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I've shot about a dozen different AKs (Russian, Bulgarian, Egyptian, Rommanian, & Polish). I found that the Bulgarian was top notch. They had a forged receiver, a crome lined barrel and the best trigger pull of the AK family (it is better than my AR-15's trigger). While other countries made AKs with forged receivers, they stopped in the 60s/70s. Bulgaria never had the money to retool, so they continued up until just recently. Kalashnikov considered the Bulgarian Ak to be the best of breed.

A lot of Bulgarian AKs were imported in the early 90s. But the laws were changed so their importation stopped. A U.S. company called Aresnel (I've probably messed up the spelling of the company.) made these same semi-automatic AKs in America. Arsenel went so far as to bring Bulgarian gunsmiths over to ensure that they did it right. I think I read that Arsenel stopped making froged receivers about a year ago, so some still might be found. However, expect to pay about $600.

My Bulgarian AK is very acurate with Winchester ammo (2 inches at 100 yds), but who wants to spend a lot of money on ammo, when all we are really doing is blasting away. While the forged receiver increases the weight by about a 1/2 lb, it is worth it.

Apparently Arsenal Inc. is still manufacturing brand new semi-auto Kalashnikovs. They're pricey, $699-$1250 but are supposedly high quality.

Arsenal Inc.

Anyone have experience with this company's weapons?