Armory USA... heard of them?
Replies
2ndchance
I googled MpiKM and found this
www.probertencyclopaedia.com/cgi-bin/res.pl />
It says that MPiKM was an East German copy. That's what was on the... Show more 13 years ago
www.probertencyclopaedia.com/cgi-bin/res.pl />
It says that MPiKM was an East German copy. That's what was on the... Show more 13 years ago
CavScout62
All I know about them is they once built top quality recievers from imported Russian alloys that were made just for the purpose of making AK Rifles...
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13 years ago
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It's not very often that I find something (firearm related) that I am unfamiliar with. I hope someone can shed some light on this for me.
In Nov 2008, I received an AK-17 style rifle. The rifle looked brand new and, unlike most AKs, everything on this gun was 'tight'. No rattles. All the rivets were secure and the rifle seemed to be in top notch condition.
The plastic furniture was not really to my taste. The stock was kinda ugly and the thick recoil pad looked out of place.
Sorry, the pic I took of the entire rifle came out poorly, however you can see the color of the furniture on the handguard, in one of the pics. It sorta looks like burlewood. I didn't mind it because got a pretty good deal on the purchase. I paid less than the market value AND I was somewhat familiar with Armory USA.
In any case, I took it out to the range and it turned out to be a sweet shooter! I am very happy with my purchase, up until I tried to do some research on the rifle. Nothing really could be found. I like knowing something about the gun I own.
The rifle is made/imported by Armory USA of Houston Texas. The model shows to be AUSA and is in 7.62x39. On my invoice, it labels this as a "Armory USA - Global Trades MPiKM AK47".
With the exception to the receiver, all the other parts have matching serial numbers. The proof mark near the original serial number has a triangle with an arrow pointing straight up.
Now, before I purchased the rifle, I had heard of Armory USA. I have known them to be one of the best AK builders. I know that their quality went downhill and eventually (I belive) the company folded up shop. The horror stories about their QC makes my skin crawl. Thankfully, mine does not seem to have any of the QC issues. Either I got lucky, or this gun was made back during their more successful years.
FWIW: This doesn't have the quick release scope attachment on the left side.
In any case, I don't know and that sorta bothers me. MPiKM leads me to believe that this is an E. German parts kit. Armory USA is known for using Hungarian and Romanian kits. However, when they do, they usually stamp "Hungary" or "Romania" on the receiver. The Triangle and Arrow proof mark "should" mean that it's a Romanian demilled kit (per www.ak-47.us).
Other than the proof mark, there is nothing else on the rifle showing it's origin.
Someone told me that since it does not have the quick release scope attachment, that I should be happy because it's more evidence that this gun was built during Armory USA's more reputable years, and not during the years of slowly declining QA and reputation.
What do you all think?
I know, I should be happy since it has a wonderful fit, finish, and functions flawlessly. I also paid a below market price, so I should shut up and just enjoy it. Call it irrational thinking, but I just would like to know a bit more, if possible.