State of the AK Union with Rob Ski(AKOU) and Chase (Definitive Arms)

Published on December 20, 2017
Duration: 76:35

This discussion between Rob Ski (AKOU) and Chase (Definitive Arms) delves into the state of the AK market, heavily impacted by Russian import sanctions. They analyze the scarcity and rising prices of Russian and Chinese AKs, the decline in quality of some new production AKs, and the challenges of domestic AK manufacturing. The conversation highlights the complexities of parts sourcing, manufacturing costs, and the consumer's willingness to pay for quality.

Quick Summary

The AK market is heavily impacted by Russian import sanctions, driving up prices and reducing availability. While domestic production is costly and new imports face quality concerns, the future of affordable, high-quality AKs remains uncertain due to geopolitical factors and diminishing parts kit supplies.

Chapters

  1. 02:33Introduction and Welcome
  2. 03:03State of the AK Market Overview
  3. 03:08Impact of Russian Sanctions on Imports
  4. 04:01Sanctions Removal Conditions
  5. 05:34Theories on Circumventing Sanctions
  6. 06:06SVD Ban and Treaty Implications
  7. 07:19SVD vs. PSL vs. M86 Accuracy Comparison
  8. 08:19Chinese AK Ban and Market Impact
  9. 09:22Chinese AK Quality in Europe
  10. 10:53Where Does This Leave US Consumers?
  11. 11:04Bulgarian AKs and Pricing
  12. 11:15Concerns with KVAR and Import Limitations
  13. 11:38Export Limitations on SLR 107 FR and 104 FR
  14. 12:36Climbing Prices for AKs
  15. 13:13AK vs. AR Market Price Comparison
  16. 14:50Misconceptions About AK Manufacturing
  17. 16:32Definitive Arms Romanian Parts Kit Builds
  18. 17:07Complexity of AK vs. AR Manufacturing
  19. 18:13Importance of Rivets and Materials in AKs
  20. 19:29Price Point for 7.62x39mm AKs
  21. 19:53Cost of 100% US-Made AKs
  22. 21:04Production Costs in Romania, Bulgaria, Russia
  23. 22:05Limitations of 7.62x39mm Cartridge
  24. 22:375.45x39mm Cartridge Popularity Decline
  25. 23:01ATF Ruling on 5.45x39mm Handgun Ammunition
  26. 23:57Original AK-Alpha Project
  27. 25:22Polish Parts Kits from WBP
  28. 27:17US Receiver Companies and Parts Kits
  29. 27:34Century Arms C39 and RAS47 Issues
  30. 31:03Grudge Against Century Arms Marketing
  31. 32:04DDI and PSA's Role in US AK Manufacturing
  32. 33:36Grim Outlook for the AK Market
  33. 34:05Sharps Brother Receivers and Meridian Defense
  34. 35:03Historical AK Pricing vs. Current Market
  35. 35:35Drying Up of Parts Kits Globally
  36. 36:00Pricing Wars for Parts Kits
  37. 37:04Loss of Parts Kits to Other Markets
  38. 38:11Challenges of Importing Parts Kits to the US
  39. 40:07Hope for Access to Russian Parts Kits
  40. 41:48Definitive Arms Romanian Kit Builds Under $1000
  41. 45:03Copper Customs and Definitive Arms Collaboration
  42. 47:22IWI Galil ACE - Modernized AK Platform
  43. 51:17Outlook for Shot Show 2018
  44. 51:27Kalashnikov USA - Production Status
  45. 54:51Opinion on Vepr RPK Receivers
  46. 57:14Favorite AK Builds: AK-Alpha and Polish Kits
  47. 58:02Favorite AK Build: PMAG AKM (6.5 Creedmoor Concept)
  48. 59:23Magpul Zhukov Stock Cold Weather Failure Incident
  49. 62:02Activism and Grassroots Gun Rights Fight
  50. 63:08Gun Company Ethics: Springfield Armory Criticism
  51. 64:465.56 AK Popularity and Market Viability
  52. 68:50Honor Guard Pistol Drop-Fire Incident
  53. 70:0121st Century Handgun Design Responsibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Russian AK imports banned?

Russian AK imports are banned due to US sanctions imposed following Russia's actions in Ukraine and Crimea. The conditions for lifting these sanctions are tied to Russia's withdrawal from these territories, which is considered highly unlikely.

What is the current state of Chinese AK imports?

Chinese AK imports are banned due to sanctions related to concerns about their distribution to gangs. This has made them rare and expensive collector's items, with new production models in Europe reportedly suffering from declining quality.

Why are US-made AKs more expensive than imported ones?

Producing AKs entirely in the US is more expensive because the manufacturing costs were amortized over decades for military production in countries like Russia and Romania. US manufacturers face higher tooling-up and production expenses.

What are the main challenges facing the AK market in the US?

The AK market faces challenges from import sanctions on Russian and Chinese firearms, rising prices for available parts kits, declining quality in some new production models, and the high cost of domestic manufacturing. The diminishing availability of parts kits globally also drives up prices.

Are 5.56 AKs viable and popular?

There is a market for 5.56 AKs due to the popularity of the 5.56x45mm cartridge in the US. While some imported 5.56 AKs have had issues, the cartridge is capable. However, availability, magazine compatibility, and the cost of quality examples remain significant hurdles.

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