Who Makes The Best AK?

Hickok45 provides an in-depth look at his personal AK-style rifle collection, showcasing several distinct models. He highlights the Arsenal SGL-20 as a rifle he'd never sell, a Chinese AKS converted to select-fire, and an Arsenal SAM7 SF with a milled receiver. The video also features multiple Polytech AKS-762 variants, including the rare 'Spiker' with a folding bayonet and a factory side-folder. This review demonstrates deep knowledge of AK variants and their historical significance.

This video showcases the Arsenal SAM7SF rifle in 7.62x39mm. The demonstration includes placing the rifle on a wooden surface and preparing it for shooting using a Crosstac shooting bag. Multiple rounds are fired at a steel target from a supported position at an outdoor range, illustrating the rifle's performance.

Hickok45 selects the Arsenal SAM7SF as his ultimate AK-47 variant, prioritizing its milled receiver, comfortable NATO-length folding stock, and consistent performance. He eliminates other high-quality AKs, including a select-fire Chinese AKS and a PolyTech Spiker, based on practicality, ergonomics, and personal preference for the 7.62x39mm caliber. The review highlights the distinct characteristics of Russian, Bulgarian, and Chinese AK platforms.

The Arsenal SAM7SF series represents top-tier production AKs, featuring hot-die hammer-forged receivers from Bulgaria and Steyr-hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrels. The SAM7SF is a standard rifle with a 16.3-inch barrel and a right-side folding stock, while the SAM7SFK is a factory SBR with an 8.5-inch barrel. Both models offer high mechanical accuracy, with the standard rifle achieving 2.5-inch groups at 100 yards.

The Arsenal SAM7SF is a Bulgarian-made 7.62x39mm AK variant featuring a forged and milled receiver and a cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel using Steyr technology. It boasts a right-side folding stock and an ambidextrous safety lever. Accuracy testing showed impressive results, with a 1.75-inch group at 100 yards with a cold barrel, making it a high-quality import.

This review showcases the Arsenal SAM7SF rifle, highlighting its Bulgarian origins and 7.62x39mm caliber. The video demonstrates the functionality of the side-folding stock and the setup of a Winchester 1-4x24 scope using an RS Regulate SM-23 mount. Live fire tests on steel targets confirm the rifle's performance and recoil characteristics.

This short showcases the historical 1855 Springfield rifle musket firing a .58 caliber Minie ball. It demonstrates the traditional muzzle-loading process with black powder and a percussion cap. The video highlights the satisfying impact on a gong, offering a glimpse into historical ballistics and firearm handling.

This review covers the Uberti reproduction of the 1860 Henry Rifle, highlighting its historical significance as the first successful lever-action. It details the unique loading mechanism, design flaws like the open magazine, and its evolution from Volcanic Arms to the Winchester 1866. The video demonstrates its rapid-fire capability and discusses its legacy as a precursor to modern lever-action firearms.

The 500 S&W Magnum, built on the X-frame, is a handgun designed for extreme power, dwarfing the .44 Magnum. It demonstrates significant recoil and impressive penetration capabilities, capable of passing through over 2,100 pages of a medical textbook. While not ideal for precision shooting due to blast and recoil, it serves as a powerful novelty or specialized hunting tool.

This video features a detailed look at a Mauser Kar 98K BYF 43, showcasing its historical significance and practical performance. Hickok45 demonstrates its accuracy on steel targets, discusses its all-matching condition, and explains the functionality of stripper clips for reloading. The review also touches on the rifle's historical context, the Mauser bolt-action design's influence, and the 8mm Mauser caliber's characteristics.