Well, I did it

[Shemp]

I just ordered a Zastava M70 OPAP from Prepper Gunshop for $640 shipped. I was REALLY considering going up to CGP and getting an Arsenal SLR107...but being as this is my first AK I figured I should start with something a little more mid/low end and see if I really like the platform.

I am a little concerned with the weight of the OPAP, but as Borris the Blade said " Heavy is good, heavy is reliable". I like the idea of it being over-engineered. I don't think I'd ever wear out a standard thickness AK receiver but having the 1.5mm receiver and bulged trunions does in still a bit more confidence in the rifles ruggedness.

I do like the SLR107s synthetic side folding stock. I'd like to do something similar to the OPAP but ti seems there is no easy way of doing so. I plan on trying to find a take off synthetic stock for it and possibly getting the Hogue hand guards and grip. I'd LOVE to find one of the gas blocks with an integrated front sight to give it a Galil look...but we'll see.

Anyway, I crossed to the dark side almost completely. I carry and cherish plastic guns and cheap, but reliable rifles.

 

[Hoss]

The Zastava builds are solid performers. They are heavy and built like an RPK. At 9lbs empty, I think you'll find it a good, straight shooter but also find it too heavy to carry around. It's heavier than an M1 Garand empty.

 

[Shemp]

The Zastava builds are solid performers. They are heavy and built like an RPK. At 9lbs empty, I think you'll find it a good, straight shooter but also find it too heavy to carry around. It's heavier than an M1 Garand empty.

That's what I'm afraid of. I should just go buy an Arsenal SLR107 and be done.

 

[Hoss]

That's what I'm afraid of. I should just go buy an Arsenal SLR107 and be done.

Don't start second guessing yourself. I would just hate to see you throw the whole platform out because you found that OPAP to be too heavy. My fully loaded OPAP, with sling, was almost 3 pounds heavier than my fully loaded VZ-58.

 

[AtlMedic]

I have never heard a bad thing about those O-PAPs. Im sure youll love it.

 

[Shemp]

Don't start second guessing yourself. I would just hate to see you throw the whole platform out because you found that OPAP to be too heavy. My fully loaded OPAP, with sling, was almost 3 pounds heavier than my fully loaded VZ-58.

Well, if I learned one thing during my week of reading about AKs it's that I should have gotten one sooner. The simplicity fo the design, the unrelenting reliability, and power of the cartridge is pretty incredible. I, like I am sure many others, let the spectre of it being an evil Commie/terrorist gun blind me to it's undeniable excellence as a carbine.

I might just go up to CGP and see what the big deal about Arsenals is. I've never seen or held one.

 

[Hoss]

Well, if I learned one thing during my week of reading about AKs it's that I should have gotten one sooner. The simplicity fo the design, the unrelenting reliability, and power of the cartridge is pretty incredible. I, like I am sure many others, let the spectre of it being an evil Commie/terrorist gun blind me to it's undeniable excellence as a carbine.

I might just go up to CGP and see what the big deal about Arsenals is. I've never seen or held one.

Arsenals have amazing build quality and attention to detail. That being said, I'd take a Hungarian SA-85, PARS/INTRAAC Maadi or a converted Mak-90 over any of them anytime.

 

[Shemp]

Arsenals have amazing build quality and attention to detail. That being said, I'd take a Hungarian SA-85, PARS/INTRAAC Maadi or a converted Mak-90 over any of them anytime.

I have read that those were crap...is that not the case?

EDIT: Never mind I was reading about the CIA Maadis.

 

[freedom]

Weight is the reason my PAP never leaves the safe. It feels twice as heavy as my converted MAK, probably not but it has to be 75% of the weight. Even with a loaded 30 round mag, it's lighter. I actually need to start shooting my AKs more, I was reorganizing my ammo and was shocked at how much 762x39 I have.

 

[Hoss]

I have read that those were crap...is that not the case?

Oh no, the PARS and INTRAC Maadis are as close as you will get to a Russian AKM.
Russia sold AKM production equipment to Egypt and sent parts, materials and personnel to run the assembly line. Egyptian workers trained in Russian factories.

These guns are sweet AKM's. These are the guns that they used in the original Red Dawn movie. Steyr was the original importer but you won't find one of the Steyr guns for under $2000. After the revolution in Egypt they kicked Russia out and tried to continue making them. That's when CAI got involved and started building the MISR and MISR-10. I wouldn't own either of those piles of crap.

 

[Shemp]

Oh no, the PARS and INTRAC Maadis are as close as you will get to a Russian AKM.
Russia sold AKM production equipment to Egypt and sent parts, materials and personnel to run the assembly line. Egyptian workers trained in Russian factories.

These guns are sweet AKM's. These are the guns that they used in the original Red Dawn movie. Steyr was the original importer but you won't find one of the Steyr guns for under $2000. After the revolution in Egypt they kicked Russia out and tried to continue making them. That's when CAI got involved and started building the MISR and MISR-10. I wouldn't own either of those piles of crap.

Well I'm going to hit up CGP. Even if I don't think the Arsenal is really worth it I might still come back with a TiRant 45 on order

 

[dougiemac]

I just ordered a Zastava M70 OPAP from Prepper Gunshop for $640 shipped. I was REALLY considering going up to CGP and getting an Arsenal SLR107...but being as this is my first AK I figured I should start with something a little more mid/low end and see if I really like the platform.

