NFOA MEMBERS FORUM

Handguns, Rifles & Shotguns => Rifles => Topic started by: machineguneddie on November 30, 2008, 08:32:20 PM

Title: post up some AKs
Post by: machineguneddie on November 30, 2008, 08:32:20 PM: (http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL611/2657843/8320428/336611171.jpg)
(http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL611/2657843/8320428/327336123.jpg)
(http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL611/2657843/8320428/316687193.jpg)
(http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL611/2657843/8320428/324975645.jpg)
(http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL611/2657843/8320428/303596064.jpg)
(http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL611/2657843/8320428/291900724.jpg)
(http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL611/2657843/8320428/284873653.jpg)
(http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL611/2657843/8320428/284873634.jpg)
(http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL611/2657843/8320428/123299809.jpg)
(http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL611/2657843/8320428/177463417.jpg)
(http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL611/2657843/8320428/252934021.jpg)
(http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL611/2657843/8320428/253992711.jpg)
(http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL611/2657843/8320428/272893468.jpg)
(http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL611/2657843/8320428/284873635.jpg)

and a pic of the VZ58

(http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL611/2657843/8320428/331995970.jpg)
Title: machineguneddie
Post by: Randy on November 30, 2008, 10:38:56 PM: Was at the BH Sat. and a customer was picking up a real nice looking AK with the polymer and collapsing stock was a pretty nice weapon believe it was made in Bulgaria. How do you like yours and what are the prices like?
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Dan W on November 30, 2008, 10:45:52 PM: Daaayuuum, them is some purty lookin AK's ya got there Eddie
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Rich B on December 01, 2008, 11:59:53 AM: I'm in the process of refinish my AK. Here it is, in progress:
(http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff93/stratocaster81/ah2_1.jpg)

Here it is pre-refinish:
(http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff93/stratocaster81/ak_iron_dot1.jpg)
Title: Re: machineguneddie
Post by: machineguneddie on December 01, 2008, 06:24:21 PM: Quote from: Randy A on November 30, 2008, 10:38:56 PM
Was at the BH Sat. and a customer was picking up a real nice looking AK with the polymer and collapsing stock was a pretty nice weapon believe it was made in Bulgaria. How do you like yours and what are the prices like?

the Bulgarians make some of the finest AKs out there. I have a SLR 105 and a 106 and they are 2 of my nicest.

price wise there is a lot of price gouging going on right now.
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: FarmerRick on December 07, 2008, 08:21:06 PM: I'm guessing that the Maadi pictured above has been refinished....looks waaaay too nice for Egyptian craftsmanship. ;D

Mine are not nearly that spiffy. :'(
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: machineguneddie on December 07, 2008, 10:06:27 PM: never refinished and actually was stolen and got a few extra scratches on it.
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: oldbikewrench on December 14, 2008, 11:23:09 PM: Gotta love those AK's.
No pictures but I have two Romanian's a SAR-1 and a WASR-10 High Cap Model 2. Looking at another Romanian and a MAK90. Gotta get the wife one ya know.
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: red71 on December 25, 2008, 11:35:44 AM: My two

(http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj44/rockcrawln71/AK%2047/P1000197.jpg)

(http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj44/rockcrawln71/AK%2047/P1000199.jpg)
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: nightraider717 on December 26, 2008, 02:19:20 AM: .
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: SeanN on July 17, 2009, 11:38:33 AM: Red, that all black AK is BEAUTIFUL! I was looking to get something like that but honestly I don't even know where to buy one. What brand(s) are good? Most gun stores around here can't seem to keep them in stock.
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Hardwood83 on August 25, 2009, 11:00:24 AM: Here are a few AK's that followed me home: MAK-90 with fiberforce stock & 75rnd Romanian drum. I got it right after the '94 AWB.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Hardwood83 on August 25, 2009, 11:03:22 AM: And an Inter-Ord AK-47c with Galil Furniture and finally a plain old WASR with just a butt extension.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Rich B on August 25, 2009, 08:30:58 PM: I never posted a final pic of my re-finished WASR. I must rectify that posthaste.

