Another AK buyer thread... Zastava ZPAP, Arsenal SAM7

[Howdy]

Howdy all,

Looking to jump back into AKs. My only experience was with a RH10 (Cugir built Romy) imported by Century that I sold awhile back. Wasn't a fan of the magwell job, fit, configuration... and did I mention the magwell?

I plan on buying an import and have read nothing but great things about Zastava's newest models. The Arsenal needs no introduction, but specifically eyeing the SAM7SF.

Both models I've seen currently in stock have the triangle side folder which I love. But I also like the traditional fixed stock look. Both seem to be built solid, but is the price premium of the Arsenal ($600-$1000) worth it over the ZPAP M70?

Hopefully those of you who have owned one or the other can chime in with your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[Howdy]

Just going to add- I've been through the AK buyers guide off reddit and spent hours and hours on KFiles/Arfcom forums and youtube so I know the basics.
Really want to hear some firsthand experiences!

 

[Cstokes91]

I've been around both, sam7sf is the clear winner imo. It's the best AK you can get in 7.62 and it's in stock right now at kvar so I'd definitely pull the trigger on that.

 

[polebarn]

Be aware that the length of pull on the SF is longer than even a NATO fixed stock; longer still for the intermediate on the SAM7R; and the difference between a Warsaw is even greater. The hinge “box” on the SF is at the end of the receiver rather than in it on say a stamped 107FR.

 

[Howdy]

LOP and weight have been the biggest hangups I've had on the Arsenal. That extended trunnion for the milled receiver plus the funky metal stock almost look out of place.
Really great replies so far guys

 

[Howdy]

I've been around both, sam7sf is the clear winner imo. It's the best AK you can get in 7.62 and it's in stock right now at kvar so I'd definitely pull the trigger on that.

Good to hear this, you just never know how legit the online gun reviewers are. I've had the KVAR one in my cart for about 24 hours now lol

 

[Cstokes91]

LOP and weight have been the biggest hangups I've had on the Arsenal. That extended trunnion for the milled receiver plus the funky metal stock almost look out of place.
Really great replies so far guys

Im 6'2 but have never had issues with LOP. I do prefer warsaw length but the stock never bothered me with the sam7sf.

I find the weight exceptionally balanced on the sam7sf. I had an m90np with a bulged trunnion which should be somewhat similar to the zpap and it felt just as heavy if not more.

I don't think you will be disappointed with any rifle though. Just be ready to get a yugo proprietary rare which are unicorns right now if you plan on optics (RS regulate is the way to go). Also yugo proprietary furniture.

Keep in mind the sam7sf is also proprietary in that it takes milled furniture only and the stock is basically the stock you will have unless you want to bubba it (please no). The benefits of the sam7sf is an ambi safety which is sweet, 100 series brake (zig zag and egg beaters look great), and a great folder than does not get in the way of your optics / optics rail.

I just can't say enough good things about the sam7sf and most of the AK enthusiasts I talk to all agree sam7sf is the way to go.

Here is a few pics to help you decide - first pic sam7sf and sam5sf, second pic yugo m90np with m76 stock and tabuk brake, third is sam7sf again.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[polebarn]

I agree; I prefer the LOP on the SAM7SF but the intermediate on the SAM7R is good too. I like both; weight won’t bother you.
Just remember all Xiden has to do is get out his pen and imported Arsenals are no more.

 

[Cstokes91]

I agree; I prefer the LOP on the SAM7SF but the intermediate on the SAM7R is good too. I like both; weight won’t bother you.
Just remember all Xiden has to do is get out his pen and imported Arsenals are no more.

That's the truth. I think zastava might also suffer the same fate though

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[Realtor]

My Favorite..

WBP Fox-AK47 Rifle Classic - AtlanticFirearms.com

Atlantic Firearms works with WBP Poland to Import high quality AK 47 rifles and pistols like the Mini Jack AK47 Pistol & WBP FOX AK47 Rifles.

atlanticfirearms.com

 

[polebarn]

The Fox is appealing. I would like a stamped gun just because.

