AK47 Arsenal - Milled Bulgarian

[@alexanderkovarik9467]

I served in the Bulgarian Army for 2 years and we had those, but we primarily used AKC-74 and the AK-104 . This is one of the first AK variants Bulgaria has ever made. Its an outstanding rifle! Takes some getting used to as it was said in the video they tend to go up and right from the recoil but once you get the hang of it its your best buddy and its never gonna let you down. Nazdrave ! (Cheers)

[@CrucibleArms]

Yes, the Bulgarian versions of the AK variants are outstanding performers. Thanks for watching! Skol! (Norwegian for Cheers)

[@reckless3655]

That ak is not ugly its a beautiful rifle respect it

[@megadeth22885]

i thought it was absolutely gorgeous.. only an AR fanboy would call it ugly (out of jealousy mostly, steel parts intimidate them)

[@briandavenport8971]

I have an AR and this rifle (SAM7R-61) and I absolutely love the SAM. It’s ugly, but it works.

[@drdimov]

The Bulgarian military weapon factory ARSENAL,s production is the best on the US weapon market ! Greetings from Bulgaria , Europa !

[@daraka1754]

i am from bulgaria, iam proud of that

[@kralimarkobg]

I am happy to see another person saying good things about Bulgarian AK. I remember during my army service how Russain AKs always ended up in the shop after shooting with them for few days. We rarely had problems with Bulgarian ones. Very good video!

[@mumurioste790]

Great video sir I just recently ordered an Arsenal AK made in Bulgaria I hope to be pleased with it they have went up in price considerably

[@HPG45]

Brutally ugly? I'll admit, they're an acquired taste, but after you acquire said taste, they're a brutally beautiful gun.

[@CrucibleArms]

Yes, if you go to Arsenal Inc's web site you'll see they are no longer available from Arsenal, Inc.. What's in the the field is what is available right now.

[@CrucibleArms]

Thanks. You'll love the Arsenal AK. Two knocks, the paint and the trigger. Just got the Tapco G2 trigger group. Will be dropping it in tomorrow.

[@clouser1]

Got mine with a milled receiver a few years back for just under a grand. It has a custom trigger and absolutely shoots like a dream. I

[@markm8344]

Arsenal Bulgaria has been around for 200 years. Additionally, the milled receiver can add up to 1.5lbs. The sight tool can be purchased for 6.00 dollars. I own a milled ak as well.

[@CrucibleArms]

Yep the SAM7FS from Arsenal utilizes the milled Bulgarian receiver as well. Good choice.

[@Highjak86]

We're just getting into the AK. Good info.

[@R3ckkL3ss]

Great review! I just picked up an Slr 107fr. Its my first ak and im really loving it!

[@Autoshopwing]

I had an Arsenal AK47 5 years ago, sold it, and got a new Bulgarian AK74 folder with a stamped received. As much as I loved the configuration of the folding AK74, the difference in accuracy was beyond what was acceptable for me. Sold the 74 and got another Arsenal milled AK47 and I am staying put!

[@smaiki80]

AK47 made in Bulgariq is the most cheerful of the best АК in World

[@teotheterrible]

Тва е Арсенал A1M1 - вариант на АК74, не 47.

[@CrucibleArms]

Zoophycat, you're right! They're just plain fun to shoot. Thanks for watching.

[@Tanrichguy]

I have an older SLR-95 milled from Arsenal of Bulgaria. Wonderfully built workhorse. I see 2-2.5 inch groups @ 100 yards on a good day. Originally imported as a "sporterized" model with thumb hole stock. If you see one, buy it!

[@CrucibleArms]

Yes, plenty safe. Since video is a two dimensional medium it's difficult to ascertain the distance to the road and that car. The car is coming from the pistol range on another part of the Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club property. Safety first! Thanks for watching.

[@john2000cash]

It's a pleasure! Greetings from Malta!

[@CrucibleArms]

Thanks for the correction! I still hate that it's painted and it still scratches too easily. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to get the facts out.

[@SurvivalJake23]

I own a VEPR.308 and I love it! Next in line is the very AK you are holding! Arsenal AK, with its high quality and reliability. It will be my wife's rifle and its main purpose is for a WROL/SHTF situation but also all the other fun reasons of having a rifle, just to get out and shoot a while. Great video, friend!

[@CrucibleArms]

I was speaking to manufacture not design. While initial production was with a stamped receiver it was welding technology, not stampings, that caused an early switch to milled receivers. It wasn't until the AKM was released in 1959, some ten years after initial production, that the stamped receiver was mass produced. I stand by my statement. Thanks for watching!

