I have spoken with three people over the past week who were looking at getting a new weapon. When I mentioned Ak's, all three said that they couldn't afford to spend 800 bucks. And while thre are Ak models that do cost that much, there are alos several models under 400 bucks.
http://www.centerfiresystems.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=87
http://www.jgsales.com/index.php/rifles-shotguns/ak-47-and-rpk-rifles/cPath/209_214
http://www.centuryarms.com/
Yes they are all semi-automatic, but are still Ak's in form and function. Many are brand new for 350 to 400 dollars. While not as accurate as an AR, Mini-14, or even an SKS, these are still great buys and a lot of fun.
Another great buy on the market are police trade ins. The market is now flooded with Glock and S&W used weapons. S&W 4046's in 40S&W for $280..Beretta 96D in 40 S&W for 250, Glock 19's for 399, etc etc etc. My personal favorite are the CZ82 and CZ83's in 9mm Mak and 380 Auto. These are outstanding weapon and great buys.
Add to this list Hungary's PA63 pistols in 9mm Mak for about 99 bucks and S&W Sigma's police trade ins starting at about 200 bucks for 9mm Parabellum.
How could anyone go wrong with a Russian/Soviet M91/30's or M44's for 60 to 100 bucks? These are 7.62x54R caliber guns and approximate 308 Winchester Ballistics. Many of these are in excellent to like new condition. This ammo can be found surplus fmj or major commercial ammo makers produce soft point bullets for it. It can be cheaply used to plink or take it deer hunting. At 60 bucks, leave it sitting behind the seat of your truck...
In any case, trade ins and surplus weapons can be a steal and a lot of fun to shoot and collect.
