Arsenal, Inc. SGL31 (AK-74) Range Report

I just thought I'd share with you guys a range report about my favorite rifle.




The number one draw to the 5.45x39mm AK rifles right now is the cost of ammunition. Quality, mil-spec ammunition can be purchased for twelve cents a round, and is on par with the American 5.56/.223 ammunition which is generally three to four times more in cost. It is Russian surplus ammunition designated 7N6 and consists of a bi-metal jacket and a mild steel core (makes a great fireworks show when shooting hard targets at dusk). The projectile weighs 53 grains and has a muzzle velocity of roughly 2,950 feet per second.

During this particular range trip, I benched the rifle at what a laser range finder tells me is 103 yards from the targets.

Many people knock the AK platform for its deficiency when it comes to accuracy. After shooting this rifle, I can say that this "detriment" is really overblown among the gun community.



Here's the first five shot group of the day at 103 yards:



Second group:



Third group:



Thirty shot group:



All of the groups; the black group was laying prone with the rifle unsupported.



Not the best rest in the world, but effective enough



I'm quite pleased with the accuracy of this rifle. Definitely within all acceptable standards for a general issue combat rifle. Recoil does not even exist for this rifle; I've convinced new, recoil shy shooters to give it a shot by firing the rifle with the stock on my mouth/nose instead of my shoulder. I'm also pleased with the rifle's reliability and function. I have experienced no malfunctions or hiccups whatsoever with this rifle, and I've just opened up my third 1,080 round can of ammunition. A little over 2,160 rounds fired through it in the span of two months.

Cleaning is extremely simply and pretty quick. Field stripping the rifle is something that can be done in your sleep.



Everything you need to clean an AK:



Many countries have made their own AKs and many of those AKs are available on the civilian market in the United States. However, there's nothing quite like a real Russian one:

 

Nice. Thanks for the report... I've been considering one of these.

 

I have a red jacket Saiga conversion AK-74 so it is basically the same gun with a lot of the same conversion parts. I get 4 MOA at 100 yards which roughly matches what you are getting. Mine has also been 100% reliable.

Does yours have a NATO length stock or the shorter original length? Mine came with a NATO length which was nice.

 

I'd love to have one of those to match my SGL-21. It is on my long term wish list.

 

I bought a Century 74 a month back with much of the same results. My biggest concern was that I had read about military suplus ammo keyholeing on some of the Century 74s. I'm not sure of the twist rate, but mine does not keyhole with suplus ammo.

I did change out the stocks to a Kvar Nato stockset due to the fact the factory one's forearm left a lot to be desired (no hump on the grip, just flat) and no heat shield. Also the buttstock didn't have the cleaning kit trapdoor or a sidemounted slingmount.

You are right about the recoil being almost nonexistent, I have a difficult time keeping my 17 yearold niece from shooting all my ammo when we go to the range and it's the first rifle she reaches for. I might have to get her one of her own soon just so she doesn't wear my out.

 

Mine has the original length stock. My friend has the Century M74 with the longer stock; I don't like it.

 

I want to buy one of those, 5.45 is a very good round and these days cheap!

The Afghan's called it the "poison bullet". Interesting design, the tip is hollow so it flattens out and travels around inside the body in interesting ways doing a lot of damage.

 

Great groups and report. 5.45 do kick some a__ in Afghanistan during the Russian occupation. And lately in Chechnya and Georgia.

 

Very nice rifle & shooting! I really like my Arsenal SGL-20, and would consider one of these in a heartbeat. Assuming i had the $, of course.

 

Excellent report !!!! Thanks..................

 

Obviously this is fake. Everyone here knows that the AK rifle can't hit a man at 100 yards. Ever.

 

Great report. Wish I had bought the ak74 instead of my Yugo M70 underfolder.

 

Very nice rifle and range report! Well done.

 

Nice looking, shooting rifle! Thx for the report.

 

I really like the looks of that AK...great shooting, too

 

just so you know that Break Free cleaner you are using will strip the paint. you are better off using CLP. although, you are shooting corrosive ammo, so you might need the Break Free. just dont get it on the exterior of the gun. it will melt the paint finish right off!

 

Mmm, god I love the AK. That's a very handsome model too, I've always wanted a 5.45.

Dig those groups!

 

Nice rifle, and I say that as a fellow AK lover.

I want to pick up a 7.62x39 SGL21 myself. (They can be bought in the People's Republic)

Down the road, I think I want to get a 5.45 AK, because I love AKs and like you said, you can't beat $0.12 ammo that works just fine. I think I'll get the 5.45 when I live in Free America.

Since I live in California, it's easier to get my hands on 7.62 because it's so widespread. 5.45--not so much. And unless something happens, ordering ammo online/mail order will be against the law; ergo, there goes the cheap 5.45x39.


And I really dig the orange bakelite mags. I have always thought those have looked super cool; it's a shame they are so rare for 7.62, or so I'm told...

 

The spray can in the picture is Break Free CLP. It's the only cleaner I use on the SGL31 after Break Free Powder Blast stripped the paint off the Arsenal muzzle brake (that's one of the reasons I have the East German brake now)

I don't use Hoppes #9, Windex, etc. Just Break Free CLP. I haven't had any corrosion in the three month and 2,600 rounds I've had this rifle.