The Arsenal USA/Gordon Technologies SSR-99/K-101 Project

***Arsenal USA's quest for getting the SSR-99 and K-101 rifles into production did not come easy to them. They encountered many unforeseen problems, including some problems that were caused by President Clinton, which almost put an end to Arsenal USA's AK venture. This post will give you a behind the scene glimpse at the efforts involved in getting these models into production.


***The following info was given by Mr. Jimmy Streetman of the Arsenal USA company:

February 10, 2000

"We began systematically importing parts from the military factories in Eastern Europe before anyone else did. There had been scattered sources before us, but no one had thought of buying new parts from factories and supplying every part for sale seperately. We started visiting the factories in 1995, and went to Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Poland, Croatia, and Macedonia looking for parts and other goodies. One of our partners is originally from Bulgaria, and speaks six languages that he will admit to, and can get along in at least that many more. We established good relations with the factories, and this is now becoming very important. Delegations from everywhere are showing up at factories wanting to buy parts and kits, they are finding our footprints everywhere they go. In late 1996 we had obtained an import permit to import the SLR-95, and when we were at the factory in Bulgaria, we asked the then Managing Director of Arsenal Kazanlak, Mr. Krum Khristov, if we could import the rifle. He told us something that we did not like at the time, that he had a policy of selling the same product to only one seller in each market. He would not sell us the rifle, but because he was very fond of our Bulgarian Partner, he offered to produce an entirely new rifle that would be ours exclusively. This was a .223 rifle with a milled receiver. It was to be called the SLR-100. You may have seen some of these receivers that were prepared for us converted to 7.62X39 configuration showing up for sale here in the U.S. marked SLR-100. It took over a year to get the rifle to perform flawlessly, the factory insisted that they not be sold until they were perfect. In early November of 1997 we were notified that the prototypes were ready. We overnighted an import permit application to Washington, and celebrated.
The next day we were notified that all import permits for semi automatic rifles were suspended by executive order "national health emergency". After sulking for a while we realized that the prohibition was only for the importation of rifles. With enough U.S. source parts we could assemble the rifles here in the U.S.. We started consulting with the ATF about the regulations, not much information was readily available. After much work, we had the assurance that we could legally build AK's here in the U.S.. It took most of 1998 to get all of the licenses and permits in place. Just as we were ready to go, Mr. Khristov died from complications of an auto accident. We went to Kazanlak in late 1998 to complete the arrangements to buy the kits to build the rifle here. The idea was to continue the fine tradition of Arsenal milled rifles in the U.S.. We signed a contract with the new managing director to purchase the kits, from which the rifles you know as the SSR-99 and the K-101 were built. During the summer leading up to this point, we had worked with several experienced manufacturers of firearms. We ended up choosing and making a deal with Jerry Gordon of Gordon Technologies for two reasons. He has a reputation for building flawless weapons, and he also has an extensive backround in machining. We knew that this would be very handy in the future. When we went to Kazanlak that Fall, we took MR. Gordon with us as an extention of Arsenal USA. He got to see the factory, and saw how the milled rifles were put together there. Very few Westerners have been in this factory. We were able to combine the traditional way of making Kalasnikovs with our own modern western technology to produce AK's with tolerances better than the Bulgarian factory. Our arrangements with Gordon Technologies is a contractual one. We contracted with him to do the barreling and testing of the rifles, with full knowledge and permission of the ATF. The rifles are partially assembled at his facility and test fired (using proof loads, I wonder how many of the other builders do that), and then return to us for parkerizing, assembly of stock sets, final fitting of the trigger and other internals, final inspection and boxing, and marketing. He has done the SSR-99, the K-101, and the SSR-99P for us in this fashion. We have produced the finest AK ever offered to the American public."

