Well, after 16 years of ARs and 30+ of M-16s, I stepped to the "Dark Side" today.  My brother-in-law lured me in by letting me shoot his home-made AK-74 and I decided that I just might like to try one of those Russian designed things (other than the SKS's and Mosin's I alrady had).

Anyway, today at the Belton, TX gunshow there were a few SAR-1s.  After walking around, comparing prices etc, settled on one offered by a dealer from San Marcos--$350 out the door.  Maybe not a steal, but not bad for what we normally see in the stores around here.  This is pretty much a standard CAI, Romanian receiver with the normal accessories of 10rd and 40rd mags, sling, cleaning kit, laminated stock.  Already detail stripped and wiped her down.  How can I tell the Mfg date I have seen discussed here, is it the last 2 digits of the S/N?  My last two digits are "03."  If this is as much fun to shoot as my SKSs my ARs might start to get jealous

I'm not an expert but I think the date is the last 4
mine has 2003

I have rifles that have it as either the last 2 OR 4.

Example: 12-3456-1999

EXample: 12-3456-99

Welcome to the darkside AF. Your SN would make it a 2003 gun. Now you need to get all the fun stuff for it.

Check out these 2 places to wet your appetite.
Mags:
www.aimsurplus.com/

Stocks:
www.k-var.com/