Arsenal SLR-106

Last year I decided to simplify my life and consolidate weapons and caliber's. The last rifle's sold were my Kalashnikov's in 7.62 x 39. However, I still wanted an AK variant to maintain my skills and familiarity with the platform. Enter Arsenal Inc. Last year Arsenal introduced the SLR106, a stamped receiver AK in 5.56 NATO. I bought one amidst much controversy with the early production rifles exhibiting extreme windage issues (left POI), magazines that did not feed reliably and which were difficult to seat in the magazine well as well as FTF (failure-to-feed) issues.

Discussing the rifle with John McCaw (John is a Class 2 manufacturer and AK guru in White Oak, PA), he assured me that whatever issues the rifle may have, that "it's an AK and it can be fixed". So, I bought one through Gunbroker last year. I finally took it out for a range session the other day and was pleased to find that my rifle in the BDxxxxxx serial # range did not have a windage issue though it does need a bit of correction. However, owners of rifles with extreme windage problems had their front sights at maximum adjustment and still couldn't get a zero. The test target was fired from unsupported prone at 50 yards with the sights as they came from the factory. It also obviously needs elevation correction but I'm going to install an ultimak and Aimpoint M2 so this range session was more of a function test than anything else.

Apparently Arsenal revised the magazines by eliminating the stripper clip guide and extending the raised ribs to completely encircle the magazine body. While they were still a little tight I had no malfunctions in over 300 rounds fired. An acquaintance tells me the polymer mags will break in through use and the fit will improve. My magazines have the number 10 inside a double circle which is indicative of the aforementioned revision.

I couldn't be happier that my rifle seems good to go out of the box and that the eight magazines I purchased from K-VAR Corp. were the revised version. I've since learned that the windage issues of early rifles were due to equipment used to regulate installation of the front sight block and / or trunion being out of calibration. Rifles with serial numbers beginning with BD and BE were manufactured after the equipment issue was discovered and corrected.

The SLR-106 utilizes a stamped recevier and as such it is significantly lighter than a milled receiver AK. The 106 has a Steyr chrome lined, 1:7 barrel and if this target is any indication, it's much more accurate than any garden variety 7.62 x 39 AK. My eyes aren't what they used to be and I'm looking forward to zeroing with the Aimpoint which I'm sure will tighten up the group. The 106 also has a unique folding butt stock which has a rock solid lock up in both the open and closed positions. This is a great rifle and fills my need for an AK platform in a common caliber perfectly.

Tony
07-23-2007
tony@fireinstitute.org