*Note: In the above statement made by Jimmy Streetman, he said the following, "The next day we were notified that all import permits for semi automatic rifles were suspended by executive order". In fact, it was not a President Clinton executive order that had stopped the importation of the thumbhole stocked AK's. What actually is closer to the truth, is that President Bill Clinton had the BATF look into the thumhole stocked versions to see if they should continue to be allowed in as "sporting purpose" firearms. Of course the BATF needed no major arm twisting to then rule that the guns did not meet the required "sporting purpose" requirement. This is how the thumhole stocked guns went away. Though it sounded real bad at the time, good ole American thought was put into play to bring us a replacement, that being the US component 922r compliant AK's. The newer breed of American component AK's did away with the thumbhole stock look that most folks never really liked anyway. Jimmy Streetmen's info about an executive order was just an honest mistake on his part. It's still true that President Clinton was the main reason for the thumhole stocked versions to be stopped from further importation. President Clinton lead the BATF to re-examine whether the guns should continue being imported in, and I'm sure the outcome was exactly what he wanted and expected.

***Shortly after Jimmy Streetman posted the above info, Jerry Gordon, owner of Gordon Technologies, had the following to say about his companies involvement in the project:

February 26, 2000

"AK's are not our only business. We have taken knowledge and technology used in other facets of our business and applied them to the AK. I guarantee we hold tighter tolerances in headspacing and sight alignment than Arsenal of Bulgaria or anyone else in America or abroad. Parts are inspected before assembly and fitted as necessary. We do not barrel actions the way other people do. I would compare it to the art of a swiss watch maker, it is precise. It is something we developed. Everyone that is employed by us signs a confidentiality agreement. Lets face it, building an AK is not rocket science. If you care about what you do, it will be your goal to continually improve your process to build a better product. Everyone that works for me has that attitude or they don't fit in and are removed. It has been our goal to build the zillionth gun to the exact same specs as the prototype. It is our collective goal to build each rifle as a "perfect specimen" suitable for display at the Smithsonian Institute. Is that too much for the consumer to ask?"

***The Gordon Technologies method of Headspacing an AK (as described by Jerry Gordon):

"The headspacing was done on the Gordon Technologies designed barrel press. I was over in Europe in 1998 to see what the Bulgarians used. They use a hydraulic press. I felt there were too many variables in using a hydraulic press and more control could be obtained using another method. The hydraulic press is still used by others today. I felt that method may have been ok for the 1950's, but there were other methods I felt were more appropriate. Prior to my visit to Arsenal in Kazanlak Bulgaria, we produced a handful of rifles using a mix of various methods. Revolution was at our doorstep. We built a number of different presses, but none really did what I felt it needed to do. The operator needed complete control over the press. There's a certain feeling you get when you know it's right. That is what I wanted. We explored every type of process we could think of, including one that had a programmable hydraulic cylinder. None were quite what I was looking for. We went back to the basics. The principle process was to take a round part and put it in a round hole with some resistance in a linear motion as to not bind or score the parts. One part would be stationary and one move in a linear motion to conform with the cylindricity of the stationary part. We tried a number of different methods to press the parts together. We had the motion complete, now for the propulsion. Cylinders were out, which drastically eliminated the most common and most apparently logical solution. The decision was made to try a lead screw. This was absolutely the landmark that changed the way AK47's are headspaced. The unmistakable feel was exactly what I was looking for. With this method we obtained precise control over the process. This was the process we used to assemble rifles for Arsenal USA in the SSR99, SSR99P, and K101 rifles."

***The Gordon Technologies "G" spot and what it means:

The G stamp located on an SSR-99/K-101 barrel designates the rifle as being a G-Tech build. It will also mean the weapon passed the G-Tech proof load test. I don't know if Arsenal USA continued the tradition of proof firing the guns after they started their own in house production of the guns, but even if they did, they would not use the "G" spot stamping (that being a Gordon Technologies trademark).
I'm sure most folks here know what "Proof Fired" means, but for those of you that may not know this method of testing, I will gladly explain the basic principle of proof firing a gun.
What it means is that the gun is fired with a "Proof Load" before the company sends the product out onto the market. A "Proof Load" is a hot loaded round, quite a bit beyond normal recomended safety specifications. The gun is checked for proper headspacing before firing this round out of the gun. After the gun is proof load fired, the guns headspacing is rechecked and the action inspected for any damage. In most cases the barreled action will pass the test, earning it a stamp of approval, which would be the "G" spot for a Gordon Technologies built gun. The G-Tech firm uses the capital letter G, which is stamped onto the rear section of the tested barrel (one must remove the lower handguard to expose this "G" spot. This test is made to insure that the gun not only functions, but also is tested to handle handle any load that is loaded within that calibers safety specs (since it was able to handle a much hotter load than safety specifications allow). Many folks assume that all guns get "Proof Tested", but thats not so. Here is a quote from Jimmy Streetman on the subject: "The rifles (SSR-99's and K-101's) are partially assembled at his facility (Gordon Technologies) and test fired using proof loads, I wonder how many of the other builders do that."
Many American AK builders, if not most, test their completed guns by only firing standard factory loads, which is much better than not testing the gun at all, but it's still not equal to proof firing a weapon. A company will set its own standards for final testing of it's products. G-Tech just happens to do it in a way that is very well proven and respected. The "G" spot means alot more than some may have thought it would. Many may have thought it was a sexual thing!
While Arsenal USA no longer uses the services of Gordon Technologies, both companies still continue to manufacture AK specimens. Arsenal USA has offered quite a few models since the SSR-99/K-101 project, all of which are now assembled in house.
Gordon Technologies continues to do work for other companies by building AK specimens under contract. They also offer AK's through their own shop.

***Here are the steps found listed on a
Gordon Technologies Assembly Certification Sheet for the Arsenal USA SSR-99 & K-101:


Starting Date
Ending Date
Serial Number
Model
Caliber
Install & inspect magazine for proper fit
Fit and inspect breech block assembly
Engrave bolt with serial number
Headspace barrel
Install barrel pin
Check headspace and verify serial number
Install rear sight base
Install handguard flange
Grind off bayonet lugs
Install gas block
Inspect gas block port hole
Install front sight
Fit and install rear sight and spring
Install gas tube spring
Fit and install gas tube
Align sights
Drill, ream, and install rear sight pin
Drill, ream, and install gas block pins
Drill, ream, and install front sight pins and muzzlebrake detent
Install muzzlebrake
Weld/solder muzzlebrake in place
Mill handguard flange slot
Install trigger, disconnector, disconnector spring, trigger pin, and pin retaining spring
Install hammer spring on hammer and hammer & spring in receiver with hammer pin
Inspect hammer pin retention by retaining spring
Install safety selector lever
Inspect function of firing mechanism and safety selector
Install breech block in carrier and install in action
Install main spring
Fit and install top cover
Cycle action and inspect firing mechanism for safety
Clean Barrel
Check headspace of action and verify serial number
Test fire action ****(This is done with a proof load)****
Check headspace of action and verify serial number
Stamp action with Arsenal Stamp
Arsenal Stamp _____ was used on this action by_____
Clean barrel
Apply metal protectant
Final inspection / Date
Package for shipping
Notes:

The above steps are found on each inspection sheet. Each step has the initials of the person that performed the task.
Notice that each rifle is proof load tested.
Also, notice the repeat checking of serial numbers and headspacing.
There are steps to not only install the front and rear sights, but also steps to ALIGN them. It does not seem like too many other builders bother themselves with that one!
Most of the major tasks will have Jerry Gordons own initials next to them. He seems to be the kind of person that wants to guarantee perfection by being involved with as much of the project as possible. These guns were truly and fully assembled from scratch by Gordon Technologies, with later batches being done by Arsenal USA's in house staff. As mentioned before, most of the components used for the assembly of these rifles came from the Arsenal firm of Bulgaria, including the milled receiver. Again, all components were new, not surplus.

