No More AK74 Imports (End of an Era Retrospective 2018)

[@cfroi08]

Media: Trump supports Russia! AK Enthusiasts:

[@johnhammer2982]

Politics ruin everything.

[@jason127x99]

John Hammer yep! All thanks to the Anti gun Libtards that is.,

[@apb2887]

Vatnik "Nigga"? Are you one of those ignorant sounding rap music dummies?

[@yeaman992]

jason127x99 You know very well this has nothing to do with liberals. Are you gonna blame Obama next for this?

[@MrCarGuy]

You all know if the left had their way, there wouldn't be any weapons coming in from anywhere. Be grateful we even have the ability.

[@teaempire7929]

Politics is everything, everything is politics.

[@AK_Respecter]

RIP AK74, press F to pay respects.

[@Rupan-rx]

Josh F F

[@kurt9894]

F

[@VanquishMediaDE]

F

[@MishacoOBA]

F

[@signs80]

F

[@francisp.4992]

I don't care what people say I still like the 5.45x39mm if people want to ignore it that's their problem because they are missing out on a great round.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Many great cartridges out there, but people like standardization and cross-compatability. Same reason people want all 5.56 cal guns to take AR15/M16 mags, even though there are superior mag patterns out there today. Personally, I like 9x18 Makarov a lot, but you don't hear a lot about that round these days either.

[@jason127x99]

Francis Petro I was smart enough to buy it cheap and stack it deep. I bought over 25 thousand rounds of 7n6.

[@user-xe4gb7nr9m]

Francis Petro #masterrace

[@francisp.4992]

jason127x99 Good man that was the right thing to do. Hell in 20 years if you decide to sell you could probably retire with all that money you made.

[@jason127x99]

Francis Petro right! Look at Chinese steel core ammo. I believe it's like a 1.00 a round now. Back in 07 I was getting for .50 a round. Time will tell. I need to buy some Wolf or silver bear so I don't shoot up some of my 7n6 ammo. Also nice not having to use windex every time I clean my gun. Thanks

[@huyly605]

really enjoy your content Mishaco!!! I'm currently living in Vietnam right now and seeing an AK enthusiast like you really lightens up the AK community! also your video's are loved by the Vietnamese army! we learn a lot from you!

[@misha5670]

Thank you all for watching. A friend from university spent a summer in your country a few years ago. He came back with very nice things to say, and actually he really wants to visit again sometime soon. How is the Galil Ace working for your military? We do a series called "VS" where we compare 2 guns that were in combat together. We have plans to do the early M16 and AK47, and experiences from Vietnam will be a major part of that video. Also, I have a couple firearms from Vietnam, including a Tokarev TT33 pistol with holster. We appreciate you watching, please comment anytime, and please tell others about us, cheers.

[@kakemolina2437]

RIP IMPORTS

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Yep, like I say, the only (slim) hope for anything new in 5.45x39 is Cugir, Romania. But will Century playball? Its doubtful to say the least.

[@doctorwarpspeed8779]

If the guys in Cugir don't make us more, I will sic a cougar on them. All we can do is hope I guess, or just enjoy the other Aks that we can get.

[@slavphil7532]

Its buy a weirdly configured arsenal. Wasr or the used market now. Everything else is a pile of casted shit

[@Bilbo1teaBaggins]

F

[@DoctorRobertBobby]

remember people on sites like AK Files saying Trump was going to bring back Saigas? yeah, some people actually thought the market would be awash in cheap Russian guns, mags, and ammo.

[@mikemarion19]

DoctorRobertBobby no most people on that forum aren’t stupid for the most part. Most comments were “yeah right that will never happen”

[@RickDeckard2049]

agreed.. the minority on the files made threads either suggesting it would happen or asking.. and most replies were basically.. "fuck no"

[@user-zj1uf8hs6t]

DoctorRobertBobby Trumpists were widely retarded in the beginning, thought he was going to fullfill their specific hopes and dreams. In reality, nobody cares about banned importation of firearms.

[@Jose-xm3tq]

One can only wish..

[@apb2887]

КПСС СССР So very true

[@TeamPaulie2520]

I remember when CRATES of 7N6 was being sold at like 89.99, I think I still have my invoice from Centerfire Systems when I bought eight crates and still have six left. All my 74 guns are parts kits and have been brought back from the dead. I still love all my 74's and they are staying with me, if I wanna go burn up some rounds or a range day, I'm still going to take em out along with my 7.62 and 5.56 guns.

[@jason127x99]

Team Paulie I got some 5.45 from them too. Can't remember what I paid. Also bought 8 M70 kits from them too and a few PSL rifles for 450 each. I sold both and PSLs. I'm still kicking myself in the butt for selling them.

[@rodiculous9464]

PSL is coming back supposedly. but they won't be 450 for sure

[@notafudd8982]

man 90 bucks I would have bought crates and crates of the shit

[@tarheelspeighty4894]

Wow I wish I was on top of that

[@TeamPaulie2520]

@@tarheelspeighty4894 I had a clear credit card and needed some sign up points, my work wasn't to happy to have a small pallet of ammo show up though.

