MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT (6/26/15):
Title of “THE Best Starter AK below $600” goes to: WASR 10!
Congratulations to Cugir Romania!
At the same moment, please don’t stop working on improving quality of your product guys, but job well done!
WASR10 “Best Starter AK below $600” decision comes after thousands of rounds being fired through this rifle, outstanding reliability performance and great durability.
NOTE: PLEASE REMEMBER, you must do your homework when buying WASR 10 or use quality control inspection service from Atlantic Firearms. You should always check WASR 10 for any possible misalignment problems, check the action and pins and rivets.
Future owners should expect from WASR 10 little more than usual magazine wobble – this is normal.
Production year on WASR 10 could be identified by last 2 digits in the serial number on the left side. In our case, it 15 = 2015.
Our WASR 10 came from here (click on link).
Support Union! Shop in our Store!
Im gonna order one next week. Can you recommend some inexpensive ammo to use. I am not a benchrest shooting just looking for reliable ammo that is good for plinking.
Wolf…it works perfectly.
Rob what make and model is that two chamber fat brake on the wasr 10? I would love to find one and purchase!
As always thanks!
It was Zenit DTK2 if i remember this correctly
Rob,
WASR 10 for $570, DDI Stamped AKM for $700, or a mostly converted Saiga for $690. (The Saiga still has the Saiga handguard). This will be my first AK, but I don’t mind paying a little more if it’s worth the extra cost. Also: are you planning to review the Palmetto State Armory AK-47 once it is released?
If you have $700 get DDI!
Rob,
For my first AK pattern rifle, I am torn between (1) a DDI AK configured like the one you torture tested with the alpha rail and MFT stock or (2) a stock Definitive Arms DAKM-4150. The DAKM-4150, Chase Sisgold’s touch on polish parts, is an option based solely on the rumor that you will be testing it 🙂
If you recommend a WASR for $600, and DDI stamped for $700. What would you recommend for $1000, the DDI with extras or the stock Definitive Arms DAKM-4150?
Thank you so much for your informative videos on YouTube.
Darryl
If you have budget for it, go with DAKM 4150.
Thank you!
Waiting for Atlantic Firearms to restock it.
Darryl
Hey Rob, for those of us with WASR-10s already, what are some upgrades you would recommend to really squeeze the most out of the sub-$600 rifle? Optics? Railed Hand-guards? Muzzle Devices?
Otherwise, thanks for validating those of us who chose the much-maligned but almost-impossible to sideline WASR!
I would start with the stock, grip then muzzle device, optic and handguard.
Rob Ski, about what kind of accuracy can I expect our of the WASR 10? 4 MOA? Just wondering what to expect as compared to my Colt AR.
Mine is slightly over 3MOA. I like when rifles are within 3 MOA…some people report their WASRS below 3 MOA, but some say they have around 4 MOA…
Thanks Rob Ski. It looks like the WASR will be more accurate than my bad eyes.I have an astigmatism that in not 100% correctable so red dots are out. Any good recommendations for a low power scope that would be good for people with astigmatism.
Rob, how do the internal components (bolt, extractor, firing pin, etc) look after thousands of rounds? I dont know of many people who have fired that many rounds through one in as short amount of time as you have. Im curious how the newer WASRs are holding up.
Almost no wear so far…but i had a guy on facebook who claimed to shot over 50k rds and he said that he had to change extractor. That is totally acceptable after so many rds…
More than totally acceptable! Thank you for your reply and for everything the union is doing.
Mr. Ski, first of all me and my friends really appreciate the informative videos and information you put up, keep up the great work!!! Second, I was going to buy a new WASR-10 but I found a site selling the Vepr 7.62×39 with 16.5″ bull barrel and have purchased that instead for the same price as a new WASR.I was wondering what your take on the Vepr was as I am new to the ak platform. After one trip to the range though and being able to break down my new rifle with one hand in seconds I am wondering why I didn’t have this amazing tool years ago. I recommend them myself even though they may not be pure ak, just want to see what the pros thought. Thanks!!
VEPR is very well made AK. The only problem with them is small choice in aftermarket accessories.
Ha, you are right about that, I am pretty decent at carving though so the new plan is to make a more traditional AK stock for it from a flat blank. Just got to the range yesterday by the way, went very well. The ak hate groups can piss off as far as im concerned, maybe they just needed to actually learn to properly fire their weapons….
