Arsenal SAM7A1R

[40Magnum]

First time in the AK channel.. it was bound to happen. I have multiple AR's but felt the need someday to pick up an AK. As fate would have it, I walked into what seemed a deal at the local gunshop a couple weeks back. An Arsenal SAM7A1R, used, but looking brand new. I would guess a very low round count.

The general impression from online research is that it's a good piece. I know Arsenal is looked upon with great favor by many. My concern, via the rumor mill, is the longevity and sensitivity of the finish. Does anyone have any experience regarding cleaning solvents, etc. with this rifle? I never could see a need for solvents on the exterior of a rifle but some CLP/Militec for me is normal for the course. How well does this finish wear over time?

Price paid for this rifle was $750 out the door, including a optics mount and some additional polymer furniture with rails (insert giggles here). The railed furniture doesnt look too bad and I won't be hanging anything off of it. I do have to say that the trigger is a big surprise. It feels like a two-stage military trigger and nothing like AK triggers I have seen in the past.

Thanks very much and have a good evening.

[Army of Juan]

You got a pretty good deal for that AK. That same gun would probably sell for at least $100 more on the various gun forums. That is a very desireable AK, congratulations.

The finish on the made-in-USA Arsenals is quite a bit better than those that start out in Bulgaria, but I still wouldn't use anything other than CLP. There have been too many horror stories of people watching their finish melt away.