In Part 2 of the series, Drake breaks down the AKSA S4 after its first range session of 175 shells. We take a look at the condition of the internal components and Drake comments on the apparent quality of the firearm. Part 3 will detail Accessories, Round Count Updates, and Operational Experience. Part 1 - ua-cam.com/video/_1Smygntc9c/v-deo.html Part 3 - ua-cam.com/video/VNyqUh9Fics/v-deo.html Thanks for watching! Detailed viewer questions and private conversations, as well as industry contacts regarding product evaluations and reviews may be made at AmericanArmsChannel@gmail.com You can also find American Arms Channel on these Social Media Platforms: Bitchute - www.bitchute.com/channel/americanarmschannel/ UGEtube - videos.utahgunexchange.com/@AmericanArmsChannel
While I’m drawing a blank halfway through my first cup of coffee, but I had a new gun in the last couple of years that needed locktite everywhere ( there was none applied at factory) so I allways keep a tube of blue locktite and a FAT wrench handy.
It’s probably the best value Turkish M4/M1014 “clone” right now. I answer this question more thoroughly in the final review (part 5) of the series: SDS Imports AKSA S4 (Pt 5): Final Review, Thoughts, and Internal Components at 800+ Rounds ua-cam.com/video/VcKHz4c40Fw/v-deo.html
Excellent, thank you. I've had my ffl on hold till I saw this second part. This confirms it. I'll be picking mine up mid August, that's our tax free weekend in Ma ;) I'm interested in seeing part three. I'll be getting a mesa stock and 11" foregrip as well as a carbon fiber 7 rd tube. Still deciding on if I'm getting an oversized charge handle and oversized mag release, likely from GG&G I'll get a follower to help with 922r. The mag tube and the mesa furniture are USA made.
I went with the Mesa Urbino and added the FFT follower and Hand guard set to keep it 922r compliant with the addition of the KT extension tube since I am sharing the testing on youtube. I selected the Impact Weapons Components scout mount for the torch and will be adding a sling soon. I believe you will enjoy Part 3. Attempting to get to 500 round count by then.
@@AmericanArmsChannel I'm sure I will; pt 1 & 2 were great. Did you get the NP3 version of the follower? Wait, don't say, I'll standby for the next show, you gotta keep some anticipation ;)
@@AmericanArmsChannel So FFT is good to go. I'm wanting to order the original handguards for mine. Same ones it comes with but they just feel so cheap to me. Are these better quality? I prefer the original style handguards over anything else.
Have you had any issues with the shells not feeding from tube to the barrel? I got a brand new one and after loading the mag tube the shells wouldn’t feed into the barrel. Is there something I’m not doing right?
Is this during live fire or trying to manually cycle the firearm? The super-90 pattern action utilizes a cartridge feed design that does not drop a round from the magazine to the lifter unless the trigger is pulled, or, the cartridge release lever has been activated. If you have loaded the magazine, the firearm will not cycle and chamber a round by only racking the bolt; you have to depress the cartridge drop lever first. If you are aware of this and it still will not cycle with the magazine fully loaded, there is most likely too high of magazine spring tension and or a problem with the cartridge stop lever. I’ll need more details or a video of the issue to help further. Feel free to email me at the channel email (see description of the video). Hope this helps you out. Thanks for watching and the comment. - Drake
The rear sight and front post on my Copolla loosened too. The threads on the front post of mine are damaged. I think the screws for the rear sight you can get to from the inside of the receiver, but they're staked. Also the stock on mine is loose, haven't looked to see how to tighten it up. Not sure if I want to return mine, fix it, or try to get my money back. I really haven't had any problems with ammo. It's no Benelli, but I wonder if it's worth keeping. I have a Benelli Montefeltro in 12 gauge. Never had any problems, tight, reliable, love it. I think the screws for the rear sight to hold it in place are like $18.
You’ll want to use blue loctite on everything with a thread and tighten it down just past snug. I am not positive as to why these guns are being built without lock washers and or loctite on the threads, but it’s something to be mindful of.
