My SAM7-SF is my favorite AK, over my RomyG, Zastava, KUSA, and SAR1. It keeps me entertained at the range, put deer on the table, and it is next to the bed at night. Zero complaints with it. Excellent review.
I’m glad I own one and have been happy with mine. It’s not my favorite AK or even the most accurate from my own shooting, but it has by far the smoothest action. It’s a very well made AK, but it’s still very much an AK. Don’t expect magical results like internet lore dictates and you won’t be disappointed.
I wish the SLR107R'S would start coming back in regularly.... I snagged one a few years back when they were only $1,000 I thinknafter tax & fees I paid right around $1,100 after all was said & done... But fell on hard times during the "coof" & let it go for an even $1,000🤦 I kick myself in the ass every single day over it! Last time I saw a few come in from Arsenal, they were at least $1,500+
There are a couple on GB right now for right around 1500, but they're used guns...I picked one up from a buddy of mine that had bought 3 of them back when they were being imported, he gave me the homie hookup 1300 for brand new box
I almost bought one of the 2004/2005 models for around 3 grand just before the 2013-ish models hit the market. Thank God I waited a couple weeks thinking about it - then POW - the newer ones hit the market and saved me 1800 bucks. I got one of the first ones released by Arsenal and they even gave a discount on the first few hundred or whatever. Love this rifle - kind of a grail gun for milled receiver AK dudes. Great video!
I sold my SA M-7SF when i got the SAM7SF. Back then some online experts were saying the original was better, so i sold mine to one of them....for $2k. Ended up with a gun I like more + pocketing around $800...win.
I have been disappointed with my SAM5, so not inclined to get a SAM7. My WASR has been outstanding and has become my favorite - a very unsexy thing to admit.
Wasrs are awesome but the sam7 aks are good to go they havnt ever had issues. They tryed change the shape of the rear of the reciever on the sam5 I think that's what's causing the most issues and maybe a little over gassed. But Arsenal has already been made aware that it's a issue and has been making it right for anyone who has bought one. But it's going be a process because alot were sold but they eventually will get all the ones sold fixed. But the sam7 has always been good to go and I'm pretty sure any newer sam5s from about 2 months ago until now and going forward will be good to go. But yea u can't beat the ruggedness of Romanian aks. I like the parkerized finish on them that gets all scratched up. And honestly AKs look awesome spray painted I've painted a couple of my aks that I run hard and couple ARs. But most my aks I don't paint. But seeing them in Russia and Ukraine spray painted they look good. If u ever want to try spray painting one check out trex arms or garand thumbs painting rifle videos. I went with the paint job Lucas uses on his trex arms rifles. But if u are having issues with your sam5 contact Arsenal they will make it right just may take a while because they are dealing with alot of them right now. But honestly a quick fix that people like to complain about for 150 buks u can drop a kns adjustable piston in it. To tame the over gassing and will stop the bolt and carrier from hitting the back of the reciever. And will also soften recoil is what I would do but good luck to u
Wsup Misha! Love your content👍 I have several Arsenals in the collection, its my goto rifle. They are solid well built tank of rifle. Will keep collecting and rocking them 🎉💪
Vepr barrel is 5 times thicker, better finer sights, better fit and finish, smoother action. Russia is the gold standard. I didn’t like the long lop on the sam7’s folding stock either. Sams are solid but no vepr.
SAM7SF is actually closer in configuration to a real military gun than a VEPR FM. Although VEPR is arguably higher quality in terms of fit and finish/attention to detail and is a Russian factory made gun which inherently has value. The VEPR is based off the RPK which was made in the same factory, and would have a club foot style stock permanently affixed bipod and 20”+ barrel. There’s something about a milled receiver though which just feels so clean smooth and substantial. And Arsenal is about the best in the business. Unlike any VEPR I’m aware of it also ships de-cucked with full features, intact bayonet lug, intact threads and removable muzzle device, cleaning rod, mil spec handguard and handguard retainer, double stack magwell, pistol grip, and stock, not to mention the thumb safety. I own both and I’d recommend picking up both if you can.
Picked my FDE up cash from Shooters Jacksonville in 2014 for an exceedingly reasonable price. They had all 4 colors in stock back then. Soft shooter and dead nuts outta the box
Hey, Mischa! I started watching your videos back in 2020 and I’ve since started an Arsenal collection. So far, I’ve got a Sam7SF, Sam7K and 2 SAS M7s. One in FDE and the other Armor Black!
@@Chupamiculo I love underfolders, so I think they’re awesome but expensive for what they are. The Sam7uf is a better value in my opinion. I do prefer the felt recoil of a Romanian underfolder because of the stock angle. With that said, I have zero regrets about picking up 2 SAS M7s and still enjoy shooting them.
I like mine alot but it is the only AK I have ever had malfunctions with, out of 1600 rounds I have had probably 8 stovepipes. Thats with very nice Polish mags and one nice Bulgarian it happened with, with 2 different batches of ammo. Its a good rifle and I trust it for most purposes but its not my first choice if I had to grab a rifle for serious use, I have AKs and ARs that have gone alot more rounds and never had a malfunction. And they were in harder conditions than the SAM several times
Arsenal AK's look like nice but for almost 2k dollars, I'm not so sure. For that price you only get a 10rd mag? Wow. I went with the WBP Jack and the quality is top notch for half the price.
The sam7sf is hands down the best model out of the whole sam line of aks but it still aint wort $2k i have 2 of them but i bought them both when they were still $1300 each. Theres absolutely no way in hell id pay over $2k for one today.
The bottom line for me is that this is a cool and unique AK. The only other "AK" on the US market that has a right side folding stock and a thumb safety is the galil ace. They even share the same negatives like the cost and weight. But calling the ace rifles an AK is kind of a stretch anyways. You can have on optic mounted using the side rail and still fold the stock without losing access to the safety. That's undeniably a cool feature for an AK. They aren't perfect and if you were only going to buy one rifle I could see why you wouldn't want one. But if you like to collect AKs and appreciate variety in your collection, the Sam7sf is an awesome AK. I would never get rid of mine.
