The video introduces the Red Star Ordnance AK-47, an AKM-pattern rifle currently offered as a Classic Firearms exclusive. It uses a 1 mm thick stamped sheet metal receiver and is manufactured by ISD in Bulgaria, adding a Bulgarian option to a market with fewer imported AKM-style rifles. The hosts plan to cover technical specifications, then verify them with actual weight and trigger pull measurements using tools in the warehouse. The rifle is presented as a baseline AKM platform that can serve as a solid starting point for users who want a standard configuration to later customize.
At the front of the rifle, a muzzle protector is installed with a small tack weld on the bottom. Underneath, the barrel is threaded 14x1 left-hand, typical for a 7.62x39 AK-pattern rifle, and retains the plunger so standard muzzle devices can be added once the protector is removed. The front sight tower can be drifted for windage, and the front sight post is threaded for elevation adjustments, which are generally set during zeroing and left alone afterward. The rifle uses a 45-degree AKM-style gas block. The handguards feature red wood furniture, which the hosts note is both functional and visually striking, and there is a front sling swivel on the handguard retainer. The gas block area includes a cleaning rod retainer, but the bayonet lug is non-functional.
Moving rearward, the rifle uses a standard AKM front trunnion and a typical AK-style safety. The hosts discuss AK triggers in general, noting that many have a crisp break despite some complaints about trigger slap. This rifle ships with a standard-capacity Magpul polymer magazine, which is appreciated for its lighter weight compared to metal magazines, though traditional metal AK magazines are preferred by some for aesthetics, especially if the rifle is displayed. Pricing is described as right around $1,000, which is framed as an introductory-friendly point for an AK in the current market. The conversation contrasts past decades, when AKs were usually cheaper than ARs, with the present situation where AR-pattern rifles can often be found at lower prices while AKs have become more expensive and somewhat less common.
On the left side of the receiver, this Bulgarian AKM does not include the traditional side-mounted optics rail. The hosts explain that this is less of a limitation today because there are many alternative ways to mount optics on AK-pattern rifles. They mention railed dust covers such as the TWWS Dog Leg, railed rear sights, railed upper handguards, railed gas tubes, and full chassis systems from makers like Shot or Barwaris. An example rifle is shown with an Ultimak railed gas tube and what appears to be an RS Regulate mount on a side rail, illustrating how optics and accessories can be added. The discussion emphasizes that AKs can be customized extensively, whether the goal is to keep a classic look with minimal changes or to configure a more modern, accessory-heavy setup.
The hosts briefly review the AKM operating system. The rifle is a long-stroke gas piston, gas-operated, semi-automatic design using a rotating bolt. The gas piston is permanently attached to the bolt carrier and travels the full length of the action during cycling, which defines the long-stroke system. The bolt locks into lugs in the front trunnion. This particular rifle is chambered in 7.62x39, described as a 30-caliber cartridge that hits hard. The rear sight is adjustable for elevation, and the hosts note that the rifle is well-suited to iron-sight use out to roughly 300 yards. They also touch on the idea that this model can serve either as a visually appealing “wall gun” with its red wood furniture or as a base rifle to be configured into a more hard-use setup, depending on the owner’s plans.
The video then moves to verifying the rifle’s weight using a scale on the table. Before testing, the hosts estimate that the rifle will fall between about 6.5 and 7 pounds. The actual measurement without a magazine comes out to approximately 6.74 pounds. With a magazine inserted, the weight reads about 7.15 pounds. They describe this as a standard weight for a barebones AKM-style rifle and note that some AR-pattern rifles can weigh 8 pounds or more in stock form. The discussion frames the measured weight as reasonable for general handling and use, neither excessively heavy nor unusually light for this type of platform.
Finally, the hosts measure the trigger pull using a gauge. After confirming the rifle is clear, they brace it and take readings from the center of the trigger. The first measurement shows approximately 2.4 pounds, which they find surprisingly light. A second measurement reads about 2.3 pounds, confirming that the trigger pull is both light and consistent. They describe this as a very light trigger for an AKM-pattern rifle. The feel is characterized by a bit of initial sponginess followed by a distinct wall and a crisp break, which they regard as typical of good AK triggers. The segment reinforces their earlier point that many AK triggers, including this one, can feel very good in use despite occasional concerns about trigger slap on reset.
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