[Kestrel]

I saw an Arsenal SA M-7 AK, in 7.62x39 at a shop for around $579 (I think). It had a milled receiver and no muzzle brake. It surprised me, in that it seemed close in weight to a VEPR K that was also on the rack.

I looked up the weights on the web and the VEPR K is rated at 8.5 lbs. At Arsenal Inc.'s web site, they list the SA M-7 Carbine/Classic at 3.67 kg (about 8 lbs?).

Is this correct? The VEPR has a thicker barrel and longer buttstock. Is the SAM-7 really that heavy?

Is this a better AK than a Saiga conversion? (I'm thinking about adding an ACE folding stock to the SAM-7.)

The SAM-7 receiver said it was made in Bulgaria and their web site said the barrels are "Steyr Technology". What does "Steyr Technology" mean? Is it a Steyr barrel or is it just made on Steyr machinery here in the US?

Thanks for any help or advice.

Steve

[Gary G23]

The VEPR is muzzle heavy. It doesn't balance well for me. I like the feel of the Arsenal a lot better.

[MrMurphy]

Both of them are built on the RPK squad automatic rifle reciever, which is milled and heavier than a normal AK. For a non-full-auto-all-the-time standard rifle, this is extra weight you don't need. 95% of all AKs in the world have stamped recievers and they were intended to be made stamped. Get a regular stamped reciever AK and you'll be better off weightwise.

[Kestrel]

Yep, the VEPR is muzzle heavy and doesn't feel quite right.

Murphy,
Only the VEPR is based on the RPK receiver (which is actually stamped, but is thick). The Aresenal SAM-7 is a milled AK-47 receiver. I think the AK was actually originally milled, only later changed to stampings. I've read that the stampings were for cost savings.

Steve

[ny32182]

I have experience with both, so I'll chip in here...

The weight distribution is different between the two. The VEPR is more muzzle heavy.

The receivers are in fact different. The VEPR uses a Russian made, stamped RPK squad auto receiver, which means the metal is 50% thicker than a normal stamped AKM receiver. The back of the receiver is also slant cut, so it doesn't take normal AKM furniture. The VEPR also uses a heavier trunion and a heavy barrel. It is designed for a high volume of fire. It is also very accurate for an AK style 7.62x39.

The SA-M7 uses a US made, Bulgarian pattern milled AKM receiver. It is more "traditional AK", except for the milling instead of the stamping. It takes normal AKM furniture, and uses a lighter weight barrel.

I own the VEPR K, but wouldn't hesitate to own an SA-M7 either. Both are fantastic, IMO.

[hartzpad]

I don't own an Arsenal M-7, but I do own 2 VEPR K rifles in 7.62 and 5.45 and I own 2 converted Saiga rifles in 7.62.

I love both. VEPRs are more accurate and although they weigh more, it is note too much. Much better bench resting, accuracy rifles. I love my Saigas for their light weight and easy handling. The Saigas are prefered to the VEPRs for just shooting stuff up at closer ranges.

[TODD3465]

Hmmmm......more accurate? Not in my experience with the a Bulgarian Arsenal SLR-95. I'd say equally accurate.

My next AK will be a M-7 with OD Green furniture.:cool:

[Silent-Snail]

I think the AK was actually originally milled, only later changed to stampings. I've read that the stampings were for cost savings.

It was but only because the Soviets lacked the ability to make reliable stamped recievers until 1950+. At least thats how The History Channel said it was. The milled ones were more expensive and wasted material.