So a month or so ago I order in a new Arsenal SGL-31 from K-Var, and it has no cleaning kit.
From what I have read on this forum, this is not uncommon. I don’t understand why they can’t ship the guns with the cleaning kit that comes with them, but I digress.
Anyway, I place an order for a cleaning kit, 3 mags and a couple slings (one for the SGL and one for my WASR 10 under-folder) just so I can get up to speed on what I consider a fully setup rifle. Order comes in, I unwrap the cleaning kit (yes it’s a cleaning kit for a 5.45) and insert into spring loaded compartment in the base of the stock … and it gets stuck.:rolleyes: Stuck to the point to where I have to remove the buttplate to get it out.
Am I doing something wrong?
I thought the cleaning kits were supposed to slide in and out rather freely.
Correct cleaning kit at KVAR is the AK-321R for 5.45x39. With the AK I have always inserted the cleaning kit in the buttstock with the cap end in last. Never tried it the other way since I figured the cap could unloosen and get hung up deep inside. I have the SGL 31 and it’s a great shooter. One of the best AKs on the market, despite the black paint finish.
Looking at my packing slip, the part number I ordered was the AK-321R. So it looks like I ordered the right one, and I did insert it cap end out. The problem being, is when I pushed it in far enough to clear the spring loaded door, it got stuck and didn’t want to come back out.
I’ll try it again, but i’ll have my trusty screwdriver waiting by the side. What a PITA!!
On a lighter note, you’re right. It is a sweet shooter and a very well put together rifle. I doubt i’ll abuse it enough to knock the paint off LOL, but I have the WASR 10 to throw around and beat on if I feel the need for a torture test.
If you get your 922r parts count right, there are a good number of Russian polymer buttstocks out there to replace that US Made KVAR plastic one. They show up on Gunbroker all the time. The real deal Russian would probably work better.
I’ll keep that in mind and you’re probably right. Something’s got to give, because as of now, my new cleaning kit is nothing more than something else to pitch in a drawer. :mad:
On my specimen, the cleaning kit did get stuck, until I modified some things in the stock. I slightly stretched the spring, radiused the butplate cleaning kit opening on the inside, and placed a dab of grease on the area of the stock that contacts the cleaning kit.
Stripping the accessories out and reselling for additional profit… not surprising :rolleyes:. What a concept. Let’s suck as much money out of our customers as we can. They’re stupid and will never know the difference. Gotta love it.
I guess modifications to the buttstock are in order to make the cleaning kit work. Oh well, just another project to add to the growing pile.
Maybe i’m getting OCD in my old age. I just wanted the cleaning kit that comes with the rifle to fit in the little area designated as it’s home. LOL!!
I know it isn’t a whole lot of money (maybe 9 bucks), but I hate ordering things in that won’t work like they’re supposed too. It’s a little irritating.
I had the exact same issue with my SGL-21 and Arsenal cleaning kit from midwayusa.
I removed the butt plate and sling swivel and cleaned things up on the inside of the stock with sand paper. No power tools, just elbow grease. The cleaning kit inserts and removes just fine now. The US made butt stock looks great on the outside, but a little rough to me on the inside.
I had the same problem with the SGL 31 that I ordered from K-VAR a few months ago. The cleaning kit kept getting stuck so I had to take the butt plate off, take the spring out, and modify the inside. I took a long flat head screw driver and kept shaving down the inside part of the lightening cuts until the kit fit. It took me a few times of shaving, putting the butt plate on and inserting the kit until I got it to pop out every time without a problem. Another issue that I had was that the od green butt stock had some cosmetic defects. No big deal cause I have dinged it up a bit, but it kind of sucks to pay $800 plus for a rifle and it have crappy furniture right out of the box. It sounds like it’s not just me with this issue.
FWIW, after doing a a little fitting on my SGL-21, I noticed that the K-var cleaning kit would only fit in when turned with a certain side up. Then I noticed that the kit itself had a malformed bump in it for lack of another word.
So what’s $9 when you spent $800 on the SGL-21? So I order another from midwayusa and it is perfectly round and works fine at any rotation in the rifle.
