SAM 7K Vice DRACO

**m4brian** · 10-24-23, 13:20

Eyeing a used SAM7K for a decent price - under $1500

I can likely find a DRACO for $700 - maybe less given the day.

I like the 7K cuz its cool, I already own SARs, and it seems VERY handy, and its the same weight. I like the side rail, top cover sight (unless that is trash), etc. BUT... the best solution on the front is likely SLR RW and not cheap - and I'd be tempted to cut the HG retainer to get the best setup. Light mounting needs a real solution - unless I'd go ultimak.

I like the DRACO cuz its easy to convert, front end is easy to deal with, and its half the price.

Not 'buy both.'

Talk me into ONE.

Is the ultra short gas on the 7K iffy?

**SteyrAUG** · 10-24-23, 15:11

I was looking at the Arsenal Krink (stamped not the 7k) vs. Draco and I ended up with the Draco.

The Arsenals are really nice but I couldn't justify the price difference in my head.

**m4brian** · 10-24-23, 16:39

Originally Posted by SteyrAUG

I was looking at the Arsenal Krink (stamped not the 7k) vs. Draco and I ended up with the Draco.

The Arsenals are really nice but I couldn't justify the price difference in my head.

I get it. Even if I get out the door for $1400 its 2X - kinda crazy. Thanks.

Do folks think the short gas system is a potential problem? I've read ONE citation of someone have early malfunctions then it went away on the SAM 7K. I don't think the 12.5 would ever be in issue - in fact, maybe a great length for AK gas. I also like a parked finish.

**SteyrAUG** · 10-24-23, 19:09

Originally Posted by m4brian

I get it. Even if I get out the door for $1400 its 2X - kinda crazy. Thanks.

Do folks think the short gas system is a potential problem? I've read ONE citation of someone have early malfunctions then it went away on the SAM 7K. I don't think the 12.5 would ever be in issue - in fact, maybe a great length for AK gas. I also like a parked finish.

So it's the same 8.5" barrel length as the older Arsenal Krinks, same gas system right? I sold quite a few of those Arsenal Krinks in all three calibers and never had anyone with any problems other than the 5.56 series that was using the wrong bolts for awhile.

Similarly even the mini Draco's seem to be running problem free. You probably can't go wrong with either one, it's just a matter of how much do you want to spend. Romanian AKs have typically been very well made and I've owned several SAR variants over the years, I don't think much of the WASRs as the reconfigured magazine wells were usually very poorly done but I never ran into any of those problems with any Draco I've ever seen.

I own several Bulgarians from Arsenal but I snagged them when they were $700 so it's a bit different. If this is going to be the only AK you are going to buy, it might be worth it to you to go Arsenal, they really are nice, I just can't bring myself to spend twice the money a quality AR costs.

**m4brian** · 10-25-23, 08:42

Not the ONLY AK.

Thinking of mounting a CNC Brace. Does a cut down dong and/or a sharkfin make it on a pistol without NFA? I would think so.

**Bret** · 10-25-23, 08:43

I'm an AK whore but have never been able to justify the price of the SAM 7K. Plus, it's a heavy beast compared to a stamped receiver krink. The weight to size ratio just seems to be off. I have a Draco that I SBR'd with an underfolder. It runs like a champ. Based on my experience, I don't think that the short gas system is going to be a problem. AK's in general are over gassed and this is especially true of Arsenal rifles. Heck, cutting the barrel of my SLR-106CR is the only thing that saved it from beating itself to death.

Originally Posted by m4brian

Thinking of mounting a CNC Brace. Does a cut down dong and/or a sharkfin make it on a pistol without NFA? I would think so.

I think you're on the edge with that. Personally, I would only buy one that a manufacturer claims won't make it an AOW. That way you have potential cover.

**HKGuns** · 10-25-23, 09:01

Originally Posted by SteyrAUG

So it's the same 8.5" barrel length as the older Arsenal Krinks, same gas system right? I sold quite a few of those Arsenal Krinks in all three calibers and never had anyone with any problems other than the 5.56 series that was using the wrong bolts for awhile.

Similarly even the mini Draco's seem to be running problem free. You probably can't go wrong with either one, it's just a matter of how much do you want to spend. Romanian AKs have typically been very well made and I've owned several SAR variants over the years, I don't think much of the WASRs as the reconfigured magazine wells were usually very poorly done but I never ran into any of those problems with any Draco I've ever seen.

I own several Bulgarians from Arsenal but I snagged them when they were $700 so it's a bit different. If this is going to be the only AK you are going to buy, it might be worth it to you to go Arsenal, they really are nice, I just can't bring myself to spend twice the money a quality AR costs.

Not much of an AK guy, the one example I do have is an Arsenal SLR-95 that was produced during the Klinton AWB and originally sported an abominal thumbhole stock. For an AK it is really nice and feels better in the hand than nearly any other AK i've fondled.

I forget exactly what I paid, but it was sub $400. The prices of AK's today is borderline absurd and I'm really surprised it isn't killing their popularity and driving prices down.

**Bret** · 10-25-23, 09:58

Originally Posted by HKGuns

Not much of an AK guy, the one example I do have is an Arsenal SLR-95 that was produced during the Klinton AWB and originally sported an abominal thumbhole stock. For an AK it is really nice and feels better in the hand than nearly any other AK i've fondled.

You have one of the best AK's out there. I'm happy to give you a lesson on how to install a magazine.

I forget exactly what I paid, but it was sub $400. The prices of AK's today is borderline absurd and I'm really surprised it isn't killing their popularity and driving prices down.

We were fortunate to receive low costs for a while because the commies paid for the tooling costs and the former commies were so desperate for our currency. They're standard of living has increase measurably, so costs have gone up considerably. It is having an impact on the market. The number of AK's sold now is significantly down relative to other military style rifles, especially the AR15.