Would you be able to tell me the difference between the aksa s4 and the Black Aces Tactical S4 I know they’re basically the same exact gun but what is the difference if any? Does Black Aces Tactical do anything to the weapons themselves or is it just the exact same gun no differences whatsoever
@@AmericanArmsChannel Thank you and I figured as much. The black aces version is an American version of the Turkey version which is another version of the original from Italy lol. I bought the BAT-S4 a few weeks ago and I love it. I’ve recently bought the 8” Briley M-LOK handrail, GG&G bolt release, and the Taran Tactical oversized bolt release button. Lastly you kick ass by the way I love your channel.
The AKSA S4 has a standard M4/M1014 length and profile recoil tube that will accept M4/M1014 pattern stocks or any stocks you modify to fit it. If a stock is not intended for those firearms it will require modification or an adapter to work.
I still have to find time to edit the footage I have thus far for Part 3, as well as continue testing the shotgun. I have gone much faster and harder with the review process with this shotgun than any other firearm I have featured before. I have not had the shotgun for more than a month and put out two detailed videos on it as well as fired 425 rounds through it to date (8/10/21 - a very short, aggressive and expensive venture since its purchase on 7/10/21). In order to thoroughly review a tool, time, experience, and careful evaluation has to be made. For example: the Mossberg SA-28 is awaiting final review and it was purchased a year ago. The Browning G10 was not given final review until a full year had passed, it was completely fixed, and over 1,200 shells had been fired. The SBE 3 was used for 3 hunting seasons and 5k shells before being given a final review, and I have a couple other examples I could detail ad nauseam. Bottom line, things take time and are limited by my financials since this is a hobby and does not pay for itself. If you would like to contribute Ammo or funds for ammo to expedite the process further, it would of course be welcome, but otherwise it is going to be an indeterminate time before the Part 3 Update and Part 4 (Final Review) will be completed and posted. I want to get them done ASAP and fulfill everyone's wishes, however if wishes were horses beggars would ride. Please be patient - I know how it is to purchase a new 'toy' and not have all the fun reviews and shooting videos to validate your purchase or teach you about the model. If you are looking for more content on the AKSA S4 in the meantime, there is a significant thread on all the M4 clones on AR15.com that has some good info about the AKSA S4 specifically. Otherwise, I strongly encourage you to start testing your example and showcasing it on your channel to help more people get an idea of how the gun stacks up. The more information out there the better. Thanks. - Drake
@@AmericanArmsChannel that's ok, at this point take your time. I have mine running with the carbon fiber 7 rnd tube, Mesa 11" forearm, GG&G bolt release and oversized charge handle. I took off the rail, it was on so tightly i almost stripped two screws trying to take it off. I'm not using it so saving the 1.6 oz is better than carrying it. BTW, the mag cap had the ball indent, yours was just missing it. My right arm went through surgery a couple of months ago so it will be a few more months before i can shoot. I'm having my son-in-law do the honors (former marine, he can tell me how it compares to the real-deal). When my shoulder can handle jt, i will take a shotgun class and see if this clone can handle the rounds but ill bring my 1301 as backup ;) Thanks for sharing what you had so far. You should finish the other projects you left behind and not chew more than you can swallow. I don't do videos of me having fun with my toys, I leave that up to you pros. Keep up the good work.
Hi there, Thank you for these very good videos. Could someone tell me how to remove the rear bolt pin (the one that releases the firing pin) at 10.15 minutes? Mine seems to be stuck, it doesn't move at all. Do you have to turn it or just pull it up? Thanks for your help.
It should just pull out. Sounds like yours is a little tight. Use a 1/32” punch to tap it out. After a few removals an reassemblies it will most likely loosen up.
I picked up a Tristar clone (Turkish) this past weekend...love the gun but the stock is a tad too long...it'll work but shouldering it will be better with an adjustable stock...
If it is a Benelli copy or compatible with Beretta or Benelli model components, take a look at the Mesa Tactical Urbino stock system. It takes 2” off of the factory Length of Pull. Going that route will keep you from having to mess with a collapsible stock solution if you don’t really want to. I have placed an Urbino on this S4 and it has accomplished what I have wanted to.
Most likely a weak detent spring or debris in the detent recess. You'll need to knock out the roll pin that holds it in place and inspect the spring, detent, and clean the recess. You can replace with Benelli parts for better retention.