@@markp4401 You could argue that they are technically AK rifles, I just think they're different enough to be referred to as ACEs. If someone told me they had an AK collection and it turned out they had 10 different ACEs, I'd feel a bit mislead. That's all I'm saying. Nothing against them, they're sweet rifles. I wish I got one of the gen 1 versions when they were still around for around 1800 new. If you can find one in 7.62 NATO, I'd grab it while you can.
I have always wanted one of these but just can't get over the cost I have quite a few aks and shoot a lot with the price of ammo now I just can't justify the cost.
They were $1350 in 2014, $1700 in 2020, and now $2000 in 2023 and can be found for less. What the heck are you waiting on? The price to go up again? Just buy one and enjoy. Certainly won’t regret it. If I had an extra $1800-$2000, and didn’t have an Arsenal, I’d find a NOS 107FR. I love my 107fr and sam7sf. I have a new stamped 107ur waiting to be cut down one of these days. They’re really well built.
@@markp4401 I would say this could be extended to all AKs. Zastavas have doubled, WASRs have more than doubled, and custom builder gunsmiths charge about 3x more than they used to.
I sent it and swapped the stock, Jmac JT6 tube on the SM-SF adapter and couldn't be happier. I know alot of purists say leave it or its an atrocity to put an m4 style stock on the Sam7SF but when you actually use your rifle you quickly realize the factory stock is just straight up garbage. Anyone thinking of swapping stocks because the factory one is insanely uncomfortable, go for it. Nothing permanent and makes the gun 100x more shootable in my opinion. 🤙
I purchased the sam7sf in around 2014 it’s been a solid awesome AK I was fortunate enough to have picked mine up on sale for $999 …i,read all the time how Arsenal’s quality has declined since but I can testify that mine has been a solid shooter and worth the “Fn Awesome “ sticker in my book
Have a Sam 5 that is beating itself to death after maybe 300 rounds. I went to the Arsenal site and discovered that my $1700 gun only has a one year warranty. I've always wanted a Sam 7sf, but not impressed with my Sam 5 nor its warranty. I looked back and I bought it 15 months ago.
@@AlphaOmega333 I was told that they would help anyone out who contacted them on this specific issue because its a own mfg defect. Again, just what Arsenal told me, so its definitel y worth at least trying.
i’ll pass over arsenal any day, they’re cool and they work. But I don’t care to overspend on an ak. They’re all overpriced but arsenal takes the cake for that. I’ll stick to abusing the wasr’s, zastavas, mak90’s.
Not really an AK guy, but I owned an SA93 and an SLR 95 quite a few years ago. They were excellent guns. Other than having fixed stocks, they were very similar to these, I am guessing.
I noticed the short part of the cleaning rod can be held in the little groove thats in the stock and can be held there with something like a rubber band or small strip of velcro
I'm glad you covered the ejector, you don't hear this part being discussed much for some reason when talking about parts wear points. The ejector on a stamped akm is just a thin piece of sheet metal spot welded into the receiver, and I suspect it takes a beating and sometimes due to improper heat treatment, it can wear quickly until the entire claw is gone.
I don’t know why but I don’t like milled Ak’s . I know they are good and probably more durable than the stamped receiver guns but I just like the stamped AK’s best .
I always hear Arsenal will never make stamped guns again and they’re too busy making milled gun for military contracts. But I’ve never found any evidence that Arsenal provides to anyone other than the Bulgarian military. Who else are they selling to in such high quantities it would be cause for them to ignore the stamped AK market?
I have a question I have two milled AK’s. They both are from about the same vintage. They are from when Arsenal USA Las Vegas was building guns on their own US receivers. The first is a SA M-7 with no scope rail they were not offered at that time. I bought the gun new and it came with a letter with the signatures of the technicians that built the rifle. I liked the SA M-7 so much that I bought a SA M-5S about a year later. These guns have the ban features. Permanent muzzle brake and no bayonet lug. I have been had people ridicule these guns because they are not true military Arsenal rifles. How does the quality on the my home grown SAMs compare to these newer guns. Any known issues on my old non collectible US Las Vegas guns? My SA M-5S is the low 500 number serial range. It is also Marked AN-02. What does that mean? I do not think I have ever had a failure to feed with either gun. I have only used Circle 10 mags. The SA M-7 is super accurate with S&B steel case ammo. My SA M-7 is a very low serial number gun.
@misha I have a 2013 build I bought second hand that was in seemingly unfired condition with the PR-01 handguards installed. The dust cover and bcg isn't serialized though despite looking like arsenal parts. Any idea if they're original or a replacement?
@@wowufailatlife Unfortunately, the way the gas tube on an AKSU is retained simply lends itself to being loose. Originally, it was designed so the forearm could be quickly removed in the field for cleaning or attaching an underbarrel launcher (or other device).
The 84R was always a favorite, with the now discontinued quad rail... Would you say an MD75 Sporter would be worth more than a wasr with only 800 units imported? They seem better built from CUGIR imo.
my sam 7sf has had pro's and con's, mostly pro's, Mainly a solid, accurate, modern ak using an rs regulate with red dot. Con's my 1st sam7 had to be sent back due to a grossly off center crown. After $50 return shipping ugh, the rifle was replaced. Also due to user error the safety lever has over rode the top cover once to a straight up position. Chamber also has a chrome finish defect, but functions reliable. Bottom line is I wont be getting rid of it, great trigger
My Sam is awesome. Gets a lot of attention at the range and shoots great. Tested some Norma brass a few months ago and got just inside of moa at 100. Midwest Industries side mount and a Vortex Sparc Solar is gtg. Awesome rifle. My grandkids will enjoy it.
Is it possible to swap that rear sling swivel? It is almost 100% blocking my optics rail and i need to hit it on to get it onto the rail, very upsetting.
I’ve always wanted the Sam7-sf even though the folder would be pinned being I live in Commiefornia. I have owned the Sam7R-61 for years which I just installed a Ukrainian KRPK medium hand guard and an ME “Military Equipment” Ukrainian brand hinged picatinny rail cover to put a red dot. Just waiting for the Ca “assault weapon” ban to be thrown out and it’s coming soon.