[@boss350z5]

"People want it right now, because they cant get it..." Precicely...

[@mattv2099]

great vids, dude.

[@misha5670]

Thanks much for watching, cheers

[@carnaljohnson4399]

MattV2099: Guns & Food You finna upload anything fool?

[@Jeremy-pi5mz]

Could you do a video on the 5.56 Ak imports we are still getting all the 106 rifles and the new polish mags and parts coming from arms of America have had me optimistic for the beryl again and if nothing else we get quality 5.56 Ak mags for a decent price

[@DeCavalcante]

Jeremy Leblanc where can I get those 556 mags

[@Jeremy-pi5mz]

Soprano arms of America and Atlantic.. the were sold out but they are going to have more

[@brandiethomas4016]

Sopr

[@19stump65]

I'm truly depressed now

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Have some chicken 'n biscuit

[@jason127x99]

Ozark Bear Arms LOL!!!

[@slavphil7532]

@Vatnik" gags violently" yeah ar's are cool and all but they have clogged the drain of the market. I find them boring and for casual gun owners "normies" if you will

[@radical026]

I mean in more recent news PSA is apparently going to start making them so there's still some hope

[@kdcustoms1272]

@@radical026 psa going to start making AK's? they been building Ak's.

[@_ArsNova]

This is really frustrating. I've recently gotten into AKs, and thankfully there are still plenty of AKM-pattern guns being made, but there are literally no AK-74s available on the US market right now. The only ones I can find are Arsenal SLR 104s with the outrageous asking price of $4000 on Gunbroker.

[@burmiester1]

Riley Defense and Palmetto are making them, but those aren't imports.

[@misha5670]

@@burmiester1 And PSA doesn't really seem to make them anymore, at least not right now. They've gone quiet on the whole thing.

[@burmiester1]

@@misha5670 PSA is a smaller company and they've got a lot of different projects going right now. Give them time, I'm sure they'll be back

[@jeremy8715]

"North Korea... do I need to explain..." lol

[@pancortv8989]

Yah that was funny

[@jchemikill9184]

I predicted this many years ago as well. That's why I bought the Bulgarian Slr106fr back in 2006. It shoots as accurate as any off the shelf M4 when I do my part and if things went more sideways than they already are in America 5.56 will be laying on the ground everywhere. I love the 74 in 5.45x39 but I was just too worried back in the day about them banning imported ammo and back then imported ammo was all that was available. Also by the way I finally got around to shooting the Galil Ace in 7.62x39 I got from you a few months ago. After sighting it in I shot the center 1 inch circle out of a 2 inch orange shoot and see sticker and put about 15 rounds through the one inch hole with just the iron sights. I love it!

[@signs80]

5.56 AKs are cool but a big part of the reliability of AKs is the heavily tapered cartridge (i.e. 7.62x39 and 5.45x39) and taking that away seems like you may as well get an AR but maybe that's just me

[@jchemikill9184]

signs I have all of the above you just stated and never a single malfunction with any of them.

[@signs80]

J Chemikill Yeah I'm not saying they'll be UNreliable (though 5.56 AKs are hard to get right hence why few smaller companies make them and they're all from military factories seems like) just that they will have less reliability in certain conditions than a classic 5.45 or 7.62 AK

[@rodiculous9464]

5.45 is a better SBR round as well. it's going to be niche but hell, i can still go to my local sporting goods store and buy 5.7 and that's a round used by 2 guns that practically no one has...

[@notafudd8982]

a wise man once said "if you want an import you better get it now" words of the great MIshaco

[@H.Green83]

Man that sucks I love the caliber. sgammo has 5.45 made just for them by barnaul with lacquered case and sealed primer and bullet they carry golden tiger as well.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

We enjoy shooting it too.

[@thefuhrer5873]

Still can't believe this guy is blind: mighty impressive.

[@humansvd3269]

Isn't stopping him from enjoying his rights.

[@Jeremy-pi5mz]

The wasr-3 would be smart .. if they can get them in with all the features, threaded barrel. Scope rail etc . I definitely would buy one

[@11B30Inf]

Today at my local gun store in Nevada, I can get 5.45 x 39 Red Army Ammo for $5.99 a box of twenty.

[@dangerousfreedom4965]

Thank you, any update on your thoughts on this subject?

[@misha5670]

Actually, yes. An update video will be out next week. We didn't want to harp on the subject, but 13 months seemed like enough time.

[@BDJans]

I’m so glad I picked up my SGL when I did. Got it months before the ban and watched the prices on them climb from $1,200 to over $1,500 within weeks of the ban announcement

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Yep exactly. They were nice deals before the ban. Sad stuff.

[@OriginalBongoliath]

Hungary did technically adopt an AK-74, they called it the NGM-81. They made less of them than Poland made Tantals.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Looking at the Hungarian military website, they don't seem to show anything like that being adaopted. Do you have a good link? I'm interested. I knew they examined the 5.45x39 round and did figure they had some rifles for testing, but actual adoption? First I'm hearing of this.

