SAR 1: First Time Out

[Zip06]

Two weeks ago I decided to get a SAR 1. Having cruised this board for awhile I knew generally what I needed. A local dealer had the SAR 1's for $350 and I thought that was reasonable since the alternative was to order through a local FFL and get one sight unseen and by the time I paid the FFL fee and shipping I thought I'd be close to the dealer price. Anyway the dealer let me compare about a half a dozen and I finally found one that had good consistent wood, a straight gas tube and straight (nearly) front sight. The dealer had just gotten this shipment in and the serial number was S1501XX2001.

I took it home and began my education field stripping and cleaning it. Diligence paid off but I had one heck of a time getting the lever for the gas piston up and the wood off. I lucked out when I ran into another Board member at a local gunshow and he showed me how. He also inspected the SAR and thought it looked fine. After the field stripping and cleaning off of the cosmoline (it wasn't excessive) I put some Breakfree on the moving parts, ran a bore snake down the barrel and put the SAR back in the safe as I wouldn't have an opportunity to shoot it for about ten days.

At a gunshow in Portland yesterday I got a case of ammo for $75 and this morning hit the range (gravel pit).

I put 240 rounds of FMJ through this SAR primarily shooting at B-27 targets (Human siloetts (sp). We were shooting at about 75 yards and under. First, no malfunctions of any kind. Second, no sign of trigger slap. Third, the trigger was kinda ratty and a little light but not light enough for bump firing but then I am trying to learn how to do that correctly. Fourth, accuracy was respectable in that all rounds were on target, no misses but they were all over the target. The gun got pretty hot and that might have had an effect. Also my unfamilarity with the weapon probably contributed to the hit pattern. Fifth, the sights are fine for combat shooting but the front sight is slightly off center but not enough to affect accuracy. The sights were at the lowest setting possible.

Conclusion: Two other board members were also present and both had muzzle brakes and you can tell the difference not that recoil is bad but it feels less with the brake. The SAR is not as refined as some weapons but one heck of a bargain. The way these baby's heat up there is no reason for anyone freezing to death in the winter. Intend on returning to the gravel pit and develop a deep and meaningful relationship with my SAR 1.

[SD45dash2]

Hey Zip, thanks for the post.

I am looking to get an SAR-1. I'm new to guns and a friend recommended that I look into an AR15 or an AK. Being deterred by the staggering price of an AR, I surfed the web and found the SAR-1 on www.aimsurplus.com to be very attractive. The price looks good and the rifle is very impressive. I'm not trying to fight a war or win a competition, just go to the range and possibly hunt.
I've been doing some research, and the ammo seems cheap and plentiful. The AK action looks simple enough (I'm a mechanic) and there seems to be a whole world of spare parts and modifications available.
If my views are a little misinformed, please fill me in. How do you feel about his gun? What are some tips on buying these without a pile of dealer markup? There's a few local gun stores (and I hear the guys are friendly), and I'm pretty certain that going down there and ordering one is the way to go. Is there a cheaper place than AIMsurplus? When the gun actually arrives, what should I look for to inspect the quality? Any help would be splendid.

[imanaknut]

Welcome to the group SD45dash2.

AIM usually has the best price. The only drawback is that you can't inspect the SAR before you buy. The wood finish and quality is always iffy, and the gas tube and front sight could be crooked.
Usually these do not affect the way the SAR shoots, unless the gas tube is so far off as to obstruct the piston or block the gas port.

Remember to add shipping and transfer fees if you order one. If you can find one at a dealer or a gun show for only a couple of dollars more (SAR-1s are selling in Indy for well under $345 now)
you will be able to see how it looks and possibly choose the best of the bunch. Here in Indy they are coming out of the woodwork and prices are coming down. There are a lot of them to choose from here.


Good luck and happy hunting!

AK-nut

[GreenMoun]

Found this forum the other day...WOW! I am impressed w/ the amount of folks on these boards!! Great way to trade info, tips, prices, gear, etc....!!

I picked up a couple of SAR's last week...haven't shot them yet though I did clean one of them. Cosmo wasn't too bad...standard sticking points, blah, blah. I used to have a pre-ban Norinco that shot like a charm...I noticed the SAR's are not as refined (like you all noticed too). Receiver is a bit rough but the weapon should be able to perform the way it was intended...for the price, you can't go wrong!

Picking up a SKS tomorrow from a buddy...the collection is starting to grow and I am running outta room!

Have a good one!