I’m going to buy one this coming Friday. The sights are lined perfectly and the actions feels a little tough but some polishing should fix that. Only concern was the safety lever, it was really hard to operate super stiff. Is that normal for a new AK. It has a scratch pattern from it sticking to the gun so tight. What else should I inspect???
Yes, it is normal. You can remove dust cover, move safety to 90 degrees and bend away from the receiver. Should help.
What kind of tape do you use to wrap the grip?
I really like your gun test videos. I am an ak virgin. Tried to stay away for two reasons one is hereing of so many quality issues in past from import reworks. The other is adding another ammo to build stock. I have guns that shoot 556 and 762 nato. I would love to see gun test on the opap. I here they are not going continue to bring those in. I am a zavastava fan but will not touch npap now. I have one of there mausers and a m88a. I have the itch for ak bad now. I looked at wasr the warsaw stock is just too small though I would like opap better. I like that it is a beast. If you can’t test please give any thoughts or advice.
William
Century will continue to import Zastavas. Those rumors are pointless…
I am looking at the arsenal 107 AK and am trying to decide if I should buy that or the definitive arms AK. They are the sane price which one is better?
Just get DAKM 4150N. Better QC from DA than from Arsenal for sure.
Rob,
Looking for my first AK and have narrowed it down to WASR or SLR107 which one would you recommend ? Also what stock is that on the WASR you tested ?
Why not Definitive Arms DAKM 4150N? https://youtu.be/Bx_wmm9GDTI
Hello AK Operators! Thank you so much for doing what you do!
I am debating between the Zastava O-PAP and the new quality control check WASR 10’s. Durability and reliability are my main buying point with these rifles..I plan to leave original wood furniture on either and get proficient with iron sights at 150 yards…and I want a gun and barrel that will outlast me.
WASR 10 QC
pros:
chrome lined hammer forged barrel
torture test results that you did
easier for me to find for sale
cons:
issues that QC should catch
OPAP
Pros:
I like the idea of the thicker receiver or trunnion or is it both?
heavier made gun does these mean more durable than the WASR
Cons:
Non chrome lined barrel….but it is hammer forged right?
Non standard AKM furniture but I plan to leave it anyway
supposedly cheek weld on the stock means harder to sight on irons than the WASR
Which one and why? And let me know if I have my “facts” wrong
OPAP has CHF barrel and yes, it is thicker construction, so it will give you longer run. Both rifles should shoot the lights out at 150m – no issues at all. From durability stand point of view, roll with OPAP – those are made like tank. WASR has advantage with accessories, but you want to keep wood on it anyhow…
Hey Robski, but the non chrome lined barrel should affect the longevity of the barrel, right?
Chrome lined barrels have advantage especially for full auto rifles. On semi auto, differences are kind of blurring out…
Hello I’m a potential new AK buyer and was needing a qualified opinion.
I was considering buying a amd 65 Hungarian but have no real clue as to its value and workmanship it’s cheaper than the WASR as well.
I’m stuck in deciding between the AMD 65, the WASR, and the RAS Century AK. Any advice would be appreciated.
Can you save little more and get DAKM 4150N from Definitive Arms?
It’s very unlikely as much as I would love it. The AK for me is a work horse plinker shtf rifle. I’m looking for a affordable accurate well built AK. Lightweight is a bonus.
With the O-PAP…
did it suffer from the mushrooming on the bolt?
and how many rounds would the non chromed line bore be good for? and if it were shot out, would a wasr style barrel fit it?
If I had to replace things in the long run, which gun WASR vs OPAP would have the most parts available or are they pretty much the same as far as internals go?
Rob, I am new to civilian market A.K.s. I am an OIF veteran, I have an AR15, but I am getting the urge to purchase an A.K. because of cheaper ammo, reliability, and effectiveness of the cartridge. I actually have shot more full auto A.K.s than semi auto, and I am familiar with them. I could pick one up and fight with it or field strip it, but I am not familiar with quality of civilian A.K.s. I will spend $800-$1000.00 to get a decent one that’s reliable and accurate. I have thought about getting C39V2 , DDI, or even a WASR. What would you reccomend. I am sure you’ve been asked this 1000 times.
I would get Definitive Arms DAKM 4150N and be done with it. Right in your price range.
