Import History Of Semi AK Rifles (1966-2017)
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- Опубліковано 22 лип 2017
- For this weekend's long gun rambling video, we talk about the history of the imported semi-auto only AK type rifle in the USA.
we begin with the earliest examples first brought in around 1966, and work our way through the 1980s and the end of the "preban" era.
Then we get into the dark times of the 1990s and early 21st Century, with the thumbhole stocked guns and the Federal Assault Weapons Ban imposed on us in 1994.
And finally we discuss the modern renaissance period for the AK that we're living in today, which began with the sunset of the Fed. AWB in September, 2004.
Featured nations, manufacturers, and models include:
(1966-1986) Finland, Valmet, M62s M71s M76s M78s & M82s.
(1982-2001) Egypt, Maadi Factory #54, ARM MISR MISR10 & MISR-SA.
(1983-1994) China, Factory #386 & #416, AKS Type 56S 56S-1 56S-2 84S 88S & MAK90.
(1986-2002) Hungary, FEG Factory #02, SA 85m & SA 2000m.
(1988-1991) Yugoslavia, Zastava, M70 M72 M76 M77 & M90.
(1993-present) Bulgaria, Arsenal Factory #10, SA 93 SLR95 SLR101 SAM7 & SLR104FR.
(1995-2014) Russia, Izhmash, Saiga SGL21 & SGL31.
(1997-present) Romania, RATMIL/ROMARM Cugir, Romak-I WUM-1 SAR-1 PSL54 WASR-10 Draco & AES-10B.
(1998-2017) Russia, Molot, VEPR.
(2005-present) Serbia, Zastava, PAP PAP-M70 NPAP NPAP-DF OPAP & M92PV.
(2012-2014) Poland, FB Radom, Archer-01 Beryl.
Visit ozarkbeararms.blogspot.com to read range reports and more articles on other firearms and accessories. - Наука та технологія
I like your videos...great info, to the point, no crappy music, etc.
good point on the "no crappy music"!
When 47 minutes goes by like 2 minutes as always both thumbs up for me and greetings from my country of Slovenia
Thank you as always for watching.
Just went on an hour walk listening to this. Thank you Misha for amazing content.
damn this guy knows everything lmao respect
I’m kind of shocked this channel isn’t more well known, just found out about it myself. Very informative, had a lot of trouble looking up what was what between my 1951 and my 1954 Russian SKS’ and Misha’s video really helped me sort out all the differences and what happened to those rifles.
Great video. Brings back a lot of memories going through all the bans. I'm 58 and have been buying selling and trading AKs since 1988. One thing I will point out is that when Clinton had the assault weapons ban it did not go unnoticed. Gun collectors fought back. The NRA membership went from 850000 to 3.5 million. We were able to attach a sunset clause to the ban. Most importantly the ban caused the Democrats to lose the house and the senate. Young folks do not remember the trials and tribulations that the older folks went through. We fought back the best we could. Join the NRA is what I tell everyone if not for them we would not have much. Thanks again.
Thanks much for watching. I don't think I am as young as you might think. I recall the gun control debate after Brady, especially in the 1988 election. I also remember that both Reagan and Bush came out in support of the Brady bill in 1993 and were in favour of "common sense" gun control, which translated into the AWB 1994. To be fair though, the AWB was part of the much larger Crime Prevention Bill. Yes, the AWB part was silly, but it did provide millions of dollars to hire more police officers, to build more prisons, and tried to better track sex offenders and prevent abuse of women.
The NRA has changed its tune. Really at the beginning of the '90s it wasn't pushing hard against something like the AWB. Afterall, the majority of its members were into hunting & target shooting. "Military style assault weapons" were commonly dismissed by much of those groups as they were seen as useless toys for the rich and guns of criminals. Trust me, i heard it all the time then. If you had an AR15 or AK47 here in Arkansas, most people you met didn't really understand why or even actively criticized you. The idea was if you couldn't hunt with it, what good was it? And the NRA took a similar attitude. There was very little backlash after the 1989 ban, but being fair again yes there was a growing minority in the gun community who was getting upset.
