Kevin Gibson

Well, it's no secret that I have a love for things more like fine English shotguns, but in the current pollitical climate, I just can't abide not picking up an AK. It's my first AK in years, and I've been having a little fun with it. I still can't get over just how effective the AK-74 style muzzle break is, really turns the 7.62x39 into a pussycat.

I mounted an Aimpoint CompM2 with the russian style low side mount, and overall I think I like it. Since I'm a bit of a traditionalist, I may have to put a Kobra collimator sight on in place of the Aimpoint, but we'll see. The Aimpoint sure be some quality glass.

Okay, so some overall impressions:

First, it's a straight up RUSSIAN AK-103 minus the folding stock (I may have to add that option in the future because it's just so BLOODY COOL). All the proper Izmash and Russian proof markings are there, and the receiver says Izhevesk Russia. The rifle seems to be assembled very well. Came with a circle 10 Bulgarian waffle magazine which is an extremely high quality magazine, I'm very impressed.

Mine has the Warsaw length stocks, which are black and have the '74 slot. My rifle has space for, but did not come with a cleaning kit, and the '74 muzzle break was on my dime; it's not standard. The front sight base is a '74 sight base, which means it's the much more expensive 22mm threads.

Came with their own single hook (which is what the Russians use) FCG that gives a very pronounced two stage trigger pull; not great, but not bad. The FCG is really the only thing that's not proven in my opinion.

Barrel is chrome lined and slugged out at .312. Gas piston is hard chromed and is the new style with no pseudo-gas rings. Top cover is correct for an AK-103 in that it's non-waffled, as in flat, like a Type II early AK.

I haven't really put it on paper, but the few rounds I shot with open sights, connected with everything I pointed the rifle at. I'll put it on paper when I sight in the Aimpoint.

Overall, I think it's a nice rifle and about as Russian as one can get.

Complaints: Receiver and barrel are nicely parkerized, but everything else is simple Krylon semi-gloss black paint, and chips if you just look at it. Next time I have my spary equip setup, I'll Duracoat it, as it should have been. That's really my only complaint thus far...Oh, and I'm having a rough time coming up with ammo.

If I had to do it over, I would pick up an AK-74; you can get ammo for that.

SpecialEd

Very cool!

bestseller92

Nice.

deaconblue

Is it an Arsenal SLG10 or SGL20? I think back in sept 08 Arsenal imported a limited number of saigas with just the front converted and arsenal did the rest. This year they introduced the fully converted saiga. As you stated that is as close as a Russian you can get. http://www.arsenalinc.com/sgl20.htm

unfortunately Russia will not export any weapon in 5.45 for civilian sales, so it would have to be another countries 74.

Kevin Gibson

Mine is the SGL-20, like in the link. And yes, it's about as Russian as you can get in the US. And I would be completely OK with a Bulgarian AK74...actually I'd much prefer it.

Still, the SGL-20 is a very nice rifle and thus far shoots great. Need to get some more of those awesome Bulgarian synthetic magazines.

deaconblue

Have you checked out KVAR they sometimes have Bulgarian Mags
http://www.k-var.com/shop/
Or copes distrubting, or ohio rapid fire

Kevin Gibson

I know where to find them, but of late I seem to be having trouble locating excess cash to buy them with...If you could help me with that one, I'd be set