I'd like to relate what I don't think you should buy.
I have a Norinco AK-47 variant. Chinese make. It's a pure "vanity gun" and I bought it because at the time 3 of my neighbors had them and I thought they were way cool.
Several years of shooting it and I can tell you the thing overheats like a SOB. I get worried the wood grips will combust.
Still, it's a fairly intimidating looking weapon, but you can do better with one of the above models.
It's a pure vanity gun. It's the same feeling firing I had revving up my "stock" Z-28 and then learning the guy with a 300ZX turbo that could fit in my trunk could drive circles around me.
Basically acquaint yourself with performance and read user testimonies before you buy.
Thanks for everyone who's posted!!! I'll be reading this carefully, as I am going to make a decision on a rifle soon as well.
I have the same weapon. I have probably fired 10,000 rounds through it and I have never had a malfunction. Vanity gun? No. When the excrement hits the fan I will rely on nothing else.
Unfortunately, they are a bit hard to come by these days (thanks Bill). There are plenty of Romanian models around. I've read they are reliable as well but I've never fired one. I'd like to replace mine and retire my old beloved Kalashnikov. The Romanian models come with the cleaning rod under the barrell and cleaning kit inside the buttstock, something the Chinese models didn't have. Also, you can purchase a Romanian one without the gay-ass thumbhole grip. I had to purchase an aftermarket stock set and grip for my Chinese model.