The AWB really showed people how silly banning cosmetic features was, and ultimiately made the "evil black rifle" more popular to the point of becoming mainstream today. It also showed how the gov't would just keep taking our rights away one little bit at a time. First imports, then AR15s made in the USA, and then what after that? maybe even hunting rifles which are the sacred cows of the gun world.
Ultimately, military gun collectors and hunters and sportsmen have united together, and the NRA has itself realised the importance of protecting all gun owners. I dispised the AWB, but perhaps in the long run it was actually a good thing. It certainly woke a lot of people up to the reality of gun control and 2nd A. freedoms.
Raymond Ellis Right on. I remember the 94 ban as well. I'm 38, but was already starting to collect milsurps in 93.
The NRA may have done SOME good in the past, however this is no longer the case as seen with them capitulating on bump stock ban and red flag laws. GOA is the only present day pro gun organization to support.
@@shapiroshekelberg604 The bump stock issue was more political like a sacrificial lamb. Some fights are worth fighting for and some are a no win situation especially for the NRA. Biden during his campaign said the NRA was his number one enemy why ? Because they have political clout. GOA has none especially in D. C.
@@shapiroshekelberg604 Also I do not think the NRA supports and red flag law.
I definitely agree with the gentleman below my comment... I just stumbled upon your channel and I’m hooked. Your vast knowledge and demeanor is a cut above the rest. Thank you very much for these videos,I will watch them all. You also seem like someone I would take extreme pleasure doing business with. I drive truck OTR and you seriously made 11 hrs seem like 11 minutes.... Thank you again!
Fantastic video Misha. While I will turn 60 this year, I only bought my first firearm in Nov 2012. It was an AR. I soon caught the AK bug and now have 6 of them, although none of the old classics that you have. I am afraid that your channel will be bad for my bank account, since I now feel the urge to hit gunbroker and look for some of the older classics that you talk about. Great vid my man. Great vid.
Thank you for watching. Older guns are always worth while, and it is only money right?
Boomer
Did you ever get a new AK
47 minutes of pure AK47 knowledge. Thanks Misha! Great content, keep it coming,
Yeeeeesssss!!
Thank you Misha, you consistently turn out some of the best informative Firearms videos on UA-cam.
Thanks much for watching. Our plan for the rest of the summer is to publish a longish historical video featuring a different aspect of the AK47/AKM/AK74/RPK every Sunday. We thought maybe people would be home and up to watch such a video. During the week, we'll mostly put out shorter ones with more range time in them.
Ozark Bear Arms pardon if you have already done it, but any chance comparing the various yugo rifles and their evolution?
Edit:
Nevermind. I found it.
Ozark Bear Arms Yes, please do that. I will look forward to it. I really like your longer informative videos.
Thank you once again for a very informative video.
It was 1976 when I first came across these Valmets.
As a 19 year old veteran attending college in NYC, my friends and I had to go to Nassau County to buy rifles to avoid the unreasonable restrictions of the city.
A young middle eastern businessman and friend of mine was surprised to learn about the lack of restrictions on firearms purchased outside the city and joined me on my next shopping trip to the suburbs.
The store had a wide selection of rifles but he instantly fell in love with the Valmet as it was so similar to what he was familiar from his time in the military.
He purchased the 5.56 version since the ammo was cheaper and readily available. He was a happy camper
I wound up with two “Liberty” Rugers. A Mini 14 and a 10-22.
That was my first time handling an AK. I would cross paths with AKs many times in my subsequent overseas tours of duty but it would be many years before I would purchase my Maadi Misr SA.
you sir are a endless encyclopedia of AK knowledge.
Thanks for posting this... very interesting and informative, no bull or music! A real walk down memory lane for some of us....😍
Mishaco, I love your videos, you are like the Ian from Forgotten Weapons but for guns I actually can (and do in some cases) own! I also bought a gun from you once on Gun Broker and you were a real gentleman to do business with.
