Who's Dave?
I was actually thinking about an AK-47, but I think I'm just going to have to go for an SKS becasue I'm looking for something less than $250.
What I would really like is an AK-74, but fat chance of finding one for a good price, ehh.
I have shot an SKS which to the best of my knowledge is exactly the same as an AK-47 except for the pistol grip, but what I am wondering is if one heats up faster than the other. Right now I'm just shooting with my M1891, which takes 7.62x54 and gets really hot, really fast. I just want something I can practice shooting with. I could just get a .22 as well, but I want something with recoil so I can get used to it.
Sks/T-81/T-56(carbine)...stripper clip top mag fed10rnd,(unless you get detatch mag version..((Type 81))good luck)rifle stock, Simonov reciever(ewwww), fixed spike bayonet (blade if Russian) and about 6" longer than the Ak, beech wood..polymer...or fiberforce stocks avail.
AK/T-56/AKM....5,10,20,30,40.....rnd detatch mags..not to mention 75rnd drums, pistol grip or thumbhole stock(ewww), Kalashnakov reciever, knife blade bayonet(if you are lucky..Russian) or fixed spike bayo.Beech wood stock..polymer furnature and fiberforce stocks avail..mainly stamped reciever (lucky if milled) chrome lined bore
in my book: SKS < AK Russia, China, Romania, and scores of other countries would agree...
As for overheating..I wouldnt worry about it unless you are planning to go full auto..
At a gun show you can find a Mak-90/T-56/AK (Chinese)for probably around $300+ good luck finding a machined reciever Russian Ak for under $700 There are many variations of these rifles..or you can go after a Valmet M1962 or M-90.....whatever your choice.....Happy hunting.