RAS 47, 3500 Rounds Later - Century Strikes Back

This video from Palmetto State Armory discusses the advantages of 5.56 AK platforms, particularly in light of increasing difficulty in finding 7.62x39 and 5.45x39 ammunition. The presenter highlights models like the AK-102 and AK-101 as viable options for AK enthusiasts who want to continue shooting their platforms.

This guide details how to assess the reliability and functionality of Chinese AK-style rifles, drawing on expert insights from Hickok45. It covers visual inspection, function checks, live-fire testing against various targets, and observation of cycling action. The video debunks the myth that Chinese AKs are junk, highlighting their robust construction and consistent performance, often comparable to more expensive alternatives.

This review of the Pioneer Arms Sporter 5.56 AK details accuracy testing at 100 yards with various ammunition types, revealing significant inconsistencies and flyers. After 715 rounds, internal inspection shows some peening on the bolt and trunnion, with a notable mushrooming issue on one bolt lug. The rifle appears overgassed, indicated by brass marks on the dust cover, though the muzzle brake effectively manages recoil.

This video argues that the AK platform is an outdated and poor choice for new firearm owners in 2026, particularly in the United States. The presenter, Trench Grenade, cites higher ammunition costs for AK calibers (7.62x39mm and 5.45x39mm) compared to 5.56x45mm NATO, limited and often unreliable American AK market options, and significant disadvantages in modularity, accuracy, optics mounting, and suppressor compatibility when compared to the AR-15 platform. The presenter, drawing on personal experience and professional training, concludes that the AR-15 offers a more cost-effective, versatile, and user-friendly platform for most shooters.

This video provides a 1,000-round range review of a Jmacked Out Zastava M85 equipped with a Texas Triggers Diablo FRT. The review details the performance of the FRT, including initial hiccups, failures to extract, and severe malfunctions, alongside accuracy testing during mag dumps and transition drills. The instructor concludes that while the setup is fun for range use, its reliability issues make it impractical for serious self-defense or duty applications.

This video provides an in-depth review of the Zastava M72B1 RPK, a Yugoslavian light machine gun, modified with a Texas Triggers FRT (Forced Reset Trigger) system. The presenter, with apparent expertise in firearms, details the historical context of the M72B1's development as a Yugoslavian alternative to the Soviet RPK, highlighting its distinct features like the bulged trunnion and unique handguard. The review covers the firearm's handling, reliability with over 1,000 rounds fired, and the effectiveness of the FRT system for sustained fire, concluding it's a highly controllable and enjoyable platform for its intended role.

This comprehensive guide, presented by AK Operators Union's Rob Ski, details the field stripping and basic maintenance procedures for the AK47 platform. It covers essential steps from initial inspection and disassembly to cleaning, lubrication, and reassembly, emphasizing common AK quirks and best practices for reliability. Rob Ski, a recognized subject matter expert, provides practical advice for both new and experienced AK owners.

This guide details the field stripping and reassembly process for the SVD Dragunov rifle, as demonstrated by an expert from AK Operators Union. It covers removing the dust cover, recoil spring, bolt carrier group, gas tube, and barrel/receiver assembly. The speaker highlights the quality of original components and the rifle's historical significance.

This guide details two critical field expedient repairs for the AK-47 platform, as demonstrated by Rob Ski of AK Operators Union. It covers using rubber bands to temporarily replace a broken recoil spring and guide rod assembly, and employing a wooden toothpick to retain the firing pin when the retainer pin is lost. These techniques are presented as emergency measures to maintain firearm operability in austere environments.

This video details the results of a 5000-round endurance test on the Palmetto State Armory AR15 Freedom, conducted by Rob Ski of AK Operators Union. The rifle successfully completed the rigorous AKOU endurance test, including the sand tornado test. While accuracy was deemed respectable for a budget platform (2.24 MOA), internal inspections revealed normal wear on components like the cam pin and bolt lugs. The rifle is presented as a solid budget option, with a recommendation to invest in a better barrel for enhanced long-range precision.