I agree to step up to the WASR10, and even to the SAR-1 if you can find one. Having smiled a lot from the rear of both these rifles, I was both impressed and amazed.

As for the sights canted: how many a S&W has come like that we don't like? It happens. I have handled hundreds of AKs, and never found one I did not like. The Vepr is made to handle a lot more rounds than most cheaper AKs, and is still coming in thanks to another country's agreements. I like Russian and Romanian AKs. Never played with an American made AK before. Never bought an expensive AK, either.

I hope you find a great first choice. Stepping back into the past can be a lot of fun. Molot-Oruzhie