I have not seen one in person, so I can't comment on fit and finish. I will say though that it appears to be a "standard" style Turkish auto-loader that has some design similarities with the Beretta A300/391 series, but places the action spring under the hand-guard/over the magazine tube instead of in an action spring tube that comes off the rear of the receiver and lives in the stock. It is most likely equivalent to the Black Aces Tactical Semi-auto "Pro" series.
@@raveneye12 I’m sorry to say I don’t have any knowledge on that model. If I were choosing between a used police model 870 and a clone, i’d take the original.
I don't know if you remember me but I told you I sent my sbe3 off well it took 100 days and I got it back they poot a bigger beed on it and and that fixed it a little but it's shooting left 5 inches
I’m sorry to hear that. Do you have the gun cast to fit you? And is the gun level when you are patterning? 60/40-70/30 patterning guns can often appear to shoot left or right based on how the shooter is holding it. A few degrees of tilt can place the pattern left or right by 4 to 6 inches at 25 to 30 yards. That’s not to say there is still not an issue with the gun, but I have had several people complain about different guns not patterning center to only find out when they shoot off hand they tilt the gun into their face instead of mounting it level. I’ve also seen people expect the exact same pattern centers across different loadings and chokes, when even the best patterning guns do not always center every single load. The Sx4 is a great example of a gun that patterns very well in general, but it is not immune to pattern center shifts across loadings and chokes. Just some things to thing about and evaluate before becoming too frustrated with your shotgun.
@@AmericanArmsChannel i did everything to make it fit me but everyone in my family shot like 6 inches im probably going to sell it and get a beretta a400 or browning a5
I'm sorry to hear that. I have had my fair share of guns at this point that left me disappointed. If I was in a position to right now, I would buy it off you and tinker with it myself. Haha! I would recommend the A400 Xtreme Plus of the Browning product. What distance are you patterning and confirming pattern splits at?
@@AmericanArmsChannel 20 yards one foot left I and it just gets worse at 30 and 40 I can't send it back I won't get it back in this season lol and I truly tried my hardest to make it work because I hunt deer squirrel hogs and every bird in Louisiana and im a good shot with a shotgun and having to aim a foot to the right on a 2000.$ gun I just can't
@@lindonpierce6076 i understand. I’m sorry it isn’t working out for you. I love the SBE 3 but I completely understand if you have a bad example not wanting to play with it or deal with service again. 100 days is excessive regardless of the fix. I could suggest more options you could take to correct the POI, but it sounds like the path you might be happiest with is going to a different gun. The A400 Xtreme Plus is a great shotgun and I would highly encourage that model over the Browning offerings. The SX4 has great value, and if you want to stay with an Inertia gun that is not a Benelli, the Franchi Affinity 3.5 is a good Italian gun to look at with a price-point under $1k. If you really like the SBE series though, a Breda Grizzly 3.5 might be the ticket. It’s a Clone of the original SBE and is both handsome and functional by every account. If you can find one I’d buy it. I wish you well in your decision making!
With the price of shells your spending as much on ammo as the gun in a hurry. Funny, I had the same Ithaca I inherited for 40 years and didn't run hundreds of rounds through it.
In Part 2 of the series, Drake breaks down the AKSA S4 after its first range session of 175 shells. We take a look at the condition of the internal components and Drake comments on the apparent quality of the firearm.
Part 3 will detail Accessories, Round Count Updates, and Operational Experience.
Part 1 - ua-cam.com/video/_1Smygntc9c/v-deo.html
Part 3 - ua-cam.com/video/VNyqUh9Fics/v-deo.html
Thanks for watching!
Detailed viewer questions and private conversations, as well as industry contacts regarding product evaluations and reviews may be made at AmericanArmsChannel@gmail.com
You can also find American Arms Channel on these Social Media Platforms:
Bitchute - www.bitchute.com/channel/americanarmschannel/
UGEtube - videos.utahgunexchange.com/@AmericanArmsChannel
Dude, you are great at these videos. Keep up the excellent work
Hi. How many out here prefer the fixed stock over the collapsible one? Thanks
I added a Mesa Tactical stock with a limb saver pad. I love this upgrade.
with any new firearm check and make sure all the screws that should be loctited are, even the higher end firearms. some times it just gets missed.
While I’m drawing a blank halfway through my first cup of coffee, but I had a new gun in the last couple of years that needed locktite everywhere ( there was none applied at factory) so I allways keep a tube of blue locktite and a FAT wrench handy.
