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Posted: 10/14/2009 4:49:40 PM EDT
| Im thinking about getting one or the other, any real difference between the two? |
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OK, there is a lot of negative info on the Inrange right now. Let me tell you my experience. I own a SGL31, an Inrange built TGI 74 and a TGI Bulgy 47. I do not have the TGI 74 that you are asking about.
The SGL is nicer than either, but it is more expensive. It is also Russian, collectible, and comes with better manuals/targets/flyers/etc. This would be my first choice even if it were three hundred more. The Inrange (I know, people have real issues with a very few and I feel for them) I have is very nice, shoots great, great finish, sights straight and well built. The only drawbacks are that they are not marked as Inrange (contract builds for TGI) and the KVAR stock is scuffed and my heat shield was removed for some reason. My speculation is that the stocks are some sort of seconds. I am the only guy I am aware of that has the missing heat shield. All in all a very nice build and would be my second choice. Oh, no side rail. My TGI problems may not translate to the current TGI 74s, but it may provide reference to attention to detail by the imported/builder. The first thing I noticed was the hammer pin was not locked in. Easy fix. The finish outright sux. The mag well is very tight and 50% of my metal mags will not fit and 0% of my circle 10 waffle, Polish poly and Bulgarian drum mags will fit. I will probably open the well up when I get time. Did I mention the finish really sux. The handguard fit was excessively tight and you can see the marks in the barrel where TGI used a screwdriver to force it in. The furniture is crapco. The cleaning rod will not go all the way in. I cut it as I would never stick a steel rod in one of my weapons. Otis invented clean unworn barrels. The gas tube lever is loose as the locking mech seems worn. Still locks in. The bolt carrier has been poorly ground to give it a chrome appearance. The sights are straight and it functions perfectly. Also, it is very accurate. Did I mention the finish way sux. It is built like a tank with a really shitty fit and finish. Not sure if I mentioned this, but the finish sux outloud. The entire rifle was gritty and that is why the gas tube locking cam is worn. When I get back to the states I am spending 24 hrs with my guns. I plan on putting on KVAR black that I am taking off my SGL and refinishing the really super way crappy finish. Glad I own it but I would be my last choice. Think of it as a Bulgarian WASR. Really rough but it will be reliable. Hope this helps. Warrant |
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m_s,
I've got one of the $499 TGI guns from AIM. It's parkerized, has a used set of plum furniture, and comes with a Tapco 30 rd waffle type mag. The bore was swabbed out and appeared shiny with sharp , distinct lands and grooves. The furniture has quite a few scratchhes and minor gouges. I cleaned it with SimpleGreen and that REALLY showed the scratches. So hit it with some lemon furniture polish and it looks a bit better. There was still cosmoline on the muzzle break, It cleaned off easily. The mag fits a bit loose in the mag well but it fed 60 rds with zero issues. I had read the horror stories this past week while I waited for mine to arrive. First thing I checked was the alignment of the frt & rear sights. Luckily mine appears to be straight. The trigger is LIGHT. I'd say possibly 3.5-4 pounds. Theres a slight bit of take up, then off it goes. The internals looked fine, the bolt is surely used, with the coating worn off in several spots on the outside. But with a quick beadblast,degrease and some Rustoleum matte black it would look great. Took it to the back field and put 60 rds of Russian surplus downrange. That heating UP really purged the rest of the grease from between the joiints and allowed me to clean it off easily. I douched it out with soapy water, swabbed the bore, and hit it with Balistol,then wiped it off. Looked pretty good. I'm happy with my new ATV/truck gun. I've got some steel mags on the way...I hope they fit a bit snugger. I collect older S&W revolvers, and have been a pistol fan for many years. So this is not my first rodeo when it comes to buying a gun. That said...I look at the AK's as tools , not sporting rifles. So I don't expect the fit and finish to rival a pre-64 Winchester. The majority of these guns were used before they were broken down into parts kits...I understand that. It appears to me that many here have VERY high expectations as to fit and finish. Maybe my lower expectations are exacttly why I'm happy overall with this gun. http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/montanaguy375/IMG_0858-1.jpg FN in MT |
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Quoted:
Your furniture is the original Bulgarian furniture, so it is used. Yes. I mentioned that in my second sentence. I beleive thats why it came with a USA Tapco magazine...to make the compliance count. Whereas the other guns...... the In Range models, come with new furniture. FN in MT |
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Quoted:
Im thinking about getting one or the other, any real difference between the two? OP, warrant is right...for $200 or $300 more, the SGL31 is the better buy. It really is worth the extra money. But if you don't want to spend that kind of coin, let me give you a third choice that has not been mentioned much here on the Arfcom AK forum: Lancaster Arms AK-74. Lancaster just started putting AK-74 builds out to market a month or two ago, and like most builders, they've very recently lowered their prices. You can now get one of their builds for $599 (they were $699 last month), with a really sweet finish, and your pick of furniture (plum or black polymer, or any of three types of wood.) The barrels are U.S. made, but unless you're a collector (which it doesn't sound like), that is a non-issue. The barrels are chome-lined and threaded, and the few people I've spoken with who own one say it is a very high-quality barrel. The bolts are polished. And the receiver is a Elk River (formerly Global Trades/Armory USA). And while Elk River AK-47 receivers are not that great (at least, I wouldn't buy one), their AK-74 receivers are properly formed and heat-treated. I'm just an itchy phone finger away from ordering one myself, to replace the In-Range I was not at all happy with. Here are a couple pics of these Lancaster builds, from Atlantic and from a guy on another forum: 
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We offer the In Range rifles , Arsenal SGL 74's and the Lancaster 74's if you have a few questions feel free to call and please mention that you are a AR15.com member !! We will give you the straight scoop.
offie 410 352 5183 www.atlanticfirearms.com |
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