What is fair market value these days for this rifle in Good shape?
I've never paid more than $700 for a Mak90. I bought a straight back at a pawn shop last year for $600 with thumbhole stock and two Norinco mags.A clean thumbhole stock mac 90 will start at about 850.00. It will cost about 150.00-225.00 to convert to a standard stock. If you only use it as a bench shooting rifle the thumbhole stock is ok. If you ever plan to carry it in the woods you will want to convert it, The thumbhole stock is heavy , bulky and unweidly. There are many still out there still in the box and unfired since importation. These will carry a premium. A 922 converted Mac 90 will start around 850.00 and go for upwards of 1800.00. Original chinese AK also carry a premium. These go for upwards of 1800.00 to 2500.00. Under folders also carry a premium starting about 1500.00+. Spikers are even more starting about 1800.00+The only difference in the Mac 90 is the markings on the receiver. Those marked polytechnic also carry a premium as much as 2500.00 +. Then there is the legend versions - even more. Bottom line-If you can get a CLEAN converted Mac 90 for under 850.00 you have found a bargain.
Update:
I got the MAK 90. Not the deal I wanted.
I traded an HK45 for it. I am happy with the deal. Did come with original furniture and it has a straight cut rear. I have replaced the buttstock with a Magpul Zhukov stock and the grip also with Magpul.
I will replace the hand guard with one from Midwest Industries.
You made a reasonable deal. You have a AK that will last a lifetime. I have one that has over 10k rds down the tube. Looks like new and accuracy has not faltered, The magpul stocks look good and modern. I like the traditional blonde Chu wood stocks. Enjoy.Update:
I got the MAK 90. Not the deal I wanted.
I traded an HK45 for it. I am happy with the deal. Did come with original furniture and it has a straight cut rear. I have replaced the buttstock with a Magpul Zhukov stock and the grip also with Magpul.
I will replace the hand guard with one from Midwest Industries.
I feel like we need some pictures.Update:
I got the MAK 90. Not the deal I wanted.
I traded an HK45 for it. I am happy with the deal. Did come with original furniture and it has a straight cut rear. I have replaced the buttstock with a Magpul Zhukov stock and the grip also with Magpul.
I will replace the hand guard with one from Midwest Industries.
@EDGE, value is subjective. As long as you're happy with the deal that is all that matters. Straight back is a bonus and gives you more options down the road. By "original furniture" I assume you mean the thumbole stock, right? IMO these old guns look great in wood, but dress it up however it suits you and post some pics once it's good to go.
Out of curiosity is this your first AK? If so you could have done a LOT worse. Nice score.
Also, where the hell is @Majicmike? We're 10+ posts into a Chicom thread and not a peep. Hope all is well.
Also, recommendations for a good sling.
Looking for a modern durable sling. Blue Force AK Vickers sling looks like a good choice. I never cared much for slings until I ran an AR in a carbine class one Saturday. I ran it single point and after 8 hours realized I wanted a two point sling. More comfortable and practical in my opinion.Are you leaning more towards authenticity and/or surplus, or something modern?
For surplus, I like the older Romanian leather slings and the new production Romanian green nylon slings. I'm also a sucker for Russian "elk head" slings and their padded RPK slings. If you Google "Chinese AK sling," just be mindful that a lot of the stuff you'll find is reproduction, and not legit NOS surplus. Just an FYI if that matters to you.
For modern, I like the Blue Force Gear Vickers sling. BFG also makes an AK-specific sling that looks sharp (though I've not owned one of those).