Top 6 Reasons Why The Izhmash SGL31 Is Still My Favorite AK (Revisiting Russia's AK74M In 2022)

[@mattmorrison9379]

I remember some years back at a local shop there was one lone sgl 31 amongst a row of wasrs and other ak type rifles. It was 900 dollars. She was pretty and the regret still rings true lol

[@TheDoorspook11c]

But did you drin deeply in Romanian? I did, no regrets!

[@mattmorrison9379]

@@TheDoorspook11c of course back then they were 450/499 with all the accessories.

[@StraightUpRainbows]

My greatest gun regret will always be not being born earlier so that I could’ve taken advantage of those great times when these rifles were so cheap and available when I was an adolescent :(

[@MF-hz6xx]

I remember when Shotgun News had complete SKS’s for 80 bucks.

[@StraightUpRainbows]

@@MF-hz6xx the good ol’ days

[@trinogi9409]

If we the people would gather our testicles and stand up to the tyranny of the government you can have those good times back.

[@misha5670]

And i wasn't old enough to take advantage of the pre-89-ban stuff in the '80s, and the previous generation wasn't old enough to take advantage of the cheap surplus stuff back in the '50s and '60s. Its all relative. Look for the things you can take advantage of rather than worrying about what you missed out on. I.e, its all good.

[@Kai-ky6tf]

@@misha5670 bruh your dont know how good you had it theres nothing good today

[@BNatoAk]

Always love seeing a true Russian factory import. Firecool came in handy a few times when I was sourcing parts for my saiga conversion.

[@ericsmith6677]

dude I don't remember their names but there use to be a couple guys from Russia n gun broker selling shit dirt cheap then gun broker banned international sellers

[@BNatoAk]

@@ericsmith6677 don't get me started about gun broker lol

[@ericsmith6677]

@@BNatoAk yeah they piss me the fuck off now theyre charging sales tax

[@bryy2053]

Man this gets me excited to get to the range! As soon as I saw this I pulled out my sam7sf to dry fire. Pulling the bolt back got me very excited and watching misha shoot an AK is just the way to start the new season

[@rdh5961]

Great gun

[@akforge]

I’m glad I got my SGL-21 back in ‘09 when Arsenal was giving them away at $450. Only thing I changed on mine was I added a Polish Beryl folder to it. Insane what they go for now, if only I had a DeLorean with a Flux Capacitor.

[@misha5670]

I recommend a TARDIS....more storage room.

[@chrismemphis8062]

The problem is the same today, so much to buy, so little cash.

[@calicoss3321]

Grabbed a SGL-21-66 with the quad rail (Midwest?) at the tail end of the 2000s. Stupid cheap from Kvar. I was young and loved anything modded out. Of course I also purchased it because it was a Saiga. Took all the furniture off a few ago to as best stock config as possible. Regardless, glad to have a Russian example. Great job on the quest to get yours as best to Russian spec as possible. Amazing.

[@petermonck5448]

Never fail to impress me with your wealth of information and knowledge. 👍😎🙏

[@misha5670]

Thanks much for watching

[@forthehellofit5544]

I missed that boat. I build my own, I cannot justify the cost they are now. That is a beauty for sure!

[@timothycain4512]

U got that right the cost on AKs are rediculous everytime i spend 1500 on one im like dam i remember them being a 3rd of the cost but it is what it is

[@forthehellofit5544]

@@timothycain4512 so it use to not be worth the cost in tools and a press to build your own because they were so cheap. Now… it’s very much worth building your own and there are still a lot of good quality parts out there

[@robreadinger5340]

A gem. Plain and simple.

[@pnwdiver1734]

I have two Sgl31s one fixed, the another one is a folde, both with the boxes and paperwork. I always keep the boxes and the paperwork for all my guns, eventhough I have no plans to resell any guns in my current collection. what made the Saigas cool was the paperwork that is written in Russian just adds the charm of owning an awesome gun.

[@biserhristov]

I sold my unfired sgl 31 on gunbroker for 3850.00 $ last year,still have the unfired SGL 21 russian red with cirilik alfabet markings :)

[@Alexander.s.arreola]

One of the best firearms channel on KZbin. Keep the videos coming. I love all your AK videos.

[@misha5670]

I appreciate you saying that, though I would disagree. I am just an amiture who loves talking firearms. Others have much nicer production values & are true professionals. I do the best I can but know my own limitations too.