[@pimplystikage836]

Glad I got mine before Tennessee arms went under. I was actually thinking about selling it but maybe not!!!!

[@BattleBean762]

Just got my first 74. Arsenal 104 fr. love it. Stocking up on mags and ammo as much as I can!

[@benpollard7256]

5.45 is my most favorite round. My first semi auto rifle was a 74. I remember being so obsessed with the 74 in high school that as soon as i turned 18 i bought one. Still have it today and one of the most fun guns to shoot and the best AK round in my opinion.

[@124thDragoon]

I’ve been wondering for a while - what’s stopping Tula, Barnaul, or the other ex-soviet ammunition factories from slightly altering the 7N6 design, changing the sealant/case color, and selling it as something completely new?

[@OriginalBongoliath]

124thDragoon SGAmmo is the only place that ordered rounds like that.

[@user-zj1uf8hs6t]

124thDragoon They are cheating us.

[@radical026]

Misha: Uploads this video PSA in 2019: Hold my beer Customers in mid-2019: where tf my poison bullet shooter at

[@misha5670]

Yep, where is that PSA anyway? Kind of forgot about it to be honest.

[@radical026]

@@misha5670 I think it vanished to the same ethereal plane as their 5.56 AK and semi auto MP5 (though I genuinely hope that it's just a temporary issue since I think it could breathe at least a little more life into 5.45)

[@HookLine48]

I come from the year 2020 after watching shot show and I’m glad to inform you that PSA is making their own ak 74

[@toki89666]

I come from the end of 2020, sleepy Joe is now our president, the PSA 74s were sold out in under 15 minutes and the only place any 5.45 parts kit can be found is on Gunbroker, mismatched beat up wooden fixed stock 74 kits with no barrel are going for $1,000. Even AIMS74 kits are $1,500 anything with an original barrel or folding stock is closer to $2k, if it has both more like $2,500 and anything Russian or Bulgarian is often well beyond $3k. The best deal, for kits, seems to be Tantals. There's 2 on there now with barrels all matching, even with that wild 3 rnd burst kit and the guy even has correct no longer made 100% recievers for them asking $1,500. Why do people have to be so damn greedy, we know they paid less than 300 bucks for them 10 years ago. I've been searching hard for about 6 months trying to find something more like 7 or 800. At least Galil SAR kits are sub 400 bucks and available that'll have to scratch my AK build itch. I guess Its time to forget about ever getting to try out a 5.45.

[@ruskimofia]

I am from the year 2024. Just buy a damn SGL when it comes up on gunbroker for 2.2-3k cause with inflation it’s the same amount as it was in 2014. And PSA is making ammo (it will be fucked up for the first year as with any PSA shitstick). We have polish guns WBP is probably the best.

[@HookLine48]

@@ruskimofia I am now from 2024 and can also confirm WBP is probably the best

[@Drmikebuyshomes]

Great video King Misha! Blessings bro!!!!

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Thanks much for watching, cheers.

[@aldoraine3364]

And this is what I planned on m gettin for my first AK

[@WolfenX4]

I was looking for a 74 just literally 3 days ago

[@aldoraine3364]

I have too on GunBroker

[@ronp5755]

I love my 5.45x39 AK's!! I think it is the best round I have shot!! In California I feel like I am part of a small group of people who buys it here.

[@blackandyellow87]

Bb-but 5.45 master-race!

[@OriginalBongoliath]

Hungry for Apples? Kind of hard to compete being blindfolded and both hands tied (bans and sanctions).

[@sethleger6105]

556 master race!

[@ddaverr]

Just drove to Maryland to get an SGL31.... It was a gun I never thought Id get because I was late to the SGL party. I paid handsomely but I saved and saved.

[@MishacoOBA]

Congrats. Good news is it'll probably outlive all of us and you can't say that about too much made these days. - Jay

[@WasatchSasquatchUtah]

Doesn't 5.45 do more tumbling once it enters the object when compared to 5.56 ?

[@cryptomnesiac]

Hey Misha, has your opinion on 5.45 changed since the ammo situation has changed in 2020?

[@frank-gf5vh]

I remember when these were overlooked when they first came in, specially the tantal.

[@Theyrisk]

One of the most educated on aks I can find literally my go to for ak74 history and parts explaining

[@RedPillVegan]

Dang Misha, I know your tastes aren’t the tacticools but a krebs kv-13 in 545x39 made from a molot vepr closed on gunbroker for less than msrp.

[@misha5670]

Sorry but? I don't understand?

[@christiantucker419]

What about parts kits coming in? Is it likely it’s going to die out here in the U.S.?

[@Spike-13]

Christian Tucker parts kits are drying up he said...