Best comprehensive AK video on youtube! Great job
That Valmet is awesome!!!
Yep, they really are neat. I had wanted one with the tube stock for ages.
Glad I just came across your page, bro...I like your input and the knowledge on the subject.
just rewatched this. I think it may be my favorite new traditional christmas movie(to give good hints to the wife & kids)
I have to say that you are so far the most knowledgeable person on AK's and many other firearms. Keep up the great videos :)
Thank you for saying that. I do know a good bit about AKs, but on the otherhand I am not very knowledgeable about many other things such as sporting or hunting guns. Obviously, I know little to nothing about scopes and optics either hehe, cheers.
I had always wanted an all encompassing history of AK rifles importation, and you've done it, Misha! Thank you!
Thank you for that video. My first gun was a converted Saiga and it led to many many more AK’s. Love North West Arkansas. Jeff
Mishaco you are a walking talking treasure trove of a K knowledge with a fantastic collection. Thank you for making this video, and sharing your collection with us.
Once again, awsome video very informative
Ive been watching your channel a few years now! im very happy you are putting out more videos lately! thank you for passing on your knowledge on these subjects!!!
Thank you for your continued support.
I enjoy your videos and find your knowledge on the platform impressive. Keep up the hard work
Thank you much for watching.
MISHACO, I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL.
Thanks much, we'll continue to try our best. Don't worry, we have new/unseen guns coming up soon too.
The thing I love about you & Jay is that neither one of you say "Kalishnikov"
I wish I knew the man who started that pronounciation....so we could beat the crap out of him lol. It really, really bothers me too because there's zero reason for it. Its not a potato-potato thing where both are 'ok' versions. Its just straightup wrong and ignorant.
Amazing collection, you are the man!
Your channel is going to boom!!
Well, we like AKs and the internet seems to like them a whole lot too, so hopefully good times. Thank you for watching.
I would bet this is easily the 100th time I've seen this video, honestly I remember the information, and I don't know why....but sometimes I like background noise and this video seems to be one that I play and actually watch, even when I'm not planning to. Thanx for all the great content!
Great video! A few years ago I picked up my first and only AK being the same Valmet M62-S that you have. The hand grip on mine is a little different though but it has the same tube stock. At the time I honestly had never heard of Valmet but your videos on the rifle helped educate me. I almost let it get away not knowing anything. now it is a favorite of my collection. It came down to being in the right place at the right time and right price. Thank you sharing your videos.
Glad to have been of some help. Thank you much for watching.
This guy is a genius! The guy is bad ass and knows his stuff very well 💯
I really enjoy buying ban era imports and putting prefab style furniture on them muzzle devices. Most of the best info I've learned on AKs I've learned from you. Thank you for the such informative videos.
Preban* , stupid auto correct.
You’re easily the most knowledgeable AK guy on UA-cam and it’s not even close! Thanks for the history lesson!
Thanks much for watching, cheers.
I absolutely love this video. I was able to name all the different Ak rifles but I did not have the knowledge of the dates like you do. I bow to you Jedi Ak master. Great video. Thank you
In light of the most recent SW movie, I am not sure if "Jedi Master" is a compliment or an insult now? lol heheee
Ozark Bear Arms it's a compliment! It would be foolish to insult a man with so many Kalashnikovs lol.
I'm fixin to listen to this on the ride home(about an hour) so seeing that the length is only 47 minutes, I KNOW you left lots of good stuff out. I would love to be there if somebody comes into your shop and tries to act like they know more about AKs(or any other firearm it seems) than you.
Excellent info!
I like this channel and realized blindness plays a big thing in each video and I was wondering how you research all these guns, thank you so much for all the educational videos!!
I don't generally subscribe to channels, but you deserve it. I thought with my Legend, SAR1, and WASR I was doing pretty well, but after seeing your line up I have alot of work to do. Very nice sir.
Thank you much for watching & the Sub. We'll be back in October with fresh shooting videos and some (hopefully) unique guns to talk about.
You the Man! Great knowledge brother!👍👍👍👍
I certainly thank ya. You're very knowledgeable and your presentation is very interesting. Wish I would have discovered your videos a long time ago before I got my AK-74 and still-in-the-box M70AB1. Still trying to find someone to build it for me out here in Commiefornia.
Thank you for watching, and keep fighting the fight out there.
This is very informative and as a fan of the AK rifle I very much enjoyed it. I was fortunate enough to get a new FIME VEPR before the recent ban so I'm definitely happy about that.
I am glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching.
Thank you for the excellent survey of imports!
Thank you for watching.
Nice and priceless collection
nice collection bro and good info!!
Thank you
I've been into pre-bans (Valmets) for nearly 20 years and this is an excellent video. I think a few of your numbers may be a shade off (numbers/dates, etc) but most are right-on. Also a few pre-ban Yugos were imported by American Arms of Kansas City, MO prior to Mitchell (very few). Great vid
Thanks for watching. Its pretty difficult to get truely firm and 100% accurate numbers for many of the preban AKs unfortunately, and yep I do slip up from time to time....just going off memory, cheers.
This is an excellent video. Not sure why you don't have a few 100 thousand views
Thank you much for watching, cheers.
Oh ya my favorite.ak related content
Thanks for watching.
Glad I found your channel.
Thank you much,
Misha, you should try the Mossberg Blaze-47 if you don't already have one. I got one at Academy Sporting Goods store about a year ago and I think it's one of the most fun AK's out there. (It's not a true AK, but it feels like an AK, looks like an AK, and shoots from a banana-shaped magazine) For $325 it's one of the most reliable .22LR's I've ever used.
it was good and informative ☺
I enjoy your videos
great video bro!
Thank you,
Outstanding history lesson on imported AK's in the US.
Thank you very much for watching.
As someone who wouldnt remember what I had for breakfast if I didnt eat the same thing every morning,I admire your encyclopedic memory.If you could ever do a video on all the 9×18 variants,that would be swell.Signed,your newest fan.
Thanks much, and if you look in the "Red October" playlist, you'll find just such a video on 9x18 pistols. I think it is episode 4, cheers.
That first Valmet is wicked! Hope you and the family are doing well. Best regards, Franz
Thanks for watching & asking, yes we're all fine over here, cheers.
Excellant video..thank you
Thank you
Great AK history lessons, thanks.
Thank you for watching
I love my wire folders ! I have a surplus east german one on a wasr and i love it
awesome video ! thank you !!
I wish I have gotten more of those Saigas when they were available.
In Russian channels folks look down on Saigas because it is rumored their barrels have lower longevity than "military grade" AKs.
Thank you for watching. I call 100% bullshit on the barrel thing. Its simple economics. Itw as cheaper/easier for Izhmash to use the ssame type of barrels in the Saigas as they did in their military production lines. The only real difference I can think of is that some had a ring in the chamber that would inprint upon spent cartridges. This is something done in Russia to help the police ID a civilian rifle. Most of the Saigs that came into the USA didn't have this, but a few did, especially earlier on.
Great video!
Thank you
Beautiful
Great video
Thanks much for watching, cheers.
New subscriber here! Love your videos and the info you share about AK's. I'm very surprised you don't have more subscribers. You have an astounding AK collection. I wish I could own any of them. I recently purchased an AK63DS, which I'm sure you know is the hungarian stamped underfolder imported by Century. I got it for $510, which I thought was a good price for a Hungarian build. Just curious what you think? I'm pretty sure they have Hungarian trunnion, furniture, bolt carrier, bolt, gas block, gas tube and sights. But I'm not positive on that. Any info you can provide would be helpful. Thanks alot and I look forward to watching your earlier and current videos.
Thank you very much for joining in. The AK63D is built by Century using a mix of original surplus Hungarian and newly made US parts.
The furniture, bolt group, dustcover, trunnions, and sights are original. The receiver, barrel, and trigger group are US made. Hope this helps, cheers.
this video left me very satisfied
Thank you for watching, cheers.