***Here are more basic facts on the Arsenal USA SSR-99's & K-101's:

During late 1999 and early 2000, the SSR-99 & K-101 rifles were being sold at a price of $599.00 through Arsenal USA's biggest distributor, Interstate Arms. This price was dealer cost, with the retail rate ranging from $650 to $800. The most common price was about $700 retail. Both models were assembled here in the United States of America, and were made using all new components. When I state the fact that they were all new components, I mean it just as it reads. While many post ban AK's are built using parts that have come off used surplus AK's, or from surplus unissued AK's, the SSR-99's & K-101's were assembled with components that were factory fresh. These guns did not contain even one component that came off some other gun. While AK's built with used surplus parts or surplus parts from unissued guns, usually have some components that are serial numbered differently than their receiver, that is not the case with the SSR-99 or K-101. Since only five components needed to be American made, it meant they could use foreign components for the remainder of the parts, and for that they chose to go with the 100% factory fresh Arsenal of Bulgaria made components. This Bulgarian firm is world renown for their Kalashnikovs, in fact, they are the suppliers of AK's to the Bulgarian Military. Even the forged & milled receivers used for building SSR-99's and K-101's, were supplied by the Arsenal of Bulgaria Company. The reason for the inclusion of five American made parts, was to comply with U.S. legal issues. The following SSR-99/K-101 parts are American made: Pistol Grip, Hammer, Disconnector, Trigger, and the Muzzle Brake (which was milled from solid steel barstock). Arsenal USA SSR-99's & K-101's have a threaded muzzle, rather than unthreaded. The reason for the threading is that the new assemblies used during manufacturing were designed for fully auto Bulgarian Arsenal AK's. Arsenal USA did not use the civilian non threaded muzzle barrel assemblies, which are found on the Arsenal of Bulgaria SLR-95 and Arsenal of Nevada SA-M7 series rifles. Arsenal USA could have chosen to use a thread protector cap at the threaded muzzle end of the SSR-99, but instead they chose to go with the AKM slant muzzle brake. While the thread protector cap might have been a more appropriate choice for the milled receiver SSR-99, the AKM slant muzzle brake did accomplish the the job of covering the barrels muzzle threading, which by law, had to be done. The muzzle brakes are either hit with a spot of weld (usually meaning it was a G-Tech Build) or a blind weld (done during Arsenal USA in house builds). In either case, the weld was done to comply with U.S. legalities. If one were to spend 5 careful minutes with a dremel tool, one could easily remove the spot of weld (not so easy if you have an SSR-99/K-101 with the blind spot weld). This would allow you to unscrew the slant brake or the AK-74 brake to expose the threading for another legal brake or cap. The little detent (Plunger?) that holds the brake in place is actually fully functional, so one must depress it while unthreading or threading on an attachment. One would then have to place a new weld spot to keep things legal.
SSR-99's and K-101's came with two internal buffers. One was installed onto the rear section of the recoil spring guide rod, while the other was placed inside the hollowed out section of the same rod. The rear section buffer (which prevented direct impact of the bolt carrier to the receiver) was a Buffer Technologies product. The other buffer (the one that was inserted into the hollow section of the recoil spring guide rod) was a Sprinco Buffer product. While both of these products can and will reduce wear and felt recoil, they are not found in AK's issued to foreign troops. They are American made after market accessories that can be left in or taken out. Buffer Technologies buffers are sometimes the cause for AK jams which are caused because the buffer does not allow full rearward travel of the bolt carrier group. In most cases it will not effect function, and can be purchased and easily installed in any AK. There are now other companies offering versions that are slimmer than the Buffer Technologies product, so they tend to have a better track record for not disturbing the guns normal function. "Designed Accuracy With Less Felt Recoil" that is what one will find printed on the outside of an Arsenal USA SSR-99/K-101 box. While one may think this means it has some sort of magical internal improvement, it's just the Sprinco and Buffer Technologies buffers that give them that less felt recoil (again, these can be added to any AK).
Standard finish for the SSR-99/K-101 is a smooth dark grey (almost black) phosphated finish (what many folks have come to consider as Parkerizing). These rifles were built using the standard length Bulgarian military polymer buttstock. The SSR-99 & K-101 reached low production numbers. For example, the total number of SSR-99 rifles built, not to be confused with the used parts SSR-99P variant, was 252 total (including prototypes). Of these 252, the first 150 or so were assembled by Gordon Technologies under contract of Arsenal USA. The remaining number of SSR-99's were then assembled by Arsenal USA's own in house staff. The K-101 variant is reported to have reached even lower numbers. While most SSR-99's were built using the Bulgarian AR-M1 barrel assembly (having a 90 degree AK-74 type gas block), a very few were also assembled using the AK-47 type barrel assembly (having a 45 degree AK-47 style gas block and slightly thicker barrel). Even though few of these make up the total production number of SSR-99's, they were also built using all new Bulgarian & U.S. components (as with the other standard SSR-99's and K-101's).
Arsenal USA and Gordon Technologies personnel visited the Arsenal of Bulgaria factory while in the planning stages of the rifles. The idea was for Arsenal of Bulgaria to supply Arsenal USA with enough components to build thousands of these rifles per month. Some where along the way, the parts deal between Arsenal USA and Arsenal of Bulgaria seemed to have went south. That is what probably caused the SSR-99's & K-101's to go down in history as limited production rifles. To determine if an SSR-99 or K-101 was built by Gordon Technologies (under Arsenal USA contract), just remove the lower handguard and check for a "G" stamping on the barrel. This G stamp will mean that the gun was assembled and "PROOF FIRED" by Gordon Technologies. If it does not have the "G" spot, it will mean it was an Arsenal USA in house build. In either case, whether an ArsenalUSA in house build or Gordon Technologies build, they are very desirable semi auto AK variants.