Is this shotgun worth it? Looking to possibly buying a clone m4.
It’s probably the best value Turkish M4/M1014 “clone” right now. I answer this question more thoroughly in the final review (part 5) of the series:
SDS Imports AKSA S4 (Pt 5): Final Review, Thoughts, and Internal Components at 800+ Rounds
ua-cam.com/video/VcKHz4c40Fw/v-deo.html
Excellent, thank you.
I've had my ffl on hold till I saw this second part.
This confirms it. I'll be picking mine up mid August, that's our tax free weekend in Ma ;)
I'm interested in seeing part three.
I'll be getting a mesa stock and 11" foregrip as well as a carbon fiber 7 rd tube.
Still deciding on if I'm getting an oversized charge handle and oversized mag release, likely from GG&G
I'll get a follower to help with 922r.
The mag tube and the mesa furniture are USA made.
I went with the Mesa Urbino and added the FFT follower and Hand guard set to keep it 922r compliant with the addition of the KT extension tube since I am sharing the testing on youtube. I selected the Impact Weapons Components scout mount for the torch and will be adding a sling soon.
I believe you will enjoy Part 3. Attempting to get to 500 round count by then.
@@AmericanArmsChannel I'm sure I will; pt 1 & 2 were great.
Did you get the NP3 version of the follower? Wait, don't say, I'll standby for the next show, you gotta keep some anticipation ;)
Just ordered mine too
@@AmericanArmsChannel So FFT is good to go. I'm wanting to order the original handguards for mine. Same ones it comes with but they just feel so cheap to me. Are these better quality? I prefer the original style handguards over anything else.
Have you had any issues with the shells not feeding from tube to the barrel? I got a brand new one and after loading the mag tube the shells wouldn’t feed into the barrel. Is there something I’m not doing right?
Is this during live fire or trying to manually cycle the firearm?
The super-90 pattern action utilizes a cartridge feed design that does not drop a round from the magazine to the lifter unless the trigger is pulled, or, the cartridge release lever has been activated. If you have loaded the magazine, the firearm will not cycle and chamber a round by only racking the bolt; you have to depress the cartridge drop lever first.
If you are aware of this and it still will not cycle with the magazine fully loaded, there is most likely too high of magazine spring tension and or a problem with the cartridge stop lever.
I’ll need more details or a video of the issue to help further. Feel free to email me at the channel email (see description of the video).
Hope this helps you out. Thanks for watching and the comment.
- Drake
The rear sight and front post on my Copolla loosened too. The threads on the front post of mine are damaged. I think the screws for the rear sight you can get to from the inside of the receiver, but they're staked. Also the stock on mine is loose, haven't looked to see how to tighten it up. Not sure if I want to return mine, fix it, or try to get my money back. I really haven't had any problems with ammo.
It's no Benelli, but I wonder if it's worth keeping. I have a Benelli Montefeltro in 12 gauge. Never had any problems, tight, reliable, love it.
I think the screws for the rear sight to hold it in place are like $18.
You’ll want to use blue loctite on everything with a thread and tighten it down just past snug. I am not positive as to why these guns are being built without lock washers and or loctite on the threads, but it’s something to be mindful of.
Would you be able to tell me the difference between the aksa s4 and the Black Aces Tactical S4 I know they’re basically the same exact gun but what is the difference if any? Does Black Aces Tactical do anything to the weapons themselves or is it just the exact same gun no differences whatsoever
It’s the same firearm, different importers.
@@AmericanArmsChannel Thank you and I figured as much. The black aces version is an American version of the Turkey version which is another version of the original from Italy lol. I bought the BAT-S4 a few weeks ago and I love it. I’ve recently bought the 8” Briley M-LOK handrail, GG&G bolt release, and the Taran Tactical oversized bolt release button. Lastly you kick ass by the way I love your channel.
I'm having an absolute heck of a time trying to get my barrel pulled out. Its extremely tight. Got any tips?
You can try Aksa Cross Fire
That's the same gun as the S4, just a different name for the Turkish/European market
Can this stock be replaced with other aftermarket stocks without an adapter? My pull is too long and want to get the magpul or something else
The AKSA S4 has a standard M4/M1014 length and profile recoil tube that will accept M4/M1014 pattern stocks or any stocks you modify to fit it. If a stock is not intended for those firearms it will require modification or an adapter to work.
