It’s been some time since I have owned an AK. At one time I had a nice collection of Arsenal rifles but I never shot them all that much, so they ended up getting sold off. Over the last couple of weeks I picked up a SLR-105 and a SA M-5, both at VERY good prices. The 105 was almost new and the SA M5 was NIB.
As much as I like AK’s for their history and all the different variants I still don’t think I will shoot them much. I am kind of thinking about letting one of them go and holding on to the other. I like them both and if I do this it would almost have to come down to a coin toss, lol.
Mags and ammo for the 105 are a bit cheaper but the SA M5 eats the same ammo as my AR’s. The ammo compatibility is nice but not a deal breaker for the 105.
So, if you were in my shoes which of the two rifles would you keep and why.
For me it’s a more correct and current AK. I think the SA M7 will sell higher in this market. If the SAM were a 7.62x39 I would have a tougher decision.
Agreed keep the 105 added benifit is surplus ammo is still pretty cheap right now along with it being more correct etc. Also variety is good, however be warned shooting a case of ammo may leave you wanting a larger AK arsenal
Agreed. This is the 3rd 105 that I have had. I think I keep picking them up just because they are neat and it’s a fun round to shoot.
For what I have in the rifle I could buy the stock and hardware (if I can track it all down) and have POH install it and still have much less in the rifle than what KVAR wants for the SGL31-94.
If you’re not short of cash I’s suggest hanging on to both of them. You got them for good prices so why not spend some time deciding which you like best.
Personally I’d keep the 7.62X39 if I had to make a choice. The ammo is cheaper and it’s easier to find parts/mags etc. I would probably end up using the money from the sold rifle to buy ammo for the kept one.
Speaking long-term, I’d rather keep the SA M5. A couple of good reasons for this were already mentioned. Also, cheap 5.45x39 isn’t going to last forever.
I’d put priority on going ahead and picking up proper magazines for it now rather than later.
From what I understand the 105’s are starting to gain some collectors value. Its the last of the lisenced factory AK’s. The SGL’s are moded siaga guns but they are russian.
I had them both out yesterday and the M5 is no longer NIB:). While the 105 is fun to shoot the M5 was just so darn smooth. I only shot it with the flash hider as I forgot to bring the factory brake but it still felt softer than the 105. I guess some of that could be due to it being milled.
I have always respected what Tim has to say and with others that I also respect echoing what he said the M5 will have a permanent home in the safe. I have no plans to sell the 105 but I am sure something new and shiny will catch my eye at some point.