[@nekoghostgunner1129]

Christian Tucker if you want a 5.45 rifle parts kit to put back before they dry up, Arms of America still has Romanian model 86 kits (listed as AIMS-74). The lowest grade ones are not bad in price, though make sure to get the barrel at the same time, since it is a unique profile

[@joshadams7542]

Christian Tucker lol damn I’m glad I bought your DGS bulgy build. Keep that 104 for future value sake

[@honzabalak3462]

Weird that nobody ever said that about Vz.58 rifle. Not so many of them were built (becouse only one army used them when the production was running). Seeing these old awesome guns being converted into short 5.56 tactinotcool carbines breaks my heart.

[@STLSNIPER]

Good info video. Sad though. All of your videos are educational...Great job and service you are doing here...!!

[@larryh502]

I have an Arsenal SGL-31 with plum furniture. Sweet gun and nice flat shooting round. I have 60 milsurp mags for it-Polish and Bulgarian polymers and some Russian and East German bakelites. Glad I stocked up on mags when I did and got the gun before prices went really nuts.

[@egmjag]

I gots a VEPR a few years ago, and then they stopped importing them. I guess I have a rare rifle that went up in value but that's not why I got it. A friend who really appreciates the AK platform let me shoot his AK-74 and I really liked how it shot compared to the AR-15, which I already had. I liked the way the weight on his AK-74 was balanced. It didn't feel too heavy and its weight seems to mitigate recoil really well. Then when I learned about 7n6 I got a crateful of it, along with other 5.45 ammo for practicing. I don't know how much more powerful 7n6 is compared to 5.56, but some sources seem to validate their superior firepower and justify stocking up on it.

[@ElijahDecker]

5.56 is actually a little bit more powerful than 5.45. 7N6 just has a superior bullet design to most 5.56 ammo.

[@BigSmartArmed]

what's a crateful? Do you mean a palate?

[@egmjag]

Yes, that's what I meant. What the heck did I write? Man, I need to sleep. I was actually struggling to remain awake while watching the video and writing the comment.

[@BigSmartArmed]

Jesus, if you got a palate of 7N6 you are set, congrats on that. I missed the boat on the dime per round of 7N6 so a palate was way out of my reach by the time I needed a palate.

[@egmjag]

I almost got another one but decided against it. Also regret it. But you can still find some online. For chaotic life and death situations where cowards like antifa begin attacking neighborhoods, that's what I want to have as my go to round.

[@SlytigerSurvival]

This is Misha, >lock and load

[@discipleofjmb]

After seeing this I got one of the last 104URs in stock with our only distributor that had em. Now I see the 104UR "Gambit" rifles going for almost twice as much. Thanks for the info Misha!!

[@ddaverr]

They've discontinued the SLR106 line correct? I guess we will have to settle for 7.62 AKs only from Arsenal.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

They've not imported new SLR106s since like 2007. It has taken that long to sell off what they already had. That's how slow of a mover that one has been. The simple fact is that 90%+ of people looking to buy an AK are wanting it in 7.62x39.

[@adam3651]

Misha at this time would you recommend a FM74 or a sporter 223 and convert?

[@nickdangelo4909]

I’ve been trying to get my hands on a 74 for a while, living in ny doesn’t help

[@doliv1745]

Great review.. i was going to sell my Arsenal SLR 104 .. I WILL NOT BE DOING THAT!!!!

[@misha5670]

Very glad to hear. See this was why I made this video; to help people considering either buying or selling a 5.45 AK. I just wanted to give some facts and ideas, so they could make an informed decision. If its helped you, then it was worth while in making, cheers.

[@carloslujan6966]

Misha dam I wish I could’ve gone into the ak game a lot sooner I barely bought 2 ak 47s one being Romanian and the other Bulgarian . Now all I was missing was the 74 . Do u think they’ll make the 106 still? Since it’s the closest to a 104?

[@mac11daddy6]

Keep a constant eye out on GB. Occasionally they do pop up along with the 104fr. Be ready to put down some serious $$$. Took me 2 years to snag my 104fr but it was worth it

[@carloslujan6966]

Mc Lovin how much u snag urs for ?

[@concernedpatriot.2221]

Just acquired this firearm in an estate sale and appears to be quite rare and desirable. It’s a Polytech Model AKS-223 made in Chinese factory 416. I know they were imported between 1987 and 1989 in caliber 5.56x45. Gun is marked with a PW and serial number 85-000xxx. All numbers match and gun appears to be unfired in 98% condition. Have the 3 original Chinese magazines, sling and cleaning kit. Would like to know, how many of these were imported into the US and approximate value. Thanks

[@gaddywack]

Rare yep. Desirable...not so much. Problem with polytech and norinco in .223 is they require special mags and they are very hard to find and run about $70-$100 each. Even more so Polytech which can only use Polytech mags. Its a very solid gun. But frankly almost too rare. Price might be in the 12-1500 mark. If it was a 7.62 gun your looking at the $2k mark with all those accessories.

[@concernedpatriot.2221]

gaddywack thank you.

[@Cheezzyizill]

This video pretty much sums up what I've been telling people for a while.