Hey Rob I have a issue with my front sight the elevation is super hard to move I have broke two sight tools trying to move the sight up and down it was shooting high is I turned it counter clockwise it moves but not much do you know of a super heavy duty adjustment tool ? please help
Boom, right here: http://shop.akoperatorsunionlocal4774.com/Magna-Matic-Defense-Front-Sight-Adjustment-Tool-AK-47-SKS-Steel-Magna-Matic.htm
Thanks Rob just bought one ill let ya know if it did the trick !
Rob
Love the channel!!!
Question
Should I run an AK recoil buffer ?
Does it really help prevent bolt carrier wear?
Thanks
Tim
No! Buffer is something totally unnecessary!
What kind of stock do you like best on a AK? or WASR?
I use Zhukov on my personal rifle. Yes, i know they are not very popular lately…
Rob, are all the mag wells on the wasr’s severely oversized? I wanted to pick up a cheap ak to beat on and looked at one locally. The mag well was so large that the receiver did not contact the mag at any point. There was an obvious gap all around the mag. The mag was just touching the trunnion and mag catch. The forward and backwards play was acceptable but the side to side was atrocious. I had a M+M Romanian gun in the past that was much tighter, almost as tight as my slr107. Everything else on the gun was perfect for a cheap ak. This was a new wasr with the hardwood furniture and had 15 stamped on the trunnion for the year it was built. From your experience was this just a bad one or is this the norm?
Mag well is open by Century guys…so, there are some mag wells very tight, some are normal and some are very open…
What would be the most durable stock for an AK?
Real wood with metal butt plate or triangle metal stock.
Hey Rob, unfortunately I made an impulse purchase of a RAS-47 before I ever stumbled upon the Union, blindly taking my first jump into the AK world and ending up with an oreo cookie just waiting to crumble 🙂 Anyway, I’m now looking for a solid, affordable (under $850) replacement and at the moment deciding between a QC-inspected WASR10 from Atlantic for $625 (I plan to replace wood furniture, adding another $150 or so) or a $799 stamped DDI from AIM already sporting the MOE furniture. I’m leery about buying another US manufactured AKM, but DDI seems leaps and bounds better than Century. Is the WASR still a safer bet? Fit and finish are important to me but obviously secondary to function, which is why I’m dumping the RAS and shopping for a replacement to begin with. Between the two which would your recommend? Thanks!
Rob ski
What’s your pick between buying a c39 v2 or a DAKM?
DAKM is 100x times better
Help! I know you’ve answered this a million times. I want to get into AKs. I want a reliable shtf weapon and I was stuck between the wasr10 and the m&p15. I’m just scared that the wasr won’t be reliable. Heard a lot of crap about it. Atlantic has the QC wasr 10. For 629. That’s right around my price range help.
WASR10 is good starter rifle. But if you don’t have any rifle yet, you should get at least one AR, because 5.56×45 always will be here.
Hey rob
I am lucky to have a wasr that shoots about 2.5 to 3 inch groups depending on ammo. Have put a couple thousand rounds threw it no problems. Want to build up a second ak with a fixed stock this time. Are the wasrs they sell now worth a look or should i just save my money and upgrade to ? I do want a chromed barrel. But i also would like similar accuracy to my old wasr
WASR10 is not bad. Try to find Definitive Arms AK if you can…
does the wasr10 hAve a removable muzzle?
Yes, it is threaded in 14-1LH
robski, wasr10 or ak63d? I want strong trunnions!
WASR10!
Rob,
I got a numbers matching 1984 wasr 10/63 in mint condition, she came with a mag pouch, one steel mag, cleaning kit, the stock has a storage spot for the cleaning kit and the furniture is raw non lacquered wood, also came with romanian beaonet with sheath also matching numbers. Scored this in the original box for $550. Is this a collector’s or potentially valuable find or should I just put this thing in rotation and sling some lead?
Sling some lead! Have fun!
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources
back to your site? My website is in the exact same area of interest as yours and
my visitors would definitely benefit from some of the information you present here.
Please let me know if this ok with you. Cheers!
No problem at all.
Rob, any idea when next import of WASR’s will be available?
Before winter this year
Hey Rob, love the channel and thanks for everything you do. When do you think WASR10 will be coming back to the US?
Should be back before winter
Hey Rob Ski I have a Wasr10 and everything in it seems pretty good the sight seems pretty straight and everything else appears good,i was wondering how I should expect this gun to hold up it is used and I believe from the 80’s time frame based on the serial numbers.I plan on shooting around 300-500 rounds per month and wanted to know if they are a good platform for that type of shooting frequency thanks!