(http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff93/stratocaster81/ak800-0607091.jpg)
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: red71 on August 25, 2009, 08:57:47 PM: Quote from: Krylancelo on July 17, 2009, 11:38:33 AM
Red, that all black AK is BEAUTIFUL! I was looking to get something like that but honestly I don't even know where to buy one. What brand(s) are good? Most gun stores around here can't seem to keep them in stock.

Here's A link to it, I put A kobra red dot site on it.
http://www.arsenalinc.com/sam7a1r.htm
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Hardwood83 on August 27, 2009, 02:08:36 PM: How are you guys (Rich B & Red71) attaching the Red dot site on those? I know you can get after-market dust covers with rails, but that doesn't look like what you have there.
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: FarmerRick on August 27, 2009, 02:37:00 PM: don't know about Red71, but Rich's is a LaRue Irondot.

http://www.laruetactical.com/pics/laruetacticalak-irondot/laruetacticalak-irondot.html (http://www.laruetactical.com/pics/laruetacticalak-irondot/laruetacticalak-irondot.html)

Maybe if we ask real nice, he may write up a review of it for us... ;)
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: red71 on August 27, 2009, 06:49:41 PM: Mine mounts to the side rail, I tried A dustcover style once, waste of $
http://www.eastwave.ca/products/scopes/kobrak.jpg
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Rich B on August 27, 2009, 07:35:45 PM: Rick's right, my AK wears a LaRue Tactical AK Iron Dot.

It works very well. Installing it is relatively easily, as all you do is remove the old rear sight leaf and replace it with the LaRue unit. However, getting that leaf off requires you to hold the rifle with one hand, compress the strong spring with a tool in another hand, and then push the leaf out with your third hand. The new base has two strong magnets on the bottom that help keep it down while shooting. The unit pivots out of the way for ease of cleaning. There's also a BUIS built into the unit for an absolute cowitness.

The actual optic is a Burris Fast Fire that holds zero, is lightweight, and is unobtrusive. Target acquisition is much faster than the standard notch and post sights. The dot auto-adjusts brightness depending on ambient light. I've used it in the dark and at high noon on bright days and never had a problem with the intensity.

You lose the range adjustment on the rear sight, but I never used it so I don't miss it. IMO, the AK is best used with an all-purprose battle zero, capable of hitting man-sized targets out to 300 yards. An 800m elevation is just plain silly. Zeroing the Fast Fire is a minor pain as there are no clicks and you have to "unlock" the adjusters, adjust, then "re-lock" them before shooting again. But, you don't have to do that all the time, so it's a minor annoyance.

The only modification I've made was to add a white outline to the rear leaf to help increase acquisition speed.

The price includes the mount and the optic, plus you get LaRue swag. If you don't want your Dillo Dust, send it here!
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Mosin on August 30, 2009, 02:25:37 AM: Great pics! Ammo eaters they are! Nothing like letting the steel cases fly. Then use a Harbor Freight magnet to pick them up.;D
I have 2 Yugo M70B1's,a Yugo M72 and a Saiga in .308. I enjoy the Saiga the most. I have two 25rd & 20rd mags for it. A mount and scope also. It has quiet of a bark with the 16" barrel.

I would post my pics but can't get my pictures small enough. ???
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Rich B on August 31, 2009, 10:29:52 AM: I fyou host your photos at photobucket.com, they have a utility that will shrink them for you.
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Mosin on September 01, 2009, 12:54:17 AM: Thanks for the info Rich. Randy also said to use Windows Paints to resize. I will give that a try first.
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Toster on September 01, 2009, 09:39:42 AM: (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XCkTSf0swcQ/Spw-AvK8UfI/AAAAAAAAGJw/raCnIEd1TB4/s1600-h/ak15.JPG)
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XCkTSf0swcQ/Spw-AvK8UfI/AAAAAAAAGJw/raCnIEd1TB4/s1600-h/ak15.JPG (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XCkTSf0swcQ/Spw-AvK8UfI/AAAAAAAAGJw/raCnIEd1TB4/s1600-h/ak15.JPG)
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: FarmerRick on September 01, 2009, 09:52:07 AM: Quote from: Toster on September 01, 2009, 09:39:42 AM
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XCkTSf0swcQ/Spw-AvK8UfI/AAAAAAAAGJw/raCnIEd1TB4/s1600-h/ak15.JPG)
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XCkTSf0swcQ/Spw-AvK8UfI/AAAAAAAAGJw/raCnIEd1TB4/s1600-h/ak15.JPG (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XCkTSf0swcQ/Spw-AvK8UfI/AAAAAAAAGJw/raCnIEd1TB4/s1600-h/ak15.JPG)