***922(r), the law which allowed the SSR-99 & K-101 rifles to become a reality:

Section 922(r), Title18, U.S.C., makes it unlawful for any person to assemble from imported parts any semiautomatic rifle or any shotgun which is identical to any rifle or shotgun prohibited from importation under section 925(d)(3) of the GCA. Regulations implementing the law in 27 C.F.R. 178.39 provide that a violation of section 922(r) will result if a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun is assembled with more than 10 of the following imported parts:

(1) Frames, receivers, receiver castings, forgings or stampings
(2) Barrels
(3) Barrel extensions
(4) Mounting blocks (trunions)
(5) Muzzle attachments
(6) Bolts
(7) Bolt carriers
(8) Operating rods
(9) Gas pistons
(10) Trigger housings
(11) Triggers
(12) Hammers
(13) Sears
(14) Disconnectors
(15) Buttstocks
(16) Pistol grips
(17) Forearms, handguards
(18) Magazine bodies
(19) Followers
(20) Floorplates

The following five American made components are to be found in SSR-99's and K-101's:
1-Disconnector
2-Hammer
3-Trigger
4-Brake
5-Pistol Grip
The SSR-99's & K-101's were built using milled receivers. A foreign milled receiver legally counted as one foreign part. If the receiver would have been a stamped one, it would have legally scored as two foreign parts (because the front tunnion itself would have counted as one foreign component). This would have meant that one more American part would have been required to keep the foreign parts count at a legal limit. Actually, if the SSR-99 & K-101 had no threaded muzzle, they would not have needed a muzzle break, and therefore, would have lowered the legal requirement to four American components.
Arsenal USA followed the law in the way it was written, and by doing so, kept the SSR-99 & K-101 almost completely foreign made, but American assembled. Other companies did pretty much the same thing, using 922r guidelines, but some may have chosen different components to be replaced by the American made parts.

