Remember, most AK's are built for one thing. Reliability. So while many are inexpensive, it does not necessarily mean that they're junk. There is a reason that the AK is so prevalent in conflicts across the globe. They're easy to make, cheap, and in abundance.

Now... If you start talking accuracy, the price needs to go up a bit for sure.

 

Exactly this ^. Reliability is the name of the game on an AK. Not accuracy. Even the Russsians, very recently, decided for once to explore a new option for their armed forces outside an Ak. The Soviet war doctrine was charge and spray, overwhelming fire kind of thing.

After owning and shooting dozens of AK, I honestly dont think I have ever had a jam in one, and some I must of put 10K rounds through.

If you want 500+ meter accuracy, buy an AR!