“Just another Kalashnikov”—many may think so when looking at the Czech Samopal vzor 58. But the first impression is deceptive: except for the external appearance and the caliber, the weapon has nothing in common with most AK models.

After adoption of the cartridge M43 (7.62x39mm) as the new standard ammunition of the Warsaw Pact, it was obvious for its members to draw on the Kalashnikov models from the Russian motherland. As time went by, various individual modifications slipped into the state’s own products, depending on what the states appraised as necessary improvements. Only the Czechs acted in total contrast: they went their own way and did not take the AK47 as a basis for improvements. Only the external appearance was aligned with the weapon of the Big Brother. The internal mechanics were very different.

In January 1950 the project “KOŠTĚ” under the supervision of the arms designer Jiří Čermák was launched. The goal was to develop an automatic weapon, which was supposed to replace the adopted submachine gun models 24 and 26 (both in 7.62x25mm) and the semiautomatic rifle models 52 (7.62x45mm) and 52/57 (7.62x39mm).

Jiří Čermák had an early interest in the development of self-loading weapons, in particular for the technique of the pistol CZ-481. After returning from his two-year military service in 1950, the task to convert the self-loading CZ-491 pistol, designed by the brothers Jan and Jaroslav Kratochvil, from 9mm to 7.62x25mm at the state arms factory Česká Zbrojovka was entrusted to him. The result was the famous roller-locking CZ-52. At the same time, the factory was involved in the first attempts to create a modern automatic weapon using a short cartridge similar to the German Sturmgewehr 44 assault rifle. The initially favored Z-49 (7.5x45mm) cartridge was dropped soon and finally the Z-50 (7.62x45mm) was classified as the new standard caliber. The development project of this gas-operated weapon got the designation “CZ-502.”

In late 1951, Jiří Čermák received an order by the head of the weapons construction section, Františkem Myškou, to develop a rapid-fire rifle for the new Z-50 cartridge. The weight of the weapon could not exceed 8.8 pounds. Čermák´s design was based on the CZ-502 and he adopted many of its parts. He shortened the barrel step-by-step and tested the muzzle velocity and the accuracy after each step. Barrel and receiver were fixed together and could be removed upwards in one piece from the lower receiver with grip-piece and stock. The whole gun was made of stamped and phosphated sheet metal parts, except for the grip-plates, fore-grip, and stock that were made of varnished birch wood.

Due to problems with manufacturing the stamped sheet metal parts, the completion of the prototypes was delayed until 1952. However, the new weapon, now designated CZ-515, did not satisfy the requirements. A big disappointment was its accuracy, it exceeded the required values by twice as much. It was the fault of the open bolt design. The bolt is held in the rear and moves forward when the trigger is pulled, so that the impact of the bolt on the chamber shakes the weapon.

Fortunately for Čermák, the weapons of the competitors did not gain the advantage. The ZK-503 of the Kouckých brothers, a weapon of the engineer Kynčla, and two developments of the engineer J. Holečka failed to stand up to testing, too. After the first tests Jiří Čermák felt confident that only a radical change in design would bring success: he had to rebuild the weapon as a closed bolt design. After this work and various other changes, the tests were only carried on with two weapons – the ZK-503 of the Kouckých brothers and the CZ-522, as Jiří Čermák’s weapon was now designated. The trials lasted a long time. In between, Václava Holka took part at the competition with his ZB-530 design, but without much success.

Finally Čermák’s design prevailed and the now-called “S 56” would have been ready for an official adoption as the new standard submachine gun (the Czechs did not use the term “assault rifle”). But in the states of the Warsaw Pact, the Russian cartridge in caliber 7.62x39mm had been declared obligatory. And so Čermák had no other choice than to adapt his weapon. The result was the Samopal vzor 1958 (submachine gun, model 1958). That same year it became the standard weapon of the armed forces. The production was taken over by the armament company Česká Zbrojovka in Uherský Brod.

The SA vz. 58 is a gas operated weapon like the AK47, in which the gas pressure leaves the barrel at a barrel vent and flows through a gas-channel to push on a piston. But at that point the similarity ends. On the AK47, the gas piston and the bolt carrier are made of one piece and are moving a long way back and forth. On the SA vz. 58 the two parts are separated and only a short stroke is transferred from the piston to the bolt carrier. At the gas channel, the distance between the compression chamber and the two gas outlet holes is very short, only 0.4 inches. The upper hand guard does not contain a piston tube with holes for pressure reduction like the AK and is entirely open on its underside. Due to the separate construction, the gas piston has its own return spring which is located inside the rear sight base.

After the stroke, the bolt carrier moves back 0.55 inches. Then the breech block is lifted up into a recess at the underside of the bolt carrier. This way the bolt is unlocked. From now on, the bolt carrier and bolt are moving back together. The empty case is pulled out of the chamber and ejected upwards. Finally, the bolt carrier is pushed forward again by the recoil spring taking a new round from the magazine and pushing it into the chamber. Just before the bolt carrier reaches its end position, the breech block drops down and locks the bolt. When the trigger is pulled, a cylindrical striker hits the firing pin and pushes it into the cartridge primer. To avoid a prematurely firing, a strip of sheet spring blocks the striker until the bolt carrier has reached its end position.

When the last cartridge is fired, the follower of the magazine pushes a small locking bar upwards inside the housing. It blocks the bolt in the open position. Now the magazine can be easily changed and the weapon is ready to fire again without cocking. With the bolt in its rearward position, the empty magazine can optionally be filled from stripper clips. For this purpose two grooves for the standard M43 stripper clips are milled into the face of the bolt carrier. The light metal magazines are not interchangeable with AK47 magazines. The fire selector is located on the right side above the trigger and can be operated with the thumb. Its movement is noiseless and the position can be recognized by feel in the dark.

The developers of the SA vz. 58 did a good job. Since its introduction until today, the weapon remains almost unchanged. The robust design made ​​of solid steel (except for the top-cover, trigger guard and a few small parts that are stamped from sheet metal) has been fully proven. Bolt, gas piston and the inside of the barrel are chrome plated. For corrosion protection, all surfaces of the phosphated weapon are additionally coated with a resistant baking enamel.

Two basic models of the SA vz. 58 are most common: The model 58 P with fixed plastic stock (initially made of wood) and the model 58 V with a metal folding stock. For both models, a 6.35-ounce bayonet is available. A special version is the model 58 Pi with night vision equipment: NSP-2 night vision, flash hider and bipod. Some weapons were originally prepared to accept a VG70 rifle grenade launcher (Vrhaè Granátù). These weapons got a shoulder pad, a different rear sight-scale, and the bayonet-mount was moved to the right side of the front sight base. Instead of the lower handguard, the grenade launcher was fixed and hooked into the underside of the front sight base.