The SSR-99/K-101 project was unique for many reasons. For one, while some companies started building AK's here in the USA using Bulgarian receivers and other Bulgarian components, no company had built and offered a complete (except for it's 5 US components added to comply with 922r) Bulgarian AK. For making the SSR-99 and K-101, the Arsenal USA company did not buy a new component here, and a used component there, instead, they went directly to Arsenal of Bulgaria. They asked them if they would supply all the components needed to build a brand new (no surplus or used component) Bulgarian AK (except for the 5 US components needed for 922r compliance). This was a serious deal at the time. It was as close to having Arsenal of Bulgaria endorse making their products in the USA, as anyone had gotten up to that point.
Only later, with the start of the Arsenal Inc company of Las Vegas Nevada, was somebody finally licensed to build and offer Bulgarian AK variants under the real Arsenal logo, using Arsenal of Bulgaria technicians, and using Arsenal of Bulgaria's technical assistance.
Except for the 5 required US components, the SSR-99 and K-101 are unique in that all the components are 100% new Bulgarian Arsenal manufactured. This includes the milled receiver, which even the Arsenal Inc SA-M7 rifle does not have (it using a receiver that is milled here in the USA under Bulgarian license).
Above all else, the very low production numbers very much makes them unique.

SSR-99 Basic Specs:

Caliber-- 7.62 x 39 mm

Action-- Forged & Machined receiver, semi-automatic

Barrel Installation-- Pressed & pinned in place

Barrel length-- 16.25 inches

Magazine furnished-- two 5 round plastic, has standard magazine well (will accept all standard high capacity 7.62x39 AK mags)

Muzzle-- Threaded barrel muzzle, AKM Slant muzzle brake threaded and welded on

Barrel type-- Hammer-forged, chrome lined

Finish -- Black Phosphate (AKA Parkerized)

Firing Pin System -- Traditional AK (free floating pin)

Manufactured using all new components

U.S. manufactured components-- Hammer, trigger, disconnector, pistol grip, AKM style slant muzzle brake

All remaining components-- Manufactured and Imported from Arsenal of Bulgaria


***Total production number-- 252 (including prototypes)
About 150 or so of that total number were assembled and proof fired under contract by the Gordon Technologies firm. The remaining number of rifles were done by Arsenal USA's own in house staff.

K-101 Basic Specs:

Caliber-- 5.56 NATO (.223 Remington)

Action-- Forged & Machined receiver, semi-automatic

Barrel Installation-- Pressed & pinned in place

Barrel length-- 16.25 inches

Magazine furnished-- 5 round plastic (will accept .223 caliber Arsenal of Bulgaria high capacity mags)

Muzzle-- AK-74 muzzle brake threaded and welded on

Barrel type-- Hammer-forged, chrome lined

Finish-- Black Phosphate (AKA: Parkerized)

Firing Pin System -- Spring Loaded (practically making slam fires impossible, even when using soft primer cartridges)

Manufactured using all new components

U.S. manufactured components-- Hammer, trigger, disconnector, pistol grip, and AK-74 style muzzle brake

All remaining components-- Manufactured and Imported from Arsenal of Bulgaria



***On a related issue concerning the K-101 rifle, Arsenal USA wrote the following in their K-101 owners manual.......
MR. KHRISTOV DIED OF COMPLICATIONS FROM AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT IN AUGUST OF 1997. WE DEDICATE THIS RIFLE (the K-101) TO HIS MEMORY.

I hope this thread was able to help some of you out on the subject of the ArsenalUSA/Gordon Technologies AK project.

I would like to thank Jimmy Streetman of the Arsenal USA/Global Trades company, and Jerry Gordon of the Gordon Technologies firm, for all the information they released on this project. Without their help, we would have been left in the dark on many aspects of this business.