[@ivanovskyivanovich7860]

As usual, love your videos! While I've had that thought in the back of my head for a while, this kinda put a damper on my day. I'm also in the same boat, I love the cartridge as well as my AKS-74n.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Just seemed time to tackle this topic headon as some people keep asking and asking. The take away is that if someone wants a '74 and a good deal comes their way, they shouldn't pass it up. The future is uncertain to say the least.

[@AjackLee4]

PSA has plans to make a 5.45 last I heard, using the DDI tooling for forged trunnions and bolt group.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Many companies have plans. Usually only a fraction come to market. I am sure if they feel there is money to be made there, they will. Thing is, is there money there?

[@AjackLee4]

Ozark Bear Arms I think there is. Lots of people still like 5.45 and if they were inexpensive enough, they'd sell out. Magpul makes 5.45 mags now so it's getting up there in popularity, in my eyes.

[@VanquishMediaDE]

I still have mine, but this really is the end of an era. After my first tour to Afghanistan I purchased an ak74.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Yep, there just aren't really any new '74 type rifles on the market now, and without new activity, things will stagnate. Also, the high prices on mags doesn't help either.

[@VanquishMediaDE]

Ozark Bear Arms I was in the Polish army when Poland became NATO allie. I moved to the U.S soon after.

[@MK-qu6xs]

Has Mishaco reviewed any of the 556 AKs?

[@workingclassless84]

I really wanted to get an fr, but I settled on the slr104ur. Vepr in 5.45 is still available, but its gonna cost you.....

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

The only VEPR 5.45s in stock now seem to be either ones already in the pipeline somewhere, or the few (expensive) FM-74s. According to K-Var/MSR/FIME (whatever haha) they are out of the basic VEPR model in 5.45. So just some FMs left now. I know if i get a used one in the store, i have 2 or 3 people wanting it before i can even toss it on GB, so that tells me they are getting harder and harder to find. The SGL31 & Saiga took a similar path back in 2014-2015/

[@amaruametl3486]

Mishaco you have any Tula AK’s in your inventory?

[@ICGorillaP]

In this video, you mentioned risk for importers and FIME losing money after sanctions. Where is the financial risk for the importer? If there is even a ban on imports, does the Mfr just abscond with any money that might have been advanced? There are probably things about these deals that I don't understand.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

When you place an order for a batch of rifles from a foreign company, most often, you pay in advance. So if money is given for a couple thousand rifles and a sanction comes down before the foreign company can deliver them all, guess what.

[@MarkiusFox]

As Ozark Bear Arms stated, most batch orders are cash-in-advance affairs rather than cash-on-delivery. There is also risk in the government lifting the sanctions, everything looks fine to import. But the moment they are berthed in port, State Department says they can't come into the US and Customs seizes the shipment indefinitely. An ending for that would be the owner eventually surrendering the shipment to be destroyed or trying to sell the shipment off to foreign buyers (which are few and far between, if not outright nonexistent).

[@TheRoadhammer379]

@@ozarkbeararms8840, you couldn't be more ill informed. All orders paid for were allowed to be imported when the sanctions were put up. AK Operators Union addressed this in a video, but clearly stated... all existing invoices would be fulfilled. Fime announced in September of 2017, they had received the last 400 Vepr12 guns, and that was damn near a year after Obama hit Molot with sanctions.

[@misha5670]

Molot was added to the list of sanctioned companies in June of 2017; Obama was long out of office. Yes, FIME was still receiving some guns in September; not 'nearly a year after' sanctions but rather a few months. No, the US gov't didn't allow all invoices to be fulfilled. If so, we'd have VEPR RPKs in larger numbers. They allowed all completed orders to be sold; as in orders that Molot had finished up with and shipped. Basically, all guns received after June of 2017 were already in the pipeline. Don't forget that guns must go through customs as well as be shipped across the ocean and even across Russia; takes time all of it. I suggest you go back to the AKOU video and watch it again.

[@lioncelica5170]

What ever happened to KVAR saying that import would resume in 2019 once all the bulk of their military contracts have been fulfilled? I say there's still a chance, perhaps more than ever that we see more 5.45 guns from Bulgaria simply because there is no one else making them. There's a market for it so I think we can still expect to see more.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

You are already seeing more imports from Arsenal, Bulgaria. In recent months, they have sent us more SLR107R, SLR107CR, and SAM7R. Thing is, go back and listen to those interviews and focus in on questions surrounding 5.45x39 and the SLR104. You will notice that Arsenal/K-Var really never says or confirms anything. Its all just kind of generalizations and double speak. They have actually never said the SLR104 is coming back. At most when asked, they kind of pause and say "anything's possible," which is a truism that means nothing.

[@MT-vw6pf]

@@ozarkbeararms8840 huh, i just spoke with Kvar on the phone and they said the rifle is still in production, just not shipping to them just yet

[@misha5670]

So in otherwords, they told you nothing at all definite. The simple fact is that Arsenal has not imported sporter SLR104FRs from Bulgaria since 2014.

