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Posted: 5/22/2006 6:03:35 PM EDT
| Thanks JER! |
I've been praising the SSR-85C-2 for a while. I had two. One of them had a canted front sight, but otherwise was built like a tank. The only REAL difference I see between the two of them is; The SSR-85C-2 has a vented gas tube. The SLR-108 has a typical AKM style gas tube. The SSR-85C-2 sports an AK-47 type FSB, whereas the SLR-108 again, is typical AKM. |
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I'd love to see some pics of it. I have been drooling over an SSR for about a month but just can't scrape up the cash to buy it. Funny thing about AKs. The WASR mags wobble all over the place and I'm hearing how many of the SSR mags won't fit at all. If we were talking about AR-15s people would be dogging them up one side and down the other, but since we're talking about AKs we give them all sorts of leeway. Almost as if we're saying, "Well, if it's not made in the U.S. and doesn't cost $1,200, we assume there will be issues." When it comes to AK quality, I suppose close is good enough....... |
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I'm sure they will fix it. Not to sounds like a naysayer, but I've read several posts lately about how those SSRs are going back to have canted sites and magwell issues resolved. I agree it's a super good-looking rifle but those stories (and the cash shortage) have made me wonder if I shouldn't be looking for something else. But, the same posters who have been mentioning the problems also indicate that Global Trades has been more than willing to correct the problem. Thing is, I like AKs as much as the next guy, but those Arensel versions that cost $700+ are pretty pricey when you consider there are so many less expensive versions available. I think I could put up with a mag fitting or site cant issue if I was saving $200-300. AKs seem to be conducive to home-fixes so I would be tempted to gamble because I could probably fix it myself if worse comes to worse..... |
| I haven't posted pics on this site yet but I have on others. Go sign up at www.photobucket.com and upload your pictures there. Then highlight the URL at Photobucket, click on the little button below on your AR15 message that looks like a mountain with a little sun in the background. It will ask you to specify the URL. Paste it there. If it works for you, post lots of pics. I'd like to see some...... |
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Dang, the fit and finish on that thing look top notch. Resisting urge to buy...... I'm wondering how the heck that thing passed QC. At a minimum, you'd think they'd check to see if the mag fit. Perhaps, they did QC with a different mag and then threw that one in the box. Even so, you'd like to think that most any mag would work. |
Thanks Thermocafe, your Original Post here is great. I bought an SSR-85C yesterday. my experience was very similar to yours;
That happened *before* I read your post. I was shocked when I read the post and saw that you had the same situation. Interestingly, I ran to another LGS and found that that one (only one they had in stock) had a tight magazine too. My LGS just swapped me a new magazine, so that helps. So what was the Magazine fix themocafe? Thanks. |
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Don't give up on that SSR85C2. Well, if you do, i will take it off your hand. I got a SSR85C2 plum poly stock a few months ago, and just got a vector arms black poly stock 2 wks ago. The vector arms is a pretty boy with an awesome finish. The GT ak is thicker, heavier and feels very solid. I think I will keep the vector arms as more of a safequeen (i will shoot it, but not too much). I am gonna beat the hell out of the gt b/c i think it will take the abuse and in turn laugh at my face. The mag that included with the Armory is a piece of junk. It is so twisted and deform that I can only put in about 7-8 rds. And it is tight in the magwell, I had to manuveur it a little before it will go in. I went and got 2 un-issued steel Bul mags and 5 used Yugo mags. They all fit into the Armory easily like a glove. Swing each mag into the magwell, a solid click and that's it. No play what so ever. I give up on using the included Armory mag, so i figured I will use it as spare mag spring and follower, and resigned that I lost about $8 on this mag. I think you should try some other mags and see how they fits with your SSR85C2. Granted I think some mags will be a little tight, but I think for the quality of this gun, that is something that can be lived with. Plus, another thread here in arfcom indicate that by filing any tight-fitted mag down a bit, it will work better. |
Are you going to have Global send you another mag? |
| For myself i am die hard Arsenal fan for the milled receiver and cosmetic quality of the SAM 7 series and stamped SLR-105 varients. Armory USA make a solid product as well but in all fairness the models i have seen are a mixed match of various AK47, AKM and 74 parts and not vary consistant original specs relesed from post warsaw countries. The guns really look sort of funky, i have seen some SSR models with Chinese, and eastern europe parts look like something built from some small childs Lego set. |
The guns look "funky?" How so? I think they're pretty sharp. Very close to Chinese Type 56 AKMs, if you were to replace the furniture. I like the AK-47 type FSB and vented gas tube on the rifle. |
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The SSR model shown in this thread is a sharp looking model of the Chinese type 56 AKM, most of the Ak's that Armory USA produces are some excellent examples but i have seen other models with a mix match combination of chinese tpye 56 and hungarian / Polish AKM parts that look out of place and funky. I just recently bought a Polish under folder AKM that uses the Armory USA receiver. I dont known for sure which manufacture built the gun but it must be one of the nicest cosmetically tuned AKM's i have owned since i purchesed my original Maddi back in 1983. The akm came with its original bakelite brown pistol grip and laminated forearm and sported a superior black/grey military finish inside and out. The AKM appeared to be in new condition. Outside the arsenal eleven stamp on the trinion i would have guessed she was a soviet AKMS. 650.00 out the door and one hell of a bargin compaired to my favorite Arsenal SAS-7 which hosted a nasty price of over eleven hundred clams. |
