Arsenal SA M-7 R- Your Thoughts

[MannytheGreek]

Hey all,

Just a quick question about the Arsenal SA M-7 R. I currently have an SGL-21 and am very happy with it. Im looking for a milled receiver AK because I always wanted to have the "Cadillac" of AK's.

From what I understand, the receiver is made in the US. What about the Bolt Carrier Group, piston, etc? I hear the fit is second to none, but it's kind of odd to me that for 1600$ the only part of the rifle is made in the US, with the rest made in Bulgaria.

Also, my SGL despite the cheap spraypain finsih (thankfully) has run 100% with all types of ammunition. Can I expect the same reliability from a milled ak? I hear that the SLR series made in Bulgaria has been having some issues.

I just want to be sure that the 1600 dollars I spend on a milled AK will be worth it and that the quality will be what I am expecting.

Thanks

MannytheGreek

 

[nalioth]

Arsenal's Bulgarian offerings have always been very overpriced, and Arsenal uses shrewd (some say 'sneaky' or 'underhanded') marketing techniques to keep them that way.

Your very mention of "Cadillac" shows that their [strike]jedi mind tricks[/strike] marketing strategies are working.

Arsenal's Bulgarian AKs are not made in America, but at Arsenal of Bulgaria. They're shipped here and Arsenal adds the following US parts for 922r compliance:
Pistol grip
Butt stock
Hand guard (top and bottom)
Trigger
Hammer
Disconnector

The receiver is not "US made", nor is the barrel, gas piston, or BCG.

 

[InkEd]

The fact that the are Bulgarian AKs (considered by many to be the best of the AKs) ONLY makes them better. However, if you already own a nice Arsenal AK gettig one with a milled receiver won't be much of an improvement. Let all the WASR guys talk trash about expensive AKs but there IS a difference.

 

[MannytheGreek]

Hi Guys,

Nalioth, if you check the KVAR website, you will see that the milled receiver variants offered now have their receivers milled in the US. See link. Im familiar with their other guns. Im just curious if the quality is top notch for these rifles and worth the extra dough.



http://www.k-var.com/shop/home.php?cat=355

-MannytheGreek

 

[nalioth]

Nalioth, if you check the KVAR website, you will see that the milled receiver variants offered now have their receivers milled in the US. See link. Im familiar with their other guns. Im just curious if the quality is top notch for these rifles and worth the extra dough.

No, sir.

They are using "legalities" to advertise them as "US made".

Any foreign gun that is otherwise unimportable legally (not actually) becomes "US made" when it is 922r compliant, which is what the 6 parts I listed above do for them.

 

[Birdmang]

Damn I should have searched. This is what IM looking for.

 

[aka108]

I bought a Arsenal SA M7S a few years ago. Nice looking piece. Has the usual pieces to make it compliant with whatever and the milled reciever is US made. Barrel and stuff is supposedly Bulgarian. Ran 700 bucks back then with a Kobra red dot sight included. The milled reciever models weight a lot more than the stamped reciever models. I'd say it shoots a little more accurately than the 200 dollar Saiga I have but not by a whole lot.

 

[nalioth]

The receivers are not US made. See post #5

 

[mshootnit]

A milled AK is a really nice AK. I have owned 3 and I can tell you that you won't regret the purchase if you are an "AK man". They do run noticeably smoother than the stamped rifles and my milled Bulgarians were also accurate. The old Sam 7 A1R was the cats meow.
I would find an Arsenal SLR-95 and convert using a pistol grip, Arsenal 2 stage trigger group (or Red Star) and an Ace sidefolder. You could add an MPK 2 siderail kit if you wanted to mount a Kobra for example. That would be as good as it gets for an AK on this planet. The extra weight is minimal and its in the right place. If you think its heavy mount up an M1 Garand then you will change your mind.

 

[stubbicatt]

Good rifles. If one of them speaks to you and it is something you are willing to spend that kind of cash on, enjoy it!