 30 round mags, European surplus and you’ll do fine.
Then you need at least one AR-type rifle, and those made by Rock River, DSA, Colt, and Bushmaster are good ones. Doublestar has some at good prices. Sabre Defense and Smith and Wesson have good ones. If you want to spend big money and get great quality, try Larue or Noveske, which are as good as it gets, built by “people, people who shoot people” for those who go in harm’s way.
It’s easy to spend a boatload of bucks on putting things on these guns, which don’t do anything to make them more reliable or more accurate. Define your mission. If you just want to have one, or several, then buy the guns first and gussy them up later as you can afford it. If you don’t figure to need lasers and lights and scopes then don’t buy them or the hardware to use them. Banging around on the range doesn’t require all the bells and whistles, and home defense can be accomplished without a light. Lights ARE good things, but not mandatory.
Rail systems and fore-ends are good things, as are flattops that let you mount sights. If your eyesight is such that you have a hard time using iron sights then a red dot sight is the way to go, and that comes down to Aimpoint or the Eotech.
Get the guns first, shoot them a bunch and if they don’t break go from there.
My two bits and it cost you nothing but a little eyestrain. If you have more questions you have my email address. - Good luck! - Charles
on 15 May 2008 at 9:35 am # FD in AL
get an AK and stock up on cheap ammo…while it is available
it may be a crude battle ax compared to the refined AR type guns, but sometimes what you need is a crude and rough battle ax
on 15 May 2008 at 10:33 am # Cowboy Blob
Assault weapon, huh?
If you want a good, cheap battle rifle for punching paper or goblins, go with the SKS. Practice with the stripper clips for the rare occasions when 10 rounds of 7.62×39 don’t do the trick.
If you want to try action shooting sports or have a serious neighborhood defense problem, go with an AK.
If want to excel at the action shooting sports, build yourself an AR or two. Or buy one receiver, an adjustable butt-stock, a short, light upper (you can get a heavier, longer-barreled upper later). (If you put your rifle together piecemeal, you’ll save yourself about $200 excise tax on a complete firearm, thus coming in under your $1k target.) One of these will excel at neighborhood defense too.
on 15 May 2008 at 10:42 am # Cowboy Blob
Doh! You’ve got two ARs in the works.
Don’t be bashful about spending some of that green on some quality optics for your ARs instead; a good ACOG or other battle scope will eat up that grand, but might make you forget about any other rifles.
on 15 May 2008 at 12:19 pm # john
yugo underfolder ak-47,the american rebuilds,are super high quality and if they get banned again they will be worth more money!!
on 15 May 2008 at 12:53 pm # Mattexian
Just my 2 cts about the SKS: Got one, love it; I’ve read as much as I can find about them. Calling them a “battle rifle” is a bit misleading, they’re more of a “combat carbine.” I read in one of my books, that Comrade Simonov basically out-”M1-Carbine’d” the M1 Carbine. It’s nearly perfect as a conscription soldier’s firearm: fewer moving parts than the AK, bayonet (mostly) permanently attached, fixed magazine (can’t be lost or dropped in the mud), semi-auto only (so no spray-n-pray), and easy to clean. Buy a “Chinese bra” 10-pocket chest bandoleer to go with it, and you’re set.
on 15 May 2008 at 5:10 pm # theirritablearchitect
Can’t add much to what’s already been said except my anecdotal stuff, which generally centers around the AK.
Mine is an early post-ban style Romanian unit that was ugly on finish and long on the build quality, as far as one can go with it anyway.
The ergonomics are poor on this AK when compared to the pistol grip style units (thumbhole stock), but I’ve since rectified this with the proper American number of parts for consideration of the “not more than 10 imported parts” rule. This is the LONG way around the block for an AK and I’d seriously reconsider if I did it again, though when you can get one running consistently, the typical AKs certainly do work well.
I’d just look at keeping with the AR platform, since you are very familiar with it and compared with the AK, its ergonomics are superior in almost every way. Maybe order a heavy/long barreled upper for your current AR, or a whole new rig?
Maybe you might look at an ultralight .223, maybe one of Kel-Tec’s foldable units? Good bit of kit, I think, and very stashable in your vehicle. Good to have for walking about too.
If you simply must, the SKS is very robustly built, and will not disappoint on longevity, though its ergonomics are even worse than an AK’s, in my estimation. Then there’s the issue of ammo commonality, which, from the sound of it, you aren’t currently stocking the Commie 7.62. Not a problem with availibilty, generally, but this IS an issue with some shooters, as they like to have more of just ONE type instead of having to split calibers and guns. For the money, the SKS is surely a steal, and having one salted away would be a good move, so long as you don’t mind adding to your ammunition stores.
Good luck, sir.
on 15 May 2008 at 5:12 pm # theirritablearchitect
Jeff,
Another thought might be to look at one of those BETA-C mags for a heavy-barreled AR as well.
Lots of firepower available there.
on 15 May 2008 at 5:23 pm # ZerCool
I have a WASR-10 and love it. $350ish at a local show, already milled out for double-stack. Works fine with pre-ban eastern bloc mags. Can’t get new-manufacture mags in DPRNY so can’t comment on that. The included 10-rd double stack was junk - it would only chamber one round, fire, then jam as it tried to chamber the second round down in the stack. Pre-ban is your friend.
Like most milsurp-esque, the cosmoline was caked on and a pain to remove. Beyond that, the only thing I did was lightly sand and rub a coat of linseed oil into the wood.
Heck of a lot of fun to shoot and eats Wolf JHP just fine.
on 15 May 2008 at 8:47 pm # Armed Ed
I have a WASR-10 and it works quite nicely. Won’t win any competitions, but it will make a leftist shit its pants. The thing to do is buy up as many hi-cap mags as possible before the libs steal them. One semi-automatic rifle with twenty 30 round mags can kill a lot more commies than seven different guns with a mag or two each.
I’d also look at AR uppers. You could probably buy two for under $1000 direct from the manufacturer or from Midway. That and a .50BMG rifle, though that will run way more than $1000 and is sure to be banned. Because so many have been used in theoretical crimes. Why not ban people we don’t like because they could theoretically be the next Hitler?
on 16 May 2008 at 2:03 am # CiCi
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on 16 May 2008 at 5:10 am # Keith
Come on CICI, You’re in China, so where’s your bit about rifles?
by the way, your stuff on marbles is not geologically correct. I could re-write it for you;
…. but I’d have to charge
Keith
on 16 May 2008 at 2:12 pm # bud
AR for accuracy, Mini for reliability.
Seriously. I’ve never had a single problem with my mini, and I’ve had jams, FTF, etc on 3 different M-16 pattern guns.
OTOH, I can hold sub-moa at a hundred with the AR, and the mini is close to 2.5.