Russian AK or Yugoslavian AK

[Ranger1]

If you had the choice between the 2 which would you go for?

 

[Steve_In_29]

With no more info then what you provided on the specific rifles...Russian.

 

[Suck My Glock]

Well, I really want a Zastava M90NP in 5.56nato. Russia isn't able to import anything comparable, and it even seems better than my Arsenal AK106F.

I also like the heavier guage sheet metal used in their receivers that all seem to use the RPK trunnions and specs.

The 8mm M76 I used to own once upon a time seemed head and shoulders above any Dragunov I ever had the opportunity to shoot.

 

[Ranger1]

I found that the yugo copy is probably the best I have had a chance to shoot. The Russian AK is what I prefer but I would say the yugo is # 2 and if I cant get that then the Hungarian copy is #3

 

[hairygreek]

I used to like Yugo weapons... but think now Russian are overall better quality. Vepr for the win!

 

[TriggerFish]

1 Vote: Russian (Type III - circa 1953)

-built by Mario @ Piece of History Firearms/Tucson on full Russian T3 kit

1 Vote: Yugoslavian (M92)

-2007 Vector factory SBR

 

[h8pvmnt]

Im not a big fan of 5.56 aks because there is no magazine standard. So almost all have a different proprietary magazine. I know there is one that takes AR mags but its butt ugly to me. The Saiga converted russian guns and the VEPRS are my favorite. The Yugos i have are nice but lack the chrome lined barrels in some cases, not a huge deal if the barrel is good and you clean them. Too me any AK that runs right is a good AK. But of all the ones i have the Saiga Conversion is the one i would not sell.

 

[PistolPete]

If you're looking for a 5.56 AK I'd strongly suggest the SLR-106CR. They're very compact & handy.

Otherwise to answer your question I'd choose a Russian over a Yugo/Serb, but I think they're still great rifles.

 

[HDS]

The only one I would try not to.get is the Egyptian copy.

 

[hairygreek]

The only one I would try not to.get is the Egyptian copy.

The first Maadi 100% Egyptian parts are supposed to be good. Then after import ban, CAI got a mishmash of Maadi and Chinese parts, and put rifles together with those. The latter I wouldn't bother with.

To the OP: AK prices have increased over the last 10 years and longer. Russian Saiga's used to be less than now, and it's likely because they aren't imported anymore. So a Russian AK will likely hold/gain value more than a Serbian would.

But OP didn't mention a parts kit AK vs. totally new... that can change things some.

 

[HDS]

Finding a Russian parts kit is like finding gold laying in the middle of the road. That's pretty hard.

 

[hairygreek]

There were some East German ones imported a few months ago... those are quality as well.

 

[HDS]

Where can I find one?

 

[hairygreek]

Where can I find one?

Side folders here. https://www.apexgunparts.com/parts-kits.html

The regular plastic/wood stocked ones were $500 at a couple places, all look sold out. https://www.desertfoxsales.com/EAST_GERMAN_AKM_PARTS_KIT_p/dfs-232.htm

You could probably find some kits on AKfiles or gunbroker. Atlantic Firearms had somebody build kits for them and sold complete rifles.

 

[HDS]

Nice

 

[Yotatrd4x4]

Russian AK is more suited for walking and poor cleaning due to being lighter weight and chrome lined barrel. Yugos typically are heavier due to the heavier receiver and front trunnion. Also the barrels are never chrome lined. Honestly both are very good as long as you aren't buying a cheap cobbler together kit.

I know it wasnt mentioned but the Bulgarian Arsenal AKs are the best minus custom builders and are available still. I personally would skip a 5.56 ak. Mags are hard to find and expensive. Also they tend to not feed as well as the original tapered cases they were designed for. I would pick a 7.6x39 over any other AK caliber but if you want a smaller caliber get a 5.45x39. Mags are around and magpul makes 7.62 and 5.45 mags for them. Spare parts are easier to find as most countries made very close dimension parts for both cals. The 5.56 is wildly different per country because they are only built for non military export.

 

[Steve_In_29]

5.45 ammo is pretty pricey now and there won't be more mil-surp coming in. So it is more of a niche caliber then something to shoot a lot.

 

[17-21-23]

Yah there both junk.

 

[musicman10_1]

I've got a Yugo Underfolder and love it. I do, however, like the look of a more traditional AK wearing some Russian red wood.

 

[Jim Mac]

you can always buy a russian parts kit from Rguns. but they are $750 without the barrel.