Got a hankering for an RPK..

[jspy5]

OK, so I've been thinking about an RPK for quite awhile now and was wondering if anyone here has any ideas in what I should be looking for. In particular what would be at the top of their lists in desirability and also what to avoid. i'm somewhat familiar with AK's in general but I think the field is narrowed when it comes to the RPK's. Should I be looking for a heavy barrel in particular or will that be an issue. Be advised this is going to be a " bucket list " kind of thing, so not like I have a real " need" for it. Also if you have any realistic price ranges that would be helpful. I don't see too many at gun shows etc , so it's hard to get a read on what they are going for now.

 

[TheWabbit]

I'll just leave this here. It's Romanian, BTW

 

[Floivanus]

I would snatch up a 20" vepr in 7.62, surf the AK sites out there and find all the real russian RPK parts I could find and go that direction, that way you start with a sporterized RPK, built in the plant that builds military ones, and end up with the closest thing to a real russian RPK.

there are factory built romanians out there as well, that would most likely be easier to find

 

[Clay]

you're options are pretty limited for an RPK but I understand your desire. They are probably my favorite AK variant.

If you want a factory built rifle then you're looking for a romanian AES-10 or AES-10B which are both 7.62x39, OR an Arsenal RPK of which there versions in 7.62x39 and 5.56. All of these will run you about $1000 (AES-10 / 10B) or over $2K for the Arsenal. Right now I don't think anyone has any 7.62x39 Arsenal RPKs, at least not that I found.

The other option is the Vepr 1V in 5.56 which was imported in limited numbers and they go for around $1500 or so (maybe more, I haven't looked recently).

Lastly would be a VEPR of some kind but you would have to find one with a longer barrel, and then convert it. They are top quality RPK variants for sure and probably the best bang for the buck at this point if you can find one.

There were no 5.45x39 RPK factory rifles ever imported that I'm aware of.

You're other option is a kit build. Much cheaper typically depending on what you get. Right now a few of the places that carry AK rifles have Yugo M72 RPK rifles for around $800 - $1000. they have the heavy receiver and barrel, but the stock is more of a traditional style AK stock.

 

[TheWabbit]

I had to find the email and then got distracted by my CETME project. Apex Gun Parts has Yugo M72B1 RPK kits for $360-$380 right now. Clay's right, you're not going to find many in the wild right now and not for a reasonable price.

 

[jspy5]

I'll just leave this here. It's Romanian, BTW

That's what I'm talking about, awesome, nothing more to say.

 

[Cerberus]

Had a Romanian RPKlone for a few years. It actually ran well and was the most accurate AK type I ever shot.

 

[shooter521]

There were no 5.45x39 RPK factory rifles ever imported that I'm aware of.

No, but dudes have whipped up some pretty awesome clones and kit builds.

I'll be in my bunk.

 

[spencer rifle]

Go Yugo! Heavier barrel with cooling fins, night sights, all that great Yugo engineering. Mine was about $800 just last year.

 

[Clay]

My two favorites:

 

[IndyTom]

Great, I didn't know I wanted one of these before checking out this thread.

 

[duffman0286]

Ive been seeing several pictures online of custom shorty M72 rpk's 16in barrel with a shorted bipod and it makes for quite the attractive combo

 

[jspy5]

Great, I didn't know I wanted one of these before checking out this thread.

I know what you mean, threads like this have cost me plenty over the years. Unfortunately I'm usually late to the party by a few years, missing out on the initial offerings when you could buy em cheap.

 

[Leadeye]

American version.

 

[Clay]

you SOB!!!!!!!!! man I'm jelly!!!!!!!! especially because I know thats on the NFA registry!

 

[Shoots4Fun]

I don't mean to derail this thread, but seemed the most pertinent place, will the VEPR ban ever likely be repealed? I've been thinking of one in 7.62x54r but don't want to get killed on the current prices if they'll likely floor back into the market. Thoughts or insight would be appreciated...

 

[Clay]

I would say if you want one, you better get one. Who knows when / if they will be imported again.

 

[Shoots4Fun]

I would say if you want one, you better get one. Who knows when / if they will be imported again.

Thanks...I know there is no crystal ball, but just trying to gauge people's view. I tend to agree but needed a little push to justify it...

 

[Floivanus]

There hasn't been a sanction against a firearms manufacturer that has been removed in US history, as far as I am aware. The Vepr sanction was put into place because Kalashnikov Concern was trying to talk importers in the US and EU into using Molot as a front for izmash. KC just signed a distribution deal with Zenith firearms, to make and distribute AK rifles. So if you want one of the Zenith MP5s, I would do that as well.

 

[TheWabbit]

And I'll leave this here In all seriousness, I doubt we'll see anything new in a long time. I really wanted one of those new ВЕПРь SKS.