My DDI is a stamped so it must be Hungarian and I must be mistaken or misunderstood the guy at the gun shop and thanks you guys for responding to my questions without tearing me a new one since it's obvious I am a newbie at 50 thanks again guys and you to Misha you're the best on UA-cam
Its all good. I don't mean this as a dig at your gunstore, but most guys there don't know (or care) about the different AK models and countries. To them, an AK is an AK.
your cats colors are cool! looks like hes got his own lightning cut up its right rear leg, Recently picked up a armory usa SSR-85C-2 made in Bulgaria by ISD, i believe mine is a 2004 model on a 1.6mm reciever!
from my research i believe this is a pretty desirable AK rite? not marked TGI or Global trades or Arsenal usa.
Great job. I wish I had more rifles from the left side (on video, older ones) of the couch. I have all the right side( facing the couch, the newer ones) covered, lol.
I love the history of these rifles, also.
Really, i don't have that many preban AKs. The ones I do have, were cases of being at the right place at the right time. There's a long story behind how I ended up with the Valmet M62s. The Chinese AKS came from a friend and i got it cheap as it had one major flaw, but i corrected it. The SA 85m i rescued from New York, from a pawnshop on Long Island actually. Really those are it for me. I'd liked to have found a few more variants, but today's prices online for prebans? haha, maybe some out there can afford them but not me.
human Wikipedia, awesome video my dude
Wowsa I didn't know that valmet came in in the 60's
I like the spike!
For awhile I thought you were going to forget about the Saiga... you did however overlook one of the first importers of them. Russian American Armory... they originally did good work and then it started to tend downhill. Most likely why they're no longer in business. However, be that as it may, it leaves me in a predicament. Finding parts for it... specifically bolt, bolt carrier and gas piston. Noticed my bolt is different in placement of the pins for firing pin and extractor. Where would I find parts for this rifle??? Any ideas???
Thank you for all the awesome videos .
Thank you for watching them.
Love the Aks and the cat.
another question for Mishaco:
Where did you find the research for this video? Trying to figure out this huge ball of mess must have not been easy to untangle??
Oh lord, i keep DOC files where I type in notes when i come across information.
I tend to grade it based on reliability/credibility. But there's no substitute for 1st hand observation & cross referencing. If 2-4 sources say much the same thing, its a good sign though not full-proof.
For example, I couldn't find much detailed info at all on Valmets. I've owned about a dozen of them myself, so have compared serials and import marks to get some idea of when? I've talked with other owners and taken their own thoughts down, and Valmet.org was very useful of course to fill in some of the blanks.
The FEG stuff was easier since Mike Cassner has routinely posted online himself and has been willing to answer questions about the SA 85m imports.
The Romanian and Maadi stuff, well I lived through all of those phases. So I compare my own recollections with what info is out there, and from that got a good enough feel for what and when.
Ditto for the Arsenals. A friend who used to run a local gunshop here started carrying the Bulgarian stuff pretty early, so I'd go in and fondle any new model that came in. I couldn't afford to buy one myself until 2004, but at least I could play....i mean "research" the various ones before that.
If you have specific questions, hit me with them and I'll do my best to answer.
The SAM rifles are so nice , And the SGL Aresennal's are nice also .
I want to know who didn't like this video? I first cheated with a WASR2, but SLR-104 stole me heart. Nice video sir.
lol don't worry about it. There's a person out there that has been following our channel for years, and they always dislike our videos, especially ones with scary rifles in them. They must be a fan though as they've stuck around for so long and it kind of makes me feel good to see their dislike. Secretly? I think its Dianne Feinstein hehe.
We do this because we enjoy it and we love firearms. Its great when others watch and join in, but we'd still make videos even if only a hundred people watched. Also, while I am happy to share what I know about the various guns, if anyone out there knows more or has a correction to make, please let us know. I'm always adding to and correcting my notes. For me the joy is in continuing to learn and in discovering new little facts about my favorite guns, cheers.
