AK-47 Buyers Guide

The online version of the book by Robert Kay

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Welcome to How to Buy an AK-47, the most complete buyer’s guide to the Kalashnikov platform on the web. We provide unbiased reviews and commentary to help you decide what rifle and third party parts are best for you.

All the info on this site is derived from my book, How to Buy an AK-47–How to Purchase, Maintain and Customize an AK Rifle.

You can navigate to the content you’re interested in by going to specific areas, ie optics, muzzle brakes, etc. Or, you can browse the text links.

You can also purchase the entire book from Amazon by clicking on the cover photo.

New information is added on a regular basis and if there’s a product missing that you think deserves attention, feel free to email us at ontargethawaii@gmail.com.

AK Product Spotlight

Magpul – Yugo AK Zhukhov-S Folding Stock

Primary Arms Silver Series 1-6x24mm FFP Rifle Scope – Illuminated ACSS-RAPTOR-300BO/7.62×39

Primary Arms Silver Series 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope Gen III – Illuminated ACSS-300BO/7.62×39

Primary Arms Silver Series Advanced Push Button Microdot Red Dot Sight

Holosun Paralow HS503G Red Dot Sight – ACSS CQB Reticle

Ultimak – AK Scout Mount Mode M1-B

RS Regulate – AK47/AKM Optic Mount System

Trijicon ACOG 1.5x16S Low Compact Scope – Dual Illuminated ACSS CQB-M5 – Green

Primary Arms Silver Series Compact 1×20 Prism Scope – ACSS-Cyclops

TangoDown BG AK BATTLEGRIP

TangoDown BG AK BATTLEGRIP (Black)

XTech Tactical MAG47

XTech Tactical MAG47 (7.62x39mm) 30 Round AK47 Magazine

ProMag AKSL 30 AK 47 Magazine 762x39mm 1

ProMag AKSL-30 AK-47 Magazine – 7.62x39mm

How to Buy the Best AK

Choosing the right optic for your AK–an interview with ACSS Designer, Dimitri Mikroulis

Editor’s Note: Dimitri Mikroulis is perhaps the most influential reticle designers in the industry. His ACSS design, sold on Primary Arms, has proven to be the simplest, quickest method of ranging a human-size target, compensating for bullet drop, leading a moving target, and holding for crosswind. In essence ACSS fuses an accurate rangefinder into the[Read More…]

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Jim Fuller’s AK buyer’s guide

Jim Fuller, founder of Rifle Dynamics in Las Vegas is considered one of the premier custom AK builders in the business. Jim (shown here with his wife and business partner, Karen)has some great tips for finding the right rifle.

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AK Buying Tips from Mike Owen

Mike Owen, founder of Meridian Ordnance LLC in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, has some great advice to help first-time buyers sort out what to look for when choosing an AK.

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Chase Sisgold on choosing an AK

Chase Sisgold, co-founder of Definitive Arms in St. Petersburg, Florida is one of the leading builders of custom AKs in the nation. Here are his tips on what to look for when buying your rifle.

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How to Buy the Best AK-47 for your dollar

How much should you fork out for that AK? Here’s what to consider when you’re shopping around.

Best aftermarket parts

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Planning to customize your AK-47? Read this first.

If you’re planning to customize your rifle with third party parts, read this before you starting spending money.

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Tips from Marc Krebs on finding the best AK-47 parts

One the most influential AK gunsmiths on the planet, Wauconda, IL based Marc Krebs reflects on what add-on parts to consider for your rifle.

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AK parts tips from Larry Vickers

Former Delta Force operator and trainer extraordinaire, Larry Vickers offers his advice on the best aftermarket parts for your AK.

Bonesteel CNC Folder 1

Parts Customization Tips from Tim Harmsen

Veteran firearms journalist and AK enthusiast Tim Harmsen proffers his favorite aftermarket parts.

The AK UFM KeyMod lower handguard 1

Chase Sisgold’s favorite aftermarket parts

Chase Sisgold offers his take on the best aftermarket parts for your AK.

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Jim Fuller on choosing the best aftermarket parts

Jim Fuller provides advice on choosing the best parts to customize your AK.

Aimpoint is the ne plus ultra 1

2018 AK Optics Buyer’s Guide from Tim Yan

Journalist and former Marine Corps marksman instructor Tim Yan is one of the top optics experts in the firearms industry. Read his top picks for AK optics.