GMP

:duece:

[bburn]

Well, my FFL dealer couldn't order it until Monday actually. S.O.G.'s current price for dealers is $279.95. With tax and the FFL transfer fee, I'm looking at about $335 total. Not too bad even if they are less refined. I've heard they are great, reliable shooters and that's all I need. When I called, S.O.G. confirmed that they are the 2001 models which are said to be better than SAR-1 rifles from previous years. A little more refined and less problems with the canted sights is what I've heard. I should know in a few days.

I'll try to get back on here and give you guys an update. Hopefully, I can get out and give you a range report as well.

[Zip06]

bburn and GreenMountain Patriot - Congratulations on the SARs. It is your sacred obligation to post range reports when you break in your new AK's.

[DeltaWolf]

Looks like you guy's are in for a good time :D

I can't get enough range time with my SAR-1

I Love My SAR-1

[GreenMoun]

Too much snow...can't get up there right now! Oh well, spring is almost here and I'll be able to get out. Need to resupply on some ammo though...1500 7.62 is not enough!! HAHAHA!!

I like the SAR appearance wise...alway liked the weight compared to an AR. I'm doing a side project on an AR in the next few months to a post ban M4 rig...I've got a bushmaster now, handles great but you can get two AK's for the same price. Good insurance if you can get 6-8 of each! ::D


Great to be aboard!

GMP

:duece:

[Secesh]

Guy's welcome to the SAR family.
Not the most refined AK but they get the job done.
I currently two SAR-1s, a Bulgarian SLR-95 and a Chinese preban Polytech.

The SARs arn't as accurate as the SLR but will out shoot my Poly.

Two easy modifications that will improve the apperance (and feel) of your rifles.
1. Strip the aweful finish off of your stocks with a chemical stripper. Then lightly sand with 180 grit sandpaper. Finally apply several thin coate of low gloss Tung Oil.
You will be amaized at the improvement.

You can also sand through the original stain and re-stain if you wish, But it's really not nesecary as the stain that the Romanians use turns out nice with the tung oil.


2. Adding a slant brake
Get an American made slant break from Global( American made doesn't affect your parts count)
Dremmel the threads out of the break. Pound it in place with a rubber mallet. then have a competent welder tack it at the bottom.
Clean up the weld with the Dremmel and hit it with some flat black spray paint.

Trust me if you follow my instructions you won't be sorry.

Here's a pic of one of mine.
I got the foward grip from Global also.
Another tip. If you order from Global get the Polish sling, it's awesome.

http://imagem.webphotos.iwon.com/1000031914/1000031914_327200283519AM0.6742517.jpg

[GreenMoun]

I was unsure as to what type of brake to attach...better to hear it from you than go thru trial/error! I miss the old thread ends (pre-bans)!

The finish on the two I picked up is ok but I think I'll follow your instructions on one of them...the pic you posted looks sharp! Great job!

GMP

:duece:

[survivor99]

I guess what is so mind-boggling to me, is that a "nice" gun may cost $1200 to $1500, whereas the SAR costs around $300. At the gun show last weekend we saw some really nice AK's that were over a thousand bucks each. Well, they are semi-auto. The SAR's are semi-auto. How much better can you get for such a difference in price??? Hell, I'd rather have four $300 SAR's than one $1200 "nice" gun. Sounds to me like four times the fun. They had a full-auto display there, and there was a select-fire AK-47. It was very rough, poorly fitted wood to metal, probably had trigger slap, too.... but it's the very type gun used in Viet Nam, Afghanistan, and all over the world. This particular one was captured from an enemy somewhere. If it shoots in such rough condition, that says an awful lot to me. If I want a tack-driving rifle I might buy a target rifle with a special trigger and optics. Otherwise, give me a stock SAR or SLR.

survivor99

[Secesh]

GMP, A lot of folks thread the SAR barrel screw on the brake then weld it to be legal.

I figured, why the hell would you want to go through the trouble and expense of threading it if your gonna weld it anyway???


Survivor99, those were probably Chinese prebans right?
The thing is that's what your paying for( preban).
In my opinion the average Chinese ain't no more reliable or accurate than the average SAR-1.
The Chinese prebans are generally less accurate than a quality postban such as the SLR series or the SA-M7.

