Why are AK rifles more than ARs now?

[aaron]

After reading the thread about sub $400 AR's and seeing how low the prices are now, it got me to thinking...

If AK's are so cheap to make, why aren't they dropping in price like AR rifles?

Cheapest I've seen a Century is $500.

Edit, I found another brand (Inter Ord.) for $450

[nrich1979]

Because America.... and because supply and demand curves in the market place..

I've explained this before and people didn't understand it so I'll try again..

Supply and demand curves dictate that as supply deminishes and demand increases price will rise..

Normally as prices rise suppliers increase supplies to sell at a higher price until the marketplace need is met then prices will drop..

Cost figures no where into the equation, until price falls below cost but as long as it's profitable it will continue to be sold..

[dwcopple]

quality AK's (don't laugh) are made overseas. The US made AK's are pretty laughable really.

[Roundballer]

If AK's are so cheap to make, why aren't they dropping in price like AR rifles?

One concept only. Russian Sanctions.

If US companies have to manufacture rather than use "parts kits", it gonna cost a lot more.

[midlandshooter]

Because idiots are willing to pay more than the crappy AK's are worth.

[aaron]

quality AK's (don't laugh) are made overseas. The US made AK's are pretty laughable really.

What is a decent brand/price point AK?

[dirtmcgirt76239]

One concept only. Russian Sanctions.

If US companies have to manufacture rather than use "parts kits", it gonna cost a lot more.

Thats the main reason.

They were the big supplier.

Things can be under priced, the lowest price ever is no the "real price" you are owed. When people pay 600-1100, the people making them and selling them say, hmmm we have undervalued our product.

Look at a new yugo if you want a good one at a modest price, especially if you do not want to mod the heck out of it. Great deal.

[Kefefs]

The AR supply has steadily increased as seemingly everyone in the country has started making them, so prices have drastically declined. Meanwhile the AK supply has been hamstringed by sanctions and no American companies knowing how to make one properly, so prices have gone up. It's really just supply and demand.

What is a decent brand/price point AK?

WASR or Serbian PAP. Avoid the American AKs like the Century C39, PSA, and IO.

[Logan09]

As everyone has said, supply and demand.

I wouldn't touch a WASR for over $500. I have owned several, and they look and feel like a $300 gun at most. You can get the N-Paps for $500 but they are not chrome lined barrels. And I believe the century monkeys open up the magwells once they are imported so that could be a crapshoot..

I would keep an eye out for a Saiga or Vepr. They can be had for a little more than what WASRs are going for and a much better quality rifle.

I sold all my AKs years ago. I've looked around for another one, but no way in hell I'd pay the prices people are asking. Just not worth it IMO. I'd buy a parts kit gun built with original barrel before I buy a U.S made POS

[dwcopple]

WASR for sure. Uninformed internet hate from when Century was building them from kits and doing them injustice. Now they come in from Romania already built and are awesome. I owned a Yugo OPAP and it was a heavy pig. I wouldn't get an NPAP personally. Look for a WASR or a Polish gun. Converted, if done well, Saiga's are a good option too