[@larrymarsico4059]

Great stuff brother!🤙🏻💪🏼🇺🇲

[@Grooove_e]

Just recently picked up a Saiga IZ137 (AKM .308) and it's incredible, was lucky enough to find one from an original owner who only put about 100 rounds through it

[@Dragunov38]

Proud owner of a sgl31-68. As stated the devil is in the details. Reliable and deadly accurate. A reciever built at Izhmash does stand out.

[@789again8]

Glad I got all that 7n6 many years ago.

[@colby7625]

Once in a lifetime buy. When SGLs were available I bought a 31 and 21 from CTD for $740 and $840. My 31 was manufactured 3534 units before yours.

[@misha5670]

Fun fact, Russian serials aren't made in order. They are randomized to some extent. Colt does this too, making receivers in batches and building them up in whatever order they do.

[@michaelm9211]

I just picked up a saiga 223 that is unconverted. I am not sure I should convert it. What do you think Misha?

[@mikewinning3282]

I still have 3 SGL31's 2 Fimes 1 Arsenal all folders. However I wish I would've picked up an SGL21-94 when I had the chance.

[@chrischiampo7647]

Hello Again Misha 😀😊🔥 That’s One Sweet AK-74M Clone 😊 It’s Choice in Every Way

[@jeremy8715]

I love the SLR-104fr that I have.

[@misha5670]

They are great guns aren't they? In some ways, even more authentic compared with the SGL31 too.

[@davidv.3135]

Got one too and I love it!

[@KaizenLife]

My SGL 31 is my smoothest AK and has had 0 issues for the last 10 years. I had no idea it was such a good AK when I bought it as a poor college student lol. I actually wanted the SGL 21 but they only had 31s in stock so I got it just to have an AK for $800. Internet gun forums told me to get the Arsenal over any other AK and I am forever thankful to internet anons.

[@patriotinsurgent1421]

I have an SGL-31 with fixed "NATO" length stock rifle and plum furniture. I bought it around 2010 for about $800. I also have an SGL-21 with same furniture except in black that I bought around the same time for around $700. The painted on finish sucks, but they are great shooting AK type rifles. So glad I bought them before barak hussein obonzo's Russia sanctions.

[@womb_raider8316]

I used to own a Legion marked SGL-31.94 purchased during the good times (also had the fixed stock variant) I had it decked out in zenitco before zenitco was well known. Lost my job and eventually had to sell them both along with a SLR-107cr. I often watch misha's videos to live vicariously through him. Out of every gun I've ever owned which is a decent number, I miss the the SGL-31.94 the most. Thankfully I have a fime SGL-21 these days but it was a recent purchase so as you can imagine it was not cheap. I'm hoping someday I'll get to replace it though.

[@misha5670]

We all go through those rough patches. I sold most all of my Valmets in 2014, and then we got in a car wreck at the end of the year. So in 2015, i needed to sell my HK G36K and USC-UMP conversion. Needs must and all that. It took years, but i got a G36 back and last year replaced one of my favorite Valmets, the M78.

[@bigchomnk2934]

Never got the chance to get my hands on a saiga but I bought a kr103 as soon as they dropped their side folder.

[@timothycain4512]

I had a saiga and to be honest i sold it and bought a kr103 sidefolder and got there kp9 the quality is alot better from k-usa but those sgl21 and sgl31 are nice rifles when k-usa drops there 545 ill be grabbin one

[@leslieshepperd9850]

I remember seeing a rack full of the neutered Saiga's , different calibers, for around $289 - $300. Should have bought them all ...

[@Pavia1525]

Great video. Well done.

[@misha5670]

Thank you for watching

[@CountryWolf_TX]

Got picked up an SGL31 yesterday that was modified to 14.5” p/w by Krebbs. Came w a triangle stock. Unicorn?

[@johndoe3johndoe382]

Definitely the prettiest AK hands down. The muzzle brake is so cool, definitely makes it.

[@lukedawg357SIG]

Great video thanks for sharing I wish I would have gotten one when I could have take care.

[@DeathMetalThrasher]

That's a fine rifle you got there. I'd love to have one of these especially.

[@Leman.Russ.6thLegion]

I also love my izhmash guns the most.

