How good are the romanian ak's?

Question

How good of quality are the romanian ak47's? I've heard both really good things and really bad things about them. Are they durable? are they accurate? I'm looking at the one at http://www.impactguns.com/store/RI1166-N.html Does anybody have one of these? If so what do you think about it? are you happy with it? Thanks

Answer 1

WASRs are good guns.  The accuracy suffered on older versions.  The new version, which the one you reference appears to be, are as accurate as can be expected of an AK and are durable and reliable.  

The way to tell the new version from the old - the old version will have a "dimple" just over the magazine on either side of the gun.  The newer version stamped receivers are completely flat.  Don't confuse this with milled receiver which have a long wide groove carved above the magazine well.  

I've owned both copies of the AK (sold the old one) and never had an accuracy or function problem.  Close-grouped center mass shots weren't a problem at all at about 60 yards, head shots - around 40.  About 3,000 rounds through the old one with a couple of jams due to magazine malfunction, and roughly 2,000 rounds through the new one with no stoppages or misfeeds of any kind.  

Some people claim to have been able hit targets accurately out to 500 yards, but I think they were using scoped rifles.  I never felt the need to train past 100yd range.  After all, AK was never meant to be a sniper rifle.  

Also check out www.atlanticfirearms.com, or if you got the funds: www.robarm.com/products.asp?cat=24

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Just as a note, WASRs are not pretty guns but were never meant for pretty things.  They are built as a cheap way to arm a large number of soldiers quickly and to give these soldiers an ability to kill at close to medium range.  That is this gun's sole purpose.  If you want something that looks pretty on a display - this isn't the gun for the job (at least not as a stock model).  

METROPOLIS1 - Just like that - "BOOM!!!"? :)  Did you inspect and clean the rifle before shooting?  How about inspecting the ammo?  Sounds like the top cover was either loose to start with or you were using the type with screws on the back.  Probably an ammo malfunction rather then the gun.  8+ years of shooting AKs and I have never heard from anyone of an AK "exploding."  :)  Funny!

Answer 2

I bought a WASR from Impact.  It's one of the ones with the front pistol grip.

Pretty good, I'd say.  They have a pretty good return policy, and if you have any problems they'll put their gunsmith on the phone to talk you through it.  I've bought several firearms from Impact and I find them a very reliable and honorable retailer, besides one of the cheaper ones in the business.

You might also try www.aimsurplus.com and www.classicarms.us

Romanians aren't the best, but they're all right.  VERY durable, but I'd say on a scale of 10 mine is maybe a 7 for accuracy.  Finish is okay, but fit's not the greatest.  If you're comparing it in looks to a new Marlin or a Browning or something you'll be disappointed with pretty much all East Bloc surplus weapons, although the Yugos and Bulgarians (or the U.S-assembled Bulgarians by Arsenal) are pretty good.

If you've got the $ I'd definitely recommend one of the new Saigas (Russian) that use the regular hi-cap mags, but for those of us with less money the Romanians have their purposes.

Answer 3

The Romainian AKM clones are what most consider to be the bottom of the barrel as far as AK's go. However, an AK is an AK, and the Romainian will perform just as reliably as an of the others. They are generally less desireable simply because they do not have any real collector value.

I recommend buying it; you will love it.

Answer 4

WASRs are BEAT!

WHOOOOAAAAAA- Metropol.  GOTTA post pics of that!

Answer 5

There decent but I would buy them in person. They are known to have their problems. The issues usually can be avoided with proper inspection. This site has some info on what I'm talking about and some fixes in case you runs into said problems: http://www.gunsnet.net/Linx310/gascantfi...

I have a wasr but I A: Bought it in person, B: inspected it C: I got a Lancaster not a century.

I would go for a century if the price was right. But I'd be sure to look it over myself. And if I find problems I can force the price down. I have the repair guide.

Answer 6

DO NOT BUY A WASR ON THE INTERNET.

they often have problems with canted(crocked sites) and gas tubes. It doesnt affect accuracy but it doesnt look good. They also have magizine wobble so shake the mag left and right. make sure it doesnt move a whole lot. and make sure it accepts hi-cap mags(30 round magizines)

remember when buying these carefully inspect them. and never buy them off of the internet.

go buy one in a store and carefully inspect it. if you live on the east coast go to dunhams or if you live in the west coast go to the big 5.

i own a WASR-10 and a SAR-1. the SAR-1 cost more but had better fit and finnish but both were the same accuracy wise.

hope i helped if you need any more information feel free to ask

Answer 7

I compared a fair number of AK's and finally bought a Romanian model; discovered it to be a very KISS weapon (keep it simple, stupid) so I bought six more of them.  They are functional, reliable, trouble free, accurate and I have no complaints about them.  Gave one to a daughter and she has not been able to destroy it so on a scale of one to ten I would classify it as a 9.8.  

Answer 8

AVOID THIS RIFLE LIKE ITS A DISEASE!!!!!!!

Mine exploded 3 weeks ago... There was some kind of fault. I pulled the trigger and BOOM!!!  The receiver cover smacked me in the head leaving a big dent in my hat brim. Luckily I had that on or it would have split my forehead open.... I removed over 100 pieces of steel bits from my face, neck, and right arm... There is still 1 piece embedded in my upper lip..... The gun was destroyed.... The receiver bulged out at the sides..... When I get some time I am going to post photos on the internet.....

FORGET THE WASR....  Its crappy and dangerous...  Anyone considering these rifles are welcome to email me or give me a phone call.... ...

Answer 9

My Cus owns one and its not all that good it inaccurate and the sights are wired. if i were you go for a Israeli AK.  it the Kalashnikov fun with the accuracy of an m-16.

Answer 10

I've looked at them before they aren't too terrible and they aren't the top of the list either.

Like others have said look out for canted front sight bases and mag wobble.

There are lots and lots of AK makers out there so shop around before you buy. You can do better than a WASR if you're ready to pony up a little more $.