Checking over a new AK

[Parallax]

I just bought an Arsenal SLR107, it's my first AK type rifle. Everything looks to be normal to my untrained eye, but I want to make sure nothing is wrong with it. What specifically should I look for?

Also, I've read a lot about canted sights. I should be able to tell if the sights are straight just by looking at them, right? They look fine to me, just want to make sure.

 

[Snakum]

Check the bore thoroughly for flaking if chrome lined, pits and rust if not
Check for trigger slap if you can fire it - check trigger type if you can't (G2 is best)
Canted front sight from bore and canted gas block
Loose furniture and/or loose or ill-fitting folding stock
Loose muzzle brake/brake not aligned properly
Whether or not barrel is threaded for brake, or if brake is welded on
Oversize mag well/mag wobble
Difficulty fitting or securing mags - check both
Hard-to-release safety
Rust or weirdness inside receiver
Rust anywhere on the rifle (small spots are no big deal with an AK, though)
Part numbers matching (can make a diff in reliability and accuracy, not a huge deal)

 

[HorseSoldier]

Canted front sights can be subtle, too. My Arsenal shot about 6 inches left of POA, even with the windage maxed out. Couldn't see it to look at it, but it was slightly off. When you get it to the range to test fire and zero check how it matches up POA/POI (and note AKs need zeroing same as any other long gun -- some people don't seem to think this is true or necessary for some reason).

 

[zhyla]

Bah. Fire many rounds. See if broad side of barn was hit.