Beating the Russian Ammo Ban with a 5.56 AK

Published on October 19, 2021
Duration: 14:56

Brandon Herrera, a recognized firearm expert and manufacturer, provides an in-depth look at the Arsenal SAM5 rifle. He details its features, including the milled receiver and 5.56x45mm chambering, and demonstrates a field strip. The video also covers the critical differences between milled and stamped AK receivers, offering visual cues for identification and discussing the impact of the Russian ammo ban on the US market.

Quick Summary

The Arsenal SAM5, chambered in 5.56x45mm, offers reduced recoil and quick target re-acquisition due to its robust milled receiver. Visually, milled receivers have a rectangular 'lightning cut,' while stamped receivers feature a 'dimple' above the magazine well. This shift to 5.56 AKs is driven by the Russian ammo ban impacting 7.62x39mm availability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Context
  2. 01:53Arsenal SAM5 Overview
  3. 04:48Field Stripping and Internals
  4. 05:35Milled vs. Stamped Receivers
  5. 08:57Recoil and Shooting Performance
  6. 10:47Visual Identification Marks
  7. 11:40Custom Modifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are 5.56x45mm AK platforms like the Arsenal SAM5 becoming more popular in the US?

The popularity surge is largely due to the Russian ammunition import ban. This ban has made traditional 7.62x39mm Russian ammunition scarce, driving demand for AK variants chambered in more readily available calibers like 5.56x45mm/.223 Rem.

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