Thoughts on Arsenal SGL21?

U

Uncle Malice

New member
I've been wanting one for a while.

Back around January I ordered a WASR AK for like $380. Once I got it, I was so unimpressed that I sold it before I even shot it(actually made a little profit, so not a big deal).

I ordered the Ruger SR556C a couple months later and have loved that gun. I have still had the urge to get an AK, but I wanted something with a better fit and finish. After doing a bit of research, I had pretty much decided on getting an Arsenal. I ended up selling one of my pistols last night and used the money to finally go ahead and order the SGL21-61 from Buds.

The only downside I can see is that it only comes with a single 5 rd magazine.. but that's not a big deal. I'll probably just pick up a bunch of TAPCO mags from CTD.

Anyone care to comment on their experience with Arsenal? I like that they are somewhat 'local', but still built on quality Russian receivers.

sgl21.jpg
 
Arsenal is supposed to be the highest quality AK maker stateside.

It is to my understanding that milled receivers are higher quality than stamped.

That, and they shoot 7.62x39. That about wraps up my knowledge on AKs :p
 
My SGL21 has been flawless. Arsenal makes great guns and the 2 stage trigger is very nice. I also highly recommend the Bulgarian Circle 10 polymer magazines.
 
Instead of the Tapco mags, I'd highly recommend the metal surplus ones. They're more rugged, will last longer and actually are slightly less bulky. (in case you want to use mag pouches and such.) Yes, Arsenel is top O' the line for AK's. You've made a wise purchase.
 
I have read nothing but conflicting reports on the Arsenal magazines.
I am under the impression that their mags are proprietary, and they will not accept "standard"- as in milsurp- AK mags (at least without modifications).

How about an Arsenal owner clear this up?
 
I have read nothing but conflicting reports on the Arsenal magazines.
I am under the impression that their mags are proprietary, and they will not accept "standard"- as in milsurp- AK mags (at least without modifications).
Click to expand...

I have never heard that, and I can attest to the fact that I have seen Arsenal AK's running multiple types of currently production and military surplus mags. Bulgarian, Russian, Tapco, etc.

Can you share a link where someone claims something else? It wouldn't make sense that they are proprietary mags... since they are the same Russian built SAIGA receivers.
 
I was just assuming using the Tapco's since they appeared to be quite similar to the PMAGS I use for my AR, which have been stellar. I like them a lot.

I went and looked up some comparisons of the steel milsurp mags vs the tapco mags... in particular there is one video that shows the disassembly of both. The spring in the milsurp mag is significantly thicker and about 35% longer than the tapco spring.

I was kind of under the assumption that those old military mags were just re-distributed beat up old junk mags from 3rd world countries... and that's why they were so cheap...

Well after seeing that video, I checked out a couple of sites and AIM Surplus has the eastern euro milsurp steel mags for 8.95 if you buy 10 or more... so I bought 10 of them. heh.


Can anyone comment on this Yugo ammo that AIM has? It's significantly cheaper than crappy Wolf, but it's brass cased and copper jacketed lead... Is there something I'm missing??

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...avian+7.62x39+123grn+FMJ+15rd+box&groupid=185
 
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I have the SGL-20, which is the same thing without the bayonet lugs. Anyway, it is excellent, although a furniture change is in order...especially the stock which is too short. As for mags, milsurps work but are damned heavy to lug around. I haven't tried Tapco mags, but if they are 100% and tough, I would like to pick up a few.
 
I have read nothing but conflicting reports on the Arsenal magazines.
I am under the impression that their mags are proprietary, and they will not accept "standard"- as in milsurp- AK mags (at least without modifications).
Click to expand...

Probably thinking more of the Saiga platform the Arsenals are built on. My friend has two, and both take regular AK mags.

The Hungarian tanker 20rd mags are great, very sturdy and compact enough for general range use.
 
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