[@waynewells1958]

The specific arsenal milled side folder is impossible to find right now. But if you get one that's the only ak-47 you will need. And a plum version is a beauty it looks like a ak 74 but the bullet will damage like a x 39

[@Alkaline7.62]

Ak's are great no matter what, I have a refinished Wasr and a Lancaster and bother are excellent, one of my favorite platforms

[@tonydavis20]

These are the Godfather of all AK so happy I splurged on an Arsenal SAM7R cant beat them the action is unbelievably smooth

[@daraka1754]

i am from bulgaria

[@pac6010]

I missed out on these SLRs when they hit because I just didn't have the money for em at the time, too much panic magazine buying lol. Then I saw earlier this month they re-released the milled SAM7FS so I jumped on it. Paid about $350 more for it than back in December but it did come with some decent features and looks cool. Hopefully it retains is value down the road as well as the original.

[@2005GMK]

I just placed my order for Centurion 39 "C39". Can't wait :D.. thanks for your helpful video.

[@CrucibleArms]

This is one of the better AK47 variants available on the market today.

[@maxwelldavis8697]

How much did you say you paid? I think I heard 900,000.00 I bought the same one for $500...

[@CrucibleArms]

Maxwell Davis If you paid $500 for yours it was used, bought quite a while ago, or a different model. Thanks for watching!

[@maxwelldavis8697]

It was used, only a box of 20 put down the barrel, was still stock furniture from the manufacturers, best gun I have ever owned, great videos!

[@MrCrucibleArms]

You got a great deal! Enjoy the rifle.

[@RaftGuidePhil]

Maxwell Davis you did not buy a sam7 for $500 no way no how

[@Shellshock1918]

The rifle was originally designed as a stamped rifle but Soviet stamping technology was not up to par to produce the rifle in its desired form. Thus they milled receivers until their technology caught up with their designs.

[@kidguzzi_chrisgalardi]

Excellent content and video clarity. Always look forward to your videos. Keep up the great work sir!

[@robpetry84]

I have an Arsenal SLR 101S I bought in 2012. Great rifle.

[@starlinsims2969]

Will be getting one, been eyeing this one for awhile.

[@nictaylor00]

Excellent! Looks like I need to upgrade my AK. I have one of the WSAR with no threaded barrel. I'd love to put a muzzle break on the end.

[@kyroe8502]

0:30 - variants* Great video man! Keep up the good work, I look forward to more. Gotta love the milled AKs

[@eltenda]

gotta love the milled series...

[@dmarkj22]

It's very hard to find a brand new, milled, com bloc AK these days which is why these are so expensive. I would love to add one to my collection. Great video by the way.

[@hejustleft]

Very educational post for this AK47 shopper. Thank you.

[@dimitarangelov1997]

Bulgaria and only few other countries are allowed to (legally) produce, modify and upgrade AKs, RPKs, DshKs, RPGs and other Russian weapons, btw there was an special magazine developed by the Bulgarian Arsenal which had an exploding mechanism which could be used as a grenade in case required, also the 5.45 caliber rounds.

[@kasquaskannachehukapapansk9857]

That's one hell of a magazine dude! WoW!

[@RobertSmith-le8wp]

Oh yea, I agree about the trigger. The "2-stage" on my Arsenal SLR107 was terrible, picked up a G2 for $29 and it's awesome.

[@boomdoggy6746]

Very, VERY WELL PRESENTED AND ARTICULATED!!!!

[@CrucibleArms]

The Bulgarian milled receivers are some of the best available.

[@brent450R]

somebody had to have mentioned this already but you are wrong the AK47 was originally introduced with a stamped receiver but the Russians had problems with the receivers bulging and the Rivage Kraken therefore they went to a milled receiver until they were able to perfect their stamp procedures

[@CrucibleArms]

You are incorrect. It was originally designed as a stamped receiver rifle but initially produced as a milled receiver as they didn't have the stamping technology to make it work. It wasn't until the AKM was adopted in 1959 that the stamped receiver was adopted and put into production by the Soviet Army.

[@deniscleaver7544]

Great video, thanks. Both my Bulgarian made AK's shoot exceptional tight groups out to 150 meters using Bulgarian FMJ 123 gr. ammo. I do better with the fixed stock rather than the folder model, but the later is compact enough to travel comfortably. I have found that surplus Polish steel mags seem to work much smother than other aftermarket mags do. The Bulgarian "waffle" type are the best for a firm, wiggle free fit. If you can find them, buy them! They hold up very well.

