To go along with my other thread, I'd like to know if anyone has information on what kind of quality Arsenal is capable of? We know quality AR15 makers perform tests like HPT/MPI bolt/barrel, stake key parts, use high quality steel/aluminum, etc. Do we know what kind of steel Arsenal uses? What kind of Q.C. processes are in place?
What Makes an Arsenal AK Quality?
- Thread starter HGM22
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justice06rr
Member
I don't know the technical specs for AK's, but of all the AK rifles I've owned, Arsenal had the best overall quality, fit and finish.
I've had a WASR10 (Romanian), 3 Saiga's (Russian), a Draco 12" Pistol (Romanian), and a M92 pistol (Serbian/Yugo). The Arsenal has the best exterior finish, the safety and mag release levers operate very smoothly out of the box, and any AK mag fits with no issue.
Some of the others had fitment issues with magazine being too tight/loose in the magwell, canted sights, tooling/scratch marks on the receiver, loose/rough machining, etc. Not to say that Arsenal won't put out a bad rifle here and there, but in general they inspect their rifles very well before shipping them out.
I've had a WASR10 (Romanian), 3 Saiga's (Russian), a Draco 12" Pistol (Romanian), and a M92 pistol (Serbian/Yugo). The Arsenal has the best exterior finish, the safety and mag release levers operate very smoothly out of the box, and any AK mag fits with no issue.
Some of the others had fitment issues with magazine being too tight/loose in the magwell, canted sights, tooling/scratch marks on the receiver, loose/rough machining, etc. Not to say that Arsenal won't put out a bad rifle here and there, but in general they inspect their rifles very well before shipping them out.
Jackal
Member
Arsenal, DDI, Polytech/Norinco are all top tier.
C-grunt
Member
Just like any other rifle. Quality parts, quality workmanship, and good QC.
Rob G
Member
Arsenal does a lot of things right. For starters they're using Bulgarian kits for their builds. Bulgaria generally makes the nicest AKs and even Kalashnikov admitted the truth of this at one point. I've also heard that they machines they're using to make the required "made in USA" parts were supposedly bought from overseas AK plants. This would help keep their manufacturing techniques as true to form as possible.
Mostly though I'm betting it's a lot of experience and care. They've been doing this a long time and they know how to do it right. That includes backing their products.
I have an older Arsenal SGL 31 where the bolt carrier cracked at the point that the gas piston attaches. I called Arsenal and they immediately gave me a UPS shipping number for the part. Three days later they called, said that my bolt carrier had been made with a new design they were trying out for attaching the gas piston. They were sending me a free replacement bolt made "the old fashioned way." I got it a couple days later. No problems since. Customer service like that is worth a little extra cash.
Mostly though I'm betting it's a lot of experience and care. They've been doing this a long time and they know how to do it right. That includes backing their products.
I have an older Arsenal SGL 31 where the bolt carrier cracked at the point that the gas piston attaches. I called Arsenal and they immediately gave me a UPS shipping number for the part. Three days later they called, said that my bolt carrier had been made with a new design they were trying out for attaching the gas piston. They were sending me a free replacement bolt made "the old fashioned way." I got it a couple days later. No problems since. Customer service like that is worth a little extra cash.
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