PTR32 or AK

[MOTO]

Lately I've been contemplating the idea of getting either an AK or a PTR32 next.

What are your opinions on both?

Thanks.

[Timber Wolf]

I have no experience with the PTR32, or even a PTR91 although I have been kicking around the idea of getting the latter. That said, I would just get an AK for an AK caliber, no sense reinventing the wheel.

[wkendwarrior2003]

Well,

I have a PTR 32. I got it believe around March of 2011 at a gun show. The rifle functions perfectly with the commercial Bulgarian 7.62x39 AK mag that comes with it, and it will function equally well with the 40 round Bulgarian "bullet" mags (again a commercial, not military mag). If you can stick with these types of AK mags (which, honestly are not terribly expensive to be fair), the PTR 32 should be just fine. It has a heavy target barrel and very, very little recoil...even if you put a collapsible G3 stock on it. Then as now I thought the concept was very cool.

The problem with the gun, and what I think you should really keep in mind before you pull the trigger on one that's already out there, is that most of the PTR 32s will NOT feed more than 1-2 rounds in ANY metal military AK mag, and my gun is no different. Mine won't even feed from a Bulgarian polymer waffle type magazine, which I thought was kind of surprising. It really was very annoying...you do NOT want to get a jam in a gun like this, if you do you are going to probably need to hit a rubber mallet against the cocking handle to clear the thing (you can probably figure out how I know!)

Some people have had smiths correct this issue or tried to do it themselves, I do not know if they had to modify their metal AK mags for them to work in the gun.

Apparently PTR has temporarily ceased production of the PTR 32 in order to work out the pretty universal issues that it has using surplus AK magazines; I think that is good thinking on their part, and personally I would be willing to give one of these one more chance if they could work that issue out. I do like the concept of these.

My advice to you is to hold off on buying a PTR 32 for now if you must have one at all...in all likelihood your PTR will only run reliably with the commercial mag that comes with it and not with any surplus AK mag. My .02

[hansellhd]

Originally Posted by wkendwarrior2003

Well,

I have a PTR 32. I got it believe around March of 2011 at a gun show. The rifle functions perfectly with the commercial Bulgarian 7.62x39 AK mag that comes with it, and it will function equally well with the 40 round Bulgarian "bullet" mags (again a commercial, not military mag). If you can stick with these types of AK mags (which, honestly are not terribly expensive to be fair), the PTR 32 should be just fine. It has a heavy target barrel and very, very little recoil...even if you put a collapsible G3 stock on it. Then as now I thought the concept was very cool.

The problem with the gun, and what I think you should really keep in mind before you pull the trigger on one that's already out there, is that most of the PTR 32s will NOT feed more than 1-2 rounds in ANY metal military AK mag, and my gun is no different. Mine won't even feed from a Bulgarian polymer waffle type magazine, which I thought was kind of surprising. It really was very annoying...you do NOT want to get a jam in a gun like this, if you do you are going to probably need to hit a rubber mallet against the cocking handle to clear the thing (you can probably figure out how I know!)

Some people have had smiths correct this issue or tried to do it themselves, I do not know if they had to modify their metal AK mags for them to work in the gun.

Apparently PTR has temporarily ceased production of the PTR 32 in order to work out the pretty universal issues that it has using surplus AK magazines; I think that is good thinking on their part, and personally I would be willing to give one of these one more chance if they could work that issue out. I do like the concept of these.

My advice to you is to hold off on buying a PTR 32 for now if you must have one at all...in all likelihood your PTR will only run reliably with the commercial mag that comes with it and not with any surplus AK mag. My .02

I also own a PTR32 and I basically agree with warrior however, my 32 will run with most commercial mags but won't handle the Easter block metal ones.

As far as comparing it to the AK47 its on a whole different level and I say that as a owner of many Kalashnikov Rifles. It will easily out shoot any AK that I own, recoil is negligible. (almost non existent) It is one of my favorite rifles to shoot. I have ten mags that work with this rifle so mags are not an issue for me.




I have had my 32 for 3 years now and paid $800. OTD.

HDH.

[gunplumber]

The AK rifle was designed around the cartridge. The G-32 was designed to accept an existing cartridge. I see no point in it, just as I see no point in a 7.62x39 AR-15.

If you are enamored by the 7.62 cartridge, buy an AK. If you are enamored with the G3 rifle, get one in .308. And if you love .223, get an AR.

[STGThndr]

VERY nice lookin H&K TYPE rifle, (yes I know it's a PTR!) I gotta say, dunno how that sliding stock and it's abominable butt-pad works for ya. Absolutely DO NOT LIKE the ergos of that design in the heavier recoiling H&K91. Comparing an HK design to the Klack-it-off really doesnt compute. Ive carried and trust both, however, unless I needed nail-driving (comparatively) accuracy past 300 yards Id stick with the Klack.

[hansellhd]

Originally Posted by gunplumber

The AK rifle was designed around the cartridge. The G-32 was designed to accept an existing cartridge. I see no point in it, just as I see no point in a 7.62x39 AR-15.

If you are enamored by the 7.62 cartridge, buy an AK. If you are enamored with the G3 rifle, get one in .308. And if you love .223, get an AR.

Yes I basically agree with GP on this one however it is a nice change of pace to shoot a platform chambered for a different round. For me it's just part of the fun of this hobby.