Wasr 10 was my first AK, this was back in the day when folks made fun of you for having one. Never had an issue with it, shot hundreds of rounds with no issues. Sold it when I moved to Texas to lighten the load, regretted it:/ I had a Bulgy AK74 built by a reputable builder. Everyone on the forum advised me on it, and said go for Technos Russian paint. Got it back and fired it once, paint flaked off in a few places. I won’t say what I paid for it, but I wished I had gone the Bluing or Cerakote route. Other than that it’s a fine gun, don’t buy the hype though. If you want an AK, go for the Wasr or Yugo first, Imports will always shit on anything domestic. Remember these countries have been doing it for years on communist equipment!! I can’t afford a krinkov kit so I thought the next best thing was to get a Yugo pistol, register, and do a Side folder or Underfolder Since braces are no go might as well go all the way and get a stamp:)
@@bidenstoletheelection9116 Sorry but no. I remember that online rumour too, but no actual evidence was ever provided to back that up. Arsenal making stamped guns is no different than say Cugir Romania or Zastava in Serbia.
Own a sam-7r and love it, also only gave $1300 for it, I love ak's but now their are lots of reliable piston guns on the market that are now cheaper than $1800, you can get an Aug which is basically the ak of the bullpup rifle world for $1600 now
@@skinwalkerhiddenvalleyranch I literally don't notice the AUG's trigger. Then again, I actually shoot my guns rather than sitting with them in an armchair all day hehe.
The cleaning rod comes in two sections. You can insert the longer section into the front like normal. And the shorter section goes into the dimple in the stock, and can be strapped in to retain there. The full cleaning rod cannot be inserted under the barrel because it would displace the latch that holds the stock when in its folded position
@@staplehead3 Thank you, That was very helpful. I was just curious because alot of people I see don't have the cleaning rod on so I thought maybe you couldn't put the rod there. But thanks again.
Hey Misha I noticed like the surefire 3 prong will ring like that. And I've taken my cleaning rods out and bent them a little and pushed them back in and will stop the rattling. So far as accuracy from Rob Skis videos the veprs have been the most accurate out to distance as far as grouping MOA
@Cav Trooper 19D I no Garand Thumbs videos his surefire 3 prong rings on high end ARs he runs. Because he mentions it in his videos. Because u can hear a ring he said once carbon builds on it from being fired a while it stops ringing. And some of the ARs he runs when it's ringing are very high end ARs
@Cav Trooper 19D and maybe I'm thinking bout the 4 prongs he runs its either the 3 prong or 4 prongs he runs on those high end ARs that rings. He said every rifle he runs them on Rings.
@Cav Trooper 19D yea garand thumbs warcomps usually ring alot more on 10.3s and 10.5s and 11.5s and 12.5s seems more typical on barrel lengths under 14.5 to ring. My training partner has a 3 ring warcomp on his 10.5 and it ringed until he got about 500 rounds thru it and it stopped. But I'm no expert and aren't trying argue with anyone. I was just stating what garand thumb brought up. Because I've only seen it with my own eyes 1 time on my friends 10.5. I was going put one on my 11.5 but when we do night time drills my 11.5 don't put a flash out the barrel like his 10.5 does. But I agree with u I see no need on a 3 prong on 14.5s and longer unless it's only for running a suppressor.
I think the biggest ringer I have is the AKML flash hider. Its orig Polish and on my WBP Jack. Honestly? I like the noise. It reminds me of cold, hard steel. Back in the day, a lot of shitty cast parts were floating around, but if your part had a nice ring to it, that was a quick way to maybe tell if it was good or not good metal.
I have a SAM7R that I got new and never even shot. I shoot my WASR and parts kit builds more because I don't give a shit about them. But the arsenal is in the back of the safe all kitted up screaming 'PICK ME!" No, you heathen you're not even zero'd.
Picked up a SAM7SF84 as a Hillary insurance in 2016 , I think it was around $1650, it runs like a champ. Last year needed cash and almost sold this but ended up getting rid of the FMAK47-11.instead because the Vepr had a better selling price. Regrets? sort of kind of . I liked the short overall length ,l.o.p. on the Vepr. But it was a little chunky and no cleaning rod provision.
I have loads of respect for all VEPRs, but the only ones that interested me personally were the FM-RPK74 and VEPR12. You know me, military replica collector &^ shooter. Just what trips my trigger *shrug*
@@Decimus-Meridius To each their own. I too sold my FM-47-22; no regrets. While it was a fantastic gun, it simply wasn't what I wanted from Molot. Now the VEPR12 shotgun? oh yeah, that was always a keeper.
The problem is everybody else got way better. Yes even Century has improved dramatically.. I don't know how much longer the high prices can be justified.
Vepr>Sam real Ak gold standard. 5x thicker barrel, refined rpk sights, smoother action, better fit and finish. Literally never going to shoot a vepr barrel out in x39 in semi auto. I love my milled Bulgarians but there is a quality difference.
Used to want one of these, now I wouldn't pay 1000 buck even for one. Fell in love with the 1 mil stamped standard trunnion akm style aks because they shoot just as good and weight a 1lb+ less. Why would I want an 8lb+ 7.62x39 or worse, 5.56? That's. 308 weight. Psa gf3s shoot tighter even than those sam7s, idc what "steyr technology" marketing words they use, they are equal or less accurate than wbps or wasrs, you gain nothing but weight.
There is nothing about that rifle that suggests it is some sort of 'gold standard'. There are millions of AKs out there with milled receivers, and they perform the same as with stamped receivers...because they were designed for stamped receivers. Everything about that screams 'run of the mill' AK, apart from the included scope mount the special safety (which you described as only a marginal upgrade. $2000? lolz! Hope it works out for you....
@@bonnevillebagger9147 Incorrect. AK-47 was designed for stamped receiver, but there were problems in manufacturing them so they went with milled receivers for a little while until they could get the stamped receiver manufacture worked out.
@@crazy8sdrums everything I’ve ever read and seen, says the contrary. The rifle was designed for the superior milling manufacturing. But the rifle was deemed too expensive and transitioned to the cost effective stamped production.