[@CrucibleArms]

I like the brake a lot! It's spendy but does a great job. Highly recommended. Thanks for the support. I'm happy to advocate on behalf of all law abiding citizen firearm owners. Thanks for watching!

[@Badgrampa762]

One thing the reviewer got wrong is the first Type 1 AK was stamped and encountered problems so the Soviets went to the Type 2 and Type 3 milled rifles. After that the AKM stamped receiver AK was introduced with no problems .

[@CrucibleArms]

The welding technology wasn't advanced enough at the time. Production volumes were milled until the AKM went with a stamped receiver in 1959.

[@Zoophycat]

I love my Ak, simple and fun. It is not a tool for picking the dot off a fly. I would love an arsenal. I have a cheaper Century. Like most guns, there is precision and combat effective. The Ak is effective, and as a result it is fun to just shoot and not demand sub MOA groups. Keep making fun and great videos!

[@CrucibleArms]

You're going to love it my friend!

[@billdncn]

Lol, I'm sure all was safe but it sure looked funky. Thanks CA and keep'em coming!

[@Badgrampa762]

Look at any picture of a Type 1 AK. It has rivets, meaning it was a stamped receiver.

[@CrucibleArms]

The welding technology wasn't advanced enough at the time. Production volumes were milled until the AKM went with a stamped receiver in 1959.

[@seanyunt]

Very informative. Your specimen is much more attractive compared to the AK* I normally encounter. I think it's extremely difficult to compare with the AR platform. Mainly because today the AR is a system with a myriad of interchangeable parts. The AK seems like a large family of different variants.

[@MrMustang990]

Have you ever noticed the gas tube has some play in it? I just bought this rifle and noticed it when picking it up

[@christopherj5788]

Just looking up some arsenal rifles, and I honestly never thought they would have a painted finish. It's a darn shame that they don't do a nice blued finish like the original ak47's.

[@Germfish]

Couldn't care less, still buying an Arsenal, they get one thing wrong and everything else right. While almost all other Ak's on the market are plagued with a myriad of problems, from canted front sights and magazine wobble, to non hammerforged, non chrome lined barrels. Arsenal is the highest quality commercial ak you can buy.

[@chrispaul9068]

Thank you for an informative video on these rifles. I just purchased one and am excited about the call to pick it up! I ordered the “ red furniture “ from ironwood designs, since I like the way the wood looks on it. They assured me it would fit well on the SAM7R. May have to look into the muzzle you have on it in this video, very cool! Did a lot of research on the AK platform, and this is the one I decided on. Thanks again for the decent video on this well made AK47! Chris

[@CrucibleArms]

Jesse, you're wrong on both statements. The AK47 was originally produced as a milled receiver. Stamping technology hadn't evolved enough to create a stamped receiver. Second, milled receivers don't crack. I'm not saying it's never happened but it's like saying rivets fall out of stamped receivers. I know it happens but it's not anything close to the norm.

[@CrucibleArms]

I find it to have a lot of creep. I've replaced it with a Tapco G2 and don't find it to be much better. It's just the design. You're right, it's a very light trigger for a battle rifle.

[@mohammedalnahyan4604]

Love the introduction

[@chillios2222]

I have had good luck with the Bulgarian

[@boutcha1]

Trust me, the SAM series Milled Bulgarian is milled in Bulgaria. I worked there.

[@AKking530]

boutcha does it really take 5.5 hours to mill the receiver, before assembly starts? Do the rifles actually get their black paint finish applied in Bulgaria or is it done after import, in the USA? I have 2 Arsenals. I have a SAM7 and a 107fs. Both are great. Shoot straight. I’ve noticed, on the SAM7, that the finish has a blue/purple color. It’s more visible along the barrel. Is there anyone can purchase which would equal Arsenal’s applied finish. Any other secrets of your work , that you can provide, would be much obliged. Thank you, sir!"

[@ebomey]

Someday I need to add one to the collection!

[@GunsHarleysUSA]

Very informative and very well put together. Thanks, it helped a lot.

[@CrucibleArms]

No, said $900 to $1,000 but said it too fast. I didn't get the jewel encrusted version... lol. Thanks for watching!

