AK's: VEPR or SA M-7?

[Father Knows Best]

I've decided that it's time for me to get an AK style carbine. I'm willing to pay for quality. I've read and heard very good things about two in particular: The VEPR K from Robinson Armament (http://www.ak47.com/VEPR K 7.62x39mm MB.htm ), and the SA M-7 carbine from Arsenal, Inc. (http://arsenalinc.com/sam7carbinenb.htm ).

So what do you say? Good and bad points of each one?

Thanks!

 

[TODD3465]

Go SAM-7, that will be my next AK, unless I run across someone with a deal ona SAR-1 who needs some cash.

I had a SLR-95 and loved it!

 

[RevDisk]

Call it fate, karma or just good folks, there's a VEPR group buy coming up. Look over in the Group Buy thread.

 

[Father Knows Best]

Yeah, I saw the group buy. That's what got me thinking. I'd been saving my $ for a SA M-7 after reading about them in Shotgun News. Now this VEPR group buy comes along, the VEPR has a great rep, too. It sounds like the VEPR doesn't accept standard AK furtniture and accessories, though, which is a bit of a negative. So I'm not sure what to do.

 

[RevDisk]

It sounds like the VEPR doesn't accept standard AK furtniture and accessories, though, which is a bit of a negative. So I'm not sure what to do.

Magazines. 7.62x39mm, yep. .223 or .308, no. Supposedly there is an adaptor for the .308 that allows M14 mags. However, I really don't consider .223 or .308 to be 'standard AK' calibers.

Accessories and furniture, depends. Generally, nope. Krebs makes after-market accessories. Bit expensive, but truly top quality parts.

 

[Father Knows Best]

7.62x39 is the one I want, so mags aren't an issue.

So in 7.62x39, is there really any significant quality difference between the two?

 

[Correia]

I like them both, but I'm going to have to go with the Vepr...


But I'm pretty obviously biased...

 

[RevDisk]

So in 7.62x39, is there really any significant quality difference between the two?

Erm. Receiver wall thickness. RPK receiver (VEPR) is slightly thicker, and has a bulge to accept the longer trunion.

In reality? No, not too much of a difference to the average gunnie that just goes to the range and back.

 

[another48hrs]

I voted for SAM 7, because you mentioned you already are saving up for one. You also mentioned that furniture was an issue with you, the SAM 7 has more options there over the Vepr. Like if you ever wanted to switch over to traditional wood. But the SAM 7 is limited in folding stocks, because of its milled receiver.

 

[ny32182]

The AK is the toughest of rifle platforms (IMO), and the VEPR is the toughest of the AKs. Take that for what it is worth.

The VEPR has a tougher receiver, trunion, and heavier barrel than a standard AK. It is heavier, doesn't accept standard furniture, and is more durable.

The SA-M7 is more "standard AK". Lighter, and less durable, but still very tough. I have a VEPR but wouldn't mind owning both.

I have a friend with an SAM7 and it is a fine rifle.

 

[Father Knows Best]

Well, it looks like a horse race. Votes are 7 to 6 in favor of the SA M-7 right now. I can get in on the group buy for a VEPR, though, at under $500, whereas a SA M-7 will cost quite a bit more.

Looks like I'm getting in on the group buy....

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I voted for SA-M7. Milled AKs rule.

I have an Arsenal SLR-101SG and it's the nicest AK I've ever handled, IMO. The milled receiver gives it a really solid feel.

I've handled a VEPR-K before and it was nice, but I prefer the Bulgie.