[@solidslicc707]

Arsenal probably should realize that the SLR-104 didn’t do well back in the day because these rifles were on the market at the time and not many were going to buy a Bulgarian rifle if they could buy a Russian one. So if they knew how to make good business decisions they should try again. It’s just been a pain in the ass for me since I want a Soviet-spec original AKS-74 for some Soviet Afghan war larp and maybe an AK-105 as well because they are cool and I can’t get many 7.62x39 AKs in my state since a lot of them are banned unfortunately while 74s are good to go. 5.56 AK’s are also good to go, though I already have a Norinco BWK-92 and don’t want another 5.55 AK at the moment as I want some more calibers in my Arsenal and it’s just pretty annoying when it comes to finding a 74 these days. I’ve heard some people say that there’s a possibility that 5.45x39 could be imported from Post-Soviet states like Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, etc. though I would really like to hear some more input on that.

[@misha5670]

7n6 military 5.45mm is banned. So if imported from those states, the ammo would have to be current manufacture. I am not sure how many of them actually make the stuff today vs just using up old Soviet era stockpiles?

[@solidslicc707]

@@misha5670 I heard some people say that some of those countries currently have factories that are making the stuff new, though I’d probably need to see more info on it.

[@azmaddog6]

SGL31-94 is my favorite as well. I have 100% confidence in the reliability of the weapon.

[@misha5670]

Yep, i trust mine as much as i can trust any machine.

[@3434324324]

Snagged a partial rear-converted saiga 5.45 from classic years ago when they got a small batch in. Everyone in the groups and stuff said the price was stupid. So did I but something told me to get it anyways. Think I paid around a grand. So happy I did. No regrets

[@misha5670]

I was criticised for buying the SGL31-94 since it cost $200-$300 more than the standard SGL31-61. People quested why i wanted a folding stock so much? To each their own, but its brought me over a decade of joy so there's that.

[@rdh5961]

@@misha5670 The guy at the gun counter told me I was nuts to consider the Sam 7SF over the non folding, especially since it was $150 more. I love the look and function of the SF and it comes with a brake

[@cunn9305]

I have two -31's .. they will be buried with me ;) ... thanks for the great vid

[@misha5670]

I know the feeling.

[@JonDoe-ef4tz]

I got a ak74m clone made from a parts kit back in 2017. I adore that rifle. When the ak12 was announced I liked it but in hindsight I think it would have been a better idea to add something along the lines of zenitco esc rails(preferably lighter weight ones) to just replace the furniture of the millions of 74ms in inventory. Probably would have been alot cheaper to. The US did exactly that with all m4s in inventory converting them to m4a1s.

[@misha5670]

You know who else agrees with you? KC, in 2015 they started offering an upgrade/modernization package for the AK74/AK74M. Basically, new rail systems, new stock, and some new controls w/ improved ergonomics.

[@JonDoe-ef4tz]

@@misha5670 Yea I remembered when they did that. But as recent events are showing, the higher ups in the Russian government/military are not good at making wise decisions. I will just leave it at that, and provide no more commentaryon that matter.

[@misha5670]

@@JonDoe-ef4tz Comment all you like. The Russian military isn't near as modernized as it should be according to the paperwork & gov't spending. Instead of new tanks and rifles for the Army, a few millionars got new yauts. Basically, the Russian Army was robbed blind.

[@theimpaler2317]

Do the 74s have a different type of bayonet? Or do they get the same bayonets as the ak-47s?

[@dandude2010]

Wish i could get one but i have a vepr so that will do for now

[@SW-ii5gg]

At least you didn't miss out on that one.

[@nedanschutz]

Great video. I have rear converted Siaga 5.45x39mm. It is a gun I shot accurately. I wish I had come across something like your Siaga. I think I paid 399 or something but it's sort of a mutt I guess, but I wouldn't part with it. I also only have maybe 500 rounds and 7.62x39 aks to feed. Put 150 through that Czechpoint vz.58 today and it is thing of beauty. Ran like a top and accurate too. Maybe as good as ptr. Fun does matter!

[@misha5670]

Very glad to hear you got & are enjoying that Vz58.

[@fathergascanlll5846]

Didnt SGL 31 94s first arrive in 2010? I noticed his is marked 2009

[@m.7n6]

I've been trying to get my hands on a Soviet AKM drop case. They are hard to find

[@misha5670]

Really? had no idea. Things change so much with time. Once upon a time, they were everywhere and quite inexpensive. I think this one was $10-$20? Somewhere in that range.