Many other models never got beyond the prototype status, like the model AP-Z 69 in 7.62x51mm from 1966/1967 or the assault rifle UP-Z 70 in 5.56x45mm from 1970. Even a bullpup-design (model EZ-B) was tested in 1976. A light machine gun version was planned (project KLEČ) and Vtúvm Slavičín developed a special sniper rifle (model 58/97). The same company also designed a model in 9x19mm (model 58/98)

The SA vz. 58 is still in use with the Czech army. From 1958 to 1964 about 400,000 weapons have been produced. After a break of four years the production at Česká Zbrojovka was resumed from late 1968 to 1984 with an output of more than 500,000 weapons. Damaged weapons were sent to the military maintenance company 025 “VOP 025” in Nový Jičín (Vojenský opravárenský podnik 025) for repair. Depending on the extent of repairs, including the replacement of many parts, often completely new weapons were created, but they always kept their old serial number. Spare parts and models for the civilian market are still in production today.

A big secret is the export of the SA vz. 58. Information isn’t available from the manufacturer or the army. Former employees, however, report deliveries to India, Vietnam, Egypt, and other countries. After the 1989 revolution, a Czech-Swiss company bought 25,000 surplus weapons from the army and exported them

In the 1980s, the army life of the SA vz. 58 seemed to be over. A new weapon (project LADA) for the Russian cartridge M74 in 5.45×39.5mm was in development. By exchanging different components, a model-family from submachine guns to light machine guns could be assembled. Due to many delays and a stop of the development, the LADA-models could not yet replace the SA vz. 58.

And so still today the Czech soldiers serve on active duty with their SA vz. 58 – although modified with various accessories.

Technical Specifications

A great factor in the popularity of the AK rifle platform in the 1980-90s was the wide availability of cheap military surplus plinker ammunition from the former ComBlok countries. Later, after the surplus waned, still-inexpensive steel-case commercial bulk 7.62x39mm fodder became available. The commercial ammo had the advantage of being non-corrosive. People made videos of mag dumps with drums, showing smoking handguards. While surplus 5.45x39mm ammunition was briefly available on the cheap, magazines and cartridges were never quite as accessible, and neither were the guns that fired it.

Fast-forward two decades, through import restrictions and inflation, now the cheapest 7.62x39mm runs 40 cents per round. Blasting through a magazine just for fun is not only expensive but worse, blasting through the same for training costs just as much. With much of the ammunition still using spark-making gilded steel jackets, indoor ranges treat cheap 7.62x39mm as a fire hazard. At my outdoor range, fires aren’t a risk, but damaging steel targets at close range when practicing close range rapid fire is a concern. With the AR15, the solution is simple: several companies make affordable .22 uppers with realistic feel and manual of arms. Up to now, rimfire clones of the AK47 have been either unreliable, fragile, inauthentic, or all three. Recently, Pioneer Arms from Radom, Poland began making realistic, durable, and very authentic copies of the AKM in chambered in .22 rimfire.

The 5-pound 10-ounce wood-stocked rifle looks like the real thing, complete with the slant muzzle compensator. The only detail giving away the unusual nature of the rimfire trainer rifle is the charging handle placement further back than usual, and a smaller ejection port recessed inside the top cover opening. The breech face of the 16-inch barrel sits a little further back than usual, too, accommodating the shorter cartridge and the correspondingly abbreviated bolt travel distance. From the left, there’s no visual difference at all. Full-size 30-round magazines I used were the real thing with the feed lips cut short and a 3D printed 10-round magazine inserted in their place. Remarkably, even the two printed magazines held up through a very high volume of fire. The magazine follower holds the bolt open until removed to prevent accidental dry fires, a small concession to the rimfire nature of the rifle. Production magazines will be visually identical to the 7.62x39mm mags produced by Pioneer Arms, a lightweight and inexpensive all-polymer design. Capacity is still pegged at 10 rounds, mainly to simplify logistics and avoid having to make and track special ban-state variants. With the main purpose being training, frequent magazine changes aren’t that much of a detriment.

The sights are identical to the centerfire version, though the range markings would have to be memorized once the dope chart is done. With the rear leaf set to a “direct shot” point blank setting, I could hit a head-sized target at 50 yards by placing the front sight post right under it and by aiming right on at 100. The close-range drills were often done by bracketing the target with the protective ears of the front sight and not even bothering with more precise sight alignment. With AK clones, the iron sights provide the natural limits on practical accuracy, and plinker-grade ammunition places another constraint. In the cheap-and-cheerful spirit of the platform, I used mainly bulk fodder and found it to be almost entirely reliable, the rare exception being occasional unprimed cartridges. When shooting at 100 yards, the main goal was to keep the impact group centered on the target to indicate correct sight alignment, smooth trigger pull, and follow-up. Closer, the goal was rapid sight acquisition, effective transition from target to target, and developing better familiarity with the controls of the AKM. For those goals, the AK47-22 proved ideal. Benched groups were surprisingly good at around 2 inches at 50 yards or 4MOA, my ability to align sights being the greatest limiting factor.

Since the rifle has no recoil and a moderate length of pull, it proved a favorite with teen and female shooters. And a range visitor wanted to run at least a hundred rounds through this rifle, an interesting display of favoritism considering how many more exotic arms were also available for use. With hardy, standard-sized magazines fitting regular AK magazine carriers and pouches, this gun proved highly useful for movement drills.

Fieldstripping follows the regular process at first, but the gas tube can stay in place since it is entirely decorative. 80% of the combined simple blowback bolt and carrier, other than the aluminum guide tube in place of the gas piston, is made of steel. More extensively skeletonized than the centerfire original, it is just slightly lighter. The mechanism proved quite reliable: my friends and I shot at least 1,500 rounds of mainly un-plated .22 ammunition without any cleaning and saw no reduction in accuracy or reliability.

The rifle ships with the standard AK pattern compensator held by a detent in the front sight tower. Other muzzle devices, including linear comps and sound suppressors, can be installed without resorting to tools. Even a cleaning rod is included! The only missing piece of authenticity is the bayonet mount in case that charging Chupacabra doesn’t fall promptly enough to the mighty .22 rimfire.

Besides the rifle form, this action is also available as a Hellpup pistol with a 12-inch barrel. Given the disruptions in the supply of AK ammunition, either variant should be a desirable training aid. It’s also just plain fun, a little lighter than the 7.62mm original, recoil-less and less annoying to neighbors’ dogs.

Make: Pioneer Arms
Model: AK47-22
Caliber: .22LR
Barrel Length:  16in
Overall Length: 34in
Weight: 10.625
Mag Capacity: 10rd
MSRP: $TBD
URL: www.pioneer-pac.com

Marc Krebs is known as an innovator pushing the boundaries of AK-platform performance. The recent attention Krebs focused on the Israel Weapon Industries Galil ACE should come as no surprise. It seems only natural considering the design similarities between AK and Galil for the AK master to work his magic on the Galil ACE. Anyone familiar with Krebs Custom work over the years will remember flirtations with another AK variant—the SIG 556. Most of the initial Krebs Custom AK rifles were based on either Russian Molot VEPR or Izhmash Saiga AK rifles. Starting in 2014 multiple White House executive orders curtailed the import of Russian AKs forcing Krebs to be flexible and creative in continuing to produce AKs. Krebs adjusted to the new regulatory environment by using new Polish WBP parts combined with U.S. based Childers or Morrissey receivers for his PD18 and CORE AK offerings.

