DTtuner 21 Posted March 5, 2013 So I recently purchased a NIB Arsenal SGL26-61, in 7.62x39. It took alot of negotiation, but I got a decent price, considering the current climate. Not quite "normal" prices, but not ridiculous either. So this past weekend I took a trip to Sunset Hill Shooting Range in PA. This place is pretty neat, although expensive. They have a large array of semi-auto rifles, and pistols to shoot. They charge a good amount (example: $8 for 5 shots). Anyway, it gave me the chance to actually shoot a 7.62x39 AK variant. Well, I hated it. I found the harshness of the non-buffered recoil to be no fun at all. The damn thing made my jaw rattle. It made me realize how basic, and technically unsophisticated the platform is. I respect the power, and reliability of the AK platform, but let's be honest... I'm now a weekend bench shooter. I know, I know... cry baby. Maybe I'm just too used to the AR platform. So, now my dilemma is do I keep the Arsenal in my collection, or sell it now when these rifles are hot? Opinions? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedBowTies88 41 Posted March 5, 2013 I've shot x39 ak's and i've never felt they act the way your describing... Perhaps you need more time to get used to the rifle and your stance Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lunker 274 Posted March 5, 2013 Sell it while it's hot. Use the proceeds and get yourself a new upper for your AR (maybe even in 7.62x39) and some ammo. You may have gotten a good price, but you are still bought on the upswing. There are a lot of us in New Jersey and elsewhere waiting to scoop up good shit when AWB fails in Congress and prices start dropping fast. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
balkan 0 Posted March 5, 2013 if you don't like it sell it, unless you're worried about zombies or SHTF... then you'll need it plenty of other stuff out there to shoot... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DTtuner 21 Posted March 5, 2013 I've shot x39 ak's and i've never felt they act the way your describing... Perhaps you need more time to get used to the rifle and your stance Perhaps. Maybe my cheek weld is too deep? It felt almost as harsh as my Mossberg 12ga shotty...! What sucks even more is I'm having Paul from A-n-A modify it to be NJ legal (chop bayonet lug). So, I've effectively reduced my market to NJ only Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedBowTies88 41 Posted March 5, 2013 Something is definitely wrong if it felt like a 12ga. Are you holding the stock tight to your shoulder? Your cheek weld should be deep... on mine my nose is damn near touching the rear of the reciever. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CageFighter 236 Posted March 5, 2013 i hear ya. i have (2) unconverted Saigas i may unload. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dwh112 0 Posted March 5, 2013 i hear ya. i have (2) unconverted Saigas i may unload. Prices? if you decide to sell Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pjd832 146 Posted March 5, 2013 i hear ya. i have (2) unconverted Saigas i may unload. What calibers? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DTtuner 21 Posted March 5, 2013 Something is definitely wrong if it felt like a 12ga. Are you holding the stock tight to your shoulder? Your cheek weld should be deep... on mine my nose is damn near touching the rear of the reciever. Stock tight to shoulder. Push/Pull method. Nose hovering milimeters from receiver. leaning forward into rifle. Same technique I was taught. I didn't take notice, but perhaps the ak-variant I shot had no muzzle break? Or, the slat break? I know those two scenarios increase perceived recoil. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
O-gre 7 Posted March 5, 2013 I fired my Arsenal and my AR back to back and it was nothing like you described. The AK platform does feel less technical but not harsh. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jsko 0 Posted March 5, 2013 I've shot x39 ak's and i've never felt they act the way your describing... Perhaps you need more time to get used to the rifle and your stance Can't say I have either. I love my SGL21. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted March 6, 2013 I would not keep it.. I am totally over AK variants.. I love them... but AR is just far superior (to me) get another AR upper as others recommended.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisJM981 924 Posted March 6, 2013 Sell it and get a Saiga in 5.45 or 5.56 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
acuevo 0 Posted March 6, 2013 put some rounds through yours before you make a decision. i'm still new to guns and haven't shot a lot of rifles yet, but i was a little surprised by the amount of recoil on my MAK-90. no brake or compensator on it. only thing is that i LOVED it lol. still, it didn't feel like a 12 gauge to me... try yours before you decide. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted March 6, 2013 I would not sell it based on recoil.. I shoot a Saiga 12.. that has recoil.. I would sell it because you could put together another cool AR upper for the same amount of money.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DTtuner 21 Posted March 6, 2013 I would not keep it.. I am totally over AK variants.. I love them... but AR is just far superior (to me) get another AR upper as others recommended.. I have plenty. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DTtuner 21 Posted March 6, 2013 I've been reading about a recoil buffer upgrade for the AK. Example: http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/stock-forend-parts/recoil-parts/recoil-buffers/ak-47-recoil-buffer-prod32493.aspx Does this have a considerable effect on AK 7.62 recoil? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted March 6, 2013 pics of this bad boy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DTtuner 21 Posted March 6, 2013 pics of this bad boy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
almiz111 26 Posted March 6, 2013 OMG It does not have the slanted gas port or whatever the hell you call it. Disgusting. LOL. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
acuevo 0 Posted March 6, 2013 OMG It does not have the slanted gas port or whatever the hell you call it. Disgusting. LOL. LMAO now THATS funny Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted March 6, 2013 I've been reading about a recoil buffer upgrade for the AK. Example: http://www.brownells...-prod32493.aspx Does this have a considerable effect on AK 7.62 recoil? I have heard of people having reliability issues with that piece in place.. with that said the gun really should have minimal recoil.. if you have plenty of ARs I assume you are just used to that system... 7.62x39 should be pretty manageable.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
superbee 2 Posted March 9, 2013 Never ever run a buffer in a AK...They werent designed to use them! Make the decision to sell based on what YOU want, not other forum members...... If your looking for a MOA gun, then its a no brainer...Grab the AR... If you need a weapon to function at all costs with ammo of sketchy quality, grab your AK... Dont let the AK haters sway your decision to own such a great weapon! Plus you have a SGL which is one of the best you can buy... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
junkmanted 54 Posted March 10, 2013 buffer is a waist of time. sell it and get a PSL kidding ! Go shoot it again , I find it hard to believe the recoil was like a 12 g Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EWC88 24 Posted March 20, 2013 I'll take it lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sivl32 27 Posted March 20, 2013 Oh I LOVE shooting my Saiga 7.62 probably my funnest gun to shoot. I love the recoil from it. reminds me im actually shooting something.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites