Ok guys......
Good news first.
Yes, Arsenal is still planning on AKS-74 clones (SLR-105A1's with triangular Bulgarian/Russian steel folders).
Yes, they are hoping to have them out this year.
Bad news.
I don't know when that will happen. John and I were talking about this very thing at this time last year.
Various reasons it hasn't happened yet, the Form 6 bullshit has something to do with it. Trying to get out other models as well.
Anyway, yes, they are planning to offer the side folders.
The stamped SLR-105A1 and A1R no bans were being sold for $575 and $600 respectively. They haven't been available for a while because........there were several rifles that made it out that had trigger slap. Something to be expected on a Century, not on an Arsenal. The went back to the drawing board for a new fire control group that is supposed to be the cat's ass and give a true two stage pull with no slap and be one of the best triggers ever available on a stamped rifle. The bitch of it is that if the rifles were the original select fire, there wouldn't have been an issue.
Incidentally, if you have one of the SLR-105's that has trigger slap, they will fix it and replace the FCG on their dime.
Anyway, that's one of the reasons you haven't seen the SLR-105A1 rifles out lately.
If you gotta have a side folder sooner than your buddy, I'd say buy the rifle and then have one installed by one of the reputable smiths.
Hope that helps.
Obligatory SLR-105A1 pics