AK SAR-1 range report.

[firestar]

I finally got a chance to shoot my AK SAR-1 today.

I loaded six 30rd mags and shot them all (180rds). I had 4-5 jams/light strikes which surprised me. I have heard so much about the reliability of the AK that I didn't expect any jams at all. Most of the jams and all the light strikes occured when I was trying to rapid fire the gun.

As much as the unreliability surprised me in a bad way the accuracy surprised me in a good way. Most of the people I have seen shooting AKs either had inaccurate guns or they couldn't shot them because mine was extremly accurate.

I didn't put it on paper but I shot at various objects and various distances and it hit everything I aimed at. I shot a one gallon milk jug at 50m with my friend "spotting" for me. In a 30 rd mag I hit it every time with ease. I seems very accurate but I can't group size until I put it on paper.

The gun is stock except for a peep sight and extended butt pad. I also have a sling on it that I used for stability as I was doing all this shooting from an unsupported standing position.

I bought the gun used and I didn't clean it. It only had jams in the first 3 mags, the last three were fine. I will clean it and try again when weather permits.

 

[yzguy]

you wern't bump firing were you??

if so you can actualy pull the trigger before the bolt is closed, and the hammer will follow the bolt home resulting in a light strike.

If you were just pulling the trigger fast, that is totaly different...

 

[Dave R]

Not surprised you saw good accuracy, firestar. You were doing at least 3 things right:

1. That peep sight is probably much more precise than the standard AK sight. I think a lot of the AK's bad rap for accuracy is due to the coarse sights.

2. You were using a sling properly. Probably helped you get a steadier hold. An AK is "lively" enough that I find it hard to get a steady hold. That's probably another factor in the AK's rap for accuracy.

3. The stock extension probably helped you get a better cheek weld and sight picture. Someone told me the AK was designed for Mr. Kalashinikov, wearing a heavy coat (he's a short guy). I believe it.

 

[firestar]

Yeah, I was bump firing it when I experienced a few of the malfuntions. I just had to try it. I got off one good 5-6 round burst before it had a light hammer strike. I was mostly just trying to get a feel for the gun as I have never shot an AK before.

I still like my Colt AR-15 better.

The nice thing about the AK is I don't mind if it gets dents and scratches on it, its not like you can make it any uglier.

I'm buying a SKS soon and I will give another range report when I shoot it. Probably a used Yugo. I was thinking about getting one of the new unissued ones for a little more but I'm just going to use it as a beater anyway.

 

[AK103K]

I think you'll find the light strikes will go away if you stop that silly "bumping". The hammer probably just followed the the bolt down, causing the light strike. Sooner or later theres going to be an "out of battery" detention. I personally think bump firing is an unsafe act and get away from anyone doing it. I've already experienced first hand what happens when a large caliber rifle fires out of battery, and I dont want to be anywhere near it if it happens. I also think "the bump" is just unsafe gun handling, especially if your near a group of people, or have anything in the line of fire behind the butts. I've got 4 AK's from one end of the price spectrum to the other. The only problems I've had with them has been due to the crappy US parts that have been installed. That and a recoil buffer that came with my SSR-85C which caused feeding problems. Once removed, the trouble went away. The AK has a bad rap for accuracy. Most of the problem is the rear sight, at least for me. But that same rear sight is good for fast up close shooting. At reasonable and realistic distances and under realistic circumstances the AK is a good weapon. Its not a target rifle and never claimed to be.

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

I have a sar-1 and love it.
have not shot it for about a year and a half now but its a keeper.

trigger is actually very nice. pick mine out from a group of several and after purchase put on on of the adjustible metal akm rear sights.
the first time it went to the range all I did was to center the sights up and then fired it and it was right on the money.

I like mine. jon

 

[Jedi_7.62]

I got my SAR 1 about 3 yrs. ago and love it!!!!
Best $350 I ever spent.

It's not a sniper rifle nor a tack hammer but within reasonable ranges DARNED acurate out of the box!

No offense but I believe bad rep comes from folks not using it right.

I'm a little guy only 5'6" the short size of this rifle is actually what drew me to it in the first place. Kinda silly but it just feels right got tired of using guns that pulled my shoulder out of socket.

Ugly yea kinda but I love her anyway! lol

For a couple hundred she can be pertied up a bit. New finish and nice black hardware permanently attached "muzzle break"
It's on my to do list. But hey She's got it where it counts!

Just my 2 cents worth hope you enjoy her as much as I do.

 

[firestar]

I'm not going to bump fire it anymore. I didn't know it could fire out of battery like that.

I don't to pretty it up. I like it ugly. AKs are supposed to look rough and dirty.