Current state of the AK

[Malamute]

My AKs are all Arsenals and in 7.62. Is there any reason for a US civilian to get a 5.45x39 ?

I had one a few years ago when ammo was cheap ($109/1000). One great value was recreational. Shooting at rocks at dusk produced showers of sparks that were fun to see. Much like hollywood bullets, but the bi-metal jackets and mild steel cores did make good shows. I shot up some cars with it at the dump, most went through both sides that I could tell (also entertaining).

[HCM]

My AKs are all Arsenals and in 7.62. Is there any reason for a US civilian to get a 5.45x39 ?

Not anymore, now that the cheap surplus ammo is cut off. But if you already have one, like I do, there is no reason to get rid of it. They shoot well and the commercial ammo (Wolf etc) is still reasonable.

[Jay Cunningham]

5.56mm AKs can be very nice - if they run.

Therein lies the rub.

[StraitR]

5.56mm AKs can be very nice - if they run.

Therein lies the rub.

No experience with one, but I've always read the same thing.

LAV did a video some years ago on a modernized AK and used a slick little SLR-107cr in 5.56. He even made mention of the reduced reliability vs. the 7.62x39. I'll see if I can find it.

ETA:

[Lon]

I had one of the Arsenal Sam-5s .223 AKs for a few years. Ran like a scalded dog. Really regret selling it. Loved that rifle.

[Jay Cunningham]

I'd say the SA M5 is a pretty well-regarded design as far as reliability. I had one that ran perfectly, but for some reason it just wasn't an accurate rifle. The stamped SLR-106 series were plagued with problems when they first came out. One of the big issues is that unlike the 7.62 and 5.45mm guns, there's not a lot of standardization. At least one has a proprietary bolt size (the Romanian SAM 3 I believe) and magazines are a real crap shoot.

[Jaywalker]

The "top tier" guys in Russia have done a remarkable job trying to M4 the AK out.

At this point, I think National Pride is the only thing keeping them from just using M4's, and I wonder why anyone else bothers to use the AK, barring "It's what we have" and "It's for my fun".

There's a lot of things there I don't understand - would someone mind explaining?

[Dagga Boy]

I'd say the SA M5 is a pretty well-regarded design as far as reliability. I had one that ran perfectly, but for some reason it just wasn't an accurate rifle. The stamped SLR-106 series were plagued with problems when they first came out. One of the big issues is that unlike the 7.62 and 5.45mm guns, there's not a lot of standardization. At least one has a proprietary bolt size (the Romanian SAM 3 I believe) and magazines are a real crap shoot.

With that said, my SAM 7SF is as accurate as anything out there. It is a sub MOA rifle with Hornady ammo. It changed my mind on how good AK's can be when done right.

[Jay Cunningham]

My SA M7 is a very accurate gun.

[Lon]

I'd say the SA M5 is a pretty well-regarded design as far as reliability. I had one that ran perfectly, but for some reason it just wasn't an accurate rifle.

Mine was a sub moa rifle at 100 yards after I put an aimpoint on it. I didn't like the irons, but I haven't found any AK factory irons I have liked.