Got my SGL21-66

[gpwasr10]

Finnaly got her... it's a magnificent weapon to boot! Very happy with it.

AND while I was there I spotted a Biakal Makarov in 9x18mm (KBI Import) with the adjustable rear sight AND Holster with extra mag for the kingly ransom of $149.00 Looks to be hardly fired at best. How could I say no? So it was a Russian Afternoon.

Pics to come...

[ATAK, Inc.]

Awesome Russian score!!!

[mriddick]

That's quite a deal on the mak.

[Alpha_Omega33]

congratulations on the new weaponry!

[gpwasr10]

Pics and initial impressions…

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1219.jpg
So here are my acquisitions for “GP’s Big Fat Ass Russian Thursday”… They make a cute couple, no? Funny thing here is that had my rifle not been delivered as late as it was, I would have never seen the Mak. As it was traded in the day before, the weapon did not make it 24 hours when I saw it and snapped it up. Anyways, on to the SGL and my impressions…

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1220.jpg
Out of all the AKs I’ve personally owned (GPWASR10, AMD-65, Yugo M-70) this one BY FAR exhibits the finest fit and finish. Everything lines up nicely and the action seems butter smooth. The Arsenal 2 Stage trigger that shipped with this rifle breaks super clean and has a very nice reset. The finish seems to be of the “Gun Kote” variety and is applied pretty well for this type of rifle. It has a number of AK-103 features like the AK-74 style break, extended mag release lever, 90 deg gas block, AK-74 style front sight and the accessory lug (For mounting a grenade launcher as I understand it, it looks like the old [pre ‘74] Bayo lug to me :gruebel:).

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1229.jpg
Some of the markings including the Triangle in Arrow we are all familiar with, markings seem subdued and done tastefully. The rifle comes, of course, with a Com-Bloc optics rail.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1230.jpg
A little American ingenuity in the form of a Midwest Industries Quad Rail and it seems to be VERY stable and are numbered for gear positioning. The upper rail is milled down the middle for front sight viewing, problem is that I cannot mount rail protectors on the upper rail as doing so will block the front sight. However I don’t foresee that as really being a problem.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1222.jpg
The components are all new manufacture and it shows. Attention to detail on the internals is nice, with includes a installed bullet feed ramp and the bottom of the chamber looks like it is also a little throated. It will be interesting to see if this feature improves HP /SP feeding. I guess it’s a little like the Russian version of the “M-4 Style Feed Ramps” and another carried over feature of the AK-103.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1226.jpg
The piston is different than what I am used to as it does not exhibit the normal grooves in the piston head; as I understand it this is another AK-103 feature. I don’t know what the advantages really are; other then it might be a little easier to clean. It also is firmly set into the carrier (i.e. no piston wobble) which seems unusual as all other AK’s I have handled have a little wobble.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1228.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1223.jpg
Bolt seems to be of non-standard dimensions. The shaft is smaller than what I am used to. However, it seems VERY well made and fits nicely to the carrier.

So far so good, I am very pleased with the weapon and am really looking forward to shooting up some targets with it.

NOW, the MaK..
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1232.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1233.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1234.jpg
I mean, it was completely spotless when I stripped it earlier. I wiped it down and took the pics. The only thing it did not come with I the little Tool they used to come with. Other than that this is my first Mak ever, and I have always wanted one, but on the back burner. My waiting paid off in spades I’d say.

[Cap45]

bad ass GP.. bad ass..........

[gpwasr10]

bad ass GP.. bad ass..........

Thank you my good man.

[El Laton Caliente]

Nice. I got to handle an Arsenal converted Saiga at Saleens when I picked up the AR receivers. They are very well done.

[gpwasr10]

Nice. I got to handle an Arsenal converted Saiga at Saleens when I picked up the AR receivers. They are very well done.
How did those PSA recievers look? They pretty quality units?

[El Laton Caliente]

The receivers were nice. They have a rough parkerized like finish, but the machining and polishing is very good. No burrs or mill marks at all. I won't know more until I get one together.

[mrkalashnikov]

Nice pics, welcome to the Club.

[gpwasr10]

The receivers were nice. They have a rough parkerized like finish, but the machining and polishing is very good. No burrs or mill marks at all. I won't know more until I get one together.
Let me know for sure, I might wanna put a "Milspec-as-possible" M-4gery as my next project.

[gpwasr10]

Nice pics, welcome to the Club.

Thanks man! Having a real Russian AK Is something I have always wanted.

[hazmat]

Nice looking rifle you got there, dude. Does it take standard mags or the specially made Surefire types?




http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1222.jpg


Is it just me or does there appear to be some rust in the breach area there?

[NewbieAKguy]

VERY nice rifle there GP. I might have to put at Arsenal at the head of my 1st AK list :). Also, agreed about it looking like rust in the chamber.