“Over the course of his long life, Kalashnikov continued to tweak his classic design. In 1959, production began on his AKM, which replaced the AK-47’s milled receiver with one made of stamped metal, making it both lighter and less expensive to produce. He also developed the cartridge-fed PK machine gun. Modified AK-47s are still in production in countries around the world.”
“The AK-47 is made out of metal with the handguard and fixed stock made out of wood. The original AK-47 has a milled receiver while the product improved AKM has a lighter weight stamped receiver.”
Sam series is a range toy, I don't care how hammer forged or strong blah blah, it's 8.5lb+ and that weight in 7.62x39 or 5.56 or whatever is too damn heavy for anything serious. The one Arsenal product they make that is top tier is their waffle mags.
I mean even a light AK, like the WASR is 8.5lbs when loaded. So are all AK too heavy to be "serious"? AR guys will talk about weight all the time, then strap on every accessory known to man and have a 10lb MK18.
My SAM7-SF is my favorite AK, over my RomyG, Zastava, KUSA, and SAR1. It keeps me entertained at the range, put deer on the table, and it is next to the bed at night. Zero complaints with it. Excellent review.
They are sweet.
From $1450 to $1899+... 5 years later!
$950 is what I paid
Yup, the reason I'll never buy one. Daniel defense would call my name for that price.
@Kilgor No, what I'm saying is that one could buy a better more accurate rifle for 2k. Imo it's not worth 2k.
@@mattmorrison9379 But DD doesn’t do AKs.
@Kilgor beryl and Sam 5 dont shoot 1 and a half moa. In my experience atleast.
I’m glad I own one and have been happy with mine. It’s not my favorite AK or even the most accurate from my own shooting, but it has by far the smoothest action. It’s a very well made AK, but it’s still very much an AK. Don’t expect magical results like internet lore dictates and you won’t be disappointed.
Exactly, for me? I'd place it around #5 or #6 in my personal collection. Very good, just not the very best.
What's your favorite AK?
which one is the most accurate for you?
I wish the SLR107R'S would start coming back in regularly.... I snagged one a few years back when they were only $1,000 I thinknafter tax & fees I paid right around $1,100 after all was said & done... But fell on hard times during the "coof" & let it go for an even $1,000🤦 I kick myself in the ass every single day over it! Last time I saw a few come in from Arsenal, they were at least $1,500+
I had seen the 107 hit over $2000 on gun broker.
@@TKO593 Holy shit - no way... that is nuts!
There are a couple on GB right now for right around 1500, but they're used guns...I picked one up from a buddy of mine that had bought 3 of them back when they were being imported, he gave me the homie hookup 1300 for brand new box
K var has them back in stock 1599
Screw the 107r. Let’s see 107fr’s
Getting ready to work out and Misha releases a Sam 7 video? Hell yeah!
Why didn't I think of that - working out with a good Misha history video rolling in the background! Great idea!
I almost bought one of the 2004/2005 models for around 3 grand just before the 2013-ish models hit the market. Thank God I waited a couple weeks thinking about it - then POW - the newer ones hit the market and saved me 1800 bucks. I got one of the first ones released by Arsenal and they even gave a discount on the first few hundred or whatever. Love this rifle - kind of a grail gun for milled receiver AK dudes. Great video!
Great save. That would have hurt to see the new models come out that much cheaper.
I sold my SA M-7SF when i got the SAM7SF. Back then some online experts were saying the original was better, so i sold mine to one of them....for $2k. Ended up with a gun I like more + pocketing around $800...win.
I have been disappointed with my SAM5, so not inclined to get a SAM7. My WASR has been outstanding and has become my favorite - a very unsexy thing to admit.
Sam 7s have been around far longer than Sam 5s glad I went with the 7.
Wasrs are awesome but the sam7 aks are good to go they havnt ever had issues. They tryed change the shape of the rear of the reciever on the sam5 I think that's what's causing the most issues and maybe a little over gassed. But Arsenal has already been made aware that it's a issue and has been making it right for anyone who has bought one. But it's going be a process because alot were sold but they eventually will get all the ones sold fixed. But the sam7 has always been good to go and I'm pretty sure any newer sam5s from about 2 months ago until now and going forward will be good to go. But yea u can't beat the ruggedness of Romanian aks. I like the parkerized finish on them that gets all scratched up. And honestly AKs look awesome spray painted I've painted a couple of my aks that I run hard and couple ARs. But most my aks I don't paint. But seeing them in Russia and Ukraine spray painted they look good. If u ever want to try spray painting one check out trex arms or garand thumbs painting rifle videos. I went with the paint job Lucas uses on his trex arms rifles. But if u are having issues with your sam5 contact Arsenal they will make it right just may take a while because they are dealing with alot of them right now. But honestly a quick fix that people like to complain about for 150 buks u can drop a kns adjustable piston in it. To tame the over gassing and will stop the bolt and carrier from hitting the back of the reciever. And will also soften recoil is what I would do but good luck to u
With the right AKM furniture, you can turn the WASR into a good looking AKM. I saw a guy put East German furniture on a WASR to make a pseudo MPi-KM.
@@ichimonjiguy everyone's knows the only proper furniture for wasr is DONG
Wasr is fun cause out at the pond, I can throw it on the ground and mud and it only makes it look better Lol
Wsup Misha!
Love your content👍
I have several Arsenals in the collection, its my goto rifle. They are solid well built tank of rifle. Will keep collecting and rocking them 🎉💪
SAM7SF vs Vepr FM-AK47-11? Which is better Mishaco? Asking for a friend lol
Vepr barrel is 5 times thicker, better finer sights, better fit and finish, smoother action. Russia is the gold standard. I didn’t like the long lop on the sam7’s folding stock either. Sams are solid but no vepr.
SAM7SF is actually closer in configuration to a real military gun than a VEPR FM. Although VEPR is arguably higher quality in terms of fit and finish/attention to detail and is a Russian factory made gun which inherently has value. The VEPR is based off the RPK which was made in the same factory, and would have a club foot style stock permanently affixed bipod and 20”+ barrel.
There’s something about a milled receiver though which just feels so clean smooth and substantial. And Arsenal is about the best in the business. Unlike any VEPR I’m aware of it also ships de-cucked with full features, intact bayonet lug, intact threads and removable muzzle device, cleaning rod, mil spec handguard and handguard retainer, double stack magwell, pistol grip, and stock, not to mention the thumb safety. I own both and I’d recommend picking up both if you can.
I was lucky enough to purchase a new Sam7SF and I am loving the hell out of it.Thank you for all the great videos.
Thank you for watching, cheers.
I remember watching MAC’s video on this rifle. Back in like 2013. And I was like man I have to have that. Stock is a little long for me but I love it
I have one of these! It was my first AK but still unfired. That cheap white box didn’t make it though, I tossed it lol.
Shoot the thing the gun loves it.
The boxes are kind of laughable aren’t they?
Love the vids as always!!!
Picked my FDE up cash from Shooters Jacksonville in 2014 for an exceedingly reasonable price. They had all 4 colors in stock back then. Soft shooter and dead nuts outta the box
Hey, Mischa! I started watching your videos back in 2020 and I’ve since started an Arsenal collection. So far, I’ve got a Sam7SF, Sam7K and 2 SAS M7s. One in FDE and the other Armor Black!
How do you like the SASM7 I’m going to buy one
@@Chupamiculo I love underfolders, so I think they’re awesome but expensive for what they are. The Sam7uf is a better value in my opinion. I do prefer the felt recoil of a Romanian underfolder because of the stock angle. With that said, I have zero regrets about picking up 2 SAS M7s and still enjoy shooting them.
I like mine alot but it is the only AK I have ever had malfunctions with, out of 1600 rounds I have had probably 8 stovepipes. Thats with very nice Polish mags and one nice Bulgarian it happened with, with 2 different batches of ammo. Its a good rifle and I trust it for most purposes but its not my first choice if I had to grab a rifle for serious use, I have AKs and ARs that have gone alot more rounds and never had a malfunction. And they were in harder conditions than the SAM several times
Arsenal AK's look like nice but for almost 2k dollars, I'm not so sure. For that price you only get a 10rd mag? Wow.
I went with the WBP Jack and the quality is top notch for half the price.
Yeah but WBP isn’t a military factory nor do they heat treat their receivers on par to them.
@@thevally6127 WPB's are heat treated. Like I said higher quality fit and finish.
The sam7sf is hands down the best model out of the whole sam line of aks but it still aint wort $2k i have 2 of them but i bought them both when they were still $1300 each. Theres absolutely no way in hell id pay over $2k for one today.
@@notgoingtousemyname6921 thats great for u i would not
The bottom line for me is that this is a cool and unique AK. The only other "AK" on the US market that has a right side folding stock and a thumb safety is the galil ace. They even share the same negatives like the cost and weight. But calling the ace rifles an AK is kind of a stretch anyways. You can have on optic mounted using the side rail and still fold the stock without losing access to the safety. That's undeniably a cool feature for an AK. They aren't perfect and if you were only going to buy one rifle I could see why you wouldn't want one. But if you like to collect AKs and appreciate variety in your collection, the Sam7sf is an awesome AK. I would never get rid of mine.
I’m not disagreeing with you but what excludes the Galil Ace from being an AK? I want one in 7.62 x 51 but they aren’t available right now.
@@markp4401 You could argue that they are technically AK rifles, I just think they're different enough to be referred to as ACEs. If someone told me they had an AK collection and it turned out they had 10 different ACEs, I'd feel a bit mislead. That's all I'm saying. Nothing against them, they're sweet rifles. I wish I got one of the gen 1 versions when they were still around for around 1800 new. If you can find one in 7.62 NATO, I'd grab it while you can.
@@ScurvyMcGruff I’m pretty sure that’s how Mishaco feels too.
Love my sam7sf. Thanks for sharing man
Hey Misha do all Sam5s and Sam7s have the sling swivel in the back of the reciever like those?
Only the side-folding stock SAMs do.
I have always wanted one of these but just can't get over the cost I have quite a few aks and shoot a lot with the price of ammo now I just can't justify the cost.
They was only $1250 in 2013
@@calebclark6739 all my norincos where only 300 bucks in the 90s lol.
Man on man Arsenals have gone up in price the last 10 years out of proportion to inflation or anything else.
They were $1350 in 2014, $1700 in 2020, and now $2000 in 2023 and can be found for less. What the heck are you waiting on? The price to go up again? Just buy one and enjoy. Certainly won’t regret it. If I had an extra $1800-$2000, and didn’t have an Arsenal, I’d find a NOS 107FR. I love my 107fr and sam7sf. I have a new stamped 107ur waiting to be cut down one of these days. They’re really well built.
@@markp4401 I would say this could be extended to all AKs. Zastavas have doubled, WASRs have more than doubled, and custom builder gunsmiths charge about 3x more than they used to.
I sent it and swapped the stock, Jmac JT6 tube on the SM-SF adapter and couldn't be happier. I know alot of purists say leave it or its an atrocity to put an m4 style stock on the Sam7SF but when you actually use your rifle you quickly realize the factory stock is just straight up garbage. Anyone thinking of swapping stocks because the factory one is insanely uncomfortable, go for it. Nothing permanent and makes the gun 100x more shootable in my opinion. 🤙
I purchased the sam7sf in around 2014 it’s been a solid awesome AK I was fortunate enough to have picked mine up on sale for $999 …i,read all the time how Arsenal’s quality has declined since but I can testify that mine has been a solid shooter and worth the “Fn Awesome “ sticker in my book
Kind of my own experience too. My 2013 example has ben great for coming up on a decade now.
I put a kns piston in my sam 5 and solved it. Annoying as all hell to have to do, spend more money, but since then amazing gun
Prime time Friday night entertainment. Thank you!
@Mishaco any word on when the SAM7UF-85 will be for sale? The Arsenal guys on AKFILES said they’d be here this year.
Honestly? Hell if i know? lol
I picked up 1 recently for 1.2k plus tax. pawn shop. but still an Arsenal.
Have a Sam 5 that is beating itself to death after maybe 300 rounds. I went to the Arsenal site and discovered that my $1700 gun only has a one year warranty. I've always wanted a Sam 7sf, but not impressed with my Sam 5 nor its warranty. I looked back and I bought it 15 months ago.
Did you actually reachout to Arsenal though? Don't just assume you're up the creek.
This was a huge known issue with the recent imported SAM5s. They do know about it so it’s worth a phone call and/or email to explain.
@@AlphaOmega333 I was told that they would help anyone out who contacted them on this specific issue because its a own mfg defect. Again, just what Arsenal told me, so its definitel y worth at least trying.
@@misha5670 Not yet, I just assumed I was outta luck. I will try it and let you know. And apparently I paid $1889 Lol
@kilgor5793don’t rain on his pity parade.
Should I buy one for around 1500?
I picked up a SAM7UF maybe 7 or 8 years ago. Super cool piece!
The UF variant is Fox's favorite.
i’ll pass over arsenal any day, they’re cool and they work. But I don’t care to overspend on an ak. They’re all overpriced but arsenal takes the cake for that. I’ll stick to abusing the wasr’s, zastavas, mak90’s.
Talking overpriced, I am guessing you haven't priced MAK90s recently? Yeah, i was amazed myself.
1200 used wasr or a brand new arsenal for 1800. Easy choice.
@@bonnevillebagger9147 idk where you get your firearms but i see used wasr-10 variants ranging from 699-799. good luck wherever you live.
Regarding how long the gun will last, I would think a few hundred years. So long, long past our lives.
Not really an AK guy, but I owned an SA93 and an SLR 95 quite a few years ago. They were excellent guns. Other than having fixed stocks, they were very similar to these, I am guessing.
9.2lbs with 30 round mag inserted. to me its on the heavy side
I noticed the short part of the cleaning rod can be held in the little groove thats in the stock and can be held there with something like a rubber band or small strip of velcro
It can be, yes. But that wasn't the intention when they dimpled the stock there. It was done so that the safety could safely clear no matter what.
Arsenal, the king of AKs
SAM5SF when?
I'm glad you covered the ejector, you don't hear this part being discussed much for some reason when talking about parts wear points. The ejector on a stamped akm is just a thin piece of sheet metal spot welded into the receiver, and I suspect it takes a beating and sometimes due to improper heat treatment, it can wear quickly until the entire claw is gone.
I don’t know why but I don’t like milled Ak’s . I know they are good and probably more durable than the stamped receiver guns but I just like the stamped AK’s best .
Someone should make a dragunov style cheek pad that fits the sam7sf stock
Dude I’ve been looking but I can’t find anything. I’m thinking about buying a 3D printer and have a dream of making one lol.
@@justaguypassingthrough4188 if you do it I'll buy one, I'm sure many others would too
I always hear Arsenal will never make stamped guns again and they’re too busy making milled gun for military contracts. But I’ve never found any evidence that Arsenal provides to anyone other than the Bulgarian military. Who else are they selling to in such high quantities it would be cause for them to ignore the stamped AK market?
Iraq
@@bradborgelt60 is that here-say? Who told you that? Where was that info found?
The ARM1/9s have been issued to quite a few militaries. I believe India still uses them.
@@equinsuocha8905 there are plenty of pictures of Bulgarian AKs that were issued to the Iraqi military.
Middle East and India is their big customers, they also sold some to Indonesia
I'm trading my pvs14 for sam7sf I couldn't be happier I have a pvs7 biocular for back up anyways with gen 3 contract tube.
I have a question I have two milled AK’s. They both are from about the same vintage. They are from when Arsenal USA Las Vegas was building guns on their own US receivers. The first is a SA M-7 with no scope rail they were not offered at that time. I bought the gun new and
it came with a letter with the signatures of the technicians that built the rifle. I liked the SA M-7 so much that I bought a SA M-5S about a year later. These guns have the ban features. Permanent muzzle brake and no bayonet lug. I have been had people ridicule these guns because they are not true military Arsenal rifles. How does the quality on the my home grown SAMs compare to these newer guns. Any known issues on my old non collectible US Las Vegas guns? My SA M-5S is the low 500 number serial range. It is also Marked AN-02. What does that mean? I do not think I have ever had a failure to feed with either gun. I have only used Circle 10 mags. The SA M-7 is super accurate with S&B steel case ammo. My SA M-7 is a very low serial number gun.
Why doesnt the Sam7r have the ambi safety ?
No
Misha you are a legend
Indeed, he is.
Misha! How did you know I was researching these this past week? Technology is wild these days!
ChatGPT is on my informent list.
Lol lol That version of the AK Is far from being the goal standard It's not even in the top 10 for people that know what A AKM / AK47 Should be
I dyed my SAM7-84E sling black to celebrate Juneteenth
@misha I have a 2013 build I bought second hand that was in seemingly unfired condition with the PR-01 handguards installed. The dust cover and bcg isn't serialized though despite looking like arsenal parts. Any idea if they're original or a replacement?
🐐 Fact!
Vepr smokes arsenal.
@@Decimus-Meridius In your dreams
Mine has a very jiggly gas tube. Which has made me kinda dislike it, none of my others do it. Shoots great
Sam7k is same. shoots amazingly but jiggly gas tube just like yours
@brad overton takes away from the feeling of quality forsure.
@@Kurn8888 But is within Arsenal/Bulgarian milspec I'm sure. These guns aren't built tob e quality; they are built to requirements.
@@wowufailatlife Unfortunately, the way the gas tube on an AKSU is retained simply lends itself to being loose. Originally, it was designed so the forearm could be quickly removed in the field for cleaning or attaching an underbarrel launcher (or other device).
George Ronin of RONIN GRIPS makes, well, amazing U.S. grips for Ak's.
The 84R was always a favorite, with the now discontinued quad rail... Would you say an MD75 Sporter would be worth more than a wasr with only 800 units imported? They seem better built from CUGIR imo.
