Different steels in AK's?

[His lordship.]

I have a Saiga in 7.62 X 39 bought a year ago, seen some moderate usage, and a Rumanian AK-47 bought 4 years ago, also moderate usage. Noticed that the hammer on the Russian gun is wearing faster where it hits the bolt during recoil compared to the Rumanian rifle, and the Rumanian gun has 4 times greater the number of rounds put through it.

When I clean each gun after a day of shooting about 50-80 rounds put through each one, I do lube the hammer contact area, so this is not an issue of not proper lubrication.

It was my understanding that the Rumanian has several USA made parts, which includes the hammer, the trigger is obviously a replacement, and very crisp and light compared to the Russian gun.  My question...is the steel on the hammer and other American made parts better made over the Izhmash made rifle?

Thanks.

[1911crazy]

There was some talk about the trigger wear on another forum but If i remember correctly they said it wears to a point and stops wearing. I use moly on all my triggers so it should reduce this wear to a point too.  Something has to wear a little its either the bolt carrier or the trigger? Since I don't have any other AK style rifles to compare it to I'll have to take the other guys word that the wear stops.  Was your romanian built by Century Arms??(SAR?).  I almost bought one when we could here but the fit on the wood was so sloppy I passed on it.  The gaps between the reciever and the butt stock were unacceptable and it had me wondering about the rest of the rifle too.                                BigBill

[Stan in SC]

The fire control group on the Romanian is an American made part from what I have heard.This was to bring the proper American parts count up to snuff.I am presuming that you have the WASR-10.
I really didn't think that there would be too much difference in the quality of Russian steel versus American steel but your experience has raised a doubt in my mind.

[His lordship.]

BigBill...
My Rumanian gun has the following markings on it, "C. A. I. ST. Alb, VT".  It also says "SAR 1", this rifle will take the 30 round magazine.  I see what you mean on the fit and finish, there is a gap on the rear stock to the receiver, the gas piston housing was put on a little canted.  

The rifle originally came with the black plastic  pistol grip, and it did not last long as the mounting screw broke through it after tighting up as it kept shaking loose.  I put a new Chinese type military grip on it, it is much stronger and has not acted up over the last 3 years.

Stan in SC...from what I have read Russian steel is supposed to be very good.  It could be that the guy who heat treated it may have had a hang over, or maybe it is supposed to wear in abit, not sure.  I agree with you on your observations on the Russian hammers, and will keep my eye on the next one I buy and see how it holds up after a year at the range as I have been thinking of getting one of those Russian made VEPR AK-47's.

Thanks.

[1911crazy]

Yup thats Century Arms International I guess they built them.  BigBill

[Watertrapper]

 

The rifle originally came with the black plastic  pistol grip, and it did not last long as the mounting screw broke through it after tighting up as it kept shaking loose.  I put a new Chinese type military grip on it, it is much stronger and has not acted up over the last 3 years.

I just want to point out that to keep the rifle legal (under Sec 922R) , the grip MUST be US made unless you replace another of the parts listed with a US made part. You need 5 US made parts to stay legal.

Shoot 'em up!

[His lordship.]

While I try to be a purist, my semi-autos do get some add ons.  The stock on my AK was too short, same with my SKS's as well, added a padded butt pad.  One of the interior screws was replaced.  That should keep it legal, even my SKS rifles should be well on the road to getting American made parts if they change the law to include them as well.

My bolt actions tend to stay "pure".  I do like to use a slipon butt pad for my Mosins and my Mauser 98, that way it does not permanently change their appearance.  It is too brutal to fire one of those with the steel butt plate with full power military loads, I don't know how some of those short skinny guys did that with a Mosin Nagant Model 44! :shock: