Kalashnikov USA going under...

[Hawg Rider]

Just heard that Kalashnikov USA (Pompano Beach, FL) is going under, and has laid off all of its employees. There are a few posts online about the reasons (tough economy, poor management, inventory problems, etc.), but I haven't seen any official communications. Too bad since there seems to be a major resurgence in the popularity of AKs here in the USA. I do like the AK platform, but I only own a Romanian WASR-10 (imported by Century Arms) that I picked up used few years ago and tricked out. I can't believe that the average AK is selling for upwards of $1K! I wonder why KUSA couldn't compete?

 

[H Richard]

Look at all the states that have passed laws either making it difficult to own one or banned entirely. And, I look for more states to do the same. The 2nd Amendment is being stepped on by a lot of political forces.

 

[CH4]

Look at all the states that have passed laws either making it difficult to own one or banned entirely. And, I look for more states to do the same. The 2nd Amendment is being stepped on by a lot of political forces.

Hopefully, SCOTUS grants cert on one of the several assault rifle bans this term. I think Bianchi v. Maryland is ripe for picking.

 

[dmar]

Theres countries were 2,000$ american can buy you an RPG, 6 rounds for it, 2 mil spec AK47 made in the 1990s, and 2,000 rounds of ammunition.

My kind of place!!

 

[lihpster]

Well, your average AK is going for roughly twice what a starter AR costs. If Rugers were selling for half the price of S&Ws, Big Blue would have a Big Problem.

 

[Rick Sanborn]

Yep, and they screwed over most of their vendors in the past year or so.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Well, your average AK is going for roughly twice what a starter AR costs. If Rugers were selling for half the price of S&Ws, Big Blue would have a Big Problem.

That's EXACTLY what I was thinking!

 

[David Sinko]

Many like to berate the AK as cheap junk but it's amazing how nobody in this country can produce a good one. Hammer forged chrome lined barrels and well made parts with proper heat treat are beyond the abilities of domestic manufacturers, at least in regard to doing this at a competitive price. The cheap Russian steel case ammo that sold for $189.99 for 1000 rounds at Cabela's just a few years ago is now pushing $500 and will soon disappear forever. It's just a sign of the times.

 

[stansdds]

Well, your average AK is going for roughly twice what a starter AR costs. If Rugers were selling for half the price of S&Ws, Big Blue would have a Big Problem.

Exactly. AR's are plentiful and many are less expensive than the AK's produced by Kalashnikov USA. Cheap 5.56 ammo is plentiful, but cheap 7.62x39 is usually imported and the Feds can prohibit importation, making 7.62x39 expensive.

 

[CH4]

My kind of place!!

Yep, if that’s all you need for quality of life. Yemen, Somalia and the like don’t have the restaurant choices I prefer.

 

[Echo40]

Let's face it, the AK wasn't popular because it was a sophisticated modern design with exceptional precision, it was popular because it was a dirt cheap yet extremely reliable rifle.
People didn't care that it wasn't up-to-date, easily customized, modified, tuned, or outfitted with all the latest gadgets because it was inexpensive, low maintenance, and effective.

Unfortunately, all of the things that the AK had going for it are no longer valid. The AK is no longer cheap and domestically produced AKs lack the same rugged reliability as those produced by the old Soviet Union or even modern Eastern European examples, so all that leaves us with are its downsides/disadvantages over the more modern AR.

Nowadays, there's just no compelling reason for the average person to purchase an AK over an AR, so it has become a hard sell in the current market.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Theres countries were 2,000$ american can buy you an RPG, 6 rounds for it, 2 mil spec AK47 made in the 1990s, and 2,000 rounds of ammunition.

Where?
Asking for a friend.

 

[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.

 

[ladder13]

AR’s are chambered for 7.62x39

 

[Grayfox]

Echo 40 hit the nail on the head. AKs were popular when they were cheap and plentiful. As well as the 7.62X39 ammo and the SKS. I remember when $300 would buy you an AK and a 1000 round case of ammo. You could get a SKS and the same ammo for $200. Those days are long gone.
Now days just about everybody makes an AR for half the price and 5.56 ammo is cheaper and more plentiful.
Klasnikov has priced themselves out of business. Simple as that.

 

[Puller]

I put AK's and a jet ski in the same category. They are a whole lot of fun for a season and then they sit around taking up room from other stuff I'd rather have.

 

[Drm50]

Go to Sub-Saharan Africa. You can get a good used AK for about $20,about 3 yrs ago they were going for $12 American. Guess What, you can’t eat AKs. The Commies flooded Africa with weapons. Now some areas so hard up they cash them in for food money.

 

[TJm15.38]

My only AK clone, an Arsenal SGL21-61 in 7.62x39 is the first black rifle I bought. These rifles were based on a Saiga "sporting" rifle from Izhmash in Russia. Arsenal imported them and put the proper amount of US-made furniture and parts to make them legal to sell in the country. So the stock and other furniture as well as the supplied 5-round magazine are stamped US. These were quality rifles and considered high-end AK type when I purchased it. Still, it's an AK and shoots 2-3 MOA at best from a bench at 100 yards. Since that time, I acquired and built sever AR style rifles. I find the AR platform much more versatile and accurate. Nevertheless, the Arsenal AK clone is super reliable and fun to shoot. I think they are still in business importing Bulgarian and other European receivers and rifles.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

The government is currently being very schizophrenic on firearms especially so called "Assault Rifles". It may be a good time to sit it out and see what the real end game is.

 

[Echo40]

The government is currently being very schizophrenic on firearms especially so called "Assault Rifles". It may be a good time to sit it out and see what the real end game is.

Provided that you already own a Hawaiian Shirt, at least one Sport Utility Rifle and plenty of ammunition to feed it, of course?