SAR vs. WASR

IUHoosier429

IUHoosier429

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School me on the SAR-1. Besides those charming dimples, what's different about these, and what makes them better/worse/pretty much equal to WASRs? I understand at least some of them came here without threaded barrels and bayonet lugs. They were also imported with double-stack magwells, correct?

Anyone here own(ed) both at the same time? If you could only grab one, which would it be and why?
 
None of the SAR series rifles were imported with threaded muzzles or bayonet lugs, as importation of them stopped around 2003, while the AWB sunsetted in 2004. They did all come in with double stack magazine wells, though. The SAR is considered to be more authentic because of the magazine well dimples in the receiver, as well as the receiver stampings for the auto sear axis pin location. Ironically, the SAR series have become fairly collectable in recent years, while when they were being imported they weren't thought to be very desireable. Everything that early WASR's got a bad rap for, especially canted barrel components, actually originated with the SAR rifles.

With that said, they were a solid rifle, albeit a budget rifle. Average prices IIRC when they were still being imported were around $260-300. If I had the opportunity to pick up any of the SAR series rifles, it would be an SAR-2 in 5.45. There weren't nearly as many of those imported as the 1's and 3's, and those upturned charging handles are dead sexy LOL
 
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The SAR rifles will always be what I would pick over a WASR. For the better mag fit, for the dimples, etc. They are about the same in the finish department. They aren't high gloss like Arsenals or Saigas, but to me, they're good looking rifles. They can of course have the same problems WASR's suffer from, but I've never seen a bad one, and I've owned several SAR-1's, and a SAR-2 I ended up selling.
The trigger in the WASR will be better- either a Tapco or RAK. The original SAR Romy triggers aren't terrible, but they have some slap. It' also helps to replace them if you're counting 922 parts.
I actually threaded one of my SAR's this weekend and installed a detent and spring. Takes about 30 minutes and you're ready for which ever muzzle brake you want.
 
I'd still really like to pickup a SAR-1.

charliesgrave, would you be willing to thread and install detent/spring for a price if I pick one up? I don't have the tools and I'd like someone with experience doing it anyways.
 
I work at a lgs part time, and the new wasr's coming in are not the wasr's of old. They are actually really nice, but the AK market has lost its mind and the price of a new ak is high no matter what one you are looking at (imho). That being said the used ak market isn't much better, people are wanting 1700.00+ for arsenals, new wasr's are 725.00, tRASh 47 is still on the market but it is also around 700.00 and imho most are overpriced.
 
Yeah the new and used markets are all over the place right now, but there are still deals to be had in both...just takes patience and search repetition.

Trying to save for something else, but keep seeing SAR-1s pop up and have to say I am intrigued. Thanks for the info, guys.
 
IrishCannon;n93866 said:
I'd still really like to pickup a SAR-1.

charliesgrave, would you be willing to thread and install detent/spring for a price if I pick one up? I don't have the tools and I'd like someone with experience doing it anyways.
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I don't feel comfortable working on other people's stuff. If I bugger up my rifle, that's no big deal, but if I bugger up someone else's, well that would suck. Plus I've only done it three times myself, not exactly experienced.

It's super easy once you get it started. Just buy the whole set up (die, guide, handle) from CNC Warrior or AK Builder. AK Builder has the spring and detent. You can find videos on Youtube showing you how it's done. Just go really slow and use lots of Tap Magic lube on it as you go.
 
charliesgrave;n94397 said:
I don't feel comfortable working on other people's stuff. If I bugger up my rifle, that's no big deal, but if I bugger up someone else's, well that would suck. Plus I've only done it three times myself, not exactly experienced.

It's super easy once you get it started. Just buy the whole set up (die, guide, handle) from CNC Warrior or AK Builder. AK Builder has the spring and detent. You can find videos on Youtube showing you how it's done. Just go really slow and use lots of Tap Magic lube on it as you go.
Click to expand...

Will do. Thanks for the tips. I totally understand.
 
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