More please
Part 3 coming when I have time to edit.
Ok, I'm picking mine up tomorrow.
I still have to find time to edit the footage I have thus far for Part 3, as well as continue testing the shotgun. I have gone much faster and harder with the review process with this shotgun than any other firearm I have featured before. I have not had the shotgun for more than a month and put out two detailed videos on it as well as fired 425 rounds through it to date (8/10/21 - a very short, aggressive and expensive venture since its purchase on 7/10/21). In order to thoroughly review a tool, time, experience, and careful evaluation has to be made.
For example: the Mossberg SA-28 is awaiting final review and it was purchased a year ago. The Browning G10 was not given final review until a full year had passed, it was completely fixed, and over 1,200 shells had been fired. The SBE 3 was used for 3 hunting seasons and 5k shells before being given a final review, and I have a couple other examples I could detail ad nauseam. Bottom line, things take time and are limited by my financials since this is a hobby and does not pay for itself.
If you would like to contribute Ammo or funds for ammo to expedite the process further, it would of course be welcome, but otherwise it is going to be an indeterminate time before the Part 3 Update and Part 4 (Final Review) will be completed and posted. I want to get them done ASAP and fulfill everyone's wishes, however if wishes were horses beggars would ride. Please be patient - I know how it is to purchase a new 'toy' and not have all the fun reviews and shooting videos to validate your purchase or teach you about the model.
If you are looking for more content on the AKSA S4 in the meantime, there is a significant thread on all the M4 clones on AR15.com that has some good info about the AKSA S4 specifically. Otherwise, I strongly encourage you to start testing your example and showcasing it on your channel to help more people get an idea of how the gun stacks up. The more information out there the better. Thanks.
- Drake
@@AmericanArmsChannel that's ok, at this point take your time.
I have mine running with the carbon fiber 7 rnd tube, Mesa 11" forearm, GG&G bolt release and oversized charge handle. I took off the rail, it was on so tightly i almost stripped two screws trying to take it off. I'm not using it so saving the 1.6 oz is better than carrying it.
BTW, the mag cap had the ball indent, yours was just missing it.
My right arm went through surgery a couple of months ago so it will be a few more months before i can shoot. I'm having my son-in-law do the honors (former marine, he can tell me how it compares to the real-deal).
When my shoulder can handle jt, i will take a shotgun class and see if this clone can handle the rounds but ill bring my 1301 as backup ;)
Thanks for sharing what you had so far.
You should finish the other projects you left behind and not chew more than you can swallow.
I don't do videos of me having fun with my toys, I leave that up to you pros. Keep up the good work.
Hi there,
Thank you for these very good videos.
Could someone tell me how to remove the rear bolt pin (the one that releases the firing pin) at 10.15 minutes?
Mine seems to be stuck, it doesn't move at all.
Do you have to turn it or just pull it up?
Thanks for your help.
It should just pull out. Sounds like yours is a little tight. Use a 1/32” punch to tap it out. After a few removals an reassemblies it will most likely loosen up.
@@AmericanArmsChannel Thank you very much for your rapid answer.
I'll try this.
Best regards
@@AmericanArmsChannel it's OK, I did it thanks to your advice.
Many thanks again!
Is the receiver steel or aluminum?you wouldn't think a steel receiver would have the holes stripped out like that.
Aluminum
I picked up a Tristar clone (Turkish) this past weekend...love the gun but the stock is a tad too long...it'll work but shouldering it will be better with an adjustable stock...
If it is a Benelli copy or compatible with Beretta or Benelli model components, take a look at the Mesa Tactical Urbino stock system. It takes 2” off of the factory Length of Pull. Going that route will keep you from having to mess with a collapsible stock solution if you don’t really want to.
I have placed an Urbino on this S4 and it has accomplished what I have wanted to.
@@AmericanArmsChannel ...thank you again
@@AmericanArmsChannel Mesa Tactical looks like the solution...thanx
Are the recoil tubes the same diameter as the Benelli M4?
On the AKSA S4, yes. They do not however have the groves for the collapsing stock.
@@AmericanArmsChannel Thanks 👍🏿
Does anyone make an adjustable stock for these???
