Selling my Arsenal SLR 107 a couple years ago ranks as one of three of my greatest firearms mistakes. The 1st, selling my first gun, a SIG P228, the 2nd, letting go a VEPR 12 shotgun.
I sold the SLR for way more than I paid, as when the Russian ammo ban happened, Arsenals skyrocketed in price, as did the ammo, and I saw little need to keep it around. I mean, why buy 7.62 for the price of .223?
Anyway, I’ve moved exclusively to pistons for my AR’s, and well, have been jonesing for another AK to add in the lineup.
Imports these days are stupid expensive. Not gonna pay over a thow for an AK. So, I began researching American AK’s. I quickly narrowed it down to three, the Riley, PSA and K-USA.
Every report I read on the K-USA 103 cited poor accuracy, so it was out. The owners of PSA Gen 5’s with the FN barrel raved about them but, as a complete rifle, around or over a thow. The barreled receiver kit was 699.99$ and I almost pushed the button on one, then I stumbled upon the Riley’s.
A lot of naysayers about them, but it was almost always a case of the critics not owning one and/or citing RD’s past of using cast trunnions - which was a mistake.
However, every review, written or video, since 2018ish about their AK’s praised them as workhorses - the time when RD started forging their trunnions, bolts and carriers. Also, more than few owners raving about the accuracy.
So, a complete rifle for 700$, with a good trigger and some nice features (extended mag release, bolt hold open safety), I took a chance.
The rifle arrived today and I am impressed. Everything is tight : safety, gas tube, gas tube latch, hand guard and latch. The barrel and front sight are straight as an arrow - no canting. The gun seems very solid.
My old Arsenal had a front sight that was so canted it took an 8 week trip back to the factory to fix. The finish on it was, well, underwhelming. The finish on the RD is uniform, looks good, but I can see it will wear quick like the Arsenal. I’ll likely add additional protection - alumahide or something.
No rounds through it yet. I have some add ons and work to get it in training shape that I’ll do this winter. I will update this thread as I put it through its paces. Having held or owned a lot of quality weapons, the rifle shows nothing on the surface that worries me.
Will post pics when I get to a computer.
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