Should I scoop up an AK-74 right now?

but also want to take into any considerations if there are "special" parts kits out there that may not be there forever.

My best guess at kits available right now that may dry up soon - not all AK's

#1 - HK G3 kits at FAC. If you think you might want to build a HK clone anytime, I think these kits are likely to be gone before too long. It has been a very long dry spell since HK kits in this condition have been available. I think HK kit availability is probably close to done for good.

#2 - Russian AK47 type III kits at northridge. This is the last of long running availability of demilled milled receiver AK47 kits. These are also in the most used shape. The milled Bulgarians, Hungarians & Polish are long gone but were in better shape, on average, than the Russians when they were available. A milled receiver build is spendy, but a class above the stamped kits that dominate the market now.

#3 - Galil kit. I don't have one of these but I want one. I really doubt that any more Galil parts are ever going to be imported. It is hard to justify spending over a grand to get the parts for a rifle build though.

#4 - The Bulgarian AK74 kits. I actually don't believe these are in short supply, but I think there is a chance that the parts could be diverted into the production of completed "sporter" rifles for import into the USA. The stories are out about at least two different manufacturers getting set up to import low cap AK74s from bulgaria.

I would guess that the AK type kits that are available now will probably be around for a while - BATF & customs willing.

If you have the $ though, it is never a mistake to buy kits of almost any type. I have a modest pile of FAL - HK - AK kits that I have bought when they were common and relatively cheap. They have all appreciated in value (if I was considering selling, which I'm not) and even if I stopped buying anything more tomorrow I have enough kits and parts to keep me occupied for at least 5 years . I wish I would have had the foresight to buy up a truckload of FAL kits when they were being pushed hard for $89 and Bulgarian milled receivers when they were $99 . Seems like an eternity but it was just a few years ago.

s & p

Yes, in the past AK-74 kits were hard to get. All current production military arms are hard to get. This is why we don't see any DEMIL 5.56 AK kits availible. That is a current production item. Until recently the entire AK world used 5.45x39 AK's. They are switching them out to 5.56 now because it is the NATO standard.
Because of this switch you will see the following (in order)
(1) Kits demiled from NEW never issued guns. These are called "READY RESERVE". These guns where ones that were in government armorys in case of a major event. These guns are the first to get replaced when new one arrive.
(2) Kits demiled from REBUILT guns. These guns came back to the Armory for repair at one time or another. May have been refinished. May have all matching numbers.
(3) Kits demiled from Issued guns, these are the ones the troops carry now. most are lightly fired and have alot of "carry" wear.
(4) Kits demiled from Training guns. These guns are shot alot, cleaned alot, and carried alot. they are used in the training camps (for lack of a better word).

If you want a MINT kit that will give you YEARS of service then get a kit now.
If you want a cheap buildable shooter then wait until the "issued" kits come in.
Keep in mind that it may be years before they get to the "issued" kits.

Yes, rumor has it the Bulgaria Nevada will be importing AK74 single stack mag guns, and converting them over to high cap. This is the reason why they are not doing milled guns any more.

As far as where to get a AK-74 kit from. I would HIGHLY reccomend DPHARMS.
He may not be the cheapest out there, I know of a couple other sources that are a few dollars cheaper ($10 or so). BUT he is a good guy and is straight up.
We need to keep him in business.