While this topic has been hashed and rehashed on several threads, many members who don't actually own a 7.62X39 rifle may have stocked up on a few tins of ammo as a Hillery hedge, and now need guidance, but are old, and cant remember the advice..
My pencil is ready- to help the old guys.
In their behalf, thanks, Mac.
Ericire12, if the SKS is the hot setup, why is it obsolete now? Not arguin', just askin'?
The SKS was designed as a CYA incase the AK did not work as promised. The only reason it is considered obselete is because it was never designed for full auto, and does not have (standard) a detachable box magazine. Full auto is not a consideration for most of us as even our AK's are semi, and there are after market adapters that allow the SKS to accept 30 round detachable magspersonaly I prefer the streamlined 10 round mag as it is more compact for storage. The other draw back to the SKS is that the issue stock sucks. However, after market stocks are available for around $50. Average SKS $250 Fiberforce stock $52, Mag adapter $25 mags about $25 each.
I've got one of the Romanian WASR-10, cool gun, had to learn to strip it down. Made for peasants, apparently have a college degree dumbs you down enough to have trouble re-assembling it.
Looks cool at twilight shooting, very neat muzzle flash. I ended up watching it and not the target - that cool. Note to self - do not use at night after TEOTWAWKI.
I also have my eye on one of the STG-2000 - all plastic and metal, no wood, looks like an updated AK but I don't know for sure. I think they were German originally.
I bought an StG 2000, I have not had a chance to shoot it yet but it has the best trigger I have ever had on a Military style rifle. It is a Cugir receiver with furniture and sights set up to replicate a late model East German AK clone, The sling is kind of funky but stock length is great for a European, as opposed to the usual short AK stock. I'm very happy with the way it handles and will post more info when I get it to the range.
How about a Yugo 59/66 with bayonet and launcher for 170.00. Good buy?
YES, However the very first thing I would do is remove the bayonet and grenade launcher as they are useless weight.