[AK-J]

Nice rifle!

It looks like it might be some either packing grease or laquer in the chamber. Rust would be more red, IMO.

[hazmat]

103.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1226.jpg
The piston is different than what I am used to as it does not exhibit the normal grooves in the piston head; as I understand it this is another AK-103 feature. I don’t know what the advantages really are; other then it might be a little easier to clean. It also is firmly set into the carrier (i.e. no piston wobble) which seems unusual as all other AK’s I have handled have a little wobble.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1228.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1223.jpg
Bolt seems to be of non-standard dimensions. The shaft is smaller than what I am used to. However, it seems VERY well made and fits nicely to the carrier.



Couple of things about the new Russian AKs. They no longer pin stuff in place like they used to. It's now 'puch-pressed' instead. That's the little divot you see where the rivet used to be. I'd be willing to bet you see the same thing on the front gas block and the front site. I built a 1987 dated Izzy AK 74 last year that came with a cut-up barrel. Removing the barrel parts from the stubs was interesting since there were no pins, just those divots from the punch press operation.

As for the bolt, I noticed the same thing on the S 308 I used to have. My S12 has the same thing. Little tiny spindle compared to the beefy one on the AKM. Same design on the '74 bolt. It would not surpise me if the new model 100-series rifles from Izmash had this same design feature. The firing pin should also be spring loaded.

[gpwasr10]

VERY nice rifle there GP. I might have to put at Arsenal at the head of my 1st AK list :). Also, agreed about it looking like rust in the chamber.

I noticed that after posting the pics last night, so I went back downstairs and took a rag and stuffed it the chamber with the .30 cal brush and whatever it was wiped right off onto the rag, looked like grease or old oil. The chamber ooked like this after...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1241.jpg

It's a chrome chamber and bore so I'd be shocked had it actually been rust... Maybe it was just the industrial Russian air? LOL

And I appreciate the rifle comments... but what about that Makarov?!? LOL

[NewbieAKguy]

Good to know. Nice pistol, if it floats ur boat! Just doesn't float mine, lol. It is a nice score I admit. Makarovs/Tokarevs aren't my thing pistol-wise is all :biggrina:

[gpwasr10]

Couple of things about the new Russian AKs. They no longer pin stuff in place like they used to. It's now 'puch-pressed' instead. That's the little divot you see where the rivet used to be. I'd be willing to bet you see the same thing on the front gas block and the front site. I built a 1987 dated Izzy AK 74 last year that came with a cut-up barrel. Removing the barrel parts from the stubs was interesting since there were no pins, just those divots from the punch press operation.

As for the bolt, I noticed the same thing on the S 308 I used to have. My S12 has the same thing. Little tiny spindle compared to the beefy one on the AKM. Same design on the '74 bolt. It would not surpise me if the new model 100-series rifles from Izmash had this same design feature. The firing pin should also be spring loaded.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1243.jpg
Nope, they look pinned, but I still cannot see how the piston is attached to the bolt. Also, the firing pin is free floating, like a standard AKM. I was figuring that the small bolt stem was a ak-74 thing that got carried across the line.

[gpwasr10]

Good to know. Nice pistol, if it floats ur boat! Just doesn't float mine, lol. It is a nice score I admit. Makarovs/Tokarevs aren't my thing pistol-wise is all :biggrina:

You know, Maks weren't really my "thing" either... but this is a very well crafted little gun with an excellent fit, it's comfy in the hand too. Might make a good carry piece with the right holster. I always wanted a walther, but to be honest this little gun might scratch that itch for me... I have to say I was pleasantly surprised...

That being said it could simply be that is' the best 150 bucks I've spent in a while LOL!

[NewbieAKguy]

Good point on the money well spent. AKs are about as far as I want to go towards the commie side! LOL. I'll stick with the good 'ol 1911 (cough Taurus cough :D) and my plastic fantastics XD and glock. Don't need to add another pistol caliber to the mix. It'll be bad enough on the checkbook ammo wise when I do get an AK!

[gpwasr10]

Good point on the money well spent. AKs are about as far as I want to go towards the commie side! LOL. I'll stick with the good 'ol 1911 (cough Taurus cough :D) and my plastic fantastics XD and glock. Don't need to add another pistol caliber to the mix. It'll be bad enough on the checkbook ammo wise when I do get an AK!

Here's my extensively Modded "cough Taurus cough"...
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/100_3210-1.jpg
Kimber Warrior Grips
Hand Fit EGW Bushing
Edbrown Hardcore Firing Pin
Colt series 80 guts
Wilson Extended Safety
Wilson Extended Slide Stop
Fusion Ejector
Bear Coat Tactical Flat Black

I rather like it.


And my XD...
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN0683.jpg

Also a little modded...

Nothing wrong with the "commie" guns man. The Soviet union and her allies made some great weapons in their day.