Any stock or action spring tube designed and intended for us on a Benelli M4 can be installed on this clone.
@@AmericanArmsChannel thank you
my charging handle is loose, any reason youd think why?
Most likely a weak detent spring or debris in the detent recess. You'll need to knock out the roll pin that holds it in place and inspect the spring, detent, and clean the recess. You can replace with Benelli parts for better retention.
@@AmericanArmsChannel thank you!
what do you think of their Ar-t02?
I have not seen one in person, so I can't comment on fit and finish. I will say though that it appears to be a "standard" style Turkish auto-loader that has some design similarities with the Beretta A300/391 series, but places the action spring under the hand-guard/over the magazine tube instead of in an action spring tube that comes off the rear of the receiver and lives in the stock.
It is most likely equivalent to the Black Aces Tactical Semi-auto "Pro" series.
@@AmericanArmsChannel Thanks. I'm also looking at the Blue Line 12 gauge. They say its a 870 clone. But no mim parts? Not many reviews.
@@raveneye12 I’m sorry to say I don’t have any knowledge on that model. If I were choosing between a used police model 870 and a clone, i’d take the original.
@@AmericanArmsChannel me too. Trying to find them these days is tough. The only ones I’ve seen are way overpriced .
I don't know if you remember me but I told you I sent my sbe3 off well it took 100 days and I got it back they poot a bigger beed on it and and that fixed it a little but it's shooting left 5 inches
I’m sorry to hear that. Do you have the gun cast to fit you? And is the gun level when you are patterning?
60/40-70/30 patterning guns can often appear to shoot left or right based on how the shooter is holding it. A few degrees of tilt can place the pattern left or right by 4 to 6 inches at 25 to 30 yards. That’s not to say there is still not an issue with the gun, but I have had several people complain about different guns not patterning center to only find out when they shoot off hand they tilt the gun into their face instead of mounting it level.
I’ve also seen people expect the exact same pattern centers across different loadings and chokes, when even the best patterning guns do not always center every single load. The Sx4 is a great example of a gun that patterns very well in general, but it is not immune to pattern center shifts across loadings and chokes.
Just some things to thing about and evaluate before becoming too frustrated with your shotgun.
@@AmericanArmsChannel i did everything to make it fit me but everyone in my family shot like 6 inches im probably going to sell it and get a beretta a400 or browning a5
I'm sorry to hear that. I have had my fair share of guns at this point that left me disappointed. If I was in a position to right now, I would buy it off you and tinker with it myself. Haha!
I would recommend the A400 Xtreme Plus of the Browning product.
What distance are you patterning and confirming pattern splits at?
@@AmericanArmsChannel 20 yards one foot left I and it just gets worse at 30 and 40 I can't send it back I won't get it back in this season lol and I truly tried my hardest to make it work because I hunt deer squirrel hogs and every bird in Louisiana and im a good shot with a shotgun and having to aim a foot to the right on a 2000.$ gun I just can't
@@lindonpierce6076 i understand. I’m sorry it isn’t working out for you. I love the SBE 3 but I completely understand if you have a bad example not wanting to play with it or deal with service again. 100 days is excessive regardless of the fix.
I could suggest more options you could take to correct the POI, but it sounds like the path you might be happiest with is going to a different gun.
The A400 Xtreme Plus is a great shotgun and I would highly encourage that model over the Browning offerings. The SX4 has great value, and if you want to stay with an Inertia gun that is not a Benelli, the Franchi Affinity 3.5 is a good Italian gun to look at with a price-point under $1k. If you really like the SBE series though, a Breda Grizzly 3.5 might be the ticket. It’s a Clone of the original SBE and is both handsome and functional by every account. If you can find one I’d buy it.
I wish you well in your decision making!
They’ll just send you a new one.
huh? A new what?
With the price of shells your spending as much on ammo as the gun in a hurry. Funny, I had the same Ithaca I inherited for 40 years and didn't run hundreds of rounds through it.
Nice.. Video.. I'm not impressed with this firearm at all.. It's just not my cup of tea..
The benelli M4 isn't your cup of tea or the fact that it's a clone?
@@henrycruz45cal I am not impressed with this firearm maker or this clone.. I own several Benelli shotguns & I've never had a problem..