The original Israeli Galil was choked out of the U.S. market in the early 1990s due to federal import laws. The current Galil ACE can be traced back to the Galil, which, in turn, was inspired by the Finnish Valmet Rk62. The Valmet Rk62 itself is an improved AK derivative. The Finns are a country of serious riflemen with a large aggressive neighbor it has eyed warily for centuries in the form of Russia.

The Russian AK’s rugged reliability and its ability to adapt to harsh operational environments earned begrudging respect from the Finns. The Valmet Rk62 sought to maintain AK reliability while improving accuracy. This was accomplished with the use of a quality barrel, an extended iron sight radius, higher quality manufacturing techniques, tweaks to the gas tube and a long stroke gas piston operation. Israel’s Galil followed the Valmet Rk62’s path after the IDF found the FAL wanting in terms of size, recoil, and more importantly, reliability. The Galil in 5.56 NATO was officially adopted by the IDF in 1972. However, the Galil immediately faced competition within the IDF by the large numbers of M16/M4s acquired from the United States. It made more fiscal sense to make the most use of the relatively inexpensive U.S. rifle versus relying exclusively on the Galil.

In 2015, IWI U.S., Inc. decided to revive the Galil in the enhanced Galil ACE form. This is achieved by assembling the rifles from a combination of Israeli and U.S. manufactured components at their Harrisburg, PA facility. The Galil ACE is not merely a copy of the 1960s design. IWI took full advantage of the passage of time to improve and update the original Yisrael Galil and Yaacov Lior design. A pistol brace version was definitely not contemplated by the two original designers.

The IWI U.S. Galil ACE seeks improvement over the original Galil in a number of ways. Galil reliability and performance has never been doubted, however its near ten-pound weight drew criticism from troops, especially when compared to the six-pound M4. The Galil ACE makes use of a polymer lower for the magazine well, trigger guard, and pistol grip. The upper receiver containing the action and hinged folding stock trunnion is milled from ordnance steel. The railed forend on the Galil ACE Gen 1 was also derived from high strength polymer. Besides shaving weight, the Galil ACE has its reciprocating charging handle moved to the left side of the steel receiver for easier weak hand manipulation. A spring-loaded gate on the left side minimizes the chance of debris entering through the charging handle pathway. The original Galil had a distinctive vertically upturned handle on the right side.

IWI U.S. improved on the previous Galil design by securing the railed top cover using an oversized release button at the end of the recoil spring protruding out of the top cover. This ensures the rear aperture iron sight stays zeroed as well as other optics that may be mounted. The top cover exhibits no wiggle. In fact, removing and reinstalling takes some effort, but is worth it considering the advantage gained. Following this theme, the Galil’s gas tube is dovetailed into the receiver’s front block. This limits any movement of the gas block that can influence barrel vibration and, thus, degrade rifle accuracy. A recoil buffer is also present on the recoil spring. This serves multiple roles: to cushion the impact of recoiling parts, easing wear on the rear trunnion, and taming of vibrations to increase accuracy potential. All these details related to the top cover and the gas tube differ from the original AK design.

The Galil ACE was further improved upon with the Galil ACE Gen II in 2021. The GEN II features a full-length two-piece Picatinny top rail, a free float metal alloy M-LOK forend, an improved trigger, a more ergonomic safety, and a side folding adjustable buttstock/brace that is M4-tube compatible. The Gen II rifles ship with a Magpul CTR stock and accessory riser. Braced pistols ship with an SB Tactical SBA-3. Galil ACE rifles and braced pistols are chambered in 5.56 NATO, 7.62x39mm, and 5.45x39mm — the object of our attention herein.

The dots connecting Krebs Custom with the Galil ACE come together in the form of a 5.45x39mm chambered Gen I braced pistol taking center place for this article. IWI U.S. initially made a limited run of 5.45mm chambered rifles and pistols a couple of years ago. These sold out so quickly it was decided to add the 5.45mm chambering to the Galil ACE product line up. This continued with the Gen II models.

Krebs Custom turned its discriminating eye to a 5.45mm Galil ACE Gen 1 braced pistol with Krebs aluminum M-LOK forend with heat shield, Gear Head Works Tailhook arm brace, Krebs Custom Interchangeable Muzzle System (IMS), and a trigger job that is hard to describe in terms of improved pull and reset. Krebs tuned the Galil ACE trigger into a minimal creep 3- to 4-pound work of art. Why the high praise? Galil ACE triggers are not known for their creature comforts, but somehow Krebs Custom pulled it off. The Krebs ACE is an awesome example of what the Galil ACE “Israeli Krinkov” could be.

5.45mm military surplus 7N6 ammunition was also banned in early 2014 by executive fiat. Up to this point, the availability of cheap, plentiful 5.45mm surplus ammunition had 5.45mm chambered AKs increasing in popularity. While we will avoid arguing over the validity of declaring the 7N6 5.45 surplus “armor piercing”, the ban did take the steam out of AK rifles chambered in 5.45mm. The 7N6 “poison pill” bullet first gained notoriety in the Soviet-Afghan War. A design feature of the 5.45x39mm cartridge is an air space inside the jacket at the bullet’s tip. The air space serves to shift the bullet’s center of mass toward the rear. This increases likelihood of tumbling when striking soft targets — flesh. In addition, the lead core behind this air space shifts forward upon impact producing a peculiar curvature of the bullet’s path in the last half of its travel through tissue. One downside typical to most surplus ammunition is that it uses corrosive primers.

While “Spam cans” of 7N6 5.45mm can still be found, 5.45mm ammunition is available from non-Russian manufactures along with Hornady here in the U.S. — just not at a few cents a round.

Multiple 5.45x39mm loads were tested with the Krebs Custom Galil ACE such as Wolf, Tula, Silver Bear in 60-grain and 70-grain varieties. Century International Red Army Standard 5.45x39mm was also used. Red Army Standard 5.45x39mm 69-grain ammunition is offered in handy range packs (180 rounds) as well as 30-round boxes. Red Army Standard is manufactured by the same factories that produced billions of rounds of ammunition for the Soviet Red Army and Warsaw Pact nations. The range pack boxes indicated Ukrainian manufacturing.

Two other 5.45mm ammunition loads of interest were also used. Hornady 60-grain V-Max and Dynamit Nobel 59-grain HP loading. The Hornady 5.45x39mm load is a godsend for AK owners looking for a quality U.S. made ammunition choice for their rifles. By good fortune the Dynamit Nobel 59-grain 5.45x39mm was discovered several years ago with a couple cases acquired. The Hornady V-Max loads delivered accuracy in the 1.5- to 2-inch range at 50 yards with the Dynamit Nobel producing similar results. The other ammunition brands produced 2- to 3-inch groups at 50 yards. Accuracy testing was done with a red dot.

Chronographing the 8.3-inch barreled Galil ACE 5.45mm, the Wolf 70-grain load produced approximately 2,140 feet per second and the Wolf 60-grain a more respectable 2,510 fps. The 53-grain surplus ammunition clocked in at 2580 fps. The chrono readings were repeated to verify the muzzle blast wasn’t influencing the results. These velocities make the 5.45mm Krebs Galil ACE a viable option out to a couple hundred yards, ballistically.

