Arsenal SAM5
Arsenal Inc. · Rifle · In Production · 2014
Also known as: SAM5, SAM5 Series, SAM5-67
Overview
The Arsenal SAM5 is a semi-automatic, milled-receiver AK-pattern rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. Built around a hot-die hammer-forged and milled steel receiver with a cold-hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel produced by Arsenal JSCo. of Kazanlak, Bulgaria on Steyr-derived tooling, it adapts the Kalashnikov long-stroke gas-piston action to the 5.56 NATO cartridge. The 16.3-inch barrel uses a 1:7 twist, and the rifle feeds from AK-pattern 5.56 magazines through an enhanced two-stage fire control group, combining forged-and-milled AK durability with the flat-shooting Western intermediate round.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3620 g (127.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 927 mm (36.50") |
| Barrel Length | 414 mm (16.30") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 m/s (3018 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1690 J (1246 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Selector Lever Safety
- Features: Hot Die Hammer Forged Milled Receiver, Cold Hammer Forged Chrome Lined Barrel, Long Stroke Gas Piston, Ak74 Style Muzzle Brake, Adjustable Rear Sight, Scope Rail, Two Stage Trigger
Variants
- Arsenal SAM5-67 - Black Polymer Furniture
- Arsenal SAM5-62 - Plum Polymer Furniture
Production
Production years: 2014-present
Bulgarian-made milled-receiver 5.56 AK assembled for the US civilian market; production volumes not published
Origin
Country of origin: Bulgaria
Designer: Mikhail Kalashnikov
Notes
SAM5 designates Arsenal's milled-receiver semi-automatic AK line in 5.56x45mm NATO for the US civilian market. Receivers and barrels are Bulgarian-made by Arsenal JSCo.; rifles are assembled and imported by Arsenal Inc. of Las Vegas. Offered in black (SAM5-67) and plum (SAM5-62) polymer furniture; ships with one 30-round magazine, sling and cleaning kit.
Background
Arsenal JSCo. traces its lineage to the Bulgarian state arsenal founded in 1878, one of Europe's oldest continuously operating arms factories and a long-time licensed producer of Kalashnikov rifles; the SAM5 marries that forged-and-milled AK pedigree to the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge for the American market.