[@jardinero9112]

Sweet, how do you think the molot vepr 74 holds up to your beauty?

[@misha5670]

A revisit of the VEPR is coming up very soon.

[@jardinero9112]

@@misha5670 great, I will be looking forward to that my friend

[@aplaceholderbplaceholder9524]

All of my were Bulgarian parts kits rebuild. They are shooters alright, that's why I didn't get the original factory ones. Thinking back I wish I had paid 300 more and get at least one factory original.

[@misha5670]

Factory built guns make for great shooters too.

[@the308capital]

I picked up my SGL31-68 the day Kalashnikov died and a few months before the Izhmash sanctions kicked in.

[@MishacoOBA]

Kalashnikov was a real working man and authentic soldier. He honestly seemed to care about the plight of his fellows and the security of his homeland.

[@jeffreyortiz-luis5120]

Is the front sight block replaced to accommodate the 74 style muzzle break?

[@misha5670]

The SGL31-94 came from the factory w/ the proper long collar FSB.

[@andrewpinheiro7202]

Would’ve been even better if arsenal didn’t put the billboard import mark right on the side

[@stevenkatz679]

Give me an M70B1 any day of the week , love you Misha .

[@trunkmonkey56]

I was fortunate to grab a 7.62 and 5.45 FM Vepr's in 2016 for $999 each. Just took the 5.45 out last weekend. Bought a decent amount of both calibers when they were around $0.20 for years. Have a nice amount of both, enough that I just bought a 13" ace gen2 in 5.45. Hope it will suppress as well as the Veprs do. Definitely will shoot 5.45 when I want, and I agree that ammo will still be around 556 prices. Just won't be able to find it at local stores much at all. Will probably be mostly internet for 5.45

[@misha5670]

Yep, while I am being conservative with my ammo right now, I am absolutely noot retiring my 5.45x39 rifles.

[@deadeyeddanny]

very nice brotha.. very nice

[@cajuncatfish5417]

Love my SGL31

[@AngelSilverFourtySeven]

My favorite Ak as well … woot woot 👌🏽👍🏼🇺🇸

[@misha5670]

cheers

[@blackhatch46]

KUSA needs to produce more models. My KR-103 is insanely good.

[@misha5670]

I've been impressed with their work myself.

[@joeldworkin307]

I have a 31-61 that wears plum furniture and has a russian fcg, and I shoot it a fair bit. Less than my other AKs, but it comes to the range once a month or so

[@MishacoOBA]

My plum went on my SLR104 and yep its cool. I have a decent amount of 5.45x39 ammo but i am still reluctant to blow through it too quickly. Who knows where more might come from in say 2025? Sucks though as its a very fun caliber to shoot.

[@colby7625]

@@MishacoOBA Very soft shooting.

[@shapiroshekelberg604]

Wow, your favorite? Even more so than the SAR-1?

[@misha5670]

About 5 years ago, I did a video on my favorite AKs. This one came out on top there.

[@shapiroshekelberg604]

It is sweet. Too bad we can’t get affordable stuff like that anymore. Even post ban imports are going through the roof.

[@capt.trumptracker3641]

What AK do you recommend for a beginner ?

[@mikewinning3282]

Zastava Zpap M70

[@misha5670]

WBP Fox/Jack or Zastava Z-PAP.

[@capt.trumptracker3641]

@@misha5670 I appreciate your response .

[@timothycain4512]

Gotta love them russian AKs even tho i love every AK hahaha its amazing seeing all the krinks and 74s in Russia/Ukraine right now

[@kurt31451]

If money is not an issue does anybody know if I should be looking for a milled or stamped ak?

[@Jose-xm3tq]

Will ak 47/74 bayonets work on a SVD? Like the Hungarian HD-18? THAnks! Missed my chance back in 10' to get the SGL. Oh well...

[@misha5670]

If you install an FSB w/ the bayo lug? Yes, a standard AKM/AK74 bayonet will fit an SVD/Tiger.

[@Jose-xm3tq]

@@misha5670 Yes, it has the svd fdb. Thx

[@misha5670]

@@Jose-xm3tq Then a standard bayo will click right on. In fact, Russia didn't have a special/specific bayo for the SVD. They just used standard ones.

[@connorburnes7697]

Saying SGL and any amount of hundred of dollars is a foreign concept these days! I love these guns though!

