The Arsenal AKs got me off the fence. I have been around AKs for many years but none moved me to purchase. Enter the Arsenal SGL 21 and SGL31, featuring close adherence to AK-74N specifications. Both are quality weapons that can motivate and excite the AK enthusiast. Close inspection of an Arsenal AK could very well turn you into a fan too. The Arsenal formula works on several levels for me: dogged adherence to Russian military technology, high attention to detail, completely new and unused components, full 922r compliancy with quality US Arsenal-produced parts, NATO length stocks sets available in great colors (Black, OD, Plum, Tan avail), reasonable pricing, and a light carry weight.
These Arsenals are a collaborative effort between the Legion custom shop of the Izhmash AK factory in the City of Izhesk, Udmurt Republic, Russian. They arrive to the Arsenal factory as Saiga sporting rifles and then are restored to Russian military form. There are others that do this but Arsenal is my favorite so far because of the value achieved. Once the restoration is complete, the resulting SGL is an impressive piece with authentic, quality features that add interest, improve shootability, and reliability: an AK-74 style muzzle brake on 24×1.5mm RH threading, properly placed Russian markings to include Izmash factory logo (upward arrow in triangle) and no extraneous commercial markings, correct AK front sight and 90º AK gas block (with vents), bayonet and accessory lugs, correct AK gas tube, cold hammer forged chrome-lined barrel, cleaning rod, high quality polymer pistol grip stock set (Warsaw or NATO length!) with double SS heat shields, sling attachments, “X” and “Y” receiver reinforcement stampings, mag well dimples (for increased mag security, rigidity), no extra openings fwd of mag well, receiver dimple for safety catch, factory mounted optics rail, 1000 meter sights, and Arsenal-made two-stage high reliability trigger set.
To confirm the vaidity of these features and their capabilities, several SGL 21s (7.62x39mm) and SGL 31s (5.45×39.5mm) were shot extensively in range and tactical scenarios over the course of six months in The Nutnfancy Project. Excellence was confirmed. The SGL31 seems to be the accuracy winner, with repeatable 2 MOA groupings in both range and tactical engagements (primarily using Russian 53gr corrosive ammo with mild steel core). The SGL21, after some errant groupings, achieved about 3 MOA groupings off the bench (some around coming to 2 MOA). Primary ammo was Wolf 122 gr FMJ. Reliability was 100%. Both guns however came alive during tactical testing in the Sledgehammer Drill wth the SGL21 scoring 60 and the SGL31 scoring 54 in my runs; higher point scores are definitely possible. With SH testing I did find the standard stock set to be lacking in ergonomics for me in roll over prone shooting and hence a fitting of the excellent Tapco T6 stock set was used to achieve higher SH scores. The Bulgarian Circle 10 magazines are outstanding and recommended: lightweight, tough, durable, fieldstrip-capable for mx, steel strap reinforced, steel retention tab, issued in colors (very cool), and ultra reliable. They remain my number one rec’d AK mag choice. The iron sights are excellent for an AK but still they exhibit the short radius of the type and I recommend integration and use of the K-VAR KV-04 optics rail (or other) to achieve maximum accuracy and night capabilities.
Carry weight on both guns is impressively light in their stock forms: about 7.3 lbs, partially due to the thinner barrels which adhere to the milspec technology. Fully outfitted with Weaver #849399 scope, KV-04 rail, Quark 123 Turbo tactical light, Circle 10 30 rd mag, Tapco furniture, and a KZ sling, the SGL21 weighs in at 9 lbs and 9 oz (my configuration). This is comparable to my “full-up” AR-15 carbine systems weights. Ergonomic issues still linger in the SGLs (address in but can be mitigated by training and practice. Value as of 2010 is excellent for the quality levels achieved: around $700 for the SGL21 , around $800 for the SGL31. An SGL21 then, for perspective, is essentially the same price as a Ruger Mini-14 Tactical. That’s excellent value. Finally, after 1000s of rounds fired, I come away confident in their combat capabilities in terms of accuracy, reliability, and toughness. They score high marks from me in both “Types of Cool” ( There are other quality AKs out there but the Arsenal formula remains the AK Gold Standard. /////////////////////// Nutnfancy Likability Scale: SGL21 and SGL31: 9 out of 10 at mid-2010 price levels //////////// Music: “Takin Yo Time ( The Wingman Mix )” by Loveshadow (feat. Brad and Audiotechnica)
