AlwaysVigilant
Marksman
I'm no rifle expert. Just an average joe with some trigger time in on lots of different platforms. My experience is limited mostly to basic form and function, ease of use, quality and other non-tactical stuff. That said I have some pretty decisive opinions on what I have noticed and what works for me. Instead of comparing and contrasting too much, I figured it was about time someone did this.
The 556 Russian (yes that is what the designator "R" stands for)
Its good, and as far as AK styled rifles go...the best I've found. Does it matter? Well, that depends on you and your opinion of the advantages/differences with what you've got now. It's not a game changer IMHO, because it isn't an AK. It does share a similar gas piston system (and its well designed), magazines and mag release style, the 7.62x39 round, and a side charging handle on the right side. Everything else is different, a lot different, and in most cases better...but not all.
The not so great:
-No bolt hold open...no big deal if you're an AK guy.
-The charging handle could be a little taller for us bigger handed folks, and the rubber dip over it isn't the best solution to cover it IMHO.
-Everyone knows about the magazines. Magpul's new stuff may remedy that, but the jury is still out. For some this isn't a big deal. But if you have a small fortune invested in US Palm or Circle 10, you are going to have to lay out some more coin or put the dremel to $40 magazines. Bummer...at least to me. That said, I have come to like the metal ones, so I don't care anymore.
-The mag release lever. This is a preference thing, but it should be noted. The 556R's lever is recessed (read less protrusion) and has a different pivot point, requiring more mechanical leverage to release. Why does that matter? Its harder to use with gloves, and the mag-slap ejection method for reloads is more challenging to master (if you are into such things...I'm not). I don't know if the pictures do it justice, but it is noticeable. It is very strong and protected however.
AK
556R
-The safety. It is an M4 style, which is nice, and its ambi. However its position on the rifle makes it somewhat awkward to manipulate with thumb only...it is the height and angle. I have to use my trigger finger to put it back on safe. It is also much more difficult with gloves, and I cannot take it off in a full firing grip. This will likely vary with peoples digit design. I just figured I would put it out there.
-Iron sights...the back up that comes integrated into the rail is stupid, and a waste of manufacturing time and money. The idea was neat, and horribly executed. More so coupled with the fact that it doesn't come with a front sight...why bother? On the classic, it is a dovetail mount built into the front gas block regulator...so it limits your options. None of them are inexpensive. Not a deal killer, but it could have been better...like just machining in a short rail section there instead.
-The hand guards are "sloppy" in their fit. Well they aren't movement free anyway. I don't think this matters much either. They are nice regardless, feel natural, and I make more noise walking with gear on than they will ever make.
-Some find a little slop in the fit of the upper and lower receiver...and there are things marketed to take it away and make the rifle more accurate...OK, whatever. It isn't within my realm of skill to care, and it is more accurate than any AK I've ever fired.
That's about all I have on the "negatives"...most of which are not a big deal to someone used to dealing with AK's.
Everything else is really well done. The action is adept at managing the bolt thump and recoil. Its relatively lightweight. The folding stock is excellent. The trigger is excellent and adjustable. The QC is top notch. It is very accurate. It will feed everything. It is optic ready. The flash hider is excellent and robust. It is easy to clean. Operates just like an AK, sans the safety, and has built in sling mounts. There are even spots in the stock for QD connections. The grip is good and has storage.
Factory support and warranty service. Spare parts you don't have to buy off joe-bob gun show or gunbroker, and more options in the pipe for versatility.
You get all that without a 2 year wait from a builder, for 50-100% less money. Any way you cut it, it is the king of the AK's (if you count a non-AK among them). I love this thing, and in spite of its SBR length short comings, its a keeper and my go-to rifle now that I have taken a class with it.
It'll never be an erector set or uber light like an M4, but if you like the 7.62x39 its damn sweet.
The 556 Russian (yes that is what the designator "R" stands for)
Its good, and as far as AK styled rifles go...the best I've found. Does it matter? Well, that depends on you and your opinion of the advantages/differences with what you've got now. It's not a game changer IMHO, because it isn't an AK. It does share a similar gas piston system (and its well designed), magazines and mag release style, the 7.62x39 round, and a side charging handle on the right side. Everything else is different, a lot different, and in most cases better...but not all.
The not so great:
-No bolt hold open...no big deal if you're an AK guy.
-The charging handle could be a little taller for us bigger handed folks, and the rubber dip over it isn't the best solution to cover it IMHO.
-Everyone knows about the magazines. Magpul's new stuff may remedy that, but the jury is still out. For some this isn't a big deal. But if you have a small fortune invested in US Palm or Circle 10, you are going to have to lay out some more coin or put the dremel to $40 magazines. Bummer...at least to me. That said, I have come to like the metal ones, so I don't care anymore.
-The mag release lever. This is a preference thing, but it should be noted. The 556R's lever is recessed (read less protrusion) and has a different pivot point, requiring more mechanical leverage to release. Why does that matter? Its harder to use with gloves, and the mag-slap ejection method for reloads is more challenging to master (if you are into such things...I'm not). I don't know if the pictures do it justice, but it is noticeable. It is very strong and protected however.
AK
556R
-The safety. It is an M4 style, which is nice, and its ambi. However its position on the rifle makes it somewhat awkward to manipulate with thumb only...it is the height and angle. I have to use my trigger finger to put it back on safe. It is also much more difficult with gloves, and I cannot take it off in a full firing grip. This will likely vary with peoples digit design. I just figured I would put it out there.
-Iron sights...the back up that comes integrated into the rail is stupid, and a waste of manufacturing time and money. The idea was neat, and horribly executed. More so coupled with the fact that it doesn't come with a front sight...why bother? On the classic, it is a dovetail mount built into the front gas block regulator...so it limits your options. None of them are inexpensive. Not a deal killer, but it could have been better...like just machining in a short rail section there instead.
-The hand guards are "sloppy" in their fit. Well they aren't movement free anyway. I don't think this matters much either. They are nice regardless, feel natural, and I make more noise walking with gear on than they will ever make.
-Some find a little slop in the fit of the upper and lower receiver...and there are things marketed to take it away and make the rifle more accurate...OK, whatever. It isn't within my realm of skill to care, and it is more accurate than any AK I've ever fired.
That's about all I have on the "negatives"...most of which are not a big deal to someone used to dealing with AK's.
Everything else is really well done. The action is adept at managing the bolt thump and recoil. Its relatively lightweight. The folding stock is excellent. The trigger is excellent and adjustable. The QC is top notch. It is very accurate. It will feed everything. It is optic ready. The flash hider is excellent and robust. It is easy to clean. Operates just like an AK, sans the safety, and has built in sling mounts. There are even spots in the stock for QD connections. The grip is good and has storage.
Factory support and warranty service. Spare parts you don't have to buy off joe-bob gun show or gunbroker, and more options in the pipe for versatility.
You get all that without a 2 year wait from a builder, for 50-100% less money. Any way you cut it, it is the king of the AK's (if you count a non-AK among them). I love this thing, and in spite of its SBR length short comings, its a keeper and my go-to rifle now that I have taken a class with it.
It'll never be an erector set or uber light like an M4, but if you like the 7.62x39 its damn sweet.
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