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XCkTSf0swcQ/Spw-AvK8UfI/AAAAAAAAGJw/raCnIEd1TB4/s1600/ak15.JPG)

"What is your major malfunction, numbnuts?!?!"

(http://juliolamas.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/r-lee-ermey1.jpg)

Stupid media doesn't know their head from their ass. ::)
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Jesse T on September 01, 2009, 12:36:29 PM: LOL awesome pics. Now if only it had the pricetag of an AK!
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Mosin on September 05, 2009, 11:31:43 PM: Trying out posting a pic after down sizing with windows paints.

It worked! ;D

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Wildgoose on September 06, 2009, 02:23:08 PM: How about a bit of Russian old school AK-Type III AKM from the 50's.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/GuzziRider/ThreeAKs009.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/GuzziRider/ThreeAKs008.jpg)
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Ironfist on November 16, 2009, 09:25:01 PM: I put a t6 stock on my AK47. I carry this as my MBR. I have all the extras for it but a tac light and bayonet with a 3 point sling is what I use with iron sights.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: FarmerRick on November 16, 2009, 10:05:06 PM: MAK 90

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/FarmerRick/mak90/mak90006.jpg)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/FarmerRick/mak90/mak90013.jpg)
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Hardwood83 on November 17, 2009, 11:37:57 AM: Rick- that is a nice Mak, did you just get it? I got one in '94 but I switched out the wood for a fiberforce stock.
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Hardwood83 on May 28, 2010, 07:30:24 PM: ok- 6 mos is way too long to go without fresh AK's. I don't have anywhere near the collection of machinegun eddie (what happened to him?) but I do have a couple of newer additions-

A couple of Bulgarian Ak-74's (from Century). I replaced the lousy furniture on one with surplus wood from Apex and put a RPB triangle stock (fixed 'Krinkov' style). Shoot like a dream and the ammo is CHEAP!

Next is a Arsenal SGL 21-71. Very solid and well made. As nice fit & finish as I've seen on an AK.

Finally a retread- I tacticooled the IO Ak-47c I had posted previously. Now has an Ultimak rail for the gas tube with a Konus 30mm red dot mounted on it. A CAA railed lower handguard, VFG and a EMA mag release assist. I might switch out the pistol grip and flash muzzle brake too. Unfortunately IO has some odd-ball thread size ::).

Anyone else with some new pics?

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Ironfist on May 29, 2010, 02:13:30 AM: I have not bought any new rifles as of late. I did however paint my AK47 a nice flat camo green.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: OnTheFly on May 29, 2010, 10:33:15 PM: I don't have an AK, but maybe some day. I just wanted to post the signature of a co-worker who owns many guns. I thought you AK folks might appreciate it...

"After range trips, my AR has to be cleaned like a new baby, but with my AK I just spit on it and called it a whore."

Thought you all might get a kick out of it.

Fly
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Ironfist on May 30, 2010, 02:33:00 AM: HAHAHAHA!
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Dan W on May 30, 2010, 09:17:03 AM: I am supposed to clean my AR's?
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Hardwood83 on May 31, 2010, 09:09:03 PM: Ironfist: I like the painted AK- might have to do that someday.
OntheFly:The AK is not proud- call it a whore, call it anything you like, as long as you call. You MUST get one....or more.
Dan: Yes, you have to clean your AR religiously after shooting every magazine, didn't you get the memo?

Now more pics less chatter!
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: FarmerRick on June 01, 2010, 06:19:40 AM: I'll try to add some pics in the next couple days of my milled mak90 that got the walnut Ironwood treatment yesterday.

And here it finally is...

