SAR1, refinishing?

[LT1MCSS]

My friend has an AK 47 he may sell. It's a Romanian SAR1. The gun is a good shooter in relatively good shape, however, the finish is definitely showing some wear. I'm curious what is some of the people here thought? I was considering maybe grabbing it and doing doing a refinish with the duracoat DIY kit or Aluma-Hyde 2. This would be my first AK but he has owns dozens of them

My friend thinks I'm crazy for wanting to do anything to it. What do you think? I think his offer for the gun itself is fair given the market. Another mod would probably be wood stocks. He said he may have a few sets and would probably give me a set for relatively low cost or free if I really wanted.

 

[SKS Ray]

The SAR1 rifles were some of the better built Romanian AKs but pretty lousy in finish. They do clean up nicely though.

There was a thread not long ago here regarding AK finish. Can't remember if it was the Build it yourself section or Firearms section but it had some good recommendations.

 

[LT1MCSS]

I'm thinking with a little bit of DIY work it will really clean up nice like you said. I wasn't sure if it would be a "build" question or not but that section would be a good spot. I just started doing some checking online. I don't have to give him answer right away. I don't think he is in any rush to sell it but he is looking to make some room and like he said doesn't need 8 AK's right now even though he has had more than that in the past.

 

[ri.ben]

those as you may know are considered to be one of the better Romanian imports to own.i wouldn't want to mess with factory finish.most of the early Romanians have marks like that.the bolt carrier has been stripped of finish so its kind of compromised already.if the price was really good i would find a new Romanian bolt carrier and get a Romanian stock set with the forward grip for that authentic look.if i wanted to paint a gun i would probably leave that one be.

 

[wizdoc2006]

I have a SAR1 and like it a lot. All The SAR1 I have seen have rough engraving on the receiver. If you found some descent reddish wood furniture it would look authentic, JMO.

 

[LT1MCSS]

The engraving looks like a 2 year old did it. I think at the least I would put wood furniture back on it.

 

[SKS Ray]

The engraving looks like a 2 year old did it.

Century Arms, same thing.