And also I forgot to add ….what makes it cheaper then other brands of Ak’s? Fit and finish? I wouldn’t think that the metal or parts would be less quality right?
Yep, WASR10 is good for the price you pay. Awesome starter AK
My 6th AK was a WASR 10 GP, made (the major parts, anyway,reciever may have been newer manufacture) in 1978…a year before me.
NO idea as to how many rounds, I have put through it.NO parts have broken and NO alterations {shepherd’s hook, trigger, etc} save for a buffertech buffer being added 2 years ago.*
ONLY cosmetic issues have been the result of my using a Midwest industries mount…for the last year or two.
Bought it new in November of 2004!
My next, who knows? If 7.62×39…Leaning towards Definitive, but (Being a Carolinian) The PSA looks good to me too.
Thanks for reading and keep up the, exceptional, work!
*Added to cut the metal-metal contact.Looking into a heavier Wolf Springs recoil spring.
Hi Rob! I want to thank you and your crew for doing all this research and providing feedback on all these rifles. I researched and looked all around for a good started AK (I mostly know AR’s and bolt actions). I was in between the C39v2 and the RH-10 but here in California (Commiefornia) I wasn’t able to find anything but overpriced N-PAP’s and RAS-47’s. Absolutely crazy! I was able to order a WASR 10 online and get it shipped to my local gun store. Can’t wait to look it over and shoot it. I went through everyone of your videos on how to check the AK and which rifle lasted through your torture test. Thanks again and keep up the stellar work!
Rob I saw u mentioned one of the first upgrades for the WASR is to replace stock. What stocks do u recommend?
I basically installed this adapter and i’m running BMS MFT stock on it (you can get this as a combo): http://shop.akoperatorsunionlocal4774.com/AK-M4-Stock-Adapter-AK-M4-Stock-Adapter.htm
Best combination for me.
Rob Ski, have you seen Bonesteel galil folding stock? Good reviews,looks nice maybe a bit heavy. What do you think? And thanks for the effort you put forth to keep our country free!!!
I haven’t used that stock yet…sorry.
Looking to buy an AK and had a Zhukov stock and a new handguard from Midwest Industries, which AK would you recommend?
I cannot find the DAKM in stock anywhere. I was looking at the C39V2 with side rail.
Get Vepr FM from Kvar…Watch series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb711dtKBi0o3R6zkFHPrS1o2CFgCmXzS
I also looked at this one but isn’t it the RPK 1.5mm Stamped? I was informed I could not put a Magpul; Zhukov stock and/or a Magpul Zhukov/MOE Handguard or the Midwest Industries Handguard.
Is this true with this rifle http://www.k-var.com/shop/FM-AK47-11.html ?
Id like to be able to use the Magpul ZHUKOV stock and replace out the hand guard without extreme difficulty.
I really like the Molot VEPR but being informed I am not able to do this is holding me back on this AK, so maybe just stick with a WASR?
Hi Rob,
Here in NJ my options are a WASR-10 or C39V2, would you reccomend one over the other? Why? Thank you.
Wasr10 > C39v2
Thank you! Will be ordering the WASR 10!!
Rob Ski – Seriously considering a WASR, but came across a Blackheart AK 10B on Atlantic. The Blackheart has a 4150 barrel and sounds pretty good. Your thoughts on the Blackheart vs WASR?
I have no feedback on blackheart. Never seen one.
Get a WASR or if you can afford it an Arsenal 107FR – they are back in stock in limited numbers at KVAR.
I am interest in buying my first AK and plan to take your adive to get a WASR, however on Atlantic Firearms I found the Riley Defense Ak47 which is $50 less than the WASR. Price isn’t the only thing I’m concerned with but the descriptions seems like the people at Atlantic Firearms think highly if the gun. Do you have an opinion on it? I know you don’t have any videos on the rifle but maybe you have handled it before. It says that it has features like a forged trunion, 4150 nitrite barrel and a 2 year warrenty. Also, there is another YouTuber who has a 5000rd video with the rifle. Any advice is welcome, I want something that will hold up for a few years until I upgrade to a VEPR or similar.
Get imports while we still can man…Riley Defense always will be here…
Rob,
I bought a Vepr FM47 before the ban, still NIB. (Mostly shoot my AR). Sucker is probably worth $1400.00 now. I don’t care about cosmetics, just want a durable, reliable rifle. Thinking of selling VEPR and buying WASR + pile of ammo. Whats your thoughts?
