5.56x45mm AK questions

[vanfunk]

Hello All,
I've recently been presented with what I think is a fairly good deal on an Arsenal SA-M5 AK-pattern carbine in 5.56mm NATO. It is NIB and comes with a 10 round and 30 round mag. The piece features a milled receiver and the adjustable RPK rear sight, and is built hell-for-stout. I like it and I'm definitely thinking about buying it, but I'm wondering how the AK action handles the 5.56mm round. Are there any reliability issues to be aware of? I understand that 5.56mm NATO chambered AKs are now being fielded by various former Combloc nations. Anybody know which ones? I believe the national army of Colombia has adopted this particular model, anyway.

My other concern is that Arsenal seems to have discontinued this model. Is it just that they are transitioning to making stamped receiver AKs only, or is there something wrong with this model?

I had an Arsenal SLR-105(R) in 5.45 for awhile and was impressed with its overall quality, but the finish was very poor (it literally came off in my hands). The finish on the SA-M5 seems to be more duable than the shoe polish on my SLR.

Any other thoughts on .223/5.56mm AKs in general?

Thanks,
vanfunk

 

[Gun Wielding Maniac]

I have an Arsenal SAM-5R and I love it to death. The Bulgarians are moving away from the milled receiver 5.56 guns because all of their production is being used up to ship 7.62 milled guns to the Iraqi Army. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the design. In fact, the only problems I am aware of in 5.56mm AK's are the hammer geometry in the SAR-3 (the face of the hammer needs to be slightly differant) and magazine availability. Magazines are hit or miss. With the old Chinese AK's there were particular magazines that had to be used with particular models. If you couldnt find them, SOL. The SAM-5 in particular I know can use the Arsenal mags, of course, and modified bulgarian AK-74 mags. It will NOT use the common-place Weiger magazines or Galil magazines without modification. This is tiresome as original Bulgy .223 mags run 24 dollars a pop.

My SAM-5 will cycle ammunition which is unreliable in my AR-180... and most other people's AR-15's. It is a beast! Consider also that you can have the SAM-5 modified to accept the Bulgarian ambidextrous safety... which would allow you to turn on and off the safety with your firing hand without changing your grip.

That I know of the Bulgarians, the Polish, Serbia, and the Ukrainians have switched to 5.56 AK's. Basically, any country that wants to enter NATO has to use 5.56. Columbia and Venzuala may use 5.56 AK's... Not sure on that though. I seem to recall pictures of FARC guerilla's with Arsenal 5.56's. If you are worried about combat reliability, leave your fears at the door.

 

[BigG]

The Valmet has been used with 5.56 NATO for over 30 years. Mag availability is the big issue. They work with Bulgy waffle mags. Have to try an Arsenal mag.

 

[vanfunk]

Thanks guys,
I'll pick it up later tonight.

vanfunk

 

[Dave R]

I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Are there any reliability issues to be aware of?

The only ones I am aware of are related to the crappy converted bakelite mags that Century arms shipped out with their early SAR-3s. With proper mags, I have not heard of any reliability issues. I've owned a SAR-3 for 4 (?) years now, and I don't think its ever jammed. And it gets shot a lot. It's everyone's favorite.