Before:
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/FarmerRick/ironwood%20norinco/IMG00818.jpg)

And after:
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/FarmerRick/ironwood%20norinco/IMG00823.jpg)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/FarmerRick/ironwood%20norinco/IMG00821.jpg)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/FarmerRick/ironwood%20norinco/IMG00824.jpg)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/FarmerRick/ironwood%20norinco/IMG00825.jpg)

The pistol grip is a bit lighter shade than the rest of the wood, but I like it much better than before.
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Hardwood83 on December 22, 2010, 10:29:32 AM: I painted one of my Ak's, so while not 'new' it is improved. Cost about $8 and took an hour.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: FarmerRick on December 22, 2010, 11:23:27 AM: Quote from: Hardwood83 on December 22, 2010, 10:29:32 AM
I painted one of my Ak's, so while not 'new' it is improved. Cost about $8 and took an hour.

Looks ready for the January doe season!
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Hardwood83 on December 22, 2010, 12:44:39 PM: Quote from: FarmerRick on December 22, 2010, 11:23:27 AM
Quote from: Hardwood83 on December 22, 2010, 10:29:32 AM
I painted one of my Ak's, so while not 'new' it is improved. Cost about $8 and took an hour.

Looks ready for the January doe season!

Yep....or for the commies parachuting in. Perhaps I've seen Red Dawn too many times.
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Wildgoose on December 25, 2010, 06:09:54 PM: The Tantal was the last kit I built just before the barrel ban caught up with kit prices. I was into the home building hobby for a few years until then. Haven't done much since. I did happen to see some PSL kits complete with barrels for $300 in the Shotgun News this last week though. Hummmmm, wonder if I can find those building tools I made?
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/GuzziRider/IMGA0084.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/GuzziRider/IMGA0049.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/GuzziRider/IMGA0106.jpg)
Title: Here is one of my Kalashnikov Rifles, a Century Yugo M70B1
Post by: Mikee Loxxer on December 26, 2010, 03:33:31 PM: (http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j426/MLoxxer/CentruyYugoM70B1.jpg)
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: 20nickels on March 05, 2011, 11:21:28 PM: Bump fer purdy AKM's. Hey Wildgoose, I found your build tools. They are in the upper left corner of your first Tantal pic next to the peanuts. Hehe. Pick of Yugo M70 build to come soon...
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: A-FIXER on March 06, 2011, 08:19:06 PM: Those pic's are soooooooooooo sweet, I got to get one of those girls and maybe I'll be different and lick her and call her a wh--e.....
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: OnTheFly on March 06, 2011, 09:19:02 PM: Quote from: A-FIXER on March 06, 2011, 08:19:06 PM
Those pic's are soooooooooooo sweet, I got to get one of those girls and maybe I'll be different and lick her and call her a wh--e.....

A-FIXER,

It is okay to love your firearms...as long as you don't LOVE your firearms. ::)

Fly
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: A-FIXER on March 07, 2011, 07:22:08 PM: I can't help myself I'm in LOVE.....
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: FarmerRick on June 11, 2011, 06:59:17 AM: FarmerRick's new toy

Draco-C AK pistol with a 10 1/2" barrel. The "C" designation means that it has an underfolder rear trunion. It will be very easy in the future to convert this to a SBR by just machining the receiver and adding some underfolder hardware(along with the paperwork and $200 to Uncle Sam :angry: ).

Got a smoking deal on it from AJ of AJ's guns a couple weeks ago at the last Fremont gun show. I changed out the unfinished handguards it had on it for some extras from a Maadi right away as the original ones were horrible looking. I think the reddish finish looks much better and matched the pistol grip rather well.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/FarmerRick/nfoa/052911135058-Copy.jpg)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/FarmerRick/nfoa/052911135613.jpg)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/FarmerRick/nfoa/052911135352.jpg)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/FarmerRick/nfoa/052911135303.jpg)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/FarmerRick/nfoa/052911135549.jpg)
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Mudinyeri on June 11, 2011, 08:34:07 PM: Traded this Vepr on an AR a while back ...