I am a little concerned with the weight of the OPAP, but as Borris the Blade said " Heavy is good, heavy is reliable". I like the idea of it being over-engineered. I don't think I'd ever wear out a standard thickness AK receiver but having the 1.5mm receiver and bulged trunions does in still a bit more confidence in the rifles ruggedness.

I do like the SLR107s synthetic side folding stock. I'd like to do something similar to the OPAP but ti seems there is no easy way of doing so. I plan on trying to find a take off synthetic stock for it and possibly getting the Hogue hand guards and grip. I'd LOVE to find one of the gas blocks with an integrated front sight to give it a Galil look...but we'll see.

Anyway, I crossed to the dark side almost completely. I carry and cherish plastic guns and cheap, but reliable rifles.

I have an OPAP...bought one of the last 4 that were remaining in Century's warehouse before they were out forever about a year ago (don't ask me how much I paid for it). These OPAP's now go for $700 plus since they've become more scarce, so you got a good deal. I LOVE mine. PopsBwell redid the stock and forearm and made her look stunning! And the weight isn't an issue / factor. It's about 8oz difference which is minimal, unless you've got girly arms and actually makes the gun feel better than the NPAP's in my opinion. You'll be very happy with the OPAP.

 

[Hoss]

I have an OPAP...bought one of the last 4 that were remaining in Century's warehouse before they were out forever about a year ago (don't ask me how much I paid for it). These OPAP's now go for $700 plus since they've become more scarce, so you got a good deal. I LOVE mine. PopsBwell redid the stock and forearm and made her look stunning! And the weight isn't an issue / factor. It's about 8oz difference which is minimal, unless you've got girly arms and actually makes the gun feel better than the NPAP's in my opinion. You'll be very happy with the OPAP.

8oz?? I beg to differ.

Empty, an AKM weighs 6.8lbs while an OPAP weighs in right at 9lbs.

 

[dougiemac]

8oz?? I beg to differ.

Empty, an AKM weighs 6.8lbs while an OPAP weighs in right at 9lbs.

I will concede, my original reference was incorrect with the information of an 8oz difference. However the NPAP is 7.7lbs without magazine, not 6.8lbs. The OPAP comes in at 9.1 lbs, for a difference of 1lb 10oz.

 

[Hoss]

I will concede, my original reference was incorrect with the information of an 8oz difference. However the NPAP is 7.7lbs without magazine, not 6.8lbs. The OPAP comes in at 9.1 lbs, for a difference of 1lb 10oz.

Yeah, that sounds more like it. The NPAP still has that 1.5mm thick receiver but does not have the RPK heavy trunion and barrel of the OPAP. Even at that, an NPAP is still heavier than a Euro ARM.

 

[Shemp]

I will concede, my original reference was incorrect with the information of an 8oz difference. However the NPAP is 7.7lbs without magazine, not 6.8lbs. The OPAP comes in at 9.1 lbs, for a difference of 1lb 10oz.

Well, I had the opportunity to inspect both a Zastava NPAP and an Arsenal SLR107 side by side at CGP. I have to say that after handling the Arsenal I don't understand what the hype is. It's a nice gun, no doubt, but at $1k I think it's $150-200 overpriced. The only thing I think it has on the NPAP / OPAP is weight and the triangle folding stock. Otherwise I would honestly say that the Zastava is more to my liking as far as finish and fit is concerned.
As far as function is concerned I don't know that the Arsenal is really $350 better.
I think I'd rather spend $1050 and get an OPAP and an NPAP or M92 than get just an Arsenal.
YMMV.

 

[dougiemac]

Well, I had the opportunity to inspect both a Zastava NPAP and an Arsenal SLR107 side by side at CGP. I have to say that after handling the Arsenal I don't understand what the hype is. It's a nice gun, no doubt, but at $1k I think it's $150-200 overpriced. The only thing I think it has on the NPAP / OPAP is weight and the triangle folding stock. Otherwise I would honestly say that the Zastava is more to my liking as far as finish and fit is concerned.
As far as function is concerned I don't know that the Arsenal is really $350 better.
I think I'd rather spend $1050 and get an OPAP and an NPAP or M92 than get just an Arsenal.
YMMV.

I paid $449 out the door for my OPAP.

 

[Hoss]

Well, I had the opportunity to inspect both a Zastava NPAP and an Arsenal SLR107 side by side at CGP. I have to say that after handling the Arsenal I don't understand what the hype is. It's a nice gun, no doubt, but at $1k I think it's $150-200 overpriced. The only thing I think it has on the NPAP / OPAP is weight and the triangle folding stock. Otherwise I would honestly say that the Zastava is more to my liking as far as finish and fit is concerned.
As far as function is concerned I don't know that the Arsenal is really $350 better.
I think I'd rather spend $1050 and get an OPAP and an NPAP or M92 than get just an Arsenal.
YMMV.

Exactly how I feel about the $500 CZ P07 vs the $250 EAA Witness P.

 

[Shemp]

I paid $449 out the door for my OPAP.
View attachment 1414

got it during the first go around?

 

[Hoss]

Lol... it's for sale bahahahahahahahaha!