Carmel, Fishers area.
I like the looks of mine that I just picked up last week; and I've heard nothing but good things about their reliability.
Unfortunately..... https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/long_guns/157113-wasr_feeding_problems_urgent.html
in your price range i think your only choice for an ak is the wasr. It is a gun of great reliability as long as you have a little knowledge of working with firearms. The gun needs to be thoroughly cleaned before you take it out and expect to torture it with rounds. These things may feel fine but they usually are filled with some cosmoline.
Thanks!It looks like poster MattCFII covered it really well. Maybe someone covered this already but corrosion from mil. surplus stuff on used AK's shows up from time to time. The gas tube area is a good place to look first or around the breach. If possible look carefully in the bore with a bore light or a small flashlight.
A dirty bore is not a deal breaker. I bought my AK74 SAR 2 dirty from head to toe. Sometimes you can just tell when a weapon is the right one. There was no corrosion and the bore ended up being spotless. Maybe a few hundred rounds went thru it from the orig. owner.
It's my favorite go to rifle. My only upgrade so far is a MOJO Peep Sight with the click wheel adjuster and a KNS front post sight. It improved accuracy and acquisition time. There are other options but use what you have until you become familiar with it.
Mojo Micro Click Rear Ghost Ring Sight AK-47 Steel Blue - MidwayUSA
KNS Front Sight AK-47, SKS Standard Post .052" Diameter Steel Black - MidwayUSA
If new, you shouldn't find any corrosion. Finding cosmoline or oil coating is not a bad thing. Better than rust. Just strip it and clean it real good like the others have said.
Buying a previously owned AK or better yet, finding a shop with a range who will let you test fire it is better yet.
No AK is perfect and that is part of the beauty. Good luck !