Best aftermarket parts

heat shield 1

Planning to customize your AK-47? Read this first.

If you’re planning to customize your rifle with third party parts, read this before you starting spending money.

Krebs Rail i e1476430667417 1

Tips from Marc Krebs on finding the best AK-47 parts

One the most influential AK gunsmiths on the planet, Wauconda, IL based Marc Krebs reflects on what add-on parts to consider for your rifle.

arsenal HG 1

AK parts tips from Larry Vickers

Former Delta Force operator and trainer extraordinaire, Larry Vickers offers his advice on the best aftermarket parts for your AK.

Bonesteel CNC Folder 1

Parts Customization Tips from Tim Harmsen

Veteran firearms journalist and AK enthusiast Tim Harmsen proffers his favorite aftermarket parts.

The AK UFM KeyMod lower handguard 1

Chase Sisgold’s favorite aftermarket parts

Chase Sisgold offers his take on the best aftermarket parts for your AK.

LMT SOPMOD 1

Jim Fuller on choosing the best aftermarket parts

Jim Fuller provides advice on choosing the best parts to customize your AK.

Aimpoint is the ne plus ultra 1

2018 AK Optics Buyer’s Guide from Tim Yan

Journalist and former Marine Corps marksman instructor Tim Yan is one of the top optics experts in the firearms industry. Read his top picks for AK optics.

Resources, Maintenance and Shooting Tips

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AK Calibers

AKs are available in many differfent chamberings.

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Converting a “Sporterized” AK

We discuss the process of converting a sporterized rifle into a recognizable AK.

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Where are AK-47s built?

Ever wonder who builds these rifles? We discuss the foreign and domestic manufacturers.

This AK sling from Blue Force Gear e1476488891542 1

Why Buy an AK-47?

Why get an AK in the first place when there are so many more modern rifle designs on the market. We tell you why…

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How do you define AK-47?

The term “AK-47” and Kalashnikov are used interchangeably but what exactly do these terms mean? Read all about it.

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Before you buy an AK-47 Optic

A short piece on how optics work and what kinds are available.

This Primary Arms 1 6x scope 1

Start with the Right Mount

Choosing the right mount is just as important as picking the right optic.

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Cleaning and lubricating your AK

Cleaning and lubing your AK is a snap to do. We show you how.

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Field stripping your rifle

The good news is that field stripping your AK is quick and easy.

Venom Antidote muzzle brake 1

Adjusting the Front Sight

Adjusting the front sight is not difficult. We show you how.

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AK Nomenclature

A handy guide to Kalashnikov nomenclature and terminology.

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Milled vs. Stamped Receivers

Are you better off with a milled or a stamped receiver? We look at the pros and cons of each.

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Safety lever Upgrade

Swapping your stock safety lever for a upgraded model will aide shooting technique.

Larry Vickers founder of Vickers Tactical 1

AK Minimalism—Lessons from Larry Vickers

When it comes to adding handguards and other accessories, less can be more. Larry Vickers says “seriously resist the urge to over-accessorize the gun”.

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The co-witness concept

Setting up your red dot optic to co-witness will keep you on target.

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Short discourse on cheek weld

Getting a good cheek-weld is key to shooting your rifle accurately.

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Upgrading iron sights

One of the least expensive, most effective upgrades to help your shooting is an iron sight upgrade.

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Choosing an AK optics mount

Chances are, adding an optic will improve your shooting. An optics mount is essential if your AK doesn’t have a rail-ready option.

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Online Resources

Find all the resources you need…dealers, manufacturers…

Buy The Book

How to Buy an AK 47 cover Rob Kay
How to Buy an AK 47 cover Rob Kay

Skip to a chapter in the book

  • Foreword–By James Reeves, Firearm Blog
  • Acknowledgements
  • Chapter 1: AK-47 Basics & Introduction
  • Chapter 2: How to buy the Best AK
  • Chapter 3: AK Parts Upgrades
  • Chapter 4: Optics & Mounts
  • Chapter 5: Parts Reviews
  • Chapter 6: Lubrication & Maintenance
  • Chapter 7: Where to Buy your AK
  • Chapter 8: FAQ & Glossary
  • Chapter 9: Online Resources

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