Romanian AKs...

[JayCee]

...have milled recievers not stamped, right?

What are some good average prices for AKs these days? A few years ago they were $3-400 then $800. I saw one for $500 last weekend and thougth that was a decent price for a romanian with folding stock. An AK is my next firearm purchase but I want to be sure I'm not paying too much.
Thanks

[RECIT]

The Romanian models do NOT have milled receivers. The WASR models can be had for $400 or so, but there are some higher quality models available in the $450-650 range. Why do you specify the Romanian make?

[A-R]

Three good sights to check for AK prices that have been posted here by other members:

http://www.classicarms.us" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.jgsales.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.aimsurplus.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

there is a fourth that I can't seem to remember, but perhaps someone else will come along to post it.

For a basic Romanian WASR, $300-$400 is about right (plus shipping, FFL transfer fee etc).

Just saw a slightly used WASR high-capacity version with folding stock at GT Distributors in Austin today for $400 plus change.

[OCD]

Distributors and private sales are the best indicator of market value.

[RECIT]

I say spend a few extra bucks and get something you do not have to worry about being reliable or accurate. Some of the Romanian WASR models you have to worry about occasionally. Buy with confidence from AIMSURPLUS.

[Carry-a-Kimber]

Centerfire Systems also has great prices.

[drjoker]

Cabela's is having a sale for $350 for Romanian AKs. That is a sale price that can't be beat. However, Romanian AKs are not as good as Norincos, but you can buy 2 Romanians for the price of one Norinco and Romanians are almost as reliable. Norincos have 1.5 mm thick receivers while Romanians have wobbly 1mm thick receivers. Norincos have chromed barrels while Romanians don't.

[Terlingueno]

Cabela's is having a sale for $350 for Romanian AKs. That is a sale price that can't be beat. However, Romanian AKs are not as good as Norincos, but you can buy 2 Romanians for the price of one Norinco and Romanians are almost as reliable. Norincos have 1.5 mm thick receivers while Romanians have wobbly 1mm thick receivers. Norincos have chromed barrels while Romanians don't.

Not as good? How?
Wobbly recevers? Russian AK's have 1mm receivers.
If a Romanian AK has the original barrel, it will be chrome lined.

[cajunautoxer]

I'd buy a Saiga and save up to do a conversion. It's not hard unless you want to weld the holes. Or just save up and buy one converted for $700. Can't beat a brand new AK for $700. I just finished my second Saiga and now moving on to one in a .308

[danpaw]

Some of the AK experts I used to work with believed the Norincos that had stamped receivers were more reliable than the milled ones from their experiences. May be outdated info now, it was about 10 or 12 years ago.

[RECIT]

Check out Lancaster Arms if you have a $700 budget. There is also a company that has been a few of the gun shows in Houston specializing in some really tacticool/mid-evil looking AK's. They also did lots of Saiga conversions.