DO NOT BUY A USA MADE AK RIFLE
They are not even worth discussing at this point. Arsenal, Vepr, Saiga, WASR, SAR 1, Chinese......this is what you want.
This is the best bang for buck AK available, without question:
Arsenal SLR-107R 7.62x39...
If you seriously want to get into the AK platform and it's within your budget, I would send them an email to be put on the waiting list for the next batch (which is due any minute).
Can you tell me why? The information on this gun is that it is well made and a good shooter. The downside is the parts are not all compatible with the imports etc. I see that as not a big issue as I have SR556 with the same issues.
I can get this one for around $750-800.
The WASR is $700 and a crapshoot from what I can tell, The Arsenal is $1000 or better, Chinese (not going to happen), Saiga (Russian milled receiver ones around $1000), and I am not familar with the vepr as of yet.
I would like to get a Polish or Bulgarian but I have not found them in the price range.
Sportsman's Guide, Buds, CDDN, or Rural King....looked at them all..
I have watched enough videos to know that CIA guns have a reputation but I can not find a bad review on this particular model the V2.
So why would I not want a US made AK? I am not trying to be an arse, I just plain do not know why not?
Um, they have been for years.
https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/long-guns/222069-polish-archer-ak-beryl-review.html
Note, that since that video, the import quirks have been eliminated. The current batch includes three rivets and gen II selector switch.
You are welcome to buy whatever you like, but the Bulgarian made Arsenal I linked is not "$1000 or better", and is almost the same price as a Century. Comparing the two is like a Corvette VS Chevette. With the Arsenal, you are buying a battle proven product, with superior materials and craftsmanship. There is simply not a better product out there in this same price range.
If you can't find a negative review on the Century C39, I don't think you are looking hard enough. Tons of folks reporting soft bolts and parts wearing prematurely. Not to mention, the company has always treated their customers like ****, and have a legendary reputation for terrible customer service.
I would love to see an American made AK that is on par with foreign ones, but we aren't there yet. And when we are, I highly doubt it will be from Century. And keep in mind, there are zero advantages to a milled gun over a stamped. Zero. Many of the top firearm manufactures in the world use stamped receivers, such as HK. The AK was always designed to be stamped, and the Russians haven't made milled ones since 1959. They are lighter, keep cooler, and are easier to find furniture for. You made mention of tighter tolerances with a milled receiver. That really isn't the case though. And even if it was, loose tolerances are one of the very reasons the AK is so reliable.
Also, Saiga's are stamped, not milled
With an Arsenal you are getting a rifle made in a real war factory. You can't beat an Arsenal or VEPR -- both Bulgaria and Russia have decades of experience building these things. It's like buying a Colt vs a S&W or Ruger if you want an AR-15.
not anymore. Royal Tiger (IO) claims to have sold their last and won't be importing more.
the polish company is trying to setup shop in the US but the ATF is giving them a very difficult time (Rob Ski interviewed them at SHOT show, he has a video about it)
Can you give me a link for one? The best price I found for the C39V2 is about $750.
https://www.preppergunshop.com/century-arms-c39v2-ak-rifle-with-scope-rail
Here is the list of Arsenal ones, of course out of stock (Says a lot I guess)
https://www.preppergunshop.com/rifles/ak/shopby/manufacturer--arsenal/caliber--7-62x39mm
I am looking but can not find one in that price range,
https://www.atlanticfirearms.com/ak-47-74-rifles/arsenal.html
Well I have read about 10 and watched at least 15 videos. I know there were issues with the V1, but I can not seem to get a "it crap" so if you can link me one I would be appreciative. I have a couple of days yet so I will use it wisely.
Interesting, the milled receiver is one of the points I liked and the scope mount with it..
I guess I am not 100% decided yet.
OP cannot be helped
Go ahead and buy the Century, it's your money.