AK-47 Bulgarian SSR85

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I'd go with the SSR85 myself.
If the fixed slant is a pain,I think they
are blind pinned. I few minutes and a steady
hand would fix that.
This is only my opinon,but I do own AK types
in 7 different calibers.:neener:

MRI
 
Thanks. I dont plan on removing the brake so I guess it is a non issue unless there are other reasons for not wanting a fixed brake.
 
Shooter , keep in mind we offer discounts to High Road members , we also stand behind out products, if you buy a rifle from us and there is a legitimate problem we will replace the unit , move you into another rifle or refund your money we will not stick you with a lemon.
 
Will see how this goes. I picked up a brand new SSR85 from Atlantic today, and no Bulgarian magazines I have for it will fit. In fact, the plastic mag that come in it will now not fit back in after the very 1st time I removed it. I haven't even fired a round through it.

Apparently, these are assembled by TGI - Tennessee Guns. They were apparently originally single stack guns that TGI reworked the mag well on to accept double stack mags. Gun is marked as SSR85C2.

Waiting now to see how Atlantic will handle it as the rifle is useless at this point.
 
Thanks Mike. I hope it will eventually be a good gun. Right not it is usless.
Hopefully Atlantic will help straighten it out for me.
 
I found this at:
http://thegunwiki.com/Gunwiki/RefBulgarianAkImports

Armory USA's Bulgarian Imported AKs All information and research by ShooterDave; editted and formatted by Sean Newton
I did some research on the Bulgarian AK known as the SSR85 C-2. It's based upon the Armory USA 1.6mm receiver. When the 2005 barrel ban was introduced, Armory USA got around this by importing complete Bulgarian-built rifles from the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense. These rifles, although using stamped receivers, were built from milled parts kits. The receiver was designed by a Mr. Ivan Kolev, a chief engineer at Arsenal of Bulgaria, and that is the reason behind its unconventional dimples. The rifle uses special front and rear trunnions, and a new trigger guard. The result is somewhat of a hybrid AK. They are imported with a single-stack magazine well, which is opened up to double stack after importation at Armory USA's American facility. Armory USA has 3 sets of stamping dies - 2 in the U.S. (1mm and 1.6mm), and one in Bulgaria, in 1.6mm.

The SSR85C-2 is made by ISD of Bulgaria. Where in Bulgaria, and why they were set up, is the 2 dollar question. The first SSR-85's were built with Hungarian receivers and Polish parts kits. The later versions, the SSR-56's, used a Chinese Polytech barrel on the same receiver. Some were made with Ohio Ordinance Works receivers.

-- SeanNewton - 31 Oct 2007
 
The Armory USA rifles are totally different rifles from the current SSR-85s.

Do not be fooled by a substandard rifle carrying the same model name coined by a well known manufacturer.
 
Mine is definitely a stamped receiver, with the apparent mag well modification.
 
I had an Armory USA SSR85C2 and it was a GREAT gun. Had the 1.6mm receiiver, chrome lined hammer forged barrel, parkerized finish, blond furniture, excellent fit and finish and a great shooter. Gun was 100% reliable, very well balanced, and quite accurate.
I paid around $500 for it a couple of years ago and regret ever selling it.
Other than a high dollar Arsenal or Krebs gun...it was the cleanest, smoothest cycling AK I've ever handled.
 
It is one of the best AK's out there, but with that said if you are smaller in stature it will seem big, I have fired my buddie 66912's It is really nice shooter, I perfer my Mak-90 it is a handi size, But if I could add the Bulgar to my collection for a "reasonable price" Yeah right, I would jump on it! good luck

Happiness is a belt fed weapon
 
RaferJanders said:
It is one of the best AK's out there, but with that said if you are smaller in stature it will seem big, I have fired my buddie 66912's It is really nice shooter, I perfer my Mak-90 it is a handi size, But if I could add the Bulgar to my collection for a "reasonable price" Yeah right, I would jump on it! good luck
Click to expand...
"It" being an Armory USA SSR-85, not a currently imported junker.
 
Nalioth,

Do you have personal experience with this "currently imported junker"?

If so, what specific difficulties did you have with this firearm?

Thanks

-P
 
phoglund said:
Do you have personal experience with this "currently imported junker"?

If so, what specific difficulties did you have with this firearm?
Click to expand...
I have no personal experience, as I won't buy 'em. I have seen a few.

The quality dropped drastically when Armory USA stopped importing them. They had a Bulgarian employee who knew how to talk to the factory 'back home'.
 
Nalioth , how do you know so much about the SSR line ? What are the differences between the current SSR and the SSR that Armory last imported ?
 
nalioth: Question

I just picked up my first AK from GunBroker and - yup its a brand spanking new "ISD BULGARIA LTD SSR-85". I have not received it yet but my question to you is how can I know if it's the "Junker" version or an OK rifle before I take it to the range?
Regards
 

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PichkinDim said:
I just picked up my first AK from GunBroker and - yup its a brand spanking new "ISD BULGARIA LTD SSR-85". I have not received it yet but my question to you is how can I know if it's the "Junker" version or an OK rifle before I take it to the range?
Click to expand...
During your post-shipping pre-shoot cleaning, you'll be able to tell.
 
SSR-85 sold by Atlantic is an excellent AK. That's from my personal experience.
 
N-
I take it I will be looking for issues such as pitting/corrosion/rust and other nastiness (ie: the photos you posted at AK files) basically "VERY" used parts?
Thanks again
John
 
My $.02.

I was in the exact same dilema 8 months ago, looking at both the Bulgarian and the Lancaster. I went with the Lancaster and roughly 800+ rounds later, I am absolutely satisfied. Bought 2, 1 for me, the other for my brother and we both love them.

I went with the Lancaster because of the chrome lined barrel, lifetime warranty, good reviews from others, and price. It was obviously quite a bit less expensive 8 months ago.

You'll probably have good luck either way, but the Lancaster is an excellent gun.

Also, buying through Atlantic was pain free, good service and follow up. Top notch service for my transaction.
 
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