Arsenal, Saiga, AK, US, Bulgarian, Russian questions

[Katitmail]

Can somebody school me on this stuff..

I read lot's of internet about AK's. Mainly AK47 is what I'm interested in. I already ordered WASR for myself but still trying to understand all varieties...

I'm interested in classic-shaped AK. Like WASR. Or like SLR-107FR

I understand Arsenal is like a TOP AK maker right now. I also thought that they are using bulgarian components.

manufactured in Las Vegas, Nevada, utilizing only the best and authentic Arsenal factory components. It is manufactured with a Bulgarian made Arsenal mil-spec 1mm stamped receiver

What does it mean? Are those parts new? Are they made in US?

Saiga.. When I talk about Saiga - I talk about conversions. I understand what conversion involves but can't find anything on Arsenal website. Online there is mentionings of Arsenal-converted Saiga rifles.

As I understand right now - if I want top AK - thats Arsenal. What if I want Saiga conversion done nicely? Where do I look?

 

[carbine85]

Check out Youtube for Saiga Conversions or save your money and buy a quailty shooter like the AR15

 

[Katitmail]

and buy a quailty shooter like the AR15

Those are cute in all black ^

.. but the question was about AK...

 

[M1key]

http://forum.saiga-12.com/

Best info on the Saigas, Veprs, and other AKs.

Also: http://www.akfiles.com/forums/

you're welcome

M

 

[dvdcrr]

Simply put I think its best to get the Bulgarian arsenal with the features you like. Your only regret will be not getting 2 of them.

 

[RIATAC45]

I have a Saiga and I did the conversion myself. They are not hard to do, and you get the options you want and nothing you don't.

 

[splithoof]

I have an Arsenal, and after comparing it to a number of AK pattern weapons, I'm glad I spent the extra money. It is very accurate with a wide variety of factory ammunition, 100% reliable, and very smooth.

 

[briansmithwins]

The Arsenal AKs are well made and use only new parts.

Finish is standard commie paint over parkerizing. The paint will be damaged by brake cleaner and some other solvents. Use CLP and you won't have any problems.

BSW

 

[Katitmail]

So...

1. Arsenal built of new Bulgarian parts here in US. Correct?
2. Arsenal does saiga conversions or not? If yes - which models?

 

[dvdcrr]

Bulgarian arsenals are bulgarian made receivers, barrel, and other parts. Arsenal saigas are russian receivers and barrels and other parts. They are assembled in their home countries and then are reconfigured in the US to be 922r compliant.

 

[Rob G]

1. Arsenal built of new Bulgarian parts here in US. Correct?

Correct. The receiver, barrel, bolt carrier, gas tube, and several other parts are Bulgarian made. The fcg, furniture, and muzzle brake (I think) are US made but pretty sure they're made on machinery purchased from eastern europe.

2. Arsenal does saiga conversions or not? If yes - which models?

They haven't done saiga conversions in a couple years. I actually own one from back when they were and it's a really nice rifle. FIME group was doing high quality saiga conversions after Arsenal stopped (coincidentally they were both in Vegas right near each other) but I'm not sure if they still are or not.

Both Arsenal and FIME basically did AK 100 series rifles which were about as close to a modern Russian military issue AK as legally possible. If you're looking for something more classic then you're best bet, in a brand new rifle, would be a WASR or an O-Pap or N-Pap. Those three rifles are cheap, reliable, and have that classic styling.

 

[Katitmail]

Rob,

Thanks for clearing it up for me, now I got better idea. I should get my two wasr's from j&g on Monday. I do want that classic look. Just wanted to see what is it about Arsenal, Saiga and $1k ak47s