AK SLR 107-31 or Sam7 UF-85?

[guyfromohio]

I've posted a few questions as I look for a new AK. I've narrowed it to 2. This will be my only semi-auto rifle. I'll use it for a range gun, defense, and just simply because I want one. I'm looking for a top notch AK... One that I won't worry about canted sights, loose mags, jams, etc.... Since it's my only semi-auto, I want something that I can depend on. My FFL has a Sam7 85 under folder for $1250 OTD or an SLR 107 (side folder) for $1000 OTD. Which would you go with? One stamped, one milled. Both Bulgarian. Both Arsenal. I'm leaning towards the Sam7. Thoughts THR?

 

[zb338]

If you're looking for a range gun then you are barking up the
wrong tree. There are a lot more accurate guns out there than
an AK-47.

Zeke

 

[guyfromohio]

Zeke...range meaning "plinking". I have no interest in another bolt, AR, or M1 type. Knowing that accuracy is limited, I'm searching for the tallest midget in the class.

 

[briansmithwins]

The under folders look cool but they all get loose and suck to actually shoot with.

The side folders lock up as tight as a fixed stock and the plastic isn't as miserable when it's cold or hot.

BSW

 

[Inebriated]

I don't care for underfolders. I have an N-PAP DF and have shot tons of others... They work fine, but they're really best when they're tucked away somewhere and shot when needed.

The 107-31 would get my pick without any hesitation.

 

[Jackal]

Side folder for sure.

 

[Telekinesis]

I have had an underfolder and it wasn't really fun to shoot once you got past the "this gun looks cool" phase. They look great but the rails get uncomfortable quickly, and they do begin to wobble no matter how careful you are.

I currently own a SLR 107 so I may be a little biased, but I love the gun. The stock locks up tight and really feels like a fixed stock. No wobble at all. Mags lock up solidly and the trigger is one of the better AK triggers I've used. The stock muzzle brake actually works well too. The SLR 107 is my dedicated defensive rifle, and is honestly my favorite rifle to shoot (which is saying something because it is sitting next to a suppressed SBR in .300 Blk). I would recommend the SLR 107 hands down.

Also, with that price difference you could buy quite a few mags and/or stock up on a good bit of ammo.

 

[dvdcrr]

Like my SLR107. If I was getting milled it would not be a UF for my uses.

 

[Jackal]

Why limit yourself to only what your dealer has? If your spending $1k+ on an AK, order exactly what you want online and have it transferred.

 

[rbernie]

The under folders look cool but they all get loose and suck to actually shoot with.

The side folders lock up as tight as a fixed stock and the plastic isn't as miserable when it's cold or hot.

I have had an underfolder and it wasn't really fun to shoot once you got past the "this gun looks cool" phase. They look great but the rails get uncomfortable quickly, and they do begin to wobble no matter how careful you are.

Word.

 

[guyfromohio]

Would the higher-end under folders be as prone to loosening up? Perhaps the stamped gun is the way to go then.

 

[Telekinesis]

Would the higher-end under folders be as prone to loosening up?

Yep, it's due to the mechanism's design. While an Arsenal underfolder may start a bit tighter than a low budget underfolder it will still loosen over time.

 

[briansmithwins]

Would the higher-end under folders be as prone to loosening up? Perhaps the stamped gun is the way to go then

The Sov copied the worst part of the MP38/40 design when they came up with the under folder stock.

BSW

 

[Rob G]

SLR 107 all the way. You won't regret saving $250 and the side folding stock is infinitely superior to the under folder. There's a reason the Russian military doesn't use UFs anymore.

 

[justice06rr]

If you're looking for a range gun then you are barking up the
wrong tree. There are a lot more accurate guns out there than
an AK-47.

Zeke

You'd be surprised how accurate some of the top-end AK's can be. Ammo selection and shooter ability can be a factor when it comes to this.

Arsenal makes fantastic AK's. I agree on getting the SLR107 sidefolder over the UF.

 

[shep854]

Check YouTube; there are bunches of video reviews of just about every AK make out there.

Personally, I was looking for a budget AK, and picked up a WASR for a little over $600. It's right, tight* and almost dead on from the box: at 100yd, about 1/2 front sight post to the right, and I was ringing steel plates regularly. It was made in 2013 (the last two digits in the s/n).

*'Mag wobble' is about the same as any other mag-fed rifle I've shot--just loose enough to ensure easy loading/unloading, with both plastic and steel magazines.

 

[guyfromohio]

Expecting to take everyone's advice, I walked in to buy the SLR which had unfortunately sold over the weekend. Ended up with the SAM7 UF. Haven't shot it yet, but it is as solid as a rock. Very pleased with the fit and finish.

 

[Fishbed77]

If you're looking for a range gun then you are barking up the
wrong tree. There are a lot more accurate guns out there than
an AK-47.

Zeke

There are a lot less accurate as well. I have no problem holding 2.5 MOA groups with my 7.62x39mm Saiga. Perfectly good for fun on the range.

Back to the OP's question, I'd choose the SLR-107 because of the side-folding polymer stock, which, IMHO is vastly superior to an underfolding stock in just about every way. Also, the lighter weight of the stamped receiver makes for a handier defensive rifle.

EDIT: Nevermind - I just saw the OP bought the SAM-7. Still a great choice in an AK - just not my preference.