LINKS
THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES WERE THE THREE MAJOR PLAYERS INVOLVED IN MAKING THE K-101's & SSR-99's A REALITY:

Arsenal USA/Global Trades, the masterminds behind the K-101/SSR-99 project:
www.globaltrades.com/

Gordon Technologies, which under contract of Arsenal USA, built the earliest batches of K-101 & SSR-99 rifles. Their website contains a brief history of the Intrac Arms SLR-100H rifle, a project which Gordon Technologies played a part in. This is a must read for owners of the Arsenal USA SSR-99's, K-101's, and the SLR-100H:
www.gordontechnologies.com/

Arsenal of Bulgaria, the firm that was contracted by Arsenal USA to supply most of the components needed to build the K-101 & SSR-99 rifles. Arsenal of Bulgaria is the manufacturer of the select fire AR-M1. The AR-M1 is the current production Bulgarian AK-47 (utilizing a milled receiver). Arsenal USA's K-101, SSR-99, and the Arsenal Inc SA M-7, are based on this Arsenal of Bulgaria AR-M1 model. Here is a photo of an Arsenal of Bulgaria AR-M1 (chambered in 7.62x39):

The Arsenal of Bulgaria website:
www.arsenal-bg.com/main.htm

The following two American companies are affiliated with the Arsenal of Bulgaria firm:

Arsenal Inc, of Las Vegas Nevada, is licensed by the Bulgarian firm to use the Arsenal name and logo. They are also licensed to manufacture Bulgarian pattern semi auto AK variants (like the SA M-7). Arsenal Inc is the first American company to be licensed by a true foreign AK manufacturer to build and offer them here in the U.S.A.
Arsenal Inc. : www.arsenalinc.com/

The KVAR company, of Las Vegas Nevada, is the firm the Bulgarians trust to handle all of their parts sales in America.
Kvar : www.k-varcorp.com/

Thank's Campy, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I would also like to thank you for pinning it up :)

Is there a difference between a SLR-100 and a SLR-100H milled receiver?  I assembled a Bulgarian parts kit on a SLR-100H receiver...the only thing I ran into was that the receiver wasn't threaded, so I turned the threads down on the barrel and pressed/pinned in place.  Test fired flawless, one of the easiest builds (for me).  Just curious about the "H" designation...

An SLR-100 receiver will be the same as a SLR-100H receiver.

I believe the H may have been added to some receivers because they may have been destined to be completed using Hungarian parts kits. All SLR-100 receivers are the same Bulgarian made receiver, and I believe all were brought in by the Intrac firm. As mentioned above in the SSR99/K101 history, all of these SLR-100 receivers were originally made to fill an order for the Arsenal USA firm. The Bulgarians were going to build them complete thumbhole stocked .223 caliber rifles on these receivers (similar in appearance to the SLR-95 series). So all of the SLR-100 & SLR-100H receivers started life as a .223 caliber receivers, and when the deal with Arsenal USA fell through because of US regulations, the receivers were later converted for use with the 7.62x39 caliber, and sold to the Intrac firm.

Hope this helps :)

Thanks for the info!  This receiver is definitely a high quality product, and my parts kit fit like a glove.  

Originally Posted By SSR-99: An SLR-100 receiver will be the same as a SLR-100H receiver. I believe the H may have been added to some receivers because they may have been destined to be completed using Hungarian parts kits. All SLR-100 receivers are the same Bulgarian made receiver, and I believe all were brought in by the Intrac firm. As mentioned above in the SSR99/K101 history, all of these SLR-100 receivers were originally made to fill an order for the Arsenal USA firm. The Bulgarians were going to build them complete thumbhole stocked .223 caliber rifles on these receivers (similar in appearance to the SLR-95 series). So all of the SLR-100 & SLR-100H receivers started life as a .223 caliber receivers, and when the deal with Arsenal USA fell through because of US regulations, the receivers were later converted for use with the 7.62x39 caliber, and sold to the Intrac firm. Hope this helps :)

----------
So if I have an SLR-100H receveiver it would be appropriate for a build using a K-VAR AK-74M1A1 5.56mm kit?  

No, it would not.

The SLR-100 receivers may have started life as 5.56mm receivers, but somewhere along the way they received additional milling to convert them into 7.62x39 receivers. I'm not sure what extra milling was needed, but can probably safely say that the ejector would have been one of the affected areas.

