For $800-1200, Arsenal is the way to go, or a used Krebs or Rifle Dynamics if you can find it. AK Operator's Union on YouTube is a great place for AK information.
For the purpose of plinking (and for defensive use as well), I'd just pickup a good condition WASR-10 or 10/63 and spend the rest of the money on ammo/mags/training.
For the purpose of plinking (and for defensive use as well), I'd just pickup a good condition WASR-10 or 10/63 and spend the rest of the money on ammo/mags/training.