[@MT-vw6pf]

@@misha5670 yep, you are right. There was no definite answer. Say brother, while youre here, whats a brand new in box slr104fr with 900 rounds and 8 magazines (one circle 10, a few tapcos, a few bulgarians) worth? I got a guy selling and im interested but i need to know a fair price. Im considering a fm-ak74-11, or said slr104fr.

[@MT-vw6pf]

@@misha5670 hes asking 1500. I was thinking 12-1300. Thoughts?

[@tarnapolsky4593]

Slr 104ur was just recently imported though, weren't they?

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Nope, still selling off stock imported back in 2014.

[@tarnapolsky4593]

Ozark Bear Arms really but didn't they just recently go back in stock ? Or was it just one of arsenals " we found an old crate in the back of the warehouse " bits

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Check the trunnion dates: still from 2014.

[@tarnapolsky4593]

Ozark Bear Arms well I would if I had one in my possession but I'm not the biggest fan of the krink,I'd own it only to top off an ak collection, but now is not the time for that

[@toledo152]

There are parts kits, receivers, magazines and barrels out there go out a build one while you can.

[@yellowjacket548]

Excellent commentary about the 5.45 rifles being imported and their demise. Its difficult to argue to the contrary. The demand just doesn't exist except for to a collector--hard to justify importing them. One can't deny the availability and performance of the 5.56.

[@ragefox3620]

In Egypt we also use the 5.45x39 (black figure)

[@SlytigerSurvival]

I still prefer the 762 after trying out the 545

[@0Asterite0]

Ended up buying a Vepr 74 for a pretty inflated price, but not too bad. RIP

[@DraganB52]

I would like to find out what's going on with the Serbian Zastava AK-47s they seem to have dried up can't find them anywhere thank you.

[@jeremyfoss505]

zbor41 I believe they have been filling military contracts for awhile now.

[@jeremyfoss505]

zbor41 I own a Zastava OPAP

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

The importer, Century, was never terribly interested in the PAP line. It seems like they've decided to just not place any more orders with Zastava. At least for a time *shrug*. Century doesn't make great decisions much of the time.

[@baitwatch_ivo935]

Just bought me a Century Arms M74, has Russian furniture with Bulgarian parts just receiver is century. My question is how do you rank it?

[@colddeadhand7414]

Sadly I think you're correct. I had put off buying an AK74 for years when they were available just because of the similarities between 5.56 and 5.45 and just couldn't justify paying $1100 for an SLR-104FR. Not to mention the magazines are about $45 each for circle 10. I wanted one but just couldn't justify it. Now that they're not available I want one so bad I can't stand it. Luckily I was able to find a Vepr fm in 5.45x39 which is arguably a better built gun,(but it's heavier) right after the sanctions were announced and it was still being sold at the going price of a little over a grand. I love it .....but still want an SLR-104fr though. I'm hoping you're wrong(a fools hope) but I doubt it. Another great video sir and great topic.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

For what its worth, I do hope I am wrong too.

[@581daform]

I recall Hornady is making 5.45 ammunition. So I think there may be hope. I do enjoy my SLR-106F in 5.56 since I like ammo compatibility with my AR rifles. I had to spend a pretty penny on Circle 10 mags and I have been wanting to experiment with a Magpul 5.45 mag to see if it can feed 5.56 with the right mod.

[@allmac600]

Hornady is loading 5.45, but they're using Russian casings.

[@TheRoadhammer379]

AK Operators Union addresses the ammo situation in a video. They stated that Yugoslavia, Ukraine, Poland and several other countries will willingly fill the 7.62x39 and 5.45 void if Russian Ammo gets sanctioned. They have the factories to manufacture it and America is a carnivore for ammo.

[@realisrealite5554]

allmac600Hornady using russian cases charging more than double the price.

[@nekoghostgunner1129]

This is exactly why I made sure to pick up a Romanian PM md 86 kit to put back last year. Wanted to make sure I had one, since we don't know how much longer 5.45 kits will be available.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Surplus runs out eventually, always. Just its nature.

[@Cavemanheartrock]

Just picked up a pretty nice romak 99.2 late model that is double stack, and threaded as well as the charging handle has had a mod to it for 600

[@MishacoOBA]

Well maybe now you can finally get that secret crabby patty formula... - Jay

[@TheRevoltingMan]

The problem with the 5.45 in my opinion is that not only is it at a performance disadvantage to the 5.56 (it's narrower, lighter and slower) it still uses the 39mm case. It's just as bulky as the old round. You don't get the advantage of carrying a small light round. Magazines are still ungainly and long. I love it's historicity and cool factor but it's not really a good competitor. Great video by the way. I really enjoyed it.

[@Logaweed]

Is there laws or restrictions that prevent a decent American company from just mass producing AK variants? I know there are some American AK 47's but I haven't heard good things about any of them except some decent things about PSA.

[@kevinlogue507]

Thank you for this great video. I have just found your channel! I too jumped on the 74 craze back in the day and purchased many kits from KVAR. They all turned out great and still have them today! I am however a little concerned about ammo availability in the future. Thank you again sir!