Not sure if Intrac sold any of the SLR-100 receivers without the 7.62x39 modifications, but if they did, they would be correctly set up for the 5.56mm caliber kits.

Sorry I could not help you out further.  

Which is a more desireable AK, the SSR-99 or the SSR-99P?

I guess it would all depend on what the person interested in buying is looking for.
The standard SSR-99 was not a gun assembled using any components taken off of any other already assembled weapon. All components were new (parts never being installed on any other weapon). Except for the 5 (brand new) required US components, the rest of the gun was 100% Arsenal of Bulgaria brand new components (supplied to Arsenal USA via Arsenal of Bulgaria directly). Being that the SSR-99 was assembled using only all new components, parts that were never on any other exsisting firearm, they are considered to be true newly manufactured weapons.

On the other hand the SSR-99P model, while using the same brand new Bulgarian made receiver that is found on the standard SSR99, was mostly manufactured using components taken from Polish demilled AK's (a Polish variant that had a grenade launching system). The SSR-99P components ranged from somewhat used, to pretty well used. Being that the SSR-99P model used components from already exsisting firearms, they can properly be called a parts gun.

So the SSR-99 and SSR-99P are different animals with a few similarities, like their milled Bulgarian receiver.  

So again, the buyers needs and wants will determine whether one is more desirable than the other.

Hope this helps

Thanks for the info. I just happen to like the wood furniture on the SSR-99P as opposed to the synthetic on the SSR-99.

That's a great story.  Did these rifles actually feed correctly??

i bought several of each one ( K-101 and SSR-99p) from jimmy s. when they first came out. what kind of value do they have now, ( NIB)? i am starting to downsize my collection and may sell a few later on. thanks.

My Gordon Tech SLR-100 7.62x39

http://photos.strasser.us/gallery2/d/15378-2/profile_right.jpg

http://photos.strasser.us/gallery2/d/15383-2/SLR_100.jpg

I never knew my SSR-99 is THAT rare....wowza

Thanks for this write up! Very cool info

Anyone got any pics of SSR-99's or K-101's???
I've seen the slr100-slr100h versions built later by Gordon Tech, Blue Ridge, MSC, and ORF, but idk about seeig these in particular.

I have an Intrac SLR100H receiver I would like to sell soon.  Any idea how much its worth?

First off, new guy here. Hello everyone. Great forum, lots of good info, yada yada yada.

I've got a SSR-99. I got it new in the box about three weeks ago. I've only run 60 rounds through it. I love this thing. I'm thinking about getting a rail put on the side so I can mount a red dot, scope, flashlight, or whatever. It's a lot more accurate than I was expecting.

I just bought a K-101 from an individual in Colorado.  Below is the pics from Gunbroker and ones he sent me.  I'll take a few more when it arrives at my FFL.

I received my Arsenal / Gordon Technologies K-101 this past week, and so far I'm really happy.  I have already sighted the rifle in and had no problems cosistently knocking down the 200m, 250m, and 300m pop-up targets on a military automated range.  The only mod I plan on doing at this time is swapping the FSB for a new production Arsenal unit that hasn't had the bayonet lug neutered, and adding a Kreb's Custom AK-74 compensator.

Here are a few pics I took this morning...









and with it's Romanian SAR-3 cousin...

VERY NICE!

I have a still NIB SSR-99 Gordon Tech one in the safe. Never been shot only fondled. I may actually shoot it one day.Got others to shoot though for now.

Tread

Just thought I'd give a heads up that there is a Gordon Tech / Arsenal K-101 which has only been test fired and is like new in box on the GunsAmerica website. Just search for "Gordon" if anyone is interested!

Couldn't find it. Maybe you need to re-post your ad.

I sure would like to find one of the early milled receiver rifles with Russian laminate.
We just don't see much of this up here.

like this?

There is one for sale right now in the marketplace without the furniture. Although the furniture would be easy to get.