OK you’ve said what was the worst. What’s your opinion on what is the best AK and who makes it?
Less my opinion and more what I and others have observed.
Every AK maker including the russians builds rifles that are sometimes crooked and have canted sights or minor fit and finish problems so understand that you can buy “the best” and it CAN still be slightly flawed.
That being said, the “best” or least-worst you can buy lately is Arsenal. There is a stamped SLR107 that bears consideration if you’re not looking for the authentic classic aesthetic of a 45 degree gas system and small front sight. It has a wider front sight like a yugo/chinese or milled receiver Arsenal.
Shockingly the Romanian rifles like the WASR and RH-10 aren’t too far behind in terms of reliability and durability. Century imports them and puts what seems to be balsa wood US furniture on them.
Guns built from kits like offerings from Atlantic Firearms can be good too. Atlantic has pretty good customer service too. They are real-deal AK guys (and presumably gals).
Anyone can cite one or two anecdotes of “my buddy’s rifle works great” or “mine was a turd and I flushed it” and yes there are Arsenals with crappy finishes and Romanian rifles with loose rivets.
I’ve seen a Python with boogered screws straight out of the box from Colt. No company is perfect.
Look up AK Operators Union on the you tubes. It might be the only union you will every willingly support. Robski has a brutal methodology based on his own experience and input from others.