Price of a nice AK, $345 for a SLR-95 ( several years ago-NIB)
$67 for a stockset from Ironwood designs, $50 for a Gordon Tech GT-2 FCG, + $25 for lower tang & finishing supplies =$487 for a nice AK;)
Here's a pic of my SLR-95
:D
http://imagem.webphotos.iwon.com/1000031914/1000031914_312200255927AM0.4700739.jpg

[randywt]

One thing I have learned through experience is with a wooden stock of most kinds, it will need time for the reciever to bite into the wood of the stock before the weapon can be consider ready for combat zero. Tools are available to adjust your site, make smaller rather than larger adjustments at first. After a stock is clean let it set for a while and breathe, but by all means shoot all you want, this is good for it. Then zero it, clean it well, and take care of the stock as normal.

[HerrdoktorSchuetzengruvin]

If you want to trick it out real nice, get the Romanian laminate stocks from K-Var. They are beautiful!

[Rotti]

Originally posted by Secesh
GMP, A lot of folks thread the SAR barrel screw on the brake then weld it to be legal.

I figured, why the hell would you want to go through the trouble and expense of threading it if your gonna weld it anyway???


http://imagem.webphotos.iwon.com/1000031914/1000031914_312200255927AM0.4700739.jpg

I don't have any experience with this on a an AK, but I had a "slip-on" type brake for an AR-15 that had set screws that you drive in after dimpling the barrel for the screw tips... after my brake went down range twice (and dragged long 1/16" deep furrows into the tip of my barrel from the screws) I could see the reason for threading & then welding. I haven't got a brake on my SAR, but I'm looking at options... & in case anybody wonders, the brake on my AR was on straight & did not have any contacts from bullets - it was just to much to ask of the set screws.
The set screws may have better if they had been welded? It seemed that the screws were a lot harder steel than the barrel... :confused:

[RockiesRookie]

Checking in from Boise, ID; I just purchased my first Romanian SAR-1 last week following a few weeks of online research. Purchased from Intermountain Sports (local retailer) for $309 plus tax, price included both a 10 and 30rd mag. This was the latest "sale" price at Intermountain; they were previously on sale for $329 about a month ago, and the "regular" price is $349. Russian 7.62 ammo also available at Intermountain for $90/case (1000 rds.)

I am a gun rookie, but I'm really happy with the SAR! It's not pretty but a lot of fun to shoot. On my very first time out it jammed after I fired the FIRST round, but I cleared the jam and then went through 150 rounds with absolutely no problems, using both mags (10 and 30). The problem was probably something I did.

Earlier I visited another big local retailer (Sportsman's Paradise), they don't carry AKs, but they do bad mouth them and tried sell me an AR15, Bushmaster, etc. for $700-800. And the guy at Intermountain seemed to look down his nose at me a bit too! But I'm happy with the gun and the price.

One question/suggestion: I really like the forums, lots of good info, but as a novice a lot of the terms are over my head. Does AK-47.NET have a glossary somewhere? Or can someone point me to another website with such info?

[imanaknut]

Welcome to the group, Rockiesrookie!

For a ton of info in Romanian AKs which includes the SAR-1 go to http://linx310.nothingbutguns.com

It is funny how some people look down on AKs, but with over 70 million sold (give or take a mill or two), somebody must know something.

Enjoy yours and again welcome to a great place to learn about them.

[bburn]

Like RockiesRookie, I just got my SAR-1 recently. I ordered mine from Aim Surplus so I didn't get to see it before buying. However, the folks at Aim are very curteous and friendly and they are willing to hand pick for no additional charge. I asked them to find me one with a straight front sight post & gas tube and also a good finish on the receiver. I was definitely impressed with their service. I got exactly what I asked for. Oh, and the wood was very nice as well. I was set on buying the longer U.S. made polymer stock set but now I'm debating again because of the nice wood on it.

My SAR-1 shoots very good also. I didn't notice the trigger slap really, but I went ahead and did the trigger slap fix last night. With my unsteady hands, it grouped slightly to the right of bullseye but I need to get it on a bench rest and check it before I start moving the sights around.

If anyone is debating on getting one, don't wait. They are a blast and are inexpensive when you consider their capability. I also say that Aim is an excellent place to order one from if you're like me and don't have a dealer nearby.

[0302]

i have a 99 model sar1, following observations
1. have shot about 1000 rounds,
2. swapped the original hammer with a foreign hammer, the bolt carrier hung up a few times during the forward movement of the carrier, i had to flatten the bottom edge of the carrier where it was catching on the hammer, works fine now, probably should have kept using the orignial hammer, but the original was a very poor lookin piece or work, live and learn
3. the stock works loose, need to replace the stock retaining screws which work loose
4. thankfully the sights and gas system are straight
5. can shoot about a 2' group at 300 m with barnaul ammo
6. trigger slap was a killer, so i removed some of the back of the hook where the hammer was impacting it, most of the trigger slap is gone, but hope to get a redstar fire control group to eliminate the problem and improve trigger quality.
8. would also like to install fal type pistol grip, the original feels too skinny but works fine.
9. removed original varnish finish using formby's stripper, reoiled with linseed oil, still ugly but very functional, kind of like me
7. overall - very satisfied, will probably take it deer or javalina huntin someday, my fav next to fal. traded old beretta 92 for it.

