They are cheaper to produce....so why does these AK platforms have to be so pricey

[Mule1208]

To find even the cheapest American klashnikovs they tend to start at 700 bucks and just sky rockets from there to 3k . Being that it's mostly stamped and the gas piston is easier to manufacture then gas tube systems ide think it would be cheaper. Is it just the cultural novelty?

 

[OperationalPinecone]

Are you not in tune with the economy in the last few years?

 

[Mule1208]

I just picked up a Del-ton AR for 350 bucks and proceeded to blow it up . The gun market has stayed about the same . As have the expensive ass ak's

 

[RHINOWSO]

The days of AKs being cheaper than ARs is over.

 

[Mule1208]

You're Claim disturbs me

 

[5lima30ret]

A very simple manual of arms, simple to maintain, can run dry reliably (unlike AR's), cheap steel cased ammo, better caliber for most things inside 250-300 yds are some reasons that AK's are becoming more popular. AK's can be much more accurate than what many people think! Just my .02 worth!

 

[OperationalPinecone]

An AKM and a Glock 19 would be my choice if I had to have only TWO weapons, ever.

They work.

 

[M60Gunner]

Yea sir! I’ve said here before if I had to grab one it would be the Serbian zastava in 556 that runs AR mags.

 

[Combatcarl43]

The AK prices are more the result of Gov policy than market reality.
US built AK's tend to be custom or Fancier ones.
AKs from other places are subject to Government pressure (price import restrictions etc.)

 

[sloporsche]

I think they are quite affordable as are accessories and ammo [7.63x39] for the foreseeable future . It is your choice on how much you want to spend on " new and improved models " , DONK accessories ,brass hunting ammo etc .

 

[OperationalPinecone]

My choice is the 2008-2010 batch of WASRs. That little window is when they changed the QC on them and they are made good. Sights are straight, Chrome Lined Barrels, Forged Trunnions.

I've done my research and seen dozens of them to cherry pick from that little window.

 

[Anangrypasta]

Gotta say, the AK being cheaper to produce than an AR is totally false. I remember speaking with a gunsmith who said "ARs are assembled, AKs are crafted". It's like a set of cabinets. You can get a cheap build-yourself set that snaps together from Ikea (AR), or you can have a professional carpenter custom fit and build them (AK).

Part of the reason they were so cheap is that overseas workers don't get paid crap. That, and the scale of manufacturing was off the charts in the 80s-2010s. Recall that ARs used to be seriously pricey, and now you can get a seriously decent one for $400-500.

 

[OperationalPinecone]

Yup many of them AKs were made from already existing parts just needed US made/modified Receivers and whatever else to make them 922r compliant. Even the Arsenals are made from Bulgarian stuff if I remember right. The WASRs are Romanian stuff.

Parts dry up price goes up.

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

A very simple manual of arms, simple to maintain, can run dry reliably (unlike AR's), cheap steel cased ammo, better caliber for most things inside 250-300 yds are some reasons that AK's are becoming more popular. AK's can be much more accurate than what many people think! Just my .02 worth!

Yes. But the SKS has more stopping power.....

 

[Mule1208]

Yes. But the SKS has more stopping power.....

And how so same round same Barrel length

 

[DustyDog]

Yes. But the SKS has more stopping power.....

But that trigger group... what a contraption! : )

 

[DustyDog]

This is why I started saying long ago:

The only thing we should be importing from China is the AK... and maybe the ammo. Instead, we import everything but.

As far as I'm concerned, none are functionally superior to a 30 year-old Poly Tech (not such a fan of the Norincos, just based on inferior finish), though I've never owned any other. But how could any other be functionally superior to something that has never had a hiccup in 30+ years? : )

 

[M60Gunner]

Yes I was happy to pay 499 for the Zastava, forged, chrome lined, fantastic I asked Red about it before he passed and kept his detailed reply on what quality AKs they are. See if I can find it somewhere…

 

[OperationalPinecone]

Yes. But the SKS has more stopping power.....

You have to post the meme for the guy to get it haha..

 

[OperationalPinecone]

And how so same round same Barrel length

SKS is longer barrel but the velocity difference is negligible here.