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/Mudinyeri/Guns/DSCN1262.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/Mudinyeri/Guns/DSCN1263.jpg)
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Cornhusker on July 17, 2011, 08:24:28 AM: I recently caught the AK bug so I went out and bought this WASR underfolder
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l22/cornhusker_2006/GEDC1005.jpg)

Then I found a GP1975 for a decent price in the for sale section of another forum
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l22/cornhusker_2006/IMG_1163.jpg)

I also have a Saiga in .223
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l22/cornhusker_2006/IMG_5322.jpg)
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: y0diggity on March 11, 2012, 11:43:05 AM: Reviving this topic, because AK's are awesome!

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/429053_3460695963278_1447308883_33292287_1632642137_n.jpg)
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: dukduk on March 13, 2012, 08:00:14 PM: iPhone pics :( and sorry to the traditionalists...I will put it back to AK103 config when I can afford another AK(for a collapsing stock). promise

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/dukdukfiredawg/guns/Saiga/84e4cf36.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/dukdukfiredawg/guns/Saiga/c1a7f623-1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/dukdukfiredawg/guns/Saiga/6f0edcc8.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/dukdukfiredawg/guns/Saiga/88396082.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/dukdukfiredawg/guns/Saiga/cfdce2fc.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/dukdukfiredawg/guns/Saiga/bf726f0b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/dukdukfiredawg/guns/Saiga/1c5511df.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/dukdukfiredawg/guns/Saiga/6507f117.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/dukdukfiredawg/guns/Saiga/096e265b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/dukdukfiredawg/guns/Saiga/b9bed2c0.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v462/dukdukfiredawg/guns/Saiga/af597c37.jpg)
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: Hardwood83 on September 10, 2012, 07:37:21 PM: My Draco Ak pistol that I SBR'd.
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: instag8tr on October 06, 2012, 08:09:14 AM: (http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb206/instag8tr75/DSCN1912.jpg)
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb206/instag8tr75/DSCN1915.jpg)
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: instag8tr on October 06, 2012, 08:28:29 AM: (http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb206/instag8tr75/2012-05-02_18-40-15_252.jpg)
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb206/instag8tr75/DSCN1854.jpg)
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: instag8tr on October 06, 2012, 08:32:01 AM: (http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb206/instag8tr75/guns%20for%20sale/DSCN1875.jpg)
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: wallace11bravo on October 06, 2012, 06:24:10 PM: Careful with that blade, you'll poke your eye out!
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: JimP on December 08, 2012, 11:04:38 AM: I have been looking at prices for AK's recently - they have doubled in the last couple of years, with WASR 10/63's going for over $600.....even SKS's are getting up in the 4-500 dollar range....

AR's have just held their value ...... (lost it, actually, as 1000 2012 dollars won't buy the same amount of goods that the same 1000 in 2010 did, unless it is an AR .... ammo, gas, beef, bread, milk, eggs ..... all have gone up significantly, while a Colt LE 6920 is actually cheaper than it was 2 years ago.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: instag8tr on December 08, 2012, 03:32:14 PM: What do you want to know?
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: JimP on December 11, 2012, 03:32:05 PM: Any good reason why AR prices are static/falling a little, while AK/SKS prices have nearly doubled on average?
Title: Re: post up some AKs
Post by: dukduk on December 16, 2012, 09:37:07 AM: The AR market is flooded, colt 6920s are down into the 900s range. they were kinda hard to find then and I paid 1300 used for mine in '05! when I was in NC. I found one in birmingham, al on the sig forum. lots of ramen as an E-3!

AK kits are getting harder to find and the importers/converters have free range to set the prices.

My Ak was built into a AK103 lookalike by AZEX Arms (they got a bad rap in the forums for taking more work than they could handle, leaving customers waiting 6-12 months for conversions) a Venezuelan contract overrun receiver that made it to the states in sporter configuration with the military export stamp scribbled over. I happily paid 1k for it. around the time, I was looking for an arsenal SGL21 with the AK103 side folding stock and they were around 1250.

i felt like i got a good deal, the cool history behind the receiver helped the decision too. so I guess if its what you really want then you gotta fork it out.

I think something with politics and the intl arms trade thing we have with the Ruskies may be steering some of the panic buying/pricing. also when folks started panic buying 5.56/.223 it drove those prices way up and the Russian calibers were still relatively cheap. thn folks were buying/building AKs to shoot the cheaper stuff and so on.