AK 47

Question
Hi GCH,

I plan to purchase an AK 47. In an apocalyptic or doomsday scenario, would I be better off with a wooden or plastice stock. If plastic, which way would you prefer it fold?
Do most AKs come with a mount or railing for a scope and if some do not, can a gunsmith attatch one?
Also, can one buy an AK on the internet and be assured of getting a quality deal with some warranty, without to much hassel?

Thank you very much for helping me make a good decision.

Mark E.

Answer
From a practical standpoint, it doesn't matter much. From a cosmetic standpoint, I like the plastic better - as long as it is the real Eastern Block stuff, and not Tapco.

Many, but not all, AK's come with an attachment on the left side of the receiver which holds a scope mount.

You can get receiver covers and gas piston tubes with 1913 rails on them, but they are silly. Neither of these things will return to exactly the same place and so are pretty useless for an kind of optic.

I don't personally like the folders because I think they make it hard to get a good cheek-weld. That said, a colleague who is an AK fan loves the folders because they can be stored easily. The ones that fold to the left are the best, so that the stock is on the opposite side of the safety and bolt handle.

The imported AKs are brought here in parts and reassembled. No small number of them have problems with sloppy assembly: sight towers not top dead center; trunions misaligned sometimes making it so that receiver covers will not stay put.

Generally, though, you can order them to be delivered to your FFL, and look at it before purchase - if you don't like what you see, you can have it sent back. There should be no hassle, but you will pay the shipping at least one way.

Some of the best AK style rifles being imported right now are the Saigas. This is because they have been modified to not have a pistol grip etc. However, you can find out online how to convert them back, and it's not hard to do.

Best to you.