RAK Red Classic AK vs Bulgarian SSR-85

[REDMASTA]

Looking at the either the Russian RAK Red Classic AK (Saiga) or the Bulgarian SSR-85 both from Atlantic Firearms. Both look nice but which one would you guys consider of higher quality? Also which one would you consider to be a more authentic Ak-47 style rifle? Please explain! Oh and I'm aware of the not so nice finish on the Bulgarian rifle but I would be having it refinished and Russian red stock, fore & grip installed at Lancaster for $280. This would make both rifles around the same price in the end.

Russian RAK AK47

Bulgarian SSR 85

 

[nalioth]

Don't even waste any more brain power on the SSR-85.

Search is your friend, it has been discussed here before.

 

[REDMASTA]

I have searched, haven't seen a direct comparison between the two. I do know from my searchs that you do not like the SSR-85

 

[nalioth]

Well, the Saiga is a brand new rifle. Enhanced by someone competent.

The currently available SSR-85 is a cobbled together retread.

You decide what you want.

 

[hessy]

Nalioth, are you still bashing SSR-85? My SSR-85 has been put together real well and certainly is better-both quality and price-wise compared to a converted Saiga. SSR-85 used to be $599 until recently. It is made out of brand-new parts. No warning signs. The "Russian" RAK the original poster was asking about is a Lancaster-converted Saiga. I have seen a few new SSR-85 in our neck of the woods and they were all better than WASR. As far as Saiga, it depends who converts it, you may end up spending much more money these days.
Here is my SSR-85, target at 100 yds and I fired 20 rds of Brown Bear

 

[kyjoe]

REDMASTA - check out www.classicarms.us

good deal on bulgarian in current mkt

 

[Atlantic Firearms]

Nalioth

How do you know so much about the SSR line ? You seem to have a serious nut out for them and would like to know what inside info you have that a distibutor like our firm does not ? Thanks

 

[nalioth]

How do you know so much about the SSR line ? You seem to have a serious nut out for them and would like to know what inside info you have that a distibutor like our firm does not ? Thanks

I know that the SSR-85 rifles are made from used Bulgarian military Type 3 AK-47s. Blast and park covers a lot of use.

I know the Saiga is all new production.

I also know the quality control on the SSR-85 has fallen since Armory USA went out of business (and stopped importing them).

 

[atlanticfire]

 

[FMJMIKE]

My SSR-85C2 is great. I believe some earlier ones had a problem. I would buy another if I had the cash...........

 

[Atlantic Firearms]

We have been selling the SSR line for approx 10 years , started with the SSR 56 and moved on into other models , have shipped over 800 SSR rifles over the years, The quality of the SSR now is the same as the SSR quality when Armory had them , Armorys SSR rifles had issues from time to time also we had to ship several back , we can speak with some experience & authority on this due to our exposure to working with both import firms and the volume of rifles we have sold . As a mater of fact TGI bought up the remaining inventory of Armory SSR rifles that they could not pay for and some of the first TGI rifles into the country were even marked with Armory info on the rec. The SSR line offers a nice solid base rifle with no more issues than any other AK line we have carried in the past & to compare them to a WASR rifle is no more than a unfounded personal opinion, just look at the invincible Arsenals issues with the SLR 107 line ever manufacturer can ship out a lemon from time to time.

 

[gripper]

AF,is that a 1.6mmreceiver you guys at Atlantic use???Is the muzzle device removable or permanet?And is there a rail on th eleft of the receiver??
Just curious;I got no money,but things might change soon....