PSA AK-47 GF3 vs Century Arms VSKA: What's the board's opinion/preference?

PSA initially had some defective components, they addressed them all in a recent update. I don't believe they updated the model number, though, so it might be hard to tell which one they have. Either way, their customer service is usually excellent.

There’s no way in hell I’d ever spend my money on a VSKA or Riley Defense or IO. No way. If your budget is $1000 I’d buy a WASR or maybe a WPB Jack if you can find one close to $1000. Maybe an NPAP70

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i just can't seem to make up my mind. you guys kinda turned me onto the FN barrels with PSA, but i'm not so sure i want to spend the extra money for it. we're talking a $1k AK. ?

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The Century Wasr when built right is tough as nails. It just has a rough finish and terrible cheap stock set which is easily fixed course by time you buy a nice set of sticks it'll be hitting $1k. Outside of the WASR, I wouldn't touch a Century made AK.

I'd take a Zastava ZPAP with either walnut or light maple wood stock over any of those listed. If you're going to wind up spending $1k, get one that isn't just as good but also has potential for higher resale value. The future of imported AKs is not certain so when given the price range is equal to a US made one, get the imported one.

Do be prepared for $1k+. The days of cheap AKs are long gone.


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i should probably clarify that my budget isn't $1000. i want to get one as cheap as possible and as reliable as possible.

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The WASR would be the choice for under $1k.

VSKA is crap
Zastava... and I sold a lot of these... are consistently crap. They are good until you start using them then they break in ways that pretty much need a rebuild on a new receiver
PSA G3 - eh, OK but worth it to get the GF4 or higher. Early G3's were not good, newer G3's are OK.

You have to be careful with the Romanian AK's, they are not all built the same. WASR's are solid and the RH10's they had were good too. Draco's are solid too. The biggest knock on the WASR today is the crap wood but that is really a minor thing. The older wood was surplus and well great. There were commercial models out of Romania that just didn't hold up so you can't just pick anything from Romania.

There are better AK's, you just aren't going to find a Russian, Bulgarian or even Chinese AK in your price range, and if you do jump on it.

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Didn’t zastava address these issues with a 1.5 mm receiver and bulged trunnion?

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Zastava moved to the 1.5 mm with the OPAP. The ZPAP added chrome-lined barrel. I’ve owned the NPAP, OPAP and now a ZPAP. I’ve found them excellent. I’ll never part with my ZPAP. Would love to get my hands back on that OPAP.

To the OP, if you just want an inexpensive AK to play with this is a good deal in current market. (You could get a WASR for less than this 4 years ago.) The VSKA did well under abuse from Rob Ski and MrGunsNGear. It will satisfy most folks needs especially those wanting a low-risk intro to the AK.

VSKA - $572 NO TAX

I've got a PSA GF5 with nutmeg furniture if you're interested. But you're gonna pay.

And I don't believe the GF3 or GF4 had the FN barrels, only the 5.

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And I don't believe the GF3 or GF4 had the FN barrels, only the 5.

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They don’t.

I got the PSA email today for their 4th of July “sale” and they’re gonna have the premium AK-103 (FN barrel) w/ Dagger combo again for $1000.

every time palmetto has those blemished AKs in stock, i get so close to checking it out it's ridiculous. something about the lifetime warranty is appealing.


CAI has a lifetime warranty, but i believe PSA has a better reputation that CAI. i could be wrong about that though.

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Got mine for $599

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PSA Blemished?