Hi All,

Would there be any draw backs to having a 5.56 AK, other than ballistics?

I would like to buy my first AK and spend my money on an Arsenal.  I have an AR15 and a bit of ammo for it.  I really don't have the funds to start over with a new caliber.

The other option would be for me to sell off my AR set up and then finance a 7.62 AK.

Any advice would be great.

Thanks

-Coo

Nothing wrong with Arsenal SLR-106 series rifles. I have 106CR and it runs flawlessly. I still have a couple of 5.45 AKs but I practically never shoot them because I like my CR so much.

Magazine availability/price might be a bit of an issue...

I have two of the 106s and love them! I got them because I have a ton of 556 and wanted to be able to run it threw a ak system. I love my ars but would grab a ak over any of them if things ever got bad...

+1 buy the 106 you will love it.

Thanks for the replies.  I will start looking.

-Coop

This local shop has one.  A purchase and transfer would be easy.  I can vouch for the dealer.  I do not work for him, just trying to help you locate a 5.56 AK.  SRM

Look under the rifle/shotgun section...

ARSENAL SA M-5S (5.56MM)

That's a pretty good deal. Milled Arsenal with 4 mags for 1050. Somebody better jump on that before I get tempted.

That's my only concern with them.

I believe all Arsenal 5.56 AKs have 1 in 7" rifling, if that's an issue (was for me), plus getting magazines.

Thanks for all the replies.  I'm sure that is a good deal, but that was way more than I was planning to spend.  I need to rethink this.

I am in the same place as the OP. I have a couple of AKs in 30 cal but sometimes i get tired of needing so many different types of ammo. I wouldnt get rid of my other Aks, just not shot them as often.

What is the deal with mags for .556 ARs?  Now much are they, who makes them, are some worried that they might become extra difficult to get?

Mags shouldn’t be too much of an issue.  Sure, they’re $25 - $30 each but the circle 10’s will last a long time.  After I got my 106 F I gradually added 10 black circle 10’s and one used black beryl.   My round count is just over 6k and I have only used 2 of the circle 10’s and the beryl intermittently.   Besides a few nicks and scratches, the mags all work just fine.   What I am trying to say is that each mag is pretty durable and should least a few thousand rounds.

I don't have any issues cost wise for my 106, Been buying them new for under $14.00

Is that a PMAG with a magwell adapter? Modified PMAG or original? More info please.
 

Did you have to modify the magwell?  If so where does it need clearanced and how much?

This is the sole reason I haven't switched to an ar mag adapter in all of my 5.56 aks and why I have modded a few of them to take circle 10 5.56 mags instead.  

I would love for somebody to come out with an ar mag adapter that doesn't require any cutting.

Not going to happen with out a lot of magazine dremelling.
A lot of trunnion needed to be removed to have PMAGS lock up and feed flawlessly.  I started with  renegade buck mag adaptor but it went down hill some what quickly. Bit the bullet and ordered a MSA one. 3 weeks from order it arrives. Their  CS isn't not stellar if you're a, " i called and e-mailed" but no reply kind of guy.
Anyway, with some generous trunnion work the MSA seated as needed. USGI and thermolds will require some relief work on the l/front side and rear to clearance the receiver cross rivet and extractor side of trunnion.
I was hesitant to trash a perfectly running AK but................why not have ALL my 5.56 rifles utilize the same magazines?  I can still use the circle 10 bulgy mags if needed. However i'll wait and see mag prices and trade or sell as needed.
Once i am off pain meds and able to walk (2nd knee replacement since 0-1 of last year)  just home after week in hospital. i can snap a few pictures. They ain't pretty, but i am a function over form kind of guy.

The Arsenal SA M-5 is a wonderful milled receiver ak in 5.56.   Cycles smooth as glass and shoots very accurately.   I have no idea about magazine availability these days.