Thanks, I’m looking forward to getting it. I’m wanting to put the folding stock on it. Looks like original Polish folders are hard to find but there are a couple reproductions out there that look good that I’ll probably give a try. Atlantic told me that they expect a new batch of optic rails late summer/early fall so I’ll probably just shoot irons until then. As I understand it the optic rail is a weakness of the system and places the optic up too high for a cheek weld. Given that I have an extra EOTech laying around I plan on trying to make a Polish GWOT clone, I’ll accept the sub par mounting solution for “historical accuracy.” Rob Ski put a side mount on his 762 gun for this reason. The Beryl Green magazine runs in my M90 fine and the WBP with a little filing of their backs so I’m hoping for commonality between my M90 and Beryl. Would certainly make life easier, but yeah, as a Valmet owner I agree 1000% with your comments about buying magazines when they are available. I’m also wanting a “modern” 762 gun before any gun ban buffoonery starts (seems Colorado is always one legislative session away from an AWB and I fear there is a strong chance of Gavin becoming POTUS), I’ve been debating between a PSA and a KUSA AK103 but if the Beryl is as good as many say I might go with an M1.
I have an Arsenal SA93 which is the forerunner of the SAM7 as well as a couple Zastava M70s. From a fit and finish perspective I’d give it to the Arsenal, but frankly after that I would say it comes down to price and what makes you happy. The M70 will run about half of what the SAM7 will. I don’t think the Arsenal is twice the gun the M70 is for sure. Both will be restrictive on stocks available as the SAM7 is a forged/milled receiver and the M70 is a Yugo pattern. The SAM7 will fit most standard AK handguards while the M70 will need Yugo specific hand guards. Both will be beefy girls unless you can find a 1mm ZPAP (I have one I’m looking to sell). I’ve been quite happy with my M70s, it’s given me good accuracy and any malfunctions I’ve had have been magazine related. Both my Arsenal and one Zastava have had some sight issues (canted on the Arsenal and loose rear leaf on the Zastava) that the OCD side of me had to remedy but that seems to be part of the magic of running AKs.
Below is my zero target from my M70 at 100 yards from “magazine prone” using the AK irons shooting cheap Wolf 122gr fodder. While I would suspect the SAM7 could group a little tighter based on some of the groups I’ve got with my SA93, the M70 shoots fine for me.
Attachment 106885
I’ve not read of issues with soft receivers on actual military M70s but it certainly seems to have been an issue with the Century import rifles. All of the 1mm receiver military guns I’ve seen have been folders or M85 pattern. According to Rob Ski, Zastava USA insisted on a factory trigger being used in their guns as they claimed that will reduce peening issues. I don’t think the increased wear due to the ALG trigger is unique to M70s as well. I would hesitate to put an ALG trigger on one of mine (some people who claim more knowledge than me state is is a problem with the shape/profile of the ALG trigger more than the hardness of the metal). The plus side of this is that all of the Zastava “ZPaps” I have owned (3 of them) have had more than serviceable triggers.
It is worth noting to others that the M70 is NOT a true AK pattern rifle. Stalin and Tito were not on each others “May Day” card lists in the 1950s and the USSR did not give the Yugoslavians the TDP or set up a factory for the production of AKs like they did other nations, thus the M70 rifles are the result of reverse engineering that no doubt resulted in different material specifications, most famously the lack of a chromed barrel and possibly softer materials. While the “official” reason for the 1.5mm receiver is the reliance on rifle grenades within Yugo doctrine as you say - it might also be a way of dealing with softer receiver material or inconsistent heat treating.
Originally Posted by Suvorov
Thanks, I’m looking forward to getting it. I’m wanting to put the folding stock on it. Looks like original Polish folders are hard to find but there are a couple reproductions out there that look good that I’ll probably give a try. Atlantic told me that they expect a new batch of optic rails late summer/early fall so I’ll probably just shoot irons until then. As I understand it the optic rail is a weakness of the system and places the optic up too high for a cheek weld. Given that I have an extra EOTech laying around I plan on trying to make a Polish GWOT clone, I’ll accept the sub par mounting solution for “historical accuracy.” Rob Ski put a side mount on his 762 gun for this reason. The Beryl Green magazine runs in my M90 fine and the WBP with a little filing of their backs so I’m hoping for commonality between my M90 and Beryl. Would certainly make life easier, but yeah, as a Valmet owner I agree 1000% with your comments about buying magazines when they are available. I’m also wanting a “modern” 762 gun before any gun ban buffoonery starts (seems Colorado is always one legislative session away from an AWB and I fear there is a strong chance of Gavin becoming POTUS), I’ve been debating between a PSA and a KUSA AK103 but if the Beryl is as good as many say I might go with an M1.
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