At close range, the iron sights were good; at 50 yards and beyond, I had to really slow down and yet I still struggled to place consistent hits in the A zone of an IPSC style target. The solution was an easy one, considering the railed top cover present with the Galil ACE—a red dot.

A ZeroTech THRIVE red dot was mounted on the Galil ACE. ZeroTech is relatively new to the U.S. market. The Australian company has a U.S. operation based outside of Murfreesboro, TN. 50 years of experience in the rugged Australian outback is ZeroTech’s guiding force. The compact THRIVE sight offers a 3-MOA dot with eleven brightness settings within a 5-ounce package. Battery life is 5000 hours. The 3-MOA dot simplifies placing rounds on target no matter the aiming method used. Independence from set eye relief requirements is one of the red dot’s major advantages. This is born out when working in tight confines or finding oneself in awkward firing positions to maximize cover. Keep both eyes open; if you see the red dot on target, pull the trigger.

The THRIVE was mounted as low as possible on the Galil ACE; avoid AR height mounting risers on this platform. It did not disappoint me in my range tests proving more than capable of withstanding the Galil ACE’s recoil and heat generated from firing multiple magazines. The THRIVE’s dot aided in acquiring a fast aiming point at CQB ranges. The 3-MOA dot proved more than capable of hammering man-sized steel out to 200 yards reliably. A 50-yard zero with the ZeroTech fits needs best when mounted on the Krebs.

The Krebs bundle of joy weighs approximately seven pounds and measures 21-inches long with the Gear Head Works brace folded, and 28.25 inches with the brace deployed. The brace is held securely to the receiver when folded and is rock-steady when unfolded. My first visit to the range supported all my expectations regarding handling and reliability with the Krebs. Several hundred rounds were fired over the course of multiple range visits. Blessed to have an ample supply of 5.45x39mm ammunition. At times, I got carried away and had the braced pistol HOT! Reliability was never an issue with the Galil ACE vigorously ejecting steel cases. The Krebs aluminum handguard with heat shield did its job well.

The Krebs aluminum handguard’s M-LOK capability allowed for the mounting of Crimson Trace’s recently introduced Rapid Illumination Grip (RIG). The RIG is ideal for braced pistols requiring a light source. The angled grip is not considered a vertical foregrip, which is a big no-no on braced pistols due to federal regulations. The RIG combines the ergonomic advantage of an angled foregrip with a 500-peak-lumen weaponlight into one sleek, effective device.

The Krebs proved very capable at handling the CQB style course with multiple targets strewn 15 to 25 yards away with the stop targets placed further downrange. Transitioning between the multiple targets was effortless thanks to ZeroTech THRIVE red dot and the 5.45x39mm round supplying little recoil. The muzzle signature was less than what was expected, as well. The Krebs IMS muzzle system tamed both muzzle flash and acted as a compensator, thanks to its dual design of 4-prong flash suppressor with birdcage piece acting as a compensator. Krebs’ goal with the IMS was a device that can be switched between flash suppressor, muzzle brake, and suppressor mount by the user.

The Krebs Custom treatment exhibited all of the positive Galil ACE characteristics combined with the lethal Russian .22 caliber service round—the 5.45x39mm. Arms aficionados will find and appreciate Krebs Custom’s attention to detail. The Krebs Custom Galil ACE proved desirable due to its reliability, accuracy, and controllability during rapid strings of fire.

RRA LAR 47 utilized field expedient positions at Echo Valley Training Center’s Jungle Walk Lane Range.

By Todd Burgreen

The search for the “perfect” rifle and cartridge combination is the impetus of many gun designers and manufacturers; this search motivated Stoner himself back in the early 1960s. Of late, the most attention seems to be on “improving” the AR platform via developing piston-driven ARs in lieu of Stoner’s original gas-impingement design. Rock River Arms (RRA) has approached the AR from a different angle than just tweaking the AR operating system. One way Rock River Arms seeks to improve the AR platform rests on calibers chambered other than the 5.56mm. Rock River Arms features AR models chambered in 7.62x51mm/.308Win, 9mm, .40 S&W, 6.8 SPC, .458 SOCOM, and most recently 7.62×39.

Rock River Arms (RRA) was founded in 1996 by brothers Mark and Chuck Larson. The Larson brothers combine over 40 years of experience in the firearm business into RRA. Unfortunately, Mark passed away in early 2013. Their initial product focus consisted of custom 1911 pistols before turning their attention to AR style rifles. The attention to detail associated with creating Match-grade 1911s was soon transferred over to AR production methods. RRA’s goal with the AR style rifle is the utmost reliability combined with accuracy; thus wringing the most out of Stoner’s original design. These two objectives are often at odds with each other. The tight tolerances associated with accuracy can hinder reliability if not applied properly. By improving fit and finish, including the use of a forged receiver, RRA sets itself apart from the majority of AR manufacturers in existence today. RRA quality control was quickly rewarded within only a few years of emerging on the AR scene. RRA’s operating methodology was quickly brought to the forefront by winning contracts to provide RRA AR rifles to DEA and FBI law enforcement agencies. This has been followed since with other contracts with Federal, State, and local law enforcement entities.

Slight radius cuts behind where the firing pin rests in the carrier group are one difference with the chromed LAR 47 bolt carrier compared to a Mil Spec AR-15/M16 bolt carrier.

The exponential growth of AR popularity and Rock River Arms’ involvement in this progression is impressive. Rock River Arms definitely has “skin” in the AR game with numerous models and calibers in its product line-up. Our focus for this review is the RRA 7.62×39 LAR 47. Word emerged as early as 2012 about the RRA LAR 47 with product reaching dealer shelves in mid 2014. This delay was surely a result of the AR craze the industry went through during that time frame as well as Mark’s unexpected death.

RRA is an industry leader well known for producing a full line of high quality AR-15 style rifles. The LAR 47 is a hybrid design that combines the versatility and ergonomics of the AR-style platform with the popularity and hard hitting nature of the AK 7.62×39 chambering. Most importantly it accepts steel and select polymer AK47 magazines compared to other ARs chambered in 7.62×39 that take proprietary magazines. The RRA LAR 47 uses forged A4 upper and lower receivers. RRA decided to use the direct impingement (DI) AR operating method in lieu of the piston option with the LAR 47. This is intriguing as RRA features each operating method in its product line up. Some will have concerns with the DI operation and increased fouling in the receiver area magnified when using surplus 7.62×39 ammunition. This is addressed by Rock River Arms by chroming the barrel and bolt carrier group.

Two different model configurations of the LAR 47 are available: CAR A4 and Delta Carbine. This article features the LAR 47 Delta Carbine. The LAR 47 Delta uses a 16 inch chrome-lined HBAR profile barrel with 1:10 RH twist. The LAR 47 Delta Carbine is equipped with many standard RRA components that include an A2 flash hider (5/8×24 threads) and RRA 2-stage trigger group. Other features included are oversized trigger guard and centrally located ambidextrous magazine release. It is equipped with an RRA Delta CAR adjustable stock and Delta pistol grip, along with RRA propriety 2-piece quad rail handguard forend. The LAR 47 Delta Carbine weighs approximately 7.75 pounds with an overall length of 36.5 inches with stock extended. The package from Rock River includes polymer AK47 magazine, hard case, manual and RRA limited life time warranty. RRA lists MSRP for the LAR 47 Delta Carbine as $1,475.