 

[Cstokes91]

Word of caution on the wbp foxes, I've been hearing some rust issues and sloppy work from a few guys who got them. They're also built in a commercial factory and are not a military focused rifle... That alone is enough for me to pass, just my opinion though.

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[Realtor]

Word of caution on the wbp foxes, I've been hearing some rust issues and sloppy work from a few guys who got them. They're also built in a commercial factory and are not a military focused rifle... That alone is enough for me to pass, just my opinion though.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

Mine is fine and it's still my Favorite. Best shooting AK I've had.

 

[Cstokes91]

Mine is fine and it's still my Favorite. Best shooting AK I've had.

I'd definitely put them above most romanian rifles and for sure above the US garbage (IO, Century, PSA). I'm still holding hope for the kusa 103 to be good but they haven't really been putting any out.

It's still hard for me to recommend a stamped commercially built rifle for 1150 versus the zastava for less with a bulged trunnion or the milled, feature rich sam7sf for 1800.

Still much better than the 900-1000 dollar wasrs. AKs are really more of a collector piece now anyways. For anyone's primary rifle a BCM build for 1250 will serve you much better.

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[Howdy]

My Favorite..

WBP Fox-AK47 Rifle Classic - AtlanticFirearms.com

Atlantic Firearms works with WBP Poland to Import high quality AK 47 rifles and pistols like the Mini Jack AK47 Pistol & WBP FOX AK47 Rifles.

atlanticfirearms.com

Atlantic had a restock of the Fox today and they were gone in about 10 min... I've heard good things but I agree with @Cstokes91 the price differential lends itself to more mil focused platforms versus civ.

Just remember all Xiden has to do is get out his pen and imported Arsenals are no more.

The import ban rumors floating around are what inspired this. Even without that, I've always thought the AK platform was just cool. Zastava setting up a US arm and acting as their own importer helps their prospects, and I know Arsenal has manufacturing capabilities in Vegas. Neither option is as good as a Euro gun though.

@Cstokes91 great post, I'm drooling over those pics! Whichever I get, the stock will stay. Both the Yugo's and Arsenals are proprietary setups, but it'll stay mostly factory. I like the function of the right folding Arsenal better. The Yugo setup folds left and has to be removed for install of the optics mount. I'll throw up pics of its setup shortly.
My primary rifles are a Colt 6940 and a BCM middy... this is just my new rabbit hole.

I'd love the WASR for the AKM pattern, but at ~$1000 there's no reason to get it over a ZPAP.

Great stuff in this thread

 

[Howdy]

here’s the Yugo folder setup.
My wife said she likes the fixed wood stock better... but whatever

I was hoping someone would sell me on the ZPAP but this thread might cost me some $$$

 

[Cstokes91]

Not a big fan of the folder on the zastava. It was an afterthought from circle 10 and didn't leave the factory like that iirc. Just an aftermarket adapter.

Call me a purist but I like setups that were built that way from the factory.

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[Howdy]

Funny you mention that. I was just on Circle 10’s website and thought “Huh, that looks just like the folder setup”.
On the bright side it should be easily swapped with a fixed stock. But don’t think it commands the $250 price premium over the fixed stock models

 

[5lima30ret]

I am fairly new to the AK game but I have a Zastava M-85 (5.56 takes AR mags) and a Yugo M-70 AB2 7.62 x 39 (NODAK Spud). Both shoot great and boringly reliable! I will say the workmanship on the Zastava is outstanding! The Yugo is well put together but not finished as nicely. FWIW, the aftermarket for the Yugo furniture is more limited than some of the other models. Mine are pretty much bone stock so not a big deal for me. I find the history aspect of the AK's particularly from the Eastern European countries very fascinating!

 

[polebarn]

The import ban rumors floating around are what inspired this. Even without that, I've always thought the AK platform was just cool. Zastava setting up a US arm and acting as their own importer helps their prospects, and I know Arsenal has manufacturing capabilities in Vegas. Neither option is as good as a Euro gun though.



Great stuff in this thread

Just remember that a Xiden import ban might also include ammo;just hitting Russia with ammo sanctions would tremendously disrupt steel case 7.62x39 supplies.
That $1800 Arsenal is a club without ammo. Of course if you have $1800 for the gun you probably can afford brass case ammo.