[@jimallison6292]

Love to have one with wood not polymer and as far as the trigger I can fix that in a short order with a little hand work and it would be as smoother then most AR'S

[@daspiper8941]

I have an Arsenal SAM7SF and I replaced my stock trigger with a CMC Elite Trigger. This led me to replace the Rifle's Safety Lever with a Krebs "Full Auto" Safety Lever, since it's the only lever that will work properly with the CMC Trigger because of how the trigger is made. It will not turn your Rifle into a Full Automatic. So,you are legally safe.

[@chillios2222]

Agree with everything you said. Finish, stock , etc... All true

[@stevenland5153]

did it come with that big nick in the bolt carrier?

[@CrucibleArms]

AK47 nirvana! Thanks for watching!

[@CrucibleArms]

Thanks for watching. I really do appreciate it.

[@tenyoivanov4209]

im fom stara zagora and it is 30 miles away from kazanlak where there made

[@jardinero9112]

I have a Sam7sf. Did I say I frickinnnngggg love it...

[@WideOpenChange]

How does this compare to the new FIME's SLG21 now?

[@scholtech2370]

I have owned 1 a milled for yrs, it rock & rolls. the accuracy of a stamped can not compare. there I said it! stamped 7.62x39 are shyght.

[@CrucibleArms]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrJffranco5777]

As usual GREAT video! Thank you, and keep`em coming.

[@JMM333]

You know Purple Shovel LLC.?

[@dnbuk3111]

Definitive Arms makes some good aftermarket adapters for the but stock

[@mbranco24]

Do you have a suggestion for a pistol grip for my slr 95? Is there a pistol grip that can just be bolted on. Thanks.

[@AztecViking79]

I've noticed quite a few gun stores near me carry the Arsenal SAMR-7. They've been in stock for the last couple months. Based off what you've said, should we not see them available after this recent production run? Thanks in advance.

[@willrobinson9575]

I paid $1000 for mine.Worth every cent as far as im concerned.

[@AK47andGlocklover]

You were incorrect about the finish. They are parkerized and then painted over with a black enamel paint. That is a russian mil-spec finish that the bulgarians copied for their military rifles as well as consumer export models.

[@warrendemartini6533]

Top of the line

[@robertreed2788]

When he said 900K I started laughing so hard!!!

[@leerx7015]

I want the sam7k SBR bad! Will be mine someday...

[@Olabid]

Any comments on the antidote brake? Worth the $200? Thanks for the video.

[@Samoo7]

Good reliable gun for the money

[@SmokeRingsPipeDreams]

Nice review Sir, very informative!

[@CrucibleArms]

LOL.... I said $900 to $1,000 but very quickly. No, I don't have a jewel encrusted AK. Thanks for watching!

[@starlinsims2969]

what do you think about the CIA Centurion 39 sporter with a Milled Receiver? review please.

[@CrucibleArms]

Didn't I mention it's the jewel encrusted version? LOL. Thanks for watching!

[@SmokeRingsPipeDreams]

AK's are like Land Rovers from the 60's. So ugly, the'y're beautiful.

[@CrucibleArms]

Well said!

[@michaelmccosh3678]

I have a milled thumb hole stock on mine. I have been trying to locate someone who manufactures a butt stock and pistol grip that will fit. Any suggestions, thanks!

[@jasonhartman9513]

Desert fox outfitters.

[@willpress1]

Is the barrel press fit or threaded?

[@ciro79]

AK,the best rifle ever made :)

[@onedereronederer]

toniiii9 For what it was designed to do, yes it is the best. Simplicity, and extreme reliability makes it shine amongst combat rifles of it's type.

[@trevorcorey5435]

900-1,000. not 900,000 derp.

[@bilzill1]

Nice rifle - - my Arsenal SAM 7R will only except one brand of magazine - that sucks

[@Germfish]

Shouldn't, you should contact Asrenal.

[@bilzill1]

Germ .Fish I did , they told me there rifles are spec out to except Circle 10 mags. To late I sold it

[@onedereronederer]

Bill W The Tapco work, but they need to be filed down to fit the rifle. If done properly, they have a very snug fit.

[@jmsmikey]

By the way~ at 8:30, you said that the rifle was worth $900,000

[@jetdr]

is it possible to cerakote an AK?

[@john2000cash]

Great quality review (as always), well explained and helpful. Thanks for the info. I wonder if we can get a semi-auto version in Europe...

[@JayzBeerz]

SHTF situation my C39v2 is just fine.

[@CrucibleArms]

It's a beautiful battle rifle but not beautiful looking IMHO. Thanks for watching!