I used to have one. I sold it after shooting it for the first time. I ended up having to get a hearing aid and then had to get shoulder surgery after my bout with PTSD. Those things are like a bazooka when they go off. I also sold off all my banana clips.
The newer WASRs are good. Also, check out Atlantic Firearms website. They usually have a great selection. I'd stay away from Century's American made AKs, some are great, some aren't and show a lot of premature wear on the bolt, bolt carrier, and front trunnion. Their imported rifles are fine...
Watch for premature excessive wear on the locking lugs on the bolt. Also watch for wear in the channel on the bolt carrier that the lug from the bolt rides in. Also look for excessive wear on the bolt carrier tail where it strike the hammer on its backward stroke. If a Tapco G2 FCG is in the...
Keep an eye on the bolt and bolt carrier in that C39V2. The Century American made AKs are kinda hit and miss. Some are good, some not so much. Their barrels are very accurate though.
I also said in my post that I know my friend's case wasn't typical. But what I didn't say is that I'd never buy...