Don't get me wrong the AK is a handy platform and in a SHTF situation it is my firearm of choice. For simplicity and reliability you can't beat the AK.




Reliability is always first on my list when it comes to any firearm and both of these Rifles deliver that in spades.

HDH.

[MOTO]

Hey Hansellhd, those pictures aren't making my decision any easier

Blond or brunette? Why not both!

Thanks...

[STGThndr]

Really nice gallery of fine rifles... enjoy them before ya get old and ugly like me! Good stuff!

[Arik]

Originally Posted by hansellhd

Yes I basically agree with GP on this one however it is a nice change of pace to shoot a platform chambered for a different round. For me it's just part of the fun of this hobby.

Don't get me wrong the AK is a handy platform and in a SHTF situation it is my firearm of choice. For simplicity and reliability you can't beat the AK.




Reliability is always first on my list when it comes to any firearm and both of these Rifles deliver that in spades.

HDH.

How do you like that Samson cheek rest on the Yugo? ANy review you can give? I've been eyeing one for a while to put on my Norinco.

[MOTO]

Hansellhd, has your PTR been similar reliability wise to your AKs?

[hansellhd]

Originally Posted by Arik

How do you like that Samson cheek rest on the Yugo? ANy review you can give? I've been eyeing one for a while to put on my Norinco.

I don't know, I have not shot it seeing I put it on a couple of weeks ago. One thing I did notice is after installing it you have to cock your head to the right to get a good sight picture.

I will be trying it out in a week or two and let you know.

HDH.

[hansellhd]

Originally Posted by MOTO

Hansellhd, has your PTR been similar reliability wise to your AKs?

With the correct mags it is just as reliable as any of my AK's. I do believe a quality AK will cost about the same as the 32. AK's have gone up across the board in the last year or so.


100 yds with (cheap) Silver Bear ammo.

All PTR rifles come with a 5 year warranty now and I think CDNN has the best price on PTR's (that's where my rifle came from)


with PTR91K


I like how you can change stocks in a matter of seconds. Try that with a FAL or AK, ain't going to happen.

HDH.

[John Crusher]

All PTR rifles come with a 5 year warranty now and I think CDNN has the best price on PTR's (that's where my rifle came from)



That would be the only reason I'd look at a PTR again. When they had 1 year I had a 91 that I had not shot 100rds. after 3 years and when issues cropped up they said I was SOL. Really soured me towards them.

[gunplumber]

Originally Posted by John Crusher

All PTR rifles come with a 5 year warranty now and I think CDNN has the best price on PTR's (that's where my rifle came from)

From the same company that refused to honor their warranty on the defective Thompson .308 barrels?

[hansellhd]

I'm not here do defend PTR, The OP asked a question and I gave him my input. All I know is all 3 of my PTR rifles worked right out of the box and continue to work after years of service.

Yes my original PTR32 developed a Cracked trunnion, (after 300 rounds) PTR shipped me a new rifle in under 10 days and payed the Xfur fee for my FFL.

I don't know of any perfect Gun Co's out there just better ones and in my book PTR is a better co. If someone want's to bring up Garbage we can always talk about IO or Century.

HDH.

[gunplumber]

Well if all the people they sold the PTR-91s with the defective Thompson barrels (incorrect chamber fluting) were treated the same, they'd be good guys in my book. But instead they said "screw you - no warranty!" So as far as I'm concerned they're scum-sucking crooks.

[chauncey]

Originally Posted by gunplumber

The AK rifle was designed around the cartridge. The G-32 was designed to accept an existing cartridge. I see no point in it, just as I see no point in a 7.62x39 AR-15.

If you are enamored by the 7.62 cartridge, buy an AK. If you are enamored with the G3 rifle, get one in .308. And if you love .223, get an AR.

i'm pretty committed to the G3 platform. the PTR32 gives me the ability to shoot a G3 clone and save a lot of $$ on ammunition. i know i'll have to shoot a lot of x39 to make up the cost of the rifle vs. x51, but to me, it's worth it. also, all of my G3 accessories fit my PTR32.

my PTR outshoots any AK i have ever held, except maybe my Romy RPK clone.

my PTR only works with Bulgarian mags, which is no great tragedy for me

[emcroy]

I agree with GP, if you want a 30 Russian short get an AK!

PTR makes the only decent G3 receivers and they have a few good US made parts; however they had a bunch of out of spec barrels and some improperly heat treated trunnions.

Reminds me of another three letter company

[Kyrottimus]

AK. Whatever accuracy you can squeeze out of it, it will keep that accuracy (assuming you're using a good combloc/chi-com barrel on it) for many tens of thousands of rounds.

Since the PTR (Precision TARGET Rifles) is button-rifled and unlined, it'll be more accurate than an AK, but for far less of a life-span as the trade-off.

If accuracy is your beef, stick on some Tech-Sights (like Arik has on his Yugo) to double your sight-radius, and use good ammo (like Golden Tiger, best cheap 7.62x39 available--boat-tail, far less standard-deviation in muzzle velocity).

If you stick 8moa ammo in your 2.5moa AK, you'll get 8moa results. My beater cheap-as-dirt (at the time) Cugir WASR10/63 shoots golden tiger more accurately than my Bulgarian SLR107-21 shoots TulAmmo (and my Bulgy shoots Golden Tiger better than the WASR).