I have a SAR-1, 2000 production model. I bought it last fall and have put almost 1000 rounds thru it with out a jam or any other problem. It eats any type of ammo I give it and works with romanian, bulgarian and chinese mags. I have not tried anyother mags with this weapon yet.
I think it was a great deal for $325 dollars. By the way my gas port was not canted and the trigger and hammer are fine.
I am reposting some info from another board on what to look for when buying a SAR rifle.
Zouave
BEFORE YOU BUY THAT SAR
The SAR sufferers some quality control issues. Best not to buy a SAR sight unseen, unless you trust the seller, as in a individual or small time dealer that knows something about the subject, not a distributor that is nice on the phone. Once the distributor sells you the rifle and you complain he is going to direct you to Century, good luck at that point, MUHAHAHAH.
This guide is based on my personal experience, plus info from others. If the dealers that will not let you dink around with the rifle paying, shove off and find another.
cleaning rod for straightness
gas port is drilled in the barrel
gas port is in the gas block
rear sight base, gas block, front sight are lined up
hand guard retainer lever will lock down
gas tube lever will lock down
top cover comes off and locks down
carrier moves freely with no bind
bolt serial number matches the trunion
selector switch moves freely
trigger axis pins are held in place by the hook spring
mag inserts and removes freely
you could also inspect the furniture, but I consider this to be a discard item