So if you had the money what would you buy right now. Im in the market and i got some tax $$$
my sam 7sf has had pro's and con's, mostly pro's, Mainly a solid, accurate, modern ak using an rs regulate with red dot. Con's my 1st sam7 had to be sent back due to a grossly off center crown. After $50 return shipping ugh, the rifle was replaced. Also due to user error the safety lever has over rode the top cover once to a straight up position. Chamber also has a chrome finish defect, but functions reliable. Bottom line is I wont be getting rid of it, great trigger
My Sam is awesome. Gets a lot of attention at the range and shoots great. Tested some Norma brass a few months ago and got just inside of moa at 100. Midwest Industries side mount and a Vortex Sparc Solar is gtg. Awesome rifle. My grandkids will enjoy it.
Is it possible to swap that rear sling swivel? It is almost 100% blocking my optics rail and i need to hit it on to get it onto the rail, very upsetting.
Misha, could you aquire and do a review on that sam7 limited edition with the railed top piece and railed front furniture thanks!
I’ve always wanted the Sam7-sf even though the folder would be pinned being I live in Commiefornia. I have owned the Sam7R-61 for years which I just installed a Ukrainian KRPK medium hand guard and an ME “Military Equipment” Ukrainian brand hinged picatinny rail cover to put a red dot. Just waiting for the Ca “assault weapon” ban to be thrown out and it’s coming soon.
No it’s not
14:58 got the same t-shirt from Walmart 😂. Shirt says: I'm not Arguing, I'm just explaining why you're wrong" and 🙂
Tshirts are my wife's picks.
Wasr 10 was my first AK, this was back in the day when folks made fun of you for having one.
Never had an issue with it, shot hundreds of rounds with no issues. Sold it when I moved to Texas to lighten the load, regretted it:/
I had a Bulgy AK74 built by a reputable builder. Everyone on the forum advised me on it, and said go for Technos Russian paint.
Got it back and fired it once, paint flaked off in a few places.
I won’t say what I paid for it, but I wished I had gone the Bluing or Cerakote route.
Other than that it’s a fine gun, don’t buy the hype though.
If you want an AK, go for the Wasr or Yugo first,
Imports will always shit on anything domestic. Remember these countries have been doing it for years on communist equipment!!
I can’t afford a krinkov kit so I thought the next best thing was to get a Yugo pistol, register, and do a Side folder or Underfolder
Since braces are no go might as well go all the way and get a stamp:)
Folks recommending that paint are more into looking at their guns over actually using them.
I have the SAM7K. A great firearm. I would not trade it.
Serial number 60 should be fine?
Those guns are 1.2k€ in europe
2013 trigger shitting on FIME.
So which is your most favorite AK rifle ?
Arsenal USA sucks now. Have stucked since 2015. They are a terrible company.
Darwin certainly would agree with you on that lol
… when Misha says HOT DIE 😉😉😉
What is the size of the pine on the stock I need to get one more
Those are super aesthetic with the shorter fatter grip.
I'M LOOKING FOR THE OWNERS MANUAL FOR THIS SAM7-SF PLEAS HELP!
Why?
Mischa why hasn’t Arsenal imported any SLR107 ur in such a long time? I haven’t seen a new shipment come in for over a year now?? Thanks
Russia sued Arsenal of Bulgaria for cloning their AK/AKM's so you will no longer see any stamped receiver come in from Bulgaria anymore
@@bidenstoletheelection9116 Sorry but no. I remember that online rumour too, but no actual evidence was ever provided to back that up. Arsenal making stamped guns is no different than say Cugir Romania or Zastava in Serbia.
Can you string more than five words without a pause?
Hmmm lets see if I can do.......that, nope seems not.
I have loved mine every day of its use in ten years!!!!
Damn expensive AKs....
Can anyone clue me into the Sam5 receiver news?
@p.cameron1588 thanks, is there a serial number range or date run? Recall?
Own a sam-7r and love it, also only gave $1300 for it, I love ak's but now their are lots of reliable piston guns on the market that are now cheaper than $1800, you can get an Aug which is basically the ak of the bullpup rifle world for $1600 now
Any comment that ends with suggesting getting an AUG I must agree with lol.
I love mine, the internet shitting on the the trigger is basically just a meme, it's not worse than a standard fime ak trigger
@@skinwalkerhiddenvalleyranch I literally don't notice the AUG's trigger. Then again, I actually shoot my guns rather than sitting with them in an armchair all day hehe.
Sure thing buddy
my favorite AK
Pretty Cool 😀😮😮😀😎😲
How come the cleaning rod doesnt come attached to the new sf model? Can you have the option of putting the cleaning rod in?
The cleaning rod comes in two sections. You can insert the longer section into the front like normal. And the shorter section goes into the dimple in the stock, and can be strapped in to retain there. The full cleaning rod cannot be inserted under the barrel because it would displace the latch that holds the stock when in its folded position
@@staplehead3 Thank you,
That was very helpful. I was just curious because alot of people I see don't have the cleaning rod on so I thought maybe you couldn't put the rod there. But thanks again.
Thanks for the content man.
Misha would you use the Sam7SF to hunt a yeti?
No way, that's clearly more a role meant for a Tavor.
2000 bucks but the finish doesn't hold up as well as a sharpie marker would.
The top paint finish, yep. The lower phosphate finish does fine though.
I can’t bring myself to buy a stamped Arsenal.
Come to think of it, onl y stamped Arsenals I've kept for myself are the 5.45x39 ones.
@@misha5670 Man you’re sitting pretty with those now!:)
@@markp4401 Only reason I have a 104FR is back when, no one wanted them so i just had several setting in the store.
Hey Misha I noticed like the surefire 3 prong will ring like that. And I've taken my cleaning rods out and bent them a little and pushed them back in and will stop the rattling. So far as accuracy from Rob Skis videos the veprs have been the most accurate out to distance as far as grouping MOA
@Cav Trooper 19D is it a surefire 3 prong with the suppressor mount on it?
@Cav Trooper 19D I no Garand Thumbs videos his surefire 3 prong rings on high end ARs he runs. Because he mentions it in his videos. Because u can hear a ring he said once carbon builds on it from being fired a while it stops ringing. And some of the ARs he runs when it's ringing are very high end ARs
@Cav Trooper 19D and maybe I'm thinking bout the 4 prongs he runs its either the 3 prong or 4 prongs he runs on those high end ARs that rings. He said every rifle he runs them on Rings.
