Good evening!! First time posting in this Discussion Board. I'm usually hanging out over on the Mosin Nagant collectors forum. Well tonight I've become the proud owner of what I think is a really nice AK-47. I got this rifle in a trade, what really got my attention was the fact that it's chambered in 223/5.56. All numbers are matching including the bayonet! After some Google searching I discovered most collectors consider Polytech AK-47s to be top of the line. I do have a couple of questions for you seasoned AK collectors. How collectible/desirable is this particular variant? Am I correct in assuming this rifle is compatible with both 223 and 5.56 calibers? I appreciate all responses and thanks for looking. Pictures to follow.
Very first AK! How'd I do?
1 - 20 of 24 Posts
Joined
·
14,019 Posts
That's the way to start out, that's for sure.
I only have one AK, but it is about the same vintage as yours. It is also Chinese-made, with a fixed stock, and it has the underfolding spike bayonet. I didn't figure I could improve on it, so I have never tried. You may be in the same boat as me now.
I only have one AK, but it is about the same vintage as yours. It is also Chinese-made, with a fixed stock, and it has the underfolding spike bayonet. I didn't figure I could improve on it, so I have never tried. You may be in the same boat as me now.
Joined
·
71 Posts
To me, it's the wrong caliber! I'd rather have a 7.62, but very nice rifle. PolyTechs are excellent!
I've been collecting Mosin Nagant bolt action rifles for a couple years, recently decided to cull my collection as I have run out of room. So, for the past couple months I've been selling or trading off locally what I have. A gentleman offered me this AK as trade for a M44, four 91/30s, and a M91. Seemed like a fair deal to me.
I noticed that about the box to. Does that have any bearing on its value?
I know guess its almost like a 91/30 being chambered in 308 or something. That'd be incredibly weird. Good news is I have plenty of 223 laying around so at least I won't have to start stock piling 7.62x39. Was this particular variant popular before the ban? Is it as collectible as the other Polytech variants chambered in 7.62x39?
Joined
·
3,561 Posts
I had a Norinco Type-84S. Same exact set up as yours, except mine had a bird cage flash suppressor. I paid $500 from a co-worker. I sold it in a moment of need/desperation when I got laid off in the mid-90's for $900. It was a wonderful shooter.
Seeing yours makes me regret selling mine even more.
Don't let that one go!!
Seeing yours makes me regret selling mine even more.
Don't let that one go!!
Joined
·
4,741 Posts
Well thats a nice way to start! I guess youre not a believer in starting at the bottom and working your way up!!
The only negetive thing about that rifle....if Im not mistaken those mags are proprietary and are hard as hell to find. I know its like that for the Norinco.
The only negetive thing about that rifle....if Im not mistaken those mags are proprietary and are hard as hell to find. I know its like that for the Norinco.
Joined
·
4,604 Posts
Congrats !!!!!!!!!!Polytech pre banNIB is M39 of AK's IMO Very hard to find and will cost you a good 3K now days. One on GB sold over $3k
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=394004532
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=394004532
Joined
·
7,020 Posts
The S is for semi-auto. Many of the Polytech rifles are named this way. Polytech used the (DF) for down folder and the box is labeled for the 7.62x39 version of your rifle.
The Polytech Legend series rifles with the milled receivers (7.62x39) were named AK-47S...
![]()
The Norinco underfolder rifles in the 5.56x45 caliber are called "84S-1", where the -1 is for the underfolder. The regular "84S" was the fixed stock. The Norinco under folders in 7.62x39 are called "56S-1", fixed stock is just "56S".
There are other models, too, like the "86S" which is the bullpup version.
The Polytech Legend series rifles with the milled receivers (7.62x39) were named AK-47S...
The Norinco underfolder rifles in the 5.56x45 caliber are called "84S-1", where the -1 is for the underfolder. The regular "84S" was the fixed stock. The Norinco under folders in 7.62x39 are called "56S-1", fixed stock is just "56S".
There are other models, too, like the "86S" which is the bullpup version.
Joined
·
7,020 Posts
Very nice first AK, Dasbeav!
One word of caution, though. Even though your rifle probably has a spring loaded firing pin, be sure to ONLY use military spec ammo in the rifle. DO NOT use commercial .223 ammo. I had problems with doubling and a slam fire on my 84S-1, despite the spring loaded firing pin. The primers in the commercial .223 ammo are sometimes too sensitive ("soft") and can go off just from the firing pin's momentum when the bolt closes on a live round. Military spec primers in 5.56 NATO ammo require a little more of a sharp impact to go off.
One word of caution, though. Even though your rifle probably has a spring loaded firing pin, be sure to ONLY use military spec ammo in the rifle. DO NOT use commercial .223 ammo. I had problems with doubling and a slam fire on my 84S-1, despite the spring loaded firing pin. The primers in the commercial .223 ammo are sometimes too sensitive ("soft") and can go off just from the firing pin's momentum when the bolt closes on a live round. Military spec primers in 5.56 NATO ammo require a little more of a sharp impact to go off.
Joined
·
12,960 Posts
It is definately collectable. I wish I had one in my collection. 223 is not a drag to me. It's a north of 2000 dollar rifle in the condition it's in. I'd say you made out on the trade. Shoot it, tke care of it, hang onto it, the chinese rifles don't come in any more. Nice rifle.
1 - 20 of 24 Posts
