flyboy1910 0 Posted February 16, 2010 Report Share Posted February 16, 2010 (edited) I just picked up a brand new SGL 31 AK 74 and thought I'd post a few observations. Although I'm an AR guy, I've owned and operated AKs for 7 years now, and feel they are still among the finest service rifles in the world. I've always wanted an actual "Russian" '74 and now Arsenal has given me the opportunity. First the good... 1. Everything appears to be to spec. There are no canted sights or canted gas block. 2. All of the controls, as well as the action operate smoothly. Everything is positive and "clicks" and "clacks" into place. Field stripping and reassembly were easy, with no issues. 3. The 2-stage trigger, although heavy, is smooth, with a nice takeup and crisp let-off. Reset is "average" length, think stock AR trigger. Will break in nicely. 4. The markings on the rifle are both discreet, and cool. 5. The rifle came with a test target, and appears to be in the 4 MOA range if I do my part. 6. The "paint" finish is a more matte color, and seems to be more durable than the finish on my Bulgy. Now the not so good... 1. "Fit and finish" is not as nice as my Bulgarian SLR 107CR. a. There is a small dent at the front of the receiver where it meets the handguard. It is for sure from the factory as it is finished over, and not something that could happen in shipping due the placement of the handguard. Will not affect operation or reliability. b. The right rear sight attachment "ear" is also dented from the factory. Also purely a cosmetic issue. 2. Fit of the furniture isn't very precise, especially the handguard, which has a decent amount of fore and aft movement. My Bulgy is very tight. Probably still "in spec", as I've owned another AK variant that had the same "issue". I did not put the gun on paper, but I fired 360 rounds without a malfunction on the silhouette range. The 100 yard gong was rang with alarming regularity, and I was able to put quite a few rounds on target at 200 kneeling. The factory zero has the rifle hitting slightly to the right so I will have to zero it (wasn't me, I was dead on with my AR). Elevation seems really close. Carbon buildup was MASSIVE. I had to work the muzzle device off and clean carbon out of the treads. The gun got a bath in Windex with ammonia, followed by some CLP, wiped down after both. Scraped carbon with a flattened brase casing, just wanted to neutralize as much of the primer residue as possible. I think I'll be switching to Wolf for range work. The action has really smoothed out nicely and the trigger is getting a bit lighter already. I REALLY like this rifle Overall I think these rifles are decent value, and are a high quality unit. Cosmetic deficiencies... Edited February 16, 2010 by flyboy1910 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jimdigriz 580 Posted February 16, 2010 Report Share Posted February 16, 2010 Thanks for the review. I'm planning on getting one in a few weeks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kresk 10,063 Posted February 16, 2010 Report Share Posted February 16, 2010 I like Arsenal's products. Welcome to the forum! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
a81lp 5 Posted February 18, 2010 Report Share Posted February 18, 2010 very nice Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nag55 0 Posted February 18, 2010 Report Share Posted February 18, 2010 I recently received my SGL 31-61 everything is great about it but i seem to get a loose fit with my magazines they feel woobley, I am using east german bakalikes and bulgarian surplus mags Quote Link to post Share on other sites
flyboy1910 0 Posted February 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2010 Brand new Bulgy mags are actually too tight in mine. They need to be sanded just a bit for a perfect fit. The Russian polymer mags I've tried are perfect. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bigsal 757 Posted February 19, 2010 Report Share Posted February 19, 2010 I should really buy one of those as well before they dry up. Welcome to the forum, great first post! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Oscar Mike 0 Posted February 19, 2010 Report Share Posted February 19, 2010 My SGL 31 has the same mark on the receiver in front of the magwell. And silver bear is cheaper and cleaner than wolf, you should try it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
flyboy1910 0 Posted February 20, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2010 I'm not talking about the "T" stamp, but the ripple on the corner of the receiver near the handguard. Never seen that before. By Bulgy also has that "T", might be an Arsenal thing. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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