[blazer610]

I'm planning to purchase a AK pattern rifle. I want something a little nicer than the average Romanian examples that seem to be everywhere. I have been looking a 3 rifles that I need to choose from. I would appreciate any input as I'm new to this particular weapon. Here are the rifles I'm considering:

Robinson Armament Vepr

Global Trades/ Arsenal USA SSR-56

Arsenal, Inc SLR-101



Thanks in advance,
Larry

[Murphster]

I've had several VEPR's and an AK from Global Trades/Arsenal USA. I'm not familiar with the Arsenal Inc. offering. VEPR's are outstanding in their quality. I've heard them compared with AR as to quality of workmanship.
Had two in 7.62 and one in the 5.45. All were accurate, attractive, and functioned perfectly. VEPR's do not look like typical AK's. They have a different butstock and forearm. Harder to burn your hand on the barrel with the VEPR stock. They are built on a Russian RPK receiver (sort of a squad automatic weapon version). That means they have extra reinforcement on the receiver and are built of thicker metal. This adds weight. Some like the extra weight for extra control. Some don't. Weight is probably the biggest negative in my book. I always had the 20 inch barrels. If I had to do it again (which someday I probably will), I'd get the shorter version. The Global Trades/Arsenal USA AK that I had (can't remember the model number - I don't have it but gave it to my nephew as a gift) is a typical AK. Built on a Hungarian receiver. They import parts, add American parts to the mix, and produce a typical (as far as looks go) AK. They refinish them (parkerize? can't remember) and add new wood to them. Beautiful and functioned perfectly. Only glitch to mine was a recoil buffer that kept the gun from feeding reliably. Pulled it out and gun functioned perfectly. Buffer may have been used to up the number of U.S. parts in it. Both companies produce good weapons.

[Engineer]

I'd go with the Arsenal, Inc SLR-101. Friend bought a Arsenal USA AK and it came with the barrel pressed into the trunion crooked. Arsenal USA sent him a new gun, but the front sight was canted on the new one which he ended up fixing himself. Both defects are unacceptable on a high-buck AK.

[clubsoda22]

Just purchaced an Arsenal SLR-101. range report in a couple weeks (finals come first).

If you are going to get one, order it from FAC the second you read this. you'll be put on a waiting list and it may take some time (2-3weeks), but you'll be paying old prices. Arsenal is planning on raising the price on their entire product line 5% to cover increased cost of parts and the falling value of the US dollar (important to consider they are an american offshoot of arsenal of bulgaria, who is on the euro)

at least as good as the VEPR in quality with that classic AK look. The AK look was as important to me as getting a quality rifle, so i went with the SLR.

[MAKOwner]

I think I'd get one of the Arsenal US SSRs. With the standard stamped receiver they are significantly lighter than both the VEPR and the milled receiver SLR guns. I'm not a big fan of the VEPRs looks either... There is nothing deficient about the standard stamped receiver (when using 7.62x39 or 5.45/5.56 anyway) to warrant the added weight and balance issues of the RPK and milled receivers. They offer no real world durability/accuracy benefit (compared with a equally well built stamped gun like the SSR series and AK-USA guns) with a very real, large weight penalty...

[hksw]

Have a Super VEPR and am impressed by its build quality. Functions fine but kicks like a mule (7.62X51). Recently ordered a Arsenal, Inc. SA RPK-7 last wekk and just got the call yesterday that it has arrived. Can't wait to pick it up. Weight is not a big issue for me (other than my own, that is:)), I can handle 9-10 pounds no prob. More weight = less felt recoil, not that 7.62X39 is hard to handle.

[ny32182]

I have a VEPR K (carbine version) 7.62x39 w/brake. 16.5" hammer forged chrome lined bull barrel, built on an RPK reciever. The RPK reciever is 50% thicker than a normal reciever. The trunion is beefier as well.

The build quality is as perfect as an AK will ever be: sights are perfectly straight, no hint of trigger slap, etc. Nothing rattles when you shake it. The gun is really designed for a good bit of full auto firing, and as such, it takes a whole lot of rounds in semi-auto to get it heated up. VEPRs are known for their superior accuracy, although if you plan to shoot wolf, it might not make that much difference. The furniture isn't pretty, but then again, no AK is... the downsides are a lack of other furniture options, and the extra weight of the bull barrel and RPK receiver. Although there is a folding stock in the works if the AWB goes down. The finish is also pretty nice.

Arsenal makes a good product too.... all up to you.

[Correia]

I'm biased towards the Vepr. As was stated above, they are heavier. But they are a rock solid, surprisingly accurate, and super reliable weapon.

[10shooter]

When I thought I needed to get an AK I bought the Vepr. This was after shooting a few different ones that friends had. Yes it's 2 pound heavier than a regular AK but that lowers the recoil. The only complaint I have is that the front forearm screw likes to come loose. I replaced the nylon screw spacer with a pair of composite washers total cost 43 cent.