Polish Hellpup will be best bang for your dollar, as far as import pistols.
Palmetto State Arnory makes several AK variants now, and if you keep an eye out, you can find 'blemished" models on closeout, with pistol braces.
As far as paracticality, I prefer a 7.62*39 AR pistol to a Krink/AK pistol. I can beat the hell outta my 7.62 AR, and parts are pretty much universal when they wear out. Break a Draco bolt carrier, or lose a part while cleaning, then go try to grab one at your local gun shop.
"Hitting things" is probably more a case of whether you have the arms to control a small gun shooting a hot round. At 300lbs, 7.62*39 is child's play to me. I cannot, however, control a .308 pistol worth a damn sans a brace.
Also: There was an "AOW" Ak on gunbroker not too long ago. Basically, a pistol with a vert foregrip. Xfer stamp on an AOW is only $5, vs. $200 for an SBR. (That said, why SBR when a tailhook pistol brace provides a stable purchase for your shoulder, should the need arise.)