Rock River Arms had to tweak the typical 5.56mm AR upper and lower receivers for the LAR 47. Interestingly, RRA was able to maintain length and width of 5.56mm AR receivers. The lower receiver’s aesthetics is impacted by being engineered to accept the AK magazine. One of the less appreciated aspects of the AK design is how the front of the magazine is hooked into place and kept steady behind a wide feed ramp allowing the bullet a smooth path to the chamber. This is one factor contributing to the AKs reputation for reliability. The LAR 47’s magazine well is angled to facilitate the AK’s magazine hook-and-latch system, i.e., you insert the front of the magazine in first before rocking it back and locking it in place. Rock River took into account the interaction of steel AK magazines with the LAR 47’s aluminum lower receiver by installing a steel crosspin for the magazine to interact with.

The LAR 47’s receivers had to be modified to make room for the wider and longer feed lips of the AK magazine. The same was done for the bolt carrier. The barrel extension feed ramps were tweaked to accommodate the 7.62×39 cartridge in the LAR 47. Rock River Arms dealt with the associated hard primer strike required for surplus 7.62×39 ammunition by using a heavier hammer spring and modifying the bolt carrier group geometry. The LAR 47 utilizes standard AR-15 buffer and spring.

Multiple AK magazines were tried with the LAR 47 including polymer US Palm, Magpul, Tapco, Bulgarian smooth and waffle, IO Inc., and surplus steel magazines. Even drum magazines were tested. Steel AK magazines worked without issue. On the polymer magazine front, only the AK magazine shipped with the LAR 47 functioned properly. The Magpul PMAG 30 AK inserted and removed smoothly, however this proved a false indicator as functioning was not possible due to the bolt group dragging along its feed lips. The other polymer magazines had issues inserting and locking into the LAR 47’s magazine well. Romanian and Chinese 75-round drum magazines were also a no go. The lesson here is to function test any magazine considered for use with the LAR 47. While there is definitely no shortage of steel AK magazines available for purchase, the inability to utilize multiple types of AK magazines will not be well received in many quarters of rifledom.

LAR 47. FIREClean CLP is a possible option for users concerned with direct impingement fouling.

Since typical AK magazines do not have a follower designed to hold the bolt open after the last round is fired, Rock River eliminated the bolt catch mechanism on the LAR 47. This eased design constraints associated with the magazine well area reconfiguration and alleviated the need to intrude into the trigger housing for space; thus enabling the use of Rock River Arms’ excellent two-stage AR trigger. The design approach further extends to the magazine release arrangement decided on by RRA. The angle of the AK magazine availed RRA the opportunity for a much larger trigger guard area. This allowed for a centrally located paddle release at the front of the trigger guard behind the magazine. The magazine release lever is ambidextrous.

It was decided to take full advantage of the RRA LAR 47’s flattop upper receiver by mounting a Trijicon TA 31 3x ACOG with horseshoe/dot reticle calibrated for 7.62×39 trajectory. The mounting of eye relief dependent optics is a weakness for the AK that the LAR 47 solves. A quick release mount was used with the ACOG. The mount is CNC machined from 6061 T6 aluminum and weighs only 2.7 ounces. The Trijicon ACOG offers the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence compared to open sights, while at the same time providing accuracy at extended distances. The ACOG is a preferred optic for the U.S. Army and Marines. The Trijicon reticle superimposes an aim point on the target while not totally obscuring the target due to the center dot not being that large. The 7.62×39’s trajectory is conducive to making hits out to 300 yards without having to resort to excessive hold over; 3 inch high at 100 yards produces a 200 yard zero with 15 inches low at 300 yards.

Multiple 7.62×39 loads were tested with the RRA LAR 47 from Hornady, Wolf and Century’s Red Army Standard. A 50 yard accuracy test was chosen due to the ACOG’s 3x magnification. Wolf and Red Army Standard loads grouped into an inch at 50 yards. The Hornady 123 grain SST loads delivered accuracy in the 5/8 inch range at 50 yards. The RRA LAR 47 combined with quality optic mated to quality ammunition is a prime candidate for use as a general purpose rifle.

Range testing commenced with functionality consisting of dumping multiple magazines at targets arrayed along Echo Valley Training Center’s (EVTC) multi-stepped berm in rapid fashion once the ACOG TA 31’s was zeroed. Iron sights are not part of the RRA LAR 47 package. If so desired, Magpul flip up sights are a solution and easily mountable on the upper rail. No problems were encountered with the Wolf and Red Army Standard 7.62×39 ammunition. While the RRA LAR 47 fired Hornady 123 grain SST the most accurately compared to other loads, the rifle had issues functioning with it. Fired rounds were ejected, but fresh rounds were not picked up and chambered. It can be surmised that the bolt was not cycling back far enough to strip the next round from the magazine. The same magazines were tested with the other ammunition with no issues encountered. After initial functioning test, the LAR 47 was then put through its paces on different courses of fire. Magazine changes, shooting from the non-dominant shoulder and unconventional positions around barricades helped to evaluate the LAR 47. Strings of fire ranged from 15 to 80 rounds with target distances measured in feet out to a couple hundred yards. A major focus with the direct impingement LAR 47 was maintaining reliability after hundreds of rounds fired, including magazine dumps and breaking contact drill scenarios. The Rock River Arms LAR 47 paid several visits to Echo Valley Training Center with several hundred rounds fired. As mentioned earlier in the article, particular attention was paid to fouling and carbon build up and if reliability was compromised. Purposely, the LAR 47 was used as it emerged from the box and not cleaned or lubed for the duration of this review. The only issues encountered with the RRA LAR 47 in terms of reliability centered on AK 47 magazines chosen for use and the Hornady ammunition.

Further evaluation of the LAR 47 was based on training experiences derived from attendance at various training courses such as Pat McNamara, Suarez International, and Tactical Response. Team Tactic exercises involving moving to and from a designated target area using cover while either changing magazines or engaging targets when a partner is reloading are excellent weapon evaluation drills. One gets a good sense of the way a weapon handles along with reliability due to the sum of ammunition expended in short time frames characteristic of these types of drills. The full gamut of rifle manipulations are encompassed in Team Tactics training evolutions – handling around cover while engaging designated targets, accuracy to effectively strike at both distance and CQB ranges, magazine changes, and reliability once a weapon gets heated up.

High Speed Gear (HSG) Sure Grip patrol belt and TACO magazine pouches assisted with keeping steel AK magazines available. Many train and operate with multiple calibers either by choice or necessity. Others are tasked with training different weapon systems as part of their job description. The logistics of maintaining different belt systems or switching magazine pouches on one belt repeatedly is daunting. Imagine having to accommodate AR magazines one day, AK47 magazines the next, AR-10/SR-25 magazines, or AK74 magazines another time and so forth. Just as important in any transition between gear systems is making sure nothing affects magazine draw stroke muscle memory, pistol presentation or obtaining medical equipment. Accessing gear must remain seamless with no hitches caused due to different feel or location of pouches. High Speed Gear’s TACO magazine pouch was developed with this set of circumstances in mind. The HSG TACO magazine pouch eliminates the need for different gear per weapon magazine used and just as importantly keeps your items in familiar instinctual locations.

