Kalashnikov USA going under...

JMD999 · #51 04-27-2024, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJ

Not a fan of the AK or SKS (have been on the wrong end of them many years ago). Don't want to see any legitimate gun related business go out of business though.........

As a Marine you know what solid platforms they are, nuthin fancy but they keep shooting (as you probably know).
I'd rather an M-1A and a Sig 550.
Smiles, Mike

JMD999 · #52 04-27-2024, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldsalt66

Poor quality control as of late, poor customer service, and the exhorbitant cost of 7.62x39 ammunition due to sanctions are what did the company in.

Most true AK aficionados prefer rifles imported from traditional factories in Eastern Europe, and those casual buyers who don't care are buying PSA for cheap.

That leaves PSA, Riley Defense, and a few boutique builders to satisfy demand for domestic built AKs.

It's unfortunate because KUSA produced some good rifle and shotgun offerings.

What are we seeing in the PSA AK platform that is problematic, or sub-standard?
Just want to know as i was looking and they seem to work as good as any?
How about those "cheap" Norinco MAC=90's?

wood714 · #53 04-27-2024, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMD999

What are we seeing in the PSA AK platform that is problematic, or sub-standard?
Just want to know as i was looking and they seem to work as good as any?
How about those "cheap" Norinco MAC=90's?

PSA AK's are good to go now. They had a few problems in the start.

There are no cheap Norinco's these days. Even the Mak 90's with their shaved bayonet lug, and un threaded barrels are bringing a premium price.

MJFlores · #54 04-30-2024, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yendor357

I have never, and will never own an AK, or an SKS.

I refuse to support any entity that produces arms for a communist country.

And yes, they are junk. They make noise. That’s about it.

The AK rifle has fought more communist dictatorships than any AR/ M4/16/ M14. Poland is a prime example of excellent quality AK rifles, and how they were used to rid Poland of communist socialism. Put away the movies and read actual history.

WR Moore · #55 04-30-2024, 06:51 PM

BB57 referred to a problem with the powder used in the 5.56 mm cartridge. There were at least two parts to that issue. One was that Remington won the design for the cartridge itself and produced the initial ammunition stocks for the Light Rifle competition. At the time, Remington had an incestuous relationship with Dupont and I expect all the initial ammo production used some version of an IMR stick type powder. Typically, suitable powders in this calibre burn very cleanly. If that was all you'd been shooting, minimal cleaning is about right-but not if you're betting your life on it. Logistics and not using the usual procurement system & troop trials also contributed to the lack of cleaning gear and proper emphasis on cleaning.

Moving on, McNamara decides that the 5.56 is going to be our new service cartridge and the ammunition production transfers to ammo plants owned by the government and run under contract by someone else. Someone else decides to use ball powder, and, as noted it doesn't burn as cleanly.

Plus, there was another fly in the ointment. A flash suppressant was added to the powder to reduce muzzle flash. Somewhere I've got the results of Congressional hearings with the details on what happened. Short version is that while X amount was sufficient to reduce flash, about 2X amount was added to the powder. This caused malfunctions all by itself.