I know I started this thread, and that I could've let it die. But I've found some new info on this subject, straight from the horses mouth, such as it is.
Check it out (from Treating Yourself):
"For Simon, master breeder of Serious Seeds, finding the unique AK-47 genetic profile was a rare case of the 'lucky punch' every cannabis seed breeder dreams of. In 1992, after having tested thousands of experimental plants of different breeding lines, he finally achieved his goal of creating a high-quality Sativa/Indica strain with excellent overall properties and a lot of charisma - the AK-47 was born. Although Simon keeps the exact pedigree of AK-47 as a secret, like the composition of Coca Cola, he reveals that it was bred from Colombian, Mexican, Thai and Afghani seed stock, resulting in a 50:50 Indica/Sativa hybrid.
At the recent High Times Cannabis Cup (HTCC) 2003, there was some confusion about the fact that Simon entered AK-47 in the Indica Cup for the first time, instead of the Sativa Cup like before, in which the AK had gained several Cup honours, always being considered a mostly Sativa. But the above-mentioned Sativa/Indica relation of 50:50 allows for reclassifying AK-47 every time new results in the breeding process have lead to dominant outer traits of either the Sativa or the Indica type. Because after having finished a new strain and releasing it to the market, Simon uses to keep on working on the genetic formula and partly rebuilds the strains after some years by using previously unused material within the same genetic line as new parent, thus refreshing genetics. The trade-mark characteristics of the strain are basically maintained thereby, only the accents are shifted a little bit. This practice is the reason why Simon's small, but exclusive seed collection never loses its fascination and dynamics. On the HTCC 2003 Indica entry of AK-47 he comments: "Since the AK is currently more appropriately described as an Indica type of effect, we decided to enter it under Indica." Simon furthermore explains the reason for this recent Indica-dominated development of AK-47: "Imagine for example that during your breeding process you choose from each generation the shortest, fattest, mostly kick-ass plants for next parents all the time. Indeed, the % stays the same whatever plants you choose, but the plants effect and looks will be more what we call Indica-like. Such is the case, more or less."
An experienced grower called Cloudz conducted this project, using eight original White Russian seeds. All of them germinated On the whole, AK-47 has won 8 prizes at Cannabis Cups, covering a time period of one decade! It first scored 2nd place in the hydro category of the HTCC 1994, achieved the same ranking in the Indica category of the HTCC 2003 and, on top of that, was recently chosen as "plant of the year 2003" by High Times Magazine in Dec. 2003. "Forever young" could really be the motto of AK-47.
AK47 With its currently predominating Indica characteristics, AK-47 tends to grow to a medium-sized plant with only moderate side-branching, making for a large fat main cola along with several excellent secondary tops. Hence the overall yield can be way above average, Serious Seeds declares 350-500 g per m2 as achievable under good indoor conditions, after 53-63 days of flowering - which is a pretty good time deal, regarding the AK's outstanding qualities in both high and aroma. AK leafs are dark-green, showing more of the Indica spectrum, but not as wide as full Indica leafs. What is remarkable is the fact that also after the latest Indica approach in the AK breeding process, Simon managed to maintain that Sativa-typical high calyx-to-leaf ratio which means lots of flowers and only a few leafs. The single AK calyx size tends to be unsually large, resulting in fat clusters grouping together very decoratively and densely, contributing to the trade-mark appearance of AK-47. These fluffy, compact nuggs ooze lots of glistening trichomes and break up nicely, leaving plenty of resinous crystals on your fingers, unleashing an unusually strong, sweet and fruity aroma."
I am interested in buying a pack of AK from the boo here in about a month and I am glad I read the whole thread to get to this info! If all of this is current then it sounds like AK has never really lost its main basics, just changed a little bit over time. All in all I think that it would be a worthwhile experience... at least I hope! Any info you can find will be a great help