The Rock River Arms LAR 47 is a rifle that many will be interested in. This is based on the increasing popularity of the 7.62×39, especially when fed via AK47 magazines. Further supporting this is the better quality ammunition coming on line from manufactures combined with ability to securely mount optics on the railed upper receiver facilitating wringing the most out of the cartridge and platform.

SITES OF INTEREST

Rock River Arms
www.rockriverarms.com

Century International Arms
www.centuryarms.com

Echo Valley Training Center
www.echovalleytrainingcenter.com

Trijicon Inc.
www.trijicon.com

Imagine standing on the Tee area of your favorite Par 4 hole and wishing you could get to the green in 1. (Putting for Eagle is something that most of us never have the chance do). You reach into your bag and select your 20-inch Colt H-Bar. As you drop your Top-Flite XL-3000 ball into the Bloom muzzle device, you read the wind and aim a little to the left to compensate for it. With a hollow sounding thump your ball takes flight and bounces just short of the green, rolling up beside the pin. It looks like another day of shooting under par.

We don’t know how your local golf course will feel about using the Bloom Automatic Golf Ball Launcher but we have yet to encounter a shooting range that doesn’t allow it.

The Bloom Automatic Golf Ball Launcher is a muzzle attachment designed to be used with several firearms. Rather than having a dedicated thread that must be matched to a particular firearm, this device will function with any standard 22mm flash hider or grenade launcher. It simply slides over the factory flash hider or grenade launcher and is secured with dog-point set screws in the corresponding grooves. Unlike cup-point set screws, there should be no scratching or marring of the original finish.

The firearms the Bloom device can be used with include, but are not limited to, the following unmodified firearms; Yugo SKS, AR-15, M16, FAL, Galil, CETME, G-3 and MAS 49/56. It will also function on the 1903 Springfield, M1 Garand and M1A / M14 when used in conjunction with their grenade launching attachments. They also recently added the correct flash hiders for an AK47 to use with this system.

After securing the launcher to the firearm, all that is necessary is a bucket of golf balls and a corresponding number of blanks. For obvious reasons this device should NEVER be used with live ammunition. A golf ball is dropped into the launcher and the blank round is loaded into the chamber. To fire, hold the rifle on your shoulder in a slightly elevated position so the ball will not roll out.

The distance the ball will travel depends entirely upon the caliber and the barrel length of the firearm used. With a 20-inch barrel on an AR-15 the balls can fly as far as 350 yards. When used with an 11.5-inch barrel, the distance was reduced to somewhere in the area of 100 – 150 yards. With an SKS they will fly in excess of 500 yards; almost completely out of sight. We can only assume that when used with the M1A or M1 Garand they will travel further. Standard blanks are used in conjunction with the Bloom Automatic Golf Ball Launcher and the use of grenade launching blanks is not recommended.

Something that has to be considered when firing golf balls is that they react unpredictably when they strike a hard surface. It would not be recommended to fire at a hard surface where there is the potential for the ball to bounce back towards the shooter or any spectators.

During our testing we found it fun to place several 5-gallon pails in a large area and try to see if we could drop any balls in the pails. Other suggested “sporting” options would be to use 55-gallon drums or paint large circles in the field or range in a bulls-eye fashion and, in a 21st Century version of “Jarts,” hits could be scored by their proximity to the target. While there is no tactical factor being sold with this attachment, the fun factor is certainly high, and with a little imagination several competitive and recreational uses can be discovered.

In support of this neat accessory, Bloom Automatic is going to offer blank crimp dies for sale. This will assist the reloaders who wish to manufacture their own loads instead of purchasing factory blanks, which at times can be elusive and expensive. Some factory blanks can be corrosive and reloading will solve that concern.

There has been a lot of discussion about specific launching accessories and their rulings within the Technology Branch of the ATF. As of this writing, ATF has ruled that the Bloom Automatic Golf Ball Launcher does not constitute a firearm or a destructive device. This conclusion followed a 6-month discussion period with the ATF legal department and they have even issued a ruling letter to this effect. A copy of this ruling is available at the Bloom Automatic website:

There are several new platforms for the launcher to be used on and they now include the 1911 pistol and some of the MAC family of firearms. All of this new information is available on their website as well. The price for the standard launcher, as tested in Small Arms Review magazine is $40 with an additional $5 shipping fee.

Bloom Automatic, LLC Dept. SAR 402 2nd Street Monongahela, PA 15063 E-Mail: bloomautomatic@yahoo.com Website: www.bloomautomatic.com

line breaks between paragraphs. Single
are good for spec lines. This is bolded. This is italics. This is underline. This is all three…

By Christopher R. Bartocci

Last month we looked at Type’s A and B of Colt’s SCAR (Special operations forces Combat Assault Rifle) program. Both used the traditional gas impingement system as found in the M16/M4 family of weapons and fared very well in the trials. However, there was an unwritten requirement that SOCOM wanted a conventional piston operated weapon. They felt it would be more clean and reliable under the extreme circumstances that they operated under.

Colt set out to develop their own piston driven mechanism. Piston systems were nothing new to Colt as they had experimented with it many years ago. In the late 1960s to early 1970s, experimentation was going on at Colt, Rock Island and Winchester to develop a standard piston mechanism to deal with the problems the early rifles had with the switch-over to ball powder. This also was as a response to the publicity of the reliability of the AK47. In the end, a report in 1968 stated that the 10 prototype weapons performed about equal to the current M16A1 rifles. Colt developed the model 703 as a piston driven operating system. Although totally unlike the current SCAR design, it indicates that Colt had investigated this in the past. The 703 was a full-length rifle with a piston rod that was attached to the bolt carrier, much like the AK-type piston. By the time Colt had concluded the development of the 703, all the changes made to the M16A1 and ammunition made a piston-operated mechanism unnecessary.

The Colt 703 rifle when fired, the bullet would propel down the barrel, and gas was bled from the barrel into the gas cylinder created between the end of the piston rod and the front sight base. The piston rod, being attached to the bolt carrier group, would move rearward extracting and ejecting the fired cartridge case. When the bolt carrier group reaches it’s furthest rearward motion the buffer/buffer spring would drive the bolt carrier group forward stripping a round from the magazine, chambering it, and the bolt would lock into battery ready for the next shot.

Colt SCAR Type C

SOCOM’s unwritten requirement for a piston operated rifle was based upon their belief that this system kept the gun cleaner due to hot gasses not being blown into the bolt carrier causing fouling. This is especially true when being fired with a suppressor.

Colt began work to design their own piston system. With the requirement for a free-floated barrel, Colt opted to use their newly designed one-piece upper receiver. Keeping the legacy M4 platform was important as it was very user friendly. Once the shooter grasps the pistol grip, all manipulations of the selector and magazine catch can be made without manipulation of the shooters hand. The left hand will insert the loaded magazine a hit the bolt catch to reload. Due to the magazine dropping free and the bolt holding open on the last shot, reloading can be accomplished is seconds. An added benefit to keeping this platform was taking advantage of the existing familiarity of the operators’ use with the M4A1 carbine.

