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I'd say get yourself an AK-47 (7.62x39) as well since the ammo is even more inexpensive, as low as $70/1000 versus ~$99/1000 for 5.45x39. If you're buying ammo by the box and not in case amounts, you certainly aren't a very serious AK enthusiast . Is yours an SAR-2? Otherwise it could be an earlier Romanian model WUM-2, etc. I'd say the AK-74 round could penetrate Class I body armour (vest) at least, as most rifle calibers can, but I haven't done any tests. You were told correctly, the 5.45x39 is the Russian Army's standard assault rifle cartridge not to be confused with the venerable 7.62x54R which, though ancient, still soldiers on.
For scopes, since the SAR's have a scope rail already installed I'd recommend either a red dot sight like the Cobra or an optical scope 4x24 PSO-1. Check the following URL for info: www.bgarmory.com/russian_optics.htm