@Cav Trooper 19D yea garand thumbs warcomps usually ring alot more on 10.3s and 10.5s and 11.5s and 12.5s seems more typical on barrel lengths under 14.5 to ring. My training partner has a 3 ring warcomp on his 10.5 and it ringed until he got about 500 rounds thru it and it stopped. But I'm no expert and aren't trying argue with anyone. I was just stating what garand thumb brought up. Because I've only seen it with my own eyes 1 time on my friends 10.5. I was going put one on my 11.5 but when we do night time drills my 11.5 don't put a flash out the barrel like his 10.5 does. But I agree with u I see no need on a 3 prong on 14.5s and longer unless it's only for running a suppressor.
I think the biggest ringer I have is the AKML flash hider. Its orig Polish and on my WBP Jack. Honestly? I like the noise. It reminds me of cold, hard steel. Back in the day, a lot of shitty cast parts were floating around, but if your part had a nice ring to it, that was a quick way to maybe tell if it was good or not good metal.
What is the latest on the sam5 fiasco?
Darwin very much wants someone to look at his Linkedin profile.
@@misha5670 I'm afraid im not clever enough, or Informed enough to understand this reply
@@Aztal Oh boy, just google Darwin + Arsenal...you'll find a rabbithole to dive down.
I just want a 104🙄
Unlikely that we'll see more of those get imported. That said, I'd love to be prooven wrong; 104 was a great gun.
@@misha5670 willing to part ways with yours?🙉🙉
Unnecessarily heavy. Like making an AR with a steel receiver.
I like this idea. I may steal it from you in the future lol
I have a SAM7R that I got new and never even shot. I shoot my WASR and parts kit builds more because I don't give a shit about them. But the arsenal is in the back of the safe all kitted up screaming 'PICK ME!" No, you heathen you're not even zero'd.
As a former gunsmith; overpriced and nothing special
They are special to me.
Not too many options if you want a factory AK with a milled receiver.
@@foxf6 right? These 16:40 get on here and spill junk
@@markp4401 You could always get a preban Polytech Legend or Valmet M62 or IMI Galil..i'm sure those are cheaper right? lol j/k
@@misha5670 Valmet M62s are ridiculous. I got to have one though,
Picked up a SAM7SF84 as a Hillary insurance in 2016 , I think it was around $1650, it runs like a champ. Last year needed cash and almost sold this but ended up getting rid of the FMAK47-11.instead because the Vepr had a better selling price. Regrets? sort of kind of . I liked the short overall length ,l.o.p. on the Vepr. But it was a little chunky and no cleaning rod provision.
Not a wise move.
I have loads of respect for all VEPRs, but the only ones that interested me personally were the FM-RPK74 and VEPR12. You know me, military replica collector &^ shooter. Just what trips my trigger *shrug*
@@Decimus-Meridius To each their own. I too sold my FM-47-22; no regrets. While it was a fantastic gun, it simply wasn't what I wanted from Molot. Now the VEPR12 shotgun? oh yeah, that was always a keeper.
Not a fan of these believe they are wayyyy overhyped . I love the old Bulgarian rifles . Great video misha
Which Old Bulgarian rifles? Not overhyped at all. Semi Auto version of the real thing. How can you overhype it?
The problem is everybody else got way better. Yes even Century has improved dramatically.. I don't know how much longer the high prices can be justified.
Vepr>Sam real Ak gold standard. 5x thicker barrel, refined rpk sights, smoother action, better fit and finish. Literally never going to shoot a vepr barrel out in x39 in semi auto. I love my milled Bulgarians but there is a quality difference.
Did you experience any paint issues with Arsenal AKs?? I am hesitating to buy one because of the paint issues I am hearing about.
There is no benefit to milled receiver...
Consistency and durability
Used to want one of these, now I wouldn't pay 1000 buck even for one. Fell in love with the 1 mil stamped standard trunnion akm style aks because they shoot just as good and weight a 1lb+ less. Why would I want an 8lb+ 7.62x39 or worse, 5.56? That's. 308 weight. Psa gf3s shoot tighter even than those sam7s, idc what "steyr technology" marketing words they use, they are equal or less accurate than wbps or wasrs, you gain nothing but weight.
There is nothing about that rifle that suggests it is some sort of 'gold standard'. There are millions of AKs out there with milled receivers, and they perform the same as with stamped receivers...because they were designed for stamped receivers. Everything about that screams 'run of the mill' AK, apart from the included scope mount the special safety (which you described as only a marginal upgrade. $2000? lolz! Hope it works out for you....
The ak was designed to be milled first, then converted to stamped.
@@bonnevillebagger9147 Incorrect. AK-47 was designed for stamped receiver, but there were problems in manufacturing them so they went with milled receivers for a little while until they could get the stamped receiver manufacture worked out.
@@crazy8sdrums everything I’ve ever read and seen, says the contrary. The rifle was designed for the superior milling manufacturing. But the rifle was deemed too expensive and transitioned to the cost effective stamped production.
“Over the course of his long life, Kalashnikov continued to tweak his classic design. In 1959, production began on his AKM, which replaced the AK-47’s milled receiver with one made of stamped metal, making it both lighter and less expensive to produce. He also developed the cartridge-fed PK machine gun. Modified AK-47s are still in production in countries around the world.”
“The AK-47 is made out of metal with the handguard and fixed stock made out of wood. The original AK-47 has a milled receiver while the product improved AKM has a lighter weight stamped receiver.”
Sam series is a range toy, I don't care how hammer forged or strong blah blah, it's 8.5lb+ and that weight in 7.62x39 or 5.56 or whatever is too damn heavy for anything serious. The one Arsenal product they make that is top tier is their waffle mags.
Do push ups
Invest in some weights comrade.
Not limited to the range...just mount it on a truck and make a baby tactical.
I mean even a light AK, like the WASR is 8.5lbs when loaded. So are all AK too heavy to be "serious"?
AR guys will talk about weight all the time, then strap on every accessory known to man and have a 10lb MK18.
Don't you miss the days when ak's were affordable