I don't know about the best" AK, but I would look at Classic Arms.They're just a retailer, but have a great rep for customer service. I was referred to them by several folks. I was on the fence about one of their Century AKs (US made so no 922r hassels). Anyway I just by luck got the owner on the phone and expressed my concerns about misalignment of the gas tube with some Centurys.He told me they were hand inspected, but to take it, shoot it and if I didn't like it, send it back. They wouldn't fix it, just send me a new one, and I if didn't like that one, he'd send a third. You can't beat that. I've never done business with them, but I would look there first for an AK. They sell many different brands so you've got a good selection.
FQ13
http://www.classicarms.us/