Man I just priced valmets on GunBroker and the one you have goes for 4000 sheesh
I have about $1,000-$1,200 in it. I rescued it from New York back when the state passed the "Safe Act" in 2013.
Excellent history, you can get this no where else! I remember most of the eras vividly, and the moral of the story is to trust your gut and buy when quality is available. All the different laws and business decisions and importing problems - it's here today and gone tomorrow, most likely forever. I've never regretted buying an imported AK, but I have many regrets for not buying one.
$250 Polytechs, $800 Legion Saigas, and $700 Veprs..............those were the days.
Yup, they are great rifles and actually pretty great investments too. I've never lost money on an Arsenal or Saiga or even a Cugir.
Wow! I like this channel. I am looking at a NPAP at a local gun shop that I am told is original, but it comes with an installed bayonet. Can this be real? It is (I think) over priced at $850. Thoughts? Thank you Sir! I know very little about these except that I have to have one. I really want a ZPAP. Which one do you like? I am either wood or black. Kudos Sir!
This dude is like the rain man of AKs
I just picked up a New In The Box Valmet 62-S.
Ahhhhh A Misha Video I’ve Not Seen Yet 😊😀🐝😇😎👍🏼
How did you do your research and conclude the import numbers and such?
good video as always Mishaco. I have a Sa85M FEG post ban with an unthreaded barrel. what's the easiest way to change to a threaded??
take it to a reputable gunsmith,
Misha I have a question, whenever you have time to answer, if you just dont i take no offense , love channel and what you do but, i have an Original Romak99.1 imported between 97-99, single stack Romanian AK , original furniture butthole stock and all, should i keep this rifle in its original configuration? I mean as far as value and collectibility goes if i convert to double stack will that hurt the value and collectibility if I have it done correctly? , so my dilemma leave it stock? Or convert to double stack? Appreciate your opinion and all the info you provide to us pl33bs XD have a great day man!
Please correct me if im wrong but all the Norincos have a chrome lined barrel right? Its only some US made AK’s that don’t?
Guy is a walking encyclopedia...
I bought one of the real early M62's in 1967 sold it round 2001 for a big profit.
Was there a ban on the import of ak-47/74 and it's ammo? Thanks.
Are the saiga rifles a good find in 2018? I got one out the door chamberd in 7.62x9 for 300 dollars . Somebody had it on consignment at a small store I go to. I bought it. Did I make the right choice ?
Wealth of knowledge with this guy!
Izhmash sells automated lines for production of AK parts: particularly barrels and chrome plating (ALKh-U barrel chrome plating line; AISA-031 Small Arms Automated Test System etc.). The closest true Russian made automated factory for AK production is in Venezuela. Should become operational in 2019.
Productivity of ALKh-U line is 150000 barrels per one-shift workday with machine load of 0.8
Oh great, give the machines the ability to build Kalashnikovs all on their own...what could go wrong? j/k
Great video! In your opinion, who makes the best stamped AK47 that is currently on the market (not including places like Rifle Dynamics, Kreb's Custom, or Definitive Arms). I am guessing that it is the Bulgarian SLR 107, but I wanted your opinion. Thank you!
For a standard production AK say under $1,000? yeah off the top of my head I would agree, SLR107R. The NPAP is good, WASR10 is even a little better; but these days you can get an SLR107R for basically the same price, so why not? Good gun that will last a long time and hold its value.
Thank you!!
Mishaco what are all Russian imported AKs imported from the Saiga (variant) or Vepr Line? Or where they're other types of Aks that are from a different line that was named differently?
I really one number 3 one with the spike bayonet
$850 was a decent price on an arsenal ak on 2017.... Saiga's $250 jeez
Perhaps Americans learned from the Vietnam veterans that returned , and they shared their experience regarding the AK-47. Perhaps that's how it became popularized.
Absolutely love this !!! Thanks so much for this information. Love this channel BUT IM JEALOUS of your firearms !!!!!
Thank you,
does any one have any idea where Arsenal USA based out of Houston Texas may have went?
God damn, thank you
Thank you for watching