The SCAR Type C Upper Receiver

The upper receiver chosen was the Colt proprietary one-piece upper receiver. This allowed the barrel to be mounted to the receiver and permitted to free float; increasing accuracy as well as assist in cooling. The upper receiver utilizes a forward assist assembly, fired cartridge case deflector and an ejection port dust cover. There is a continuous Mil-Std 1913 rail that goes from the top of the charging handle area to the front sight base. This will allow the mounting of multiple optics including night vision, reflex sight as well as a laser. The side rails allow the operator to mount flashlights or other accessories. The bottom portion of the rail is removable allowing the mounting of a grenade launcher. When the standard cover with the rail is on, a vertical pistol grip may be installed. During testing, the newly designed Grip Pod Systems vertical pistol grip was used. This vertical pistol grip/bipod is made of 7075 T6 aircraft aluminum, the same as the Colt SCAR receivers. The bottom of the grip turns into a spring-loaded bipod with a push of a button. When the operator drops to the prone position and engages the bipod, the carbine has a stable base for aimed firing. When the bipod is engaged and the weapon shouldered, the magazine will not snag on the ground.

The carbine utilizes the same BUIS (Back Up Iron Sight) as the Colt Type A. The rear sight is a modified Colt carrying handle rear sight. Colt took a standard carrying handle and removed the handle just leaving a lightweight rear sight. There are no sharp edges to snag. It is adjustable for elevation out to 600 meters and has two sight apertures. A 0 to 200-meter close and a long-range aperture. However, any BUIS can be used whether it be an ARMS #40 L or a Knight Armament BUIS.

The front sight is a Colt designed foldable front sight assembly attached to the gas block. This same front sight assembly was used on all three of Colt’s entries and was activated and locked by a button on the left side. This utilized a square 4-notch front sight post and is adjustable for elevation only.

The Colt Piston Operating System

The piston system is very simple and very reliable. In firearms design there are two basic piston systems. The first is where the piston/operating rod is directly attached to the bolt carrier such as the AK47/AKM. The second is the short-stroke tappet where the operating rod strikes the face of the bolt carrier driving the carrier rearward while the piston rod reciprocates back to its rested position in front of the firearm such as the AR18, SKS and FN FAL.

The system chosen by Colt is the latter. By going with the two-piece operating rod the weight may be decreased. Colt has been working on their piston systems for a couple of years in their model shop. In 2003, a prototype was made showing an early attempt of their system. Over the next couple years their design would be modified and perfected to the final system they chose for their SCAR candidate

The final system begins with their proprietary one-piece upper receiver. The barrel is secured to the inside of the receiver and the barrel left free-floating. The system consists of the op rod and return spring. The front of the system consists of the gas cylinder and the mechanism is locked into the weapon by a large pin in the front sight/gas block. There is a gas relief vent in front of the gas cylinder that vents through the front of the front sight assembly. Colt has tested this operating mechanism with over 18,000 rounds without cleaning and without failure. This piston system does not require routine maintenance during cleaning.

As the bullet travels down the barrel upon firing, the bullet passes the gas port and gas is directed into the gas expansion chamber, driving the piston rearward. The rear of the piston impacts a modified carrier key on the bolt carrier group driving the carrier group rearward. While the carrier group continues rearward, the piston rod returns to its forward resting position. On the bolt carrier group’s rearward travel the bolt unlocks, extracting and ejecting the fired cartridge case from the carbine. Then the compressed heavy buffer and spring return the carrier group forward stripping an unfired cartridge from the magazine, feeding it into the chamber, and then the bolt locks into the barrel extension. The carbine is ready for the next shot to be fired. Another benefit of the piston-operated system is the ability to set the cyclic rate of the weapon. Colt chose to make the SCAR Type C fire at 800 rounds per minute comparable to that of the M4A1 with Mk 262 Mod 1 ammunition.

The Bolt Carrier

The bolt carrier group looks very similar to the standard M16/M4 family of firearms but with one major change: a new bolt carrier key. Also, there are no gas rings on the bolt due to the expansion chamber being in the front sight assembly instead of the back of the bolt carrier group. Another innovation that Colt has done is to change the finish of the bolt and carrier. It has a proprietary UCT Defense UltraChem (nickel boron) finish to eliminate the need for any lubricant whatsoever. This slippery finish needs merely a wipe with a rag to clean. This coating also improves corrosion resistance. The extractor utilizes the improved gold extractor spring with the stronger black extractor buffer.

The Barrel

As per specifications, the barrels come in two different lengths. The standard carbine barrel length is 14.5 inches and the CQC (Close Quarter Combat) barrel is 10.5 inches. Both barrels are heavy barrels to insure they can take the required heavy firing schedule demanded by SOCOM. The barrel utilizes the standard 1 turn in 7 inch rifling twist that is required to stabilize the Mk 262 Mod 1 ammunition currently in use by SOCOM. Additionally, as per requirements, a Knight’s Armament Quick Detach flash suppressor is installed for use with the silencer. The front sight base has a bayonet lug for mounting a bayonet on both barrels even though one cannot be mounted on the 10.5 inch barrel.

The chamber has been modified to comply with the “Over the Beach” requirement specified for the SEALS.

The Lower Receiver

The lower receiver is identical to the ones used on Type A and B. It is a standard M4A1 lower receiver with the modified selector lever. As per requirement, this ambidextrous selector operates over 90 degrees of travel (as opposed to the Colt standard of 180 degrees). After testing was completed, this change was not well received. The reasoning in unclear as to whether they were just too used to the standard or if it did not manipulate as fast as the original.

The magazine release is the patented Norgon ambidextrous version. The stock is the VLTOR stock with dual battery compartments for the optics. This is a standard four-position Colt buffer extension with a H2 buffer. Due to the carbine utilizing a heavy barrel, the buffer with 2 tungsten weights and 1 steel weight was necessary to prevent light strikes from bolt carrier bounce. Improved hammer/trigger pins are used that are manufactured of stainless steel. This increases service life especially with heavy volume of fire required of the SCAR weapon. The finish is done in the required flat earth finish (coyote brown) done by Kal-Guard.

Conclusions

The opportunity arose to test fire Colt’s Type C SCAR in their engineering range in the basement of the factory. There was little difference in the feel between the direct gas and the piston driven carbines and their cyclic rate was about the same. The carbine fired was quite worn and neglected from the SCAR trials. However, the carbine functioned flawlessly; firing nearly 500 rounds in 15 minutes. The bolt carrier group was completely dry without lubricant.

There seems to be little doubt that the next generations of M16/M4 carbines will be piston driven mechanisms. Colt plans to introduce a piston driven law enforcement carbine in early 2006.

With the SCAR program moving forward with procurement from FN Mfg. Inc., only time will tell how the new weapons will stack up compared to the M4A1 carbines currently in use. The SCAR trials were without a doubt the most grueling small arms testing in the world since the original Armalite AR-15 was pitted against the government designed M14. Lessons learned in this weapons development program will influence further research and development of further upgrades or new weapons designs of the future.

