A Yugo M70 with a chrome lined barrel is the best deal on a 7.62x39 right now.
The Yugo is built on a heavier duty frame and is solid as a rock.
These can be had new for $5-$600 bucks.
The Yugo I have is an underfolder, I think it's an AB model, it has the thick Zastava receiver and the original chrome lined barrel. It is not a pieced together CAI type gun.Are the barrels US made or original? To my understanding the us made barrels aren't as good a quality as the original military barrels.
ordered a centurion 39 its all American made and i payed 599.99 for it on sale.
ya im sorry if i was offered ten good ars for one ak i take it in a minute. then buy a nice ak with a tradeLove my AK cheap, shoots hits a good group, put a ATI stock on it, folds wouldn't trade it for 10 Ar's
To my knowledge, the only rifles to leave Zastava with chrome lined barrels are the M21's. Internet rumors on why they don't chrome line them range all over the place. Some say they didn't have access to chrome (although those ugly Yugo cars seemed to have some). Others say the Serbians thought it was unnecessary. If given the option however, I'll take chrome lined every time.
For me, the problem with American barrels is not always a quality issue. I would just rather have the original as well as factory receiver. Many of the problems associated with American AK's (canted sights , canted gas blocks, loose rivets, crappy barrels, etc...) are due to them being pieced together with US parts (to meet import restrictions) and used surplus stuff from de-milled parts guns. The fact that they still run so reliably is testament to just how great the rifle design is. The difference in quality between a CAI build VS Arsenal or VEPR is like night and day IMO.
Many of the problems associated with American AK's (canted sights , canted gas blocks, loose rivets, crappy barrels, etc...) are due to them being pieced together with US parts (to meet import restrictions) and used surplus stuff from de-milled parts guns.
Are the barrels US made or original? To my understanding the us made barrels aren't as good a quality as the original military barrels.