[RockiesRookie]

OK, I'm totally new to the SAR-1 so I figure I've got at least a month or so to post simple-minded questions. I suppose this proves that we all live in great country that values personal freedom when a novice like me can purchase a "military-class" rifle along with high capacity magazines up to a 75/100 round drum! (Personally I'm stopping at 30 rd mags for now.)

#1 - What's all this about "canted" sights? I have read numerous posts about SAR-1's with canted, misaligned, or (in layman's terms) screwed up sights. How do I know if my sights are screwed up or if I'm just a lousy shot? Is there any kind of objective technique to prove this out other than me just shooting up lots of ammo and finally deciding it ain't me?

#2 - The choices in 7.62 ammo are pretty overwhelming to me. Although as long as I buy locally at retail it's very simple; the only thing available here in the Boise ID area is Russian 124 gr. FMJ, at a cost of about $90-100 per case. Buying ammo over the web sounds potentially expensive (shipping costs) and complex (red tape, regulations, etc.). A banner ad on this forum site is pitching Wolf ammo at $69 per case (although it's backordered, and I didn't go through the order process far enough to find out what the shipping costs where, and vendor's site has all sorts of legal disclaimers....). Any comments or guidance in this area? As a rookie am I better off just buying the Russian stuff at retail?

That's it for now...more naive questions to follow I'm sure. ;)

[survivor99]

RockiesRookie,

Most of the ammo we buy in my household is from Ammoman.com. They deliver it right to your door, via UPS. Very fast delivery, good prices, and I love the Russian ammo. I mostly shoot hollowpoints but have a case of softpoint rounds too. I will use them in my SKS though.

The canted front sights you are referring to are a real problem. My guns are all straight, but I had a MAADI that had canted front sights on it. I guess I could have unpinned it and tried putting it back together straight, but I sold it before I messed with it much. As far as my SLR goes, it couldn't be straighter or more accurate. The Romanians shoot great and I haven't yet seen one with crooked sights on it.

If you ask the people who you buy it from, they can check it out before selling it to you as a guarantee that it's straight. That might be your best bet. AIM Surplus is good about checking them out for you.

As far as magazines go, I have gotten my very best performance from steel 30-round magazines. I have never had a misfire or jam due to a problem with these mags. I have a 40-rounder that I'd wager a week's grocery money on, that it will give me problems. This being because it was contrary to load in the first place.

My wife's SAR-3 shoots like a dream. It is accurate and has that cherry-red wood that has such a nice finish to it. Some folks don't like factory finishes or wood but I love mine. I guess to each his own.....

survivor99

[911]

I'm a rookie as well, and have asked several newby questions over the past few days before getting my WASR-10. As for the canted sights, just eyeball the rifle and make sure the front sight assembly is vertical and not titled to one side. When I went looking to purchase, the folks at an otherwise knowledge gun shop told me that canted sights were normal, which is horsehockey. The folks here straightened me out. So to speak.

As for the $69/1000 Wolf at Sportmansguide, which I think you refer to, its on back order and supposedly will ship in early to mid July. W/ shipping, its $80. Ammoman ships the same stuff immediately for $109, so take your pick. I've ordered the Sportsmansguide ammo, but think I will cancel as they have moved the shipping date back an extra month since I ordered. Ammoman costs a little more, but he throws the ammo in the UPS truck 10 seconds after you place the order, or so it seems.

[survivor99]

I've heard some folks run down the WASR-10's but they are great guns. I have one and it was a convert to high-capacity magazines by Century. It might not have as nice a finish as the SAR's do but it's nice. And mine is straight and shoots great, too. The bolt rubs pretty heavily on the hammer but I'm soon to put a RSA trigger, sear, and hammer in it. That should sweeten it up just about right. Maybe it will be almost as smooth as my wife's SAR-3.

You should go to LINX's website for some great information on the Romanian AK's. LINX has devoted a lot of time and research into his site and he's very knowledgeable of what he discusses. Just don't let the pic of the 1919 Browning machinegun throw you for a loop!! LOL

survivor99