"Custom" AK-47 Type Quality

S

Skorzeny

New member
From those with actual handling experiences, I'd like to know what differences there are in quality of "custom" AK or RPK type rifles made by such companies as Krebs, Arsenal USA and Robinson Arms.

How do they compare in reliability, accuracy, ergonomics and general fit-and-finish to el-cheapo models such as Romanian SAR-1 or Maadi?

Ultimately, are they worth the difference in price?

Thanks.

Skorzeny
 
Some differences

Skorzeny,
I own a SAR-3 (223) and a MAK-90 (223) I've had good accuracy results from both. The fit and finish on the SAR is not as
nice as the MAK. However I have found that the MAK is more susceptible to rust.
As to Krebs, Arsenal USA and Robinson Arms and The are truly the cream of the AK crop. In my opinion the best value
from three on the market today is the Rob arms VEPR II. I have had a chance to inspect one and was impressed. It is built to
last through generations of heavy usage. In other words your grandchildren will be able to shoot your VEPR II.
Now as to the Value for the money, I believe the best price I have seen on them is through Tennessee Guns, $489.00 for 223 and $499.00 for 7.62X39. Buy the way the VEPR II is on my wish list, but with the number of guns I have bought lately, It may be awhile before I can justify buying it. http://www.tennesseeguns.com/firearms.html
;)
 
Merle:

I've been eyeing the Rob Arms VEPR II in 5.56 myself. However, I also heard that their side scope mount is out of wack with the open sight and no solution for the problem has been offered by Rob Arms.

You know anything about that?

Thanks.

Skorzeny
 
Skorzeny,

I have not heard that about the VEPR II. I do know that a lot of the Russain optics or the mount places the scope a little to the left of center. I myself do not care for that, but I guess some people don't mind, just so they can say that they have a Russian scope. I have the Russian Kobra red dot on my SAR and it is centered. I got a K-var KV-04 side plate scope mount for my MAK. The KV-04 places the scope dead over top of center. I have been shooting with American optics for over 40 years so I guess I have gotten used to in being over center. The VEPR comes with the side plate already so lets see if I can find the web link for you on the mount from K-VAR.
http://www.k-varcorp.com/kv04intro.htm
This scope mount uses the weaver style scope rings, so if you have a set of rings it would only take you a few minutes before your scope is mounted dead center on your VEPR II and your sighting it in at the range.
Which ever way you choose to go keep us informed as your project is interesting.
 
I would imagine better than the Romanian SAR-1 or Maadi for the most part. Same as a Mak-90 (BWK-92, Norinco post-ban .223) and Bulgarians (SA-93 and SLR-95) if you can live with thumbholes.

I've seen Norinco and Poly-Tech pre-bans for < $900 brand new. You can take one of those babies and add flash suppressors, threaded barrels for screw on brakes, and folding stocks to your hearts content.

If your set on a NATO cartridge, buy mags now!
 
Merle:

Actually, I was typing about the heresay that VEPR II scope mount (the side rail) is out of wack in terms of POI with the POI from the open sight.

I read a few posts (maybe from one person) to the effect that the scope on the VEPR II could not be zeroed to actual POI.

That's really the only thing preventing me from buying one. Because I do intend on putting a Kobra sight on it. I currently have an SAR-1, but I'd like: 1) a better fit and finish, including reliable and sturdy fire control parts, 2) a better, hopefully two-stage, trigger and 3) correct, American adult-sized stock, preferably synthetic. Oh, yeah, chambered for 5.56mm would be nice too (does sound like a VEPR II, doesn't it?).

Skorzeny
 
Skorzeny

Give us a detailed range report the first time out. Jealousy could be just the justification I need to put one of those VEPRS in my gun safe too.:rolleyes:
 
"From those with actual handling experiences, I'd like to know what differences there are in quality of "custom" AK or RPK type rifles made by such companies as Krebs, Arsenal USA and Robinson Arms.

How do they compare in reliability, accuracy, ergonomics and general fit-and-finish to el-cheapo models such as Romanian SAR-1 or Maadi? "


I have both a VEPR II and an SAR-1. Both are equally reliable.
The Vepr is of much higher quality but has that funky "cut receiver. My SAR is a great little gun, and I love the "original" styling. If you are going to get a SAR stay away from the 1999 production models.


:) Zouave
 
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