Agreed. I've always maintained that Arsenal is a "mixed-bag" of AK-47/AKM parts, depending on the model. I'm still a big fan of that company, whatever the components. The true definition of an AKM or AK-47 is whether or not a stamped receiver or milled receiver is used in the construction, regardless of the above modifications, albeit accurate. |
Agreed. Just pointing out the veracity of Armory's claim that "pristine AK47s are used, and a new receiver put in". The Arsenal Classic and the Poly Tech Legend are the only true AK47-type (semi, of course) rifles available today - however, I can get essentially the same thing for less than half the price. So I can be satisfied with that. Price breakdown, that makes the milled receiver on those two rifles worth OVER $700 (both have a market price of $1200+), compared to $500 for the complete rifle of Armory USA. That's quite a difference. |
Exactly. Just depends on what an individual prefers. As mentioned above, the SSR-85C-2 interested me because of its resemblance to a Chinese Type 56, save for the underfolding bayonet. The SSR-85 is quite unique, really, for a current production weapon, IMO. Regarding prices, the only real advantage I have is my FFL. I'm a "hobbyist" dealer and can acquire weapons at quite a discount, obviously. Also, the Polytech "Legend" and Arsenal "Classic" are premium weapons to be sure, but for the money, I opted for a Gordon Technologies SLR-100H for my Type III clone. Bud |
I remember when I was selling one on the boards here. I listed the SSR-85C-2 as being basically a Type III clone. Well, you would have thought I murdered Mr. Kalashnikov himself!  It's very close to a Type III in every way, except for the stamped receiver...albeit rugged and built like a tank. However, for the purist looking for an exact Type III clone, it just doesn't "fit the bill" with the stamped receiver and furniture. Therefore, people are willing to pay the extra boot to have something very similar to the Type III variation. Yes, for the money, I don't think you can beat the SSR-85C-2. As long as the sights are straight and mags can be loaded without much effort or remodification. The only reason I sold the one I intended to keep, was to acquire a "true" AKM...a Hungarian SA85 to add to my collection. As far as the Arsenal SAM series of rifles, I don't really have a problem with them being a "mixed bag" either. They are extremely close to the Bulgarian AR series of military rifles. So, in a sense, they are "true" clones: SA M-7 Classic-Type III clone SA M-7 Carbine/A1/A1R-Clones of Bulgaria's AR-M1 |
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It's obvious you like the SSR-85C-2. It's a fine weapon and I like it too. But this debate has been hashed for a long time. The old Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge discussion. The AK is as diverse as the myriad of people owning and shooting them. This is the reason that manufacturer's don't make one variation of the Kalashnikov design. To each his own.
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thermocafe - this model uses the thicker 1.6 mm metal for the stamped receiver. Now, generally, a stamped receiver AK is about 1.5 pounds or so lighter than a forged gun. Do you find the thicker metal makes the gun much heavier? Is the weight now similar to a forged gun? And we do appreciate all your informative posts here. Many of us have been lurking and really appreciate the time you've taken here. |
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I own several Sam series AK's and two of them are Arsenal SAM-7 Carbines. Now i have had my share of preban poly tech and norinco ak's including SA85 and Maddi and the product line that Arsenal provides beats all of them by thousand percent. Yes, the SAM-7 Carbine dose not follow the true AK-47 design profile, but follows a newer approach and modern updated AK47. Barrel diameter is smaller, 90 degree gas block, the use of modern stock materials simular to the AK74 to keep costs down and are more realistic for field use. The milled internals and receiver machining are completed here in the states for good reason to beat import rulings etc, A licenced sister company keeps the excellent standards of QC for a USA made civie varient of the ARM-1 alive and well. The Sam series guns are generally competitive with Armory USA, about 100.00 more for a complete new rifle and that damm good when you concider its not a parts guns from some extinct warsaw communist armory. The good thing about Arsenal is there international product line is curent and all over the world as a leader in armament manufacture. We are damm lucky to have these boys in Las Vagas. |
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I own a SAM7A1 and an SSR85C2 and to be honest, I prefer the SSR85C2. It's lighter, and so far, just as accurate. The receiver on the SSR is hefty and it is an exceptional value. The only issue I have with the SAM7 is that after about 1600 rounds, the bolt carrier split in two on the bottom where the bolt is held into the carrier. I called Arsenal about it and they blew me off completely. I am still waiting for a call back from management 6 months later. I ordered a new bolt carrier from KVAR just to be done with it. I only called Arsenal once, I never followed up with them. I don't feel I should have to. I am extremely sick and tired of poor customer service in the modern day. I have no beef with Arsenal and by all accounts, the SAM7 is a stellar rifle. I understand things break and wasn't upset about it. But since I got the typical arrogant firearms industry attitude from the joker on the phone at Arsenal, and since I am still waiting for a call back monthe later, I will not be buying another Arsenal rifle. I am actually glad it happened because I took my business to Armory USA via Atlantic and got a very top noth AK for hundreds less. I am considering buying another SSR85C2 just to keep one unfired an nib. |
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