[@Hadlor]

I recently just bought an early import/build Tantal built by interarms with the original Polish Barrel. I have to say, compared to even my .223 AR it does have a bit less recoil, not a whole lot, but enough to notice. I wish it were more popular, there is only one gun store within 50 miles of me that sell 5.45x39. But it is essentially just 5.56 with a longer projectile.

[@MishacoOBA]

I stumbled on my interarms Tantal because it was cheap and erroneously labeled as a Century. Excellent rifle, and yes, very pleasant to shoot even with the clubfoot stock. - Jay

[@litefeather3332]

If the market gets low or diminishes on the 545 ammo could you just make your own? I'm new at this, lol, and learning still

[@misha5670]

Anything's possible and some company will always step in to offer it commercially. There are too many 5.45x39 rifles here in the USA. The question is though, at what price? how much per round? Only time will tell.

[@ryanmillis3648]

If I remember right in this is just from memory I thought that the 5:45 performed better ballistically but that the only issue with it was subsonic and suppressors, what's your fire remember correctly 5.56 is not the best quiet cartridge either

[@COIcultist]

Are the new AK 203s to be manufactured in India in 5.56 or 5.45? If the latter will there be a new source of modern AKs in 5.45. Will India be able to export the ammunition? Sizeable civilian export sales of rifles and ammo would help subsidise the project.

[@freshnclean7]

I'm trying to source a Bulgarian side folding triangle stock for my 104FR, any ideas?

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

I have a few left i got from Legion-USA last year.

[@freshnclean7]

Ozark Bear Arms Awesome! I'm going to shoot you an email.

[@HardHeadMilitary]

This was a good video for me. Thank you. Misha do you have any info on the century ak74 bullpup setup

[@DriveCarToBar]

Sold my SLR-105R years ago for a song. Boy do I regret that now. The other nail in the coffin would be Bulgaria pegging their currency to the Euro. While they tried to switch to the Euro, it never really happened although it still could. Right now, it's simply not worth the expense to re-tool. If they ever adopt the Euro, forget it. You'd be better off trying to buy the tooling to build your own guns here.

[@DriveCarToBar]

@Kv N2O the rapid increase in value of Bulgaria's currency relative to the US dollar meant that Bulgarian guns became a lot more expensive in a hurry. So previously, you could buy a high quality Bulgarian AK-pattern rifle cheaply. Now, they're expensive. Much more expensive than many American AR-15 pattern rifles. But that's unfortunate if you want a nice AK pattern. The Bulgarian rifles were always regarded as particularly high quality here in the USA.

[@TheWilferch]

Does Finland or Israel make AK-pattern guns and if so....can they produce an AK74 or 5.45 variant that can somehow be sold here ...or meet 922r regs? Can the Czechs be convinced to make a semi-auto VZ58 or somesuch?

[@egmjag]

It's very impressive that you're able to speak without having to use any sources. Do you memorize? If you do, I can't tell because you seem very comfortable and natural. Your pausing really helps to mitigate problems with attention span, and it helps maintain audience interest that's already there to begin with. At least in my case that's true. You're video presentations are one of the very few that I actually enjoy watching uninterrupted because others seem too long winded. I never experience that with your videos. Your wealth of information creates interest and a desire to know more about the guns you showcase. I got a FIME Molot VEPR FM-74-11 on an acquaintance's suggestion who got me into the AK craze. After firing one of his AK-74s, I was sold. I already had an AR but there was something about the feel and the AKs weight that I really liked. I was familiar with AK-47s but I immediately liked the 74. Then I heard and read anecdotal evidence about the 7n6. My initial reason for purchasing my VEPR was for investment purposes, and it has accrued in value. But it's also there in case of a chaotic situation where heavy guns will be more favorable and durable during sustained rates of fire. I doubt that I'll see or be involved in any situation like that soon but you never know. Some people are predicting civil war in the not-to-distant future, or even martial law after Trump is elected...if he is elected but I think he will be. Better be prepared for the worst and not have to use your tools than not having them when and if you have to use them.

[@johnrildo2325]

For some reason, the Bubba Gumps out there always think that just because something is cheap right now, that it will always be available in infinite supply for that same cheap price. They're wrong every time.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Well military surplus stuff is very different from new production stuff. Some people understand this...others...well....

[@johnrildo2325]

Yeah, someday they'll sell us SCARs for $10,000 each (which will be dirt cheap in the future) and people will melt 20 at a time with plasma beams for fun and then wonder why the stores don't have them a week later.

[@rodiculous9464]

lol plasma beams, yeah right. we'll still have 50 trillion AR variants with a further 50 trillion penislok rail systems for them in 100 years. mark my words.

[@johnrildo2325]

That would be sad, but it's probably more likely. Maybe the prohibitionists will have managed to ban the use of flashlights on rifles "to keep terrorists from sneaking in the dark" or something stupid like that.

