No AK47's for us north of the 49th, so this is as close as it gets - a new manufacture Chinese Type 81 (and more of a development of the SKS than an AK type), but hey it's looks close lol. A quick initial once-over; all mags worked fine with BHO on all. The rifle itself is nice and solid, functioned fine with snap caps, and all seems as it should be. The folder locks up nice and tight, no wiggle, and no major dents or dings anywhere I can see. Bluing seems a bit thin, and the wood finish is pretty basic, but not unexpected for what this is. Needs a good cleaning then hope to get it out to the range to put it through it's paces in the next few days. The mismatched cheek piece will be replaced with a new set sent out gratis by vendor when next shipment arrives.

Very cool. It's a shame we can't get them here.

I'm a fan of the Vz. 58, which is a similar type of "SKSish rifle in AK-style clothing".

Can't wait to hear your range report.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
Very cool. It's a shame we can't get them here.

I'm a fan of the Vz. 58, which is a similar type of "SKSish rifle in AK-style clothing".

Can't wait to hear your range report.

VZ58, and various knock-off's, are available to us too but at a chunk more $$$. Plus this one looks to not be as widely available, so may be a bit more of an oddity - won't say collectable LOL, but I like things that are a bit different. Will be sure and follow up with that range report.

FWIW, Czechpoint brought in the same version of the Vz58 (18" barrel and all) that they import up there. Still expensive as all get-out, though.

I still wish we could get in the 81, though.

Agree with RogueJSK, cool rifle and wish we could get one here.

That's so cool. As others said, wish we were able to get that here. I've had various SKS, VZ58 (Century version) And Ak's, would love to have that rifle. Does the bolt stay open after the last round? I wish that was the case with an AK.

quote:

Originally posted by terra:
That's so cool. As others said, wish we were able to get that here. I've had various SKS, VZ58 (Century version) And Ak's, would love to have that rifle. Does the bolt stay open after the last round? I wish that was the case with an AK.

Yes, last round BHO with these, 2 position gas regulator (for grenade launcher), short stroke gas piston design(ala SKS) and comes in either folding or fixed stock. AK mags aren't a direct fit either, but with a little dremeling (plastic PMags are particularly easy) they can be made to fit - but without BHO.

quote:

Originally posted by Newf:

Yes, last round BHO with these, 2 position gas regulator (for grenade launcher), short stroke gas piston design(ala SKS) and comes in either folding or fixed stock. AK mags aren't a direct fit either, but with a little dremeling (plastic PMags are particularly easy) they can be made to fit - but without BHO.

Damn, That is fantastic. Nice Rifle.

Very cool. Love that barrel.

First major winter storm of the season moving in, so no shooting for awhile, but did strip it down for a good cleaning and a few detail pics: