My Experience with the Arsenal SLR106 AK-74 Rifle

Back when I was in my early 20s, I wanted to get a semi-auto “tactical” rifle. Living in California my options were limited. I could build an AR-15 or get a California compliant Saiga AK-47. I was fresh out of the Army. So, I decided to get the AK-47. That rifle was a solid shooter. I could consistently shoot steel targets at 500 meters. The biggest drawback for me was the “cheap” ammo was all steel. As I mentioned before, I lived in California. I was also working at a shooting range. I have put out more fires than I can count that were started by steel ammo. With the knowledge that I couldn’t shoot it as freely as I wanted, I sold the rifle to a friend of mine. With hindsight, that is a decision I regret.

Years later I moved out of California. Now that I lived in a desert, I wanted to get an AK again. I already buckled and built an AR-15, so I wanted a 5.56 AK. That way I didn’t add a new caliber to my collection. That is when I came across the SLR106-21. I wasn’t familiar with Arsenal, other than they were the ones that imported my old Saiga. So, at the very least, they knew what a quality AK should look like. They did not disappoint me. After I got my hands on the SLR I did what my friend did to my old Saiga. I rattle canned it. A tribute to my old gun. As a bonus, to quote my old friend, I don’t have to worry about scratching it now.

After having it for a while I changed the stock from the original side folder to a LWRCI UCIW Stock with the use of JMAC Mod 2 stock adapter. I still wanted the function of a smaller overall rifle but could still get full length out of it when I wanted. This rifle quickly became my go to trunk gun. If I was scouting a new area to hunt my SLR was in my hands. Going camping, you better believe I brought it along. I was not gentle with this rifle.

Over the years I have tested the physical limits of what this gun could take. At least to the best of my abilities. In one day of shooting (I was not the only shooter) that rifle has gone through 3 cases of ammo. At one point it started to jam due to carbon build up. I field stripped the rifle, grabbed a handful of dirt, scrubbed the carbon build up off the moving parts, threw it back together, and started shooting it again. The rifle has also taken a swim in a stream. When that happened, I drained the water out and gave it a quick wipe down. That was the last time I used that rifle for a while.

Due to life and holidays, I couldn’t go shooting for 6 months. I also hadn’t given it a proper cleaning in all that time. I decided this is a good opportunity to stress test the rifle again. I took it out to shoot. I set up a 50-yard paper target, loaded up 20 rounds, and decided to see what it can do dry and still dirty from a swim 6 months ago. I personally wasn’t happy with where I hit, but I think it grouped well from an unsupported firing position.

After everything I have put that rifle through it still shoots better than I can. Do I think the SLR106 is the ultimate rifle? No. There is no ultimate rifle. Would I buy it again? Yes, I would. Would I buy a different Arsenal rifle? I would consider the SAM5-77. Over the years the SLR106 has remained dependable despite all the abuse I put it through. I have always believed that if you are gentle with your firearm, it won’t respect you in the morning. The SLR106 is proof of that concept to me.