[NewbieAKguy]

Yup, I remember those. Ur Taurus inspired me to get mine 'Koted (pics posted in thread). Like I said, meant no offense, the tokarev/makarov's looks just doesn't do it for me nor does their mag release at bottom of pistol like the europeans. But I do agree you did score an excellent deal with it and in great condition. :) just razzin'.

[Alpha_Omega33]

that is a SHARP Arsenal AK47 sir!!

[alismith]

That is one fine-looking AK! Wow.

[mrkalashnikov]

I noticed that after posting the pics last night, so I went back downstairs and took a rag and stuffed it the chamber with the .30 cal brush and whatever it was wiped right off onto the rag, looked like grease or old oil. The chamber ooked like this after...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1241.jpg

It's a chrome chamber and bore so I'd be shocked had it actually been rust... Maybe it was just the industrial Russian air? LOL

And I appreciate the rifle comments... but what about that Makarov?!? LOL

I'd have been surprised if that color in the chamber was anything but a film of oil or grease. Every one of these Russian Arsenal/Saiga rifles I've seen has been in tip-top shape, even the used ones.

Congrats on your civvie Russian Makarov w/ the adjustable sights, too. I just sold mine this past summer after owning it for 6 or 7 years. It was a very nice shooter; it just seemed a little too chunky & heavy to me for a carry piece, and was the only pistol in my collection in that caliber...so I decided to part w/ it. Still a very nice little auto to have for a camp/car gun or home defense. That was a great price you scored it at too; I recall I paid around $200 for mine nib back then. :thumbsup:

[gpwasr10]

Yup, I remember those. Ur Taurus inspired me to get mine 'Koted (pics posted in thread). Like I said, meant no offense, the tokarev/makarov's looks just doesn't do it for me nor does their mag release at bottom of pistol like the europeans. But I do agree you did score an excellent deal with it and in great condition. :) just razzin'.
Damn those Europeans! I always wondered why they were into the whole "mag release on the bottom of the gun" thing. Did you have the kote job done, or do it yourself?


that is a SHARP Arsenal AK47 sir!!


That is one fine-looking AK! Wow.
Thanks!


I'd have been surprised if that color in the chamber was anything but a film of oil or grease. Every one of these Russian Arsenal/Saiga rifles I've seen has been in tip-top shape, even the used ones.

Congrats on your civvie Russian Makarov w/ the adjustable sights, too. I just sold mine this past summer after owning it for 6 or 7 years. It was a very nice shooter; it just seemed a little too chunky & heavy to me for a carry piece, and was the only pistol in my collection in that caliber...so I decided to part w/ it. Still a very nice little auto to have for a camp/car gun or home defense. That was a great price you scored it at too; I recall I paid around $200 for mine nib back then. :thumbsup:
Yeah I was pretty sure it was some kind of preservative gunk in there. Also, what did you get for your Mak out of curiosity?

[mrkalashnikov]

Yeah I was pretty sure it was some kind of preservative gunk in there. Also, what did you get for your Mak out of curiosity?

250 smackers. Basically payed for several years of shooting, free of charge. :handgun:

[vit]

Very well done! Nice "toys". You stole the Mak.

[gpwasr10]

Very well done! Nice "toys". You stole the Mak.

Yeah, I have been fondling the hell out of it. I am really getting into that little gun, it is surprisingly well made.

[NewbieAKguy]

Damn those Europeans! I always wondered why they were into the whole "mag release on the bottom of the gun" thing. Did you have the kote job done, or do it yourself?
I had someone else do it. I tend not to do stuff like that on my own without some prior experience doing it so I don't screw it up....yes I know I won't learn until I do it myself. Guess I should get some accessories and try it out sometime. :D

[hazmat]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/dudemaestro/DSCN1243.jpg
Nope, they look pinned, but I still cannot see how the piston is attached to the bolt. Also, the firing pin is free floating, like a standard AKM. I was figuring that the small bolt stem was a ak-74 thing that got carried across the line.

That's good to know. I've also seen punch pressing on a couple of different Russian designs. Some of those Tula Krink kits coming have it, the Russky '74 kits that have hit the country have it. Must be a military thing. My old S308 was pinned, but the BCG/piston was punched. I don't know if it's a straight press thing or in combination with a spot welder, but those barrel stubs on that '74 kit had dimples in them from it.

[gpwasr10]

That's good to know. I've also seen punch pressing on a couple of different Russian designs. Some of those Tula Krink kits coming have it, the Russky '74 kits that have hit the country have it. Must be a military thing. My old S308 was pinned, but the BCG/piston was punched. I don't know if it's a straight press thing or in combination with a spot welder, but those barrel stubs on that '74 kit had dimples in them from it.

I have to say that I do very much like the little bumps on the '74 style front site post that protect the windage adjustment.