Man, i don’t think that Vepr will ever comeback…think about it hard…
Thanks Rob.
I picked up on of these a few days ago from my ffl and I’m here to clear up any doubts on the new wasr 10. After watching the 10,000 rounds video produced by Rob and the video on what to look for when being a ak I decided to pick one of these up. I had one a few years ago it had it had some of the common wasr flaws but it functioned flawlessly. I ended up selling it and regreting it. This new wasr I purchased is a flawless beauty as far as AK pattern rifle goes. The sights and the barrel are not wanted at all. The rivets are perfect with no cracks, no empty space between the rivets and reciever and no dimples from the rivets being pressed to hard. There is also no magazine wobble. Crappy pro mag waffle mags, mag pul mags and steel surplus mags fit perfect and they all function properly in my rifle. I bought 2 1000 rd cases when I picked it up 1 of wolf and of brown bear because that’s all my local gun store had on the shelves I shot 500 of wolf and 500 of brown bear without a single malfunction and with normal wear on the internals. The one possible negative is the finish started turning grey as the rifle got to hot but that’s not a complaint to me as it gives it that battle field use look so thats not a complaint for me especially for the cost of the rifle. But my only negative is what Rob already cover is the terrible furniture mine was a dark brown and not the usual blonde but the handguards don’t have a heat shield and get to hot while shooting if you don’t wear gloves but I got a polish furniture set on the way which should be better. All in all I’m glad I made this purchase and thankful for Rob ski for helping me going the right direction as far as this ak purchase.
Looking for a recommendation for an AK47. Budget is $850.
I’m coming from the AR world so I have no knowledge in this area.
On this budget, wasr10 is your friend…hard to be AK lover these days…
Rob Ski, love your work in the Union. I’d agree that with the irons, the 10/63 is 3-4” at 100 yards. The thing is the front post isn’t fine and there’s more area covered than I’d like. So the only thing I’m not crazy about are the irons. They are ok, but not great. I got a side rail mount and a fine red dot and I can’t believe how much tighter my groups are at 50 yards. Once zeroed I could put them on the bullseye. It is limited by the front sight post.
Over the past 5 years, I picked up three Wasrs.
The first was a ‘new’ Century Arms, with all accessories, but cheap wood, for $500. First upgrade was a $25 Tapco AR-style adjustable stock with pistol-grip. First range trip (admittedly a short indoor range, using only iron-sights, and firing from my shoulder) I was surprisingly accurate.
Currently, it has a Zhukov adjustable side-folder stock.
Second Wasr last January was used, with the laminated wood, tool-kit inside the stock & the cleaning rod, but no bayonet. Dealer was asking $600. Talked him down to $550. Plan to keep this one mostly original. Only adding a slip-on rubber butt-pad and a $30 original bayonet.
Third one last month was a like-new under-folder from a private seller for $600 out the door.
Has the laminated hand-guard. I added another $30 bayonet. Haven’t shot this one yet.
I did add quick-detach scope-mounts to the first two.
I’ve also added the small Tapco brake/recoil-suppressor to all three, to reduce the recoil a bit, while still allowing the bayonets to be installed.
Happy Motoring, Mark
To start, I really enjoy your videos. I’m happy to see the Wasr is no longer the ‘Junk AK” that people were calling them years ago. Too bad some of the US-made ones are now getting that reputation.
Over the past 5 years, I picked up three Wasrs.
The first was a ‘new’ Century Arms, with all accessories, but cheap wood, for $500. First upgrade was a $25 Tapco AR-style adjustable stock with pistol-grip. First range trip (admittedly a short indoor range, using only iron-sights, and firing from my shoulder) I was surprisingly accurate.
Currently, it has a Zhukov adjustable side-folder stock.
Second Wasr last January was used, with the laminated wood, tool-kit inside the stock & the cleaning rod, but no bayonet. Dealer was asking $600. Talked him down to $550. Plan to keep this one mostly original. Only adding a slip-on rubber butt-pad and a $30 original bayonet.
Third one last month was a like-new under-folder from a private seller for $600 out the door.
Has the laminated hand-guard. I added another $30 bayonet. Haven’t shot this one yet.
I did add quick-detach scope-mounts to the first two.
I’ve also added the small Tapco brake/recoil-suppressor to all three, to reduce the recoil a bit, while still allowing the bayonets to be installed.
Happy Motoring, Mark