Always wanted an AK but stayed away due to all the stories on lousy quality.
But recently picked up a new Romanian Century WASR 10 and really like it. On my first outing, I consistently hit a 1 sq ft target at 150 yds with Tiger ammo and iron sights - no malfunctions or problems.
My FFL, who is a big competition 1911 guy and believes a millionth of an inch is too much tolerance, was appalled at the construction of the AK I bought. But I see the reasons behind gun applications and configurations. For instance, I like Glocks for defense because they are effective, and carry more rounds than most other similar configurations. And I don't care how "ugly" some think they are - I will not be showing it to the BG for approval.
So if one understands the AK was made for ease of use, minimum maintenance, to accommodate a peasant in a war or revolution, and so on, they seem to do very well. And when I shot the AK it seemed to have a mechanical, machine-like sound when it cycled unlike any other gun I have shot.
I am very impressed by this Commie gun, and keeping with tradition, may decide to never clean it, but just keep shooting it until something happens when I will have to bang it on a hard surface or immerse it in some jungle pond water to clear it. :biggrin: