Arsenal or Lanchaster AK-47 ?

[Bones11b]

I chose Arsenal. Some of the reasons were; milled receiver, chrome lined barrel, right side folding stock, thumb safety, and reputation for quality craftsmanship. I haven't regretted my decision as of yet.

 

[Maverick223]

Bones, since you wanted a milled receiver I think you chose wisely.

 

[nalioth]

Some of the reasons were; milled receiver, chrome lined barrel, right side folding stock, thumb safety, and reputation for quality craftsmanship

1) Arsenal hasn't sold a milled gun in years (notwithstanding their "new arrival" they just advertised)
2) chrome lining is unnecessary bling, and reduces accuracy
3) Thumb safety? SAY WHAT?
4) Which milled Arsenal had a side folding stock? Ah, one model in their whole history.
5)"reputation for quality craftsmanship" - What have you been looking at?

Arsenal spends a large amount of money on "marketing". "Marketing" is a fancy way of saying 'brain washing'.

'nuff sed

 

[Bones11b]

Maverick, thanks.

Nalioth, the OP asked "Arsenal or Lanchaster which would you choose? and why" I was simply stating which I chose and why.

1) I purchased mine about a year ago, and still see examples now and again at gun shows.
2) Call me crazy but my rifles in the Army were equipped with chrome lined barrels. Supposedly they are easier to clean. As far as accuracy, I haven't done any serious target shooting with my AK but it hits what I shoot at. Forgot to mention barrel is hammer forged.
3)Yes my Arsenal safety is an ambi. It has a thumb lever on the left side so I can engage or disengage the safety without severely adjusting my grip on the weapon.
4) Yes my Arsenal has a right side folding stock, that is the best I have ever handled.
5) Prior to making my purchase I used information gathered on this site as well as a few others to narrow my choices. Then I asked all my shooting associates whose knowledge I respect which in their opinion was the best possible AK in the world. The vast majority said "Get a milled Arsenal."

Link to the model I own:
http://www.arsenalinc.com/sam7sf.htm

Link to review in "Small Arms Review":
http://www.smallarmsreview.com/pdf/sam7.pdf

Link to review over at Gunco by a member:
http://www.gunco.net/forums/f3/review-arsenal-sa-m7-carbine-3840/

 

[Gun Slinger]

Bones-

My experiences match yours. Plenty happy with my Arsenals.

The milled Arsenals, while somewhat difficult to obtain at times, are great AK47s and the six (3 SASM7s and 3 SAM7A1s) that I have are flawless performers each. There are 6 or 7 right now, both used and NIB, available on GB as this is written and while I don't want or need another one perhaps the OP can avail himself of the opprotunity if he is so inclined.

I believe the chrome lining is there to aid against or at least prevent the detrimental effect that corrosive ammunition may have upon the bore over the long term since there is a good chance that it may be used with such ammunition. Still plenty of corrosive surplus x39 out there.

Never understood all the "hate" for Arsenal's AK47s especially the milled receiver models, but I suspect that it comes down to those who like them and those who do not own one. As I've said before, each of mine have been just fine.

 

[lipadj46]

To answer: why pay $1000 for an Arsenal AK when you can convert a Saiga for $500 (used to could)? Because your converted Saiga looks just like that, a converted Saiga.

I'm saying for $1000 you can have any Saiga (even an S12) custom converted by a known Saiga gunsmith and have a better rifle than an Arsenal AK. Especially now with gun prices falling and demand slackening.

I don't hate Arsenals I just think that you can get a better rifle for the money and like what was said before Arsenal has not sold milled AKs for a long time (until recently) and the Saigas they convert are just like any other professional conversion.

 

[nalioth]

I believe the chrome lining is there to aid against or at least prevent the detrimental effect that corrosive ammunition may have upon the bore over the long term since there is a good chance that it may be used with such ammunition

Chrome lining is specced by military customers to extend the barrel life under full auto usage.

We have not issued corrosive 5.56x45 in 50 years (if we ever have), but all our military's weapons in that caliber have chrome lined barrels.

Believe it or not, the Russians and Bulgarians and Poles (and I'm sure other countries formerly part of the USSR) have pretty decent standards in their military as far as cleaning regimens go. All the Ak74 kits and Tantal kits I've seen were in pretty nice condition, for having been 'round the world on deployments and only having corrosive ammo used in them.


IOW, the primary reason is not "for corrosive ammunition resistance".

 

[Maverick223]

I believe the chrome lining is there to aid against or at least prevent the detrimental effect that corrosive ammunition may have upon the bore over the long term since there is a good chance that it may be used with such ammunition. Still plenty of corrosive surplus x39 out there.

While not designed specifically for that, it does help keep the barrel clean in all conditions, including with corrosive ammo; it is also detrimental to accuracy, but not to the extreme.

I don't hate Arsenals I just think that you can get a better rifle for the money and like what was said before Arsenal has not sold milled AKs for a long time (until recently) and the Saigas they convert are just like any other professional conversion.

I agree, unless you want a milled receiver the Saiga is the best buy.