[@misha5670]

Just a reminder that once upton a time, these weren't high-end spendy firearms. They were actually less expensive compared with many of the other competitors.

[@connorburnes7697]

@@misha5670 Thankfully that’s when I encountered mine. Buy imports early as you always make the point to do!

[@JasonBrown-mq4dl]

Pouch is Finnish I believe, but it's all good, some Russian commandos could have acquired it on a cross border raid. 👍

[@tdfmtig]

I have an SGL but closest range is like an hour away so doesn’t get out much

[@misha5670]

Nothing wrong with an hour's drive.

[@tdfmtig]

@@misha5670 Yea worth it

[@mattpukach6553]

Crazy thing is that coffin mag is worth maybe more than the SGL is

[@tdfmtig]

An original Izzy one would be worth a lot but that is a knock off one

[@misha5670]

@@tdfmtig Yep, PUFGUN brand. Works well but not from KC or Molot.

[@tdfmtig]

@@misha5670 Pufgun that’s right wasn’t sure how to spell it so I didn’t haha

[@Lis2875]

Coolest assault rifle ever!!!! CCCP made!

[@Mike-hk6rw]

Had one……ugh.still have 21

[@juliancuevas6728]

I want to buy a Russian AK. The current asking prices are just crazy.

[@lokoteconunoshuevotes4685]

Imagine in 10 years how much they will be. If you dont get now i imagine down the road you will look back and wish you had. Russian imports will only continue to increase

[@MishacoOBA]

@@lokoteconunoshuevotes4685 Will they though? Or will they just keep pace with inflation.

[@lokoteconunoshuevotes4685]

@@MishacoOBA i mean they really havent kept pace with inflation as it is. 500 bucks back in the 2010 is 650 today. Yet aks have went up more then 150 bucks since then. I edited my 1990 comparison because i only said 10 years. But one can hope they keep up with inflation.

[@juliancuevas6728]

@@MishacoOBA I hope they don't go to insane asking prices. Would rather them keep with inflation.

[@juliancuevas6728]

@@lokoteconunoshuevotes4685 I know. Hopefully I can find a decent deal on one. Converted or not.

[@josephrizzo7500]

She’s a beaut

[@graemejagger4636]

Why didn’t they just only produce the aks74n? Because the changes seem unnecessary

[@misha5670]

The new furniture was more durable, new muzzle brake faster to machine, and new latch more secure when using rifle grenades. The 74M was a standardization of previous features and something designed to take advantage of modern manufacturing technologies and techniques. Plus it was something post-Soviet, so politically it was seen as a positive thing. Also, it was the first series to be offered in alternative calibers for export or special customers.

[@graemejagger4636]

@@misha5670 interesting, Thanks for the response!

[@timlance7656]

I don't have one. Damn moore cash i got to have one..

[@mattpukach6553]

I thought these were 1.25mm receivers

[@misha5670]

Nope & never were. Standard specs were either 1.0mm for AKM/AK74 or 1.5mm for RPK/RPK74/Shotguns/etc. There is roughly a tolerance of 0.1mm, which is where claims of things like 0.9mm and 1.6mm come from.

[@wassermelones4656]

I believe 2008 and later manufactured guns were 1.25, or at least me and a ton of people on reddit got those measurements

[@cjnoldner8526]

Strange we can't get guns or ammo from China but almost everything in our houses is from their.

[@SW-ii5gg]

Yup, and that's the oposit of national security.

[@smoothshot8925]

Dont know why some ppl are so hell bent on needing to have a byonet on there ak like there actually gonna use that shit lol looks ugly af imo...

[@misha5670]

Because we had to live through the AWB.

[@smoothshot8925]

@@misha5670 ok but what does that have to do with absolutely needing a bayonet on your ak?? Are u ever gonna use it?? I mean if your everyday life is like "saving private ryan" or "the walking dead" then yes i can absolutely understand why u might need one on your gun but if your just a regular civillian working at wal mart or taco bell why do u absolutely need a bayonet on your gun?? Makes 0 sense lol

[@smoothshot8925]

@@misha5670 truth be told in any real life situation when you've ran out of rounds and have nothing left chances are your pretty much screwed and that bayonet ain't gonna do jack for u lol just sayin

[@nibs208]

I have an SGL31-68. Yes I shoot it. All I’ve done is put plum furniture on mine.

[@misha5670]

Hey, being shot is exactly what these machines were built for.