[@ffarmchicken]

I bought a PPSH43 specifically because cans of 1200+rds were $89.99 🤬

[@apb2887]

Please dont tell me Silver, gold and brown bear ammo is done too??

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Right now? no it is still coming in. As a fall back, there is also Red Army imported by Century from Romania.

[@apb2887]

Ozark Bear Arms Oh ok, I didnt know if it would be subject to these sanctions

[@toddw14]

The 5.45 is a great round in lethality in that its not as heavily dependent on bullet velocity to do damage like 5.56. However, since the 7N6 and similar ammo isn't available anymore, what's imported is about the same as 5.56 in terms of bullet weight & velocity. The only really viable option for a 5.56 AK platform is the Galil ACE which takes AR mags since the Circle 10 5.56 mags are hard to find now.

[@Tripp426]

This is a great subject for a video and you made alot of great points. I greatly enjoy shooting my WASR-10 and that's enough for me to have my fun with an AK on the range, so I'm not all that upset about not having many 5.45 options. Honestly, if I was to add another AK to my collection, I would much rather have one in 5.56x45.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

I'd be interested to see a new 5.56 AK come onto the market. I'd like to see how well it would sell in 2018. Back in the past, the 5.56 guns were by far the slowest movers and least sought after. But that was then and this is now.

[@556poor7]

Anyone know where to find a spare Saiga 7.62x39 bolt?

[@ty.9267]

Will ammo always be able to get into the U.S?

[@MishacoOBA]

There are no guarantees. Frankly we're both a little surprised we haven't seen any sanction impact on the ammo segment yet. - Jay

[@ty.9267]

Mishaco Oh thanks Jay, stay safe & take care!!

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Who can know the future? But personally, i try and pick up a case of 5.45x39 whenever I find it for a good price. It is one of those calibers I feel stockpiling isn't a bad idea with.

[@ty.9267]

Ozark Bear Arms Never know what the future has in store for the U.S maybe some ammo company in the U.S could convert 7.62x39 into 5.45x39.

[@ryanmillis3648]

So from what I understand you have the five five six 545 copied with slight in provement and then the Chinese copy of the 5:45 which I do not recall but I believe performed slightly better

[@StraitClownin909]

Misha you the man, great vids.

[@frankkelio4010]

I just got my first 74 Aims74 so should I sell it or keep it now idk what to do? One of my local store sell 5.45 for around 5 bucks 20 round boxes I want opinion of people who know the market better should I keep it or sell it at my local gun show and buy a 762x39 ak

[@Eslamizar]

I had a Saiga IZ240 I believe. I liked it but I prefer the 7.62x39. I would much rather have an AK in 5.56 than 5.45. And if it takes AR mags, even better. Again, my loyalty is with the AKm47. To hell and back!

[@mikemarion19]

DE I agree but flat wall cartridge will never be as reliable as the tapered Russian rounds

[@revmarcell6449]

If there is sufficient demand someone here in the US will copy them.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

But is there enough demand?

[@revmarcell6449]

Ozark Bear Arms I really doubt it. When the available stocks of inexpensive surplus ammunition dried up, so did the demand. The cal 556 x 45 is a better round and it’s available everywhere. I own two cal 545 mm rifles and find them fun to shoot but they are not better than the 7.62 x 39 or 556 x 45.

[@jason127x99]

Rev Marcell I disagree.

[@ty.9267]

Possibly convert ak 7.62x39 rifles into 5.45x39 rifles

[@signs80]

You know now that I think about it I wonder why 5.56 is so popular for civilian sale? AR type rifles were not common in any sense I feel until the early-mid 2000s or so. Up to that point AKs were everywhere in terms of imported rifles and surplus ammo was really common. Was it really all just because people saw M16s in movies and on TV so they were purchased way more often? Seems like that isn't enough to explain it

[@bobvagene]

I guess building my first ak in 5.45 was a good choice. It's one of the aims74 kits and it's beautiful! I'm going to buy 2 more of those same kits and chf cl barrels and build them up as well. I just got into aks a month ago and figured I better learn how to build them. Guess I should start buying up cases of 5.45 before the price goes up. I only wish I could've known more about firearms and the market 10yrs ago, when I had no children and plenty of disposable income! Love the channel, I'm learning a lot of good ak info from you!

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Why have 3 of the same gun? Variety is the spice of life and the spice must flow.

[@tsmgguy]

Nicely done! Would enjoy a review of the Arsenal SLR-106FR in 5.56.

[@StoopidFish23]

I regret selling my slr104fr sooo much :(

[@si_vis_pacempara_bellum4906]

John Zeidman me too, I sold my LWRC and a P320 X Five to get a new SLR104FR 😂 it's something else.

[@joshbrowning5142]

Love the channel misha you are a true ak historian

[@krasnenkov]

Both parties won't stop until all private ownership of all guns is outlawed. Our masters might let their subjects keep single action shotguns, but nothing beyond that.

[@a1saucin221]

Will we still be able to get them if they are made in the U.S.A

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Sorry, not sure of the question?