[Big Al]

Just picked up a Bulgarian SLR-95 at a gunshow today! Milled reciever, chromed bore, etc. Looks to be brand new, with a 30rd waffle mag. This is my first AK - so what can you guys tell me about 'em?

[50 Shooter]

Great rifle, I have one myself. It will eat everything you put through it. The accuracy isn't to bad either.

[762x51]

Congrats! Very good AK. Did yours come with a muzzlebrake? If it bothers you, you can legally get rid of the thumbhole stock and install a pistol grip. Check over on the Bulgarian forum at AK-47.net for more details, but it basically involves the installing a US made fire control group, handguards, pistol grip, and buttstock. Good luck with the gun, and start stocking up on mags and ammo. :cool:

[dfariswheel]

Most people consider the SLR's to be the best quality AK ever imported into the US.

The high-grade milled receiver and the hammer-forged barrel contribute to about the best accuracy of any AK made, and the rifles apparently have a service life of forever.

Supposedly, Kalashnikov himself once said that the Bulgarians made the best AK.

[Gewehr98]

My own SLR-95, with the ATF-legal pistol grip furniture set.

Good choice in AK's, I might add! ;)

http://mauser98.com/aksmall.jpg

[amprecon]

Another satisfied SLR-95 owner here. I didn't like the muzzle brake so I removed it. The thumbhole stock is stupid but it doesn't affect shooting and it appears to be a much more rigid set-up anyway. They are fine carbines and acceptably accurate. It's my SHTF and go-to gun if/when things go bad.

[Big Al]

I'm pretty new to the "black rifle" game, so here's a good question -

Why would I have to switch out the fire control group and handguards? The way I understand the stupid "evil features" law is that a post-ban rifle is allowed to have two "evil features". I have the thumbhole stock setup - but I'd like to out on a pistol grip and regular stock. The way it is now, I only see one "evil feature" - the detachable mag. If I add a pistol grip, that would make two. Or does the muzzle brake count as a "flash hider" - another evil feature?

[762x51]

Here is the info you are looking for:

http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=40375

To sum it up.....The rule is you can't have more than 10 parts from this list imported (Non US made). If you don't have a part listed on your gun, don't worry about it.

1. Receiver
2. Barrel
3. Muzzle attachment
4. Muzzle extension
5. Trunion
6. Gas piston
7. Bolt
8. Bolt Carrier
9. Trigger
10. Trigger housing
11. Hammer
12. Sear
13. Disconnector
14. Operating Rod
15. Pistol Grip
16. Forearm/handguard
17. Buttstock
18. Magazine Body
19. Magazine Floorplate
20. Magazine Follower

Hope this helps.

[Big Al]

Okay, that answers that. What I really want to avoid is messing with the trigger group.

From what I've read up on, Milled-reciever AKs with an attached muzzle brake require the replacement of 5 parts to make quota - but I'm not completely sure of the validity of that. In any case, my SLR-95 is a milled reciever, with a thumbhole stock and a permanently attached muzzle brake. So to replace five parts, could a person swap out the (1)top cover plate, (2)thumbhole stock, (3)mag floorplate, (4)follower, and (5)sight pins to make the requirements? How about those Williams replaceable "bright sights"? Also, if I replace the thumbhole stock with a stock/pistol grip combo, does the new pistol grip go towards the new-part count?

This is confusing. Thanks for the help!

[762x51]

The parts you want to switch have to be on the list I posted above. Reciever top cover and sight pin are no good. Why exactly do you not want to change the FCG? It is actually quite easy and there are several high quality replacement FCGs on the market. Red Star Arms and Gordon Technologies being 2 of them.

[Big Al]

Okay, so how difficult is it to replace the FCG? And which one should I use? I think my SLR-95 is a "double hook" model - and how much do these kits run?

[762x51]

Here are some links for you. It looks a little bit confusing at first, but it really is quite simple. If you need more info, ask away over on AK-47.net. The Red Star FCG is a VERY nice trigger albeit on the expensive side. The pull is pretty light and very smooth. If you prefer a more military style trigger, (or simply cheaper) go with the Gordon Tech. I have one in my SAR and I like it. Red Star Arms also makes a replacement "plate" for the inside of the gun which eliminates the "shepards hook" that gives many people trouble in reassembling the FCG. Once you read the tutorial and look inside the gun, you will know what I mean. Good Luck.

A good Tutorial for replacing the FCG:
http://linx310.nothingbutguns.com/fcgremoval.htm

Red Star Arms Installation Instructions:
http://www.redstararms.com/uploads/RSA_trigger.pdf

Red Star Arms Trigger and plate:
http://www.redstararms.com/

Gordon Technologies FCG:
http://www.gordontechnologies.com/

Bulgarian Forum on AK-47.net:
http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=35

[Big Al]

NEW INFO

I took apart the FCG (using the supplied tutorial - that sheperd's hook is a PAIN), and all three FCG parts are engraved with "USA" - so I take it the last owner switched these parts out. Also, the reciever has the cutout in the back for the lower tang.

[puppage]

Big Al, my co-worker has the same gun..never fired, in mint condition. He wants $550.00 for it. Ya think that's a deal? Any info would be appreciated.

Pete

[dfariswheel]

IF it's actually in MINT condition, unaltered and un-screwed with, that's a good deal...........grab it.

As stated above before the subject drifted, the SLR's are probably the finest AK's ever imported.

There many be other AK's around that equal them, but no AK is better.

[Bobarino]

i've been contemplating an AK for a little while now too. i've been leaning towards the SAR-1 but the more i read about the SLR-95, the more i want one. i looked at an SAR-1 at a local gun shop and was not very impressed. the test target showed a 5 inch group. widely spread. the sights were crooked and the dust cover popped off when i pulled back the charging handle. i think i'll try to find and SLR. the one pictured above is very close to what i want. black furniture, polished charging handle/bolt, and sans muzzle braze. (does the muzzle brake really help?) good info, thanks.

Bobby

[762x51]

Sounds like you lucked out Big Al. :)

Bobarino: Take a look at the AK-103's from http://www.ak-103.com . Highly recommended.

[Gasman04]

Amprecon:

Really impressed with the SLR 95. How did you remove the muzzle break. I plan to install a Smith Enterprise Vortex on mine. I appreciated your advice. My email to Arsenal Inc is still unanswered. Thanks.

[nwilliams]

Gasman04 this thread was started Jan 2003!!

Welcome to THR but don't forget to check thread dates;)