I’ve always had a hankering for an AK-47, was wondering if there were any that were better than others or some that I should avoid? Nothing I need right now, but will probably be picking one or two up in the near future.

Zastava.

Here this should get you informed.
PM me when your ready to move on one.
https://youtube.com/c/AkOperatorsUnion

I got my first AK earlier this year.

Zastava was on my short list, but I ended up getting a Palmetto State Armory GF5. It includes a FN chrome-lined barrel, and an ALG trigger. I'm real happy with it. I added an AR stock adaptor, a Magpul buttstock, and a 3X prism from Primary Arms with the ACSS reticle attached via a Master Mount. It makes a pretty nice setup.

Polytech legend?
Arsenal?
PSA looks to be a damn good choice.
My old Norinco from back in the good old days.
<$400.00 at Roses Dept store. Bought SKS’s for $69.99

The zastava has a CGF chrome lined barrel in all the new rifles. I stock half a dozen -8 different models including 556 and 308.
I've got tiger stripped maple, dark walnut serbian red serbian red with triangle folder, magpul z folder, archangle and archangle in 308, archange with serbian red handguards, and black 308. Serbian red 556.
I also stock the ace folders and yugo AR adapters.
Excellent choice the the PA 3X.
That's an item I keep in mass, and the 2x. For all calibers.

The GF5 is a good rifle. I own one, but, I live in SC so it's mandatory.
ODB. OLE DIRTY BAZTURD (AKA American Badazz, aka The P1sser.)
It's a 7.62x39 with a FAB AR15 style Defense survival stock with built in spare magazine holder on a Definitive Arms adapter, cheese grader top, PWS brake, RS regulate forward mini acog mount with PA arms 3x mounted directly to RS. ALG triggermagpul grip.
Stupid accurate with Barnaul and Norma.
Never leaves the truck.

Thanks, everyone- I will look into all of these, for some reason I do want a wood stock, just seems more traditional, if you could use that word for an AK.

$599, you can afford to buy a wood stock set.
https://palmettostatearmory.com/blem-psak-47-gf3-forged-classic-polymer-rifle-odg.html

Romanian GP WASR 10/63. Geiselle AKT trigger, ERGO Sure Grip, Definitive Arms Fighter Brake, Kreb's safety.



Arsenal SLR107FR side folder. Geissele AKT trigger, Primary Arms 1-6×24 with ACSS illuminated reticle, RS Regulate mount. Eastern bloc buttstock extension, AK74 style muszle brake.




Custom built AK purchased from Chris Horn before he went to work for Gary Reader as one of his gunsmiths. Built to my specs and his recommendations. Geissele AKT trigger added later. (Top)



Yugoslavia under folder. Pre-ban. Bone stock.

A good AK is a great great SD weapon...

If you want a longer range capable version... consider the KS-47...

https://palmettostatearmory.com/ks-47.html

I probably won't be any help as the only AK I have ever had and still have is a milled SLR100. I don't think they are available anymore, but I love it.

Steve..........

1.5mm bulged trunion
CHF chrome lined bbl
Bolt thru stocks
Bolt hold open safety
I'd go zastava

To date I've owned norinco spikers, DCI, WASR, Arsenals, KUSA, Riley defense., precancerous yugo, polish, couple handfuls of PSAs.
Nobody short of custom builders are doing it as well as ZASTAVA right now in terms of fitment, flush rivets, accuracy.
Yeah, they are heavy in solid maple and walnut, but, not a deal killer.

I recently bought a Zastava M70 ZPAP. It's a nice well made rifle and came with composite/plastic furniture. It seems to shoot pretty well too. I'm happy with it.

I don’t know what your budget is, but I like the Valmets.

Tony

I’ve owned a few. I can appreciate the craftsmanship in a quality milled receiver but like how the stamped receivers handle a whole lot better. I like Arsenal AK’s but the SAM-7 with milled receiver, NATO length stock
and AK 74 style brake is the most awkward handling boat anchor AK that I’ve ever handled. First Gen Galil’s are cool but almost as bad. The Arsenal SLR 107’s pinned and welded or SBR’d are one of my favorites.

The WASR 10/63 has a great rugged classic AK look IMO and handles great with a nice lightweight compact feel. I’d lean towards that for an authentic AK with a combloc heritage if I were looking for a basic AK with wood furniture. If you just want a decent low cost shooter AK with you can’t beat PSA.

A converted SAIGA AK with Russian Red furniture would be way cool and a great rifle, or a MAK 90 with an Ironwood stock or authentic Chinese Chu wood stock.

I have onejust like this other than it came with an unfinished forend.

AK’s are an interesting market right now, WASR’s and PSA seem to be the names for bang for the Buck currently. A lot of the higher end brands are going sideways (definitely wouldn’t buy a KUSA currently) and having one built with combloc parts is now probably a $1500 proposition. I gave it a try, but I’ll be honest even after multiple range trips I can’t bring myself to like shooting my bastardized mixmaster of an AK.

Build one from a shovel...

https://imgur.com/gallery/TspVw

Unfortunately Boris and his original post is no longer around.

https://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/179192-DIY-Shovel-AK-photo-tsunami-warning!