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My cousin loves his AK-47. He chose it specifically for its durability & reliability. He hunts bear and boar with it and wanted something that works every single time he pulls the trigger, no matter what the circumstances are.
I've enjoyed shooting that gun a bit, too. It's a pretty modern build, probably between ~1995 and 2001. A bit heavy for a hunting rifle, but I agree that there are very few hunting rifles I'd rather have if I was hunting what he hunts. Those critters are pretty good at hunting you if you aren't careful.
He's modified the gun a bit, tightened it up in a few places and it chambers just about perfectly. He has half a dozen 30-round clips and a few more 10- and 5-round clips (to comply with target range and hunting regulations), after several years of use, he's made several small adjustments and modifications so they fit snug and perfect. He reset the barrel after re-turning the fittings. I think he might have also rebored the chamber for the shell so it fits precisely; it's the sort of thing he does.
Agreed, the scope is a not needed, but we're both old enough that our eyes aren't so perfect as they once were. It's real nice to have.
I can tell you this: the way it's currently configured, we both shot 12 oz. beer cans at ~150 meters and I don't think either of us missed more than about twice out of 30 or more rounds each. Anyway, this weapon is not intended for use at more than about 50-100 meters (usually); it's just nice that it performs so well out into the 150 range. More than good enough for government work.
One other factor to keep in mind: he doesn't shoot military standard rounds through it, usually. All his are hand reloads or brand name production for the U.S. target and hunting market. These rounds are far more consistent and high quality than the standard bulk military production. It makes quite a difference in precision.
I'm not into these things like I used to be. But, if I were, I'd sure love to have this one.