Where several AK variants on the market are built with surplus parts, their loose relationship can disallow them to work in harmony. One common telltale symptom of a poor relationship between these parts is the painful forward trigger slap caused by the hammer hitting the trigger when the bolt carrier comes rearward. Another may be an occasional double tap caused by the hammer following the carrier forward. This is particularly dangerous as there is a chance it will fire out of battery causing damage to the rifle or even harm to the shooter.

When forging parts, as opposed to casting, the metal is poured from a single stock and actually pressed to shape. Forging compresses the density of the molecules and actually forces out bubbles and imperfections. This greatly adds to the strength of the finished product.

Due to the fact that each part is manufactured to such exacting specifications, the relationship between these parts is also nothing short of exacting, guaranteeing them to function in harmony and reduce wear over time even further. The rifles are assembled and quality assured by factory trained master craftsmen who are passionate about the product they ship out. Just like the staff here at Small Arms Review, the crew at Arsenal, Inc. are true gun enthusiasts and collectors. A genuine interest in your line of work always shows in the finished product and is obvious in this case as well.

Before these rifles leave the factory they are inspected, test fired and laser sighted for a distance of 100 yards. If a rifle is sighted in the traditional way by one person, the group may consistently be two inches high and right for a different shooter, and two inches low and left for yet another. Laser sighting completely eliminates any human error that is evident when sighting in with live ammo. The process uses two lasers. One laser is attached to the sights and the other in the bore. They are aligned with each other at 100 yards. Just as a testimonial to the quality of these rifles, of the thousands they have manufactured, none of Arsenal, Inc’s firearms has ever failed to fire or has been improperly head-spaced at this stage.

As with most other products the quality of an item usually dictates the pricing. Before handling one of these rifles people often inquire about the price being approximately double that of many other AK variants. Over and above all the manufacturing details outlined above, These methods take considerably more time than other methods. Just for an example, once you are set up to build stamped receivers it is not unreasonable to have the ability to manufacture hundreds of units per day. On the opposite end of this spectrum it may take several hours to CNC mill only one receiver. What is lost in time is certainly gained in quality.

One question that immediately comes to mind whenever dealing with any post-ban “assault rifle” is the ability to legally accept an imported pre-ban high capacity magazine. Congress has dictated that a specific number of parts in these firearms must be domestically produced. In some cases the magazine, or parts of it, must be utilized in order to meet this quota, actually making the insertion of a foreign made magazine illegal. In the case of the Arsenal, Inc firearms there are so many domestically manufactured parts included in this rifle that the magazine is not at issue. Any pre-ban high capacity magazine may be legally used with this firearm.

Our range time with the SA M-7 was well spent. The rifle is well balanced and very comfortable to shoot. The trigger is smoother than any Kalashnikov trigger I have ever felt. Recoil was very light and much of that can be contributed to the unique muzzle brake. The magazines locked in easily and very positive with no forceful motion necessary. The stock set is a composite material that is both comfortable and durable.

The SA M-7 is, without a doubt, the nicest AK style firearm I have ever seen. The workmanship is second to none. The detail that has gone into every aspect of manufacturing this rifle, from forging the parts to final inspection and assembly is obvious over every inch of this rifle. There is no doubt in my mind that any AK enthusiast could be no less than impressed by the SA M-7.

Arsenal, Inc manufactures four AK variant firearms. The SA M-7, the SA M-7S which employs the features of the M-7 as well as being equipped with a scope rail mount, and the SA M-7 Classic which is 100% identical to the original Kalashnikov as it was introduced in 1955. Just like the original, the classic has the sling swivel on the receiver and has a little heavier barrel. It also has no compensator but a barrel nut. Less than 250 of the Classic were manufactured and there are still a few available. Suggested retail on the Classic is $875.00. Arsenal, Inc also manufacturers the SA RPK-7 which has a longer barrel and the latest variation of the bipod which has the cleaning kit in the leg.

SA M7 Specifications

Caliber: 7.62×39
Total Length: 900 mm
Barrel Length: 415 mm
Twist Rate: 1 / 240 mm
Weight without Magazine: 3.835 Kg
Muzzle Velocity: 715 m/s
Rate of Fire: 40 rds/min
Effective Range: 400 m
Maximum Range: 2000 m

SA M-7 is a gas operated, magazine fed, air-cooled and semi-automatic shoulder fired sporting rifle. It operates via the long stroke gas system designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov.

A Rich History

In December of 2000, Arsenal, Inc. opened in their present location in Las Vegas, Nevada but this is far from a new company. Many of their engineers actually learned in TULA and the company history actually goes back as far as 1878. Below is a brief outline of the company.

Arsenal, Ltd’s history dates back to 1878 when a special factory was required to fill the needs of the newly created Bulgarian army. It was named “Artillery Arsenal” of Rousse. Russian Officers originally managed the Artillery Arsenal until 1884 when Professor General Simeon Nikolov Vankov was appointed the first Bulgarian director.

In 1891 the factory was transferred in Sofia and was established the Sofia Artillery Arsenal. In 1924 the factory was moved to Kazanlak under the name “State Military Factory”. Its basic function was simply “to produce and repair all military equipment necessary for the army, the police, the border troops and all state security organs as well as the testing of new models”. At that time several items including rifles, pistols, ammo and even gas masks were manufactured in Kazanlak.

After WWII, just like our own factories, it was time to retool and start manufacturing a more diverse product base. At that time they were producing plows, harrows, batteries, diesel engines, electronic motors and several other items. In 1948 the State Military Factory passed from the Defense Ministry to the Ministry of Industry & Crafts and was designated “Factory 10”.

Between 1956 and 1958 Factory 10 started producing a recoilless cannon (B-10) as well as the Kalashnikov AK-47 under Russian license. The first AK47 came off the assembly line in 1958 and they would go on to produce their 1,000,000th unit in 1982.

In 1964 the plant was again renamed, this time United Industrial Plant “Friederich Engels”. Production facilities built at this plant included a factory to build springs, a workshop for CNC machines, a computing center and a facility to produce powders, primers and pyrotechnic products.

From 1977 to 1989 the Bulgarian factory “F. Engels” added the licensed production of the following products:

• 1971-72 9x18mm pistol cartridge
• 1971-73 7.62mm Kalashnikov machine gun PK
• 1972-74 9mm Makarov pistol
• 1976-78 7.62mm Kalashnikov tank machine gun PKT
• 1983 23mm anti-aircraft system Zu-23-2
• 1984-86 5.45mm Kalashnikov assault rifle AK-74, AKS-74
• 1985-87 5.45x39mm cartridges
• 1986-87 122mm howitzer

Arsenal, Inc is currently the only new manufacturer of the Kalashnikov family of firearms outside of the group of nations under the former Warsaw Pact.

The suggested retail price for the SA M-7 is $700.00. The contact information is:

ARSENAL INC.
5015 W. Sahara Ave. #125
Las Vegas, NV 89146
TEL: 888-539-2220
FAX: 702-643-2088
Web: www.arsenalinc.com