The Arsenal Sam5 5.56 AK rifle brings proven Bulgarian manufacturing and modern ergonomics to a civilian-legal, semi-automatic platform. Built by Arsenal, Inc. in Bulgaria using hot-die hammer forging and cold hammer-forged barrel technology originally developed by Steyr, the Sam5 delivers reliability and longevity for serious AK enthusiasts, target shooters, and tactical rifle users who want uncompromising build quality. This is the semi-auto civilian version of the Bulgarian-made AR-M1 select-fire rifle, and it shows in every detail: milled receiver, chrome-lined barrel, and combat-proven design scaled for 5.56x45mm (.223 Remington).
The Sam5 comes configured with an AK-74 type front sight block fitted with the AK-133S flash hider, which attaches via 24x1.5mm right-hand threads. The 16.3-inch barrel is hard-chrome plated for extended service life, and the entire rifle—receiver, bolt, and carrier—is manufactured from 100% new-production Bulgarian parts. The milled receiver blank is created through a 5-ton hammer-forging process that eliminates internal voids and cooling deformations, then undergoes over 5.5 hours of precision milling. This time-intensive process produces a stronger, finer-grained steel structure than receivers machined from bar stock.
Ergonomics and trigger performance matter, and Arsenal equipped the Sam5 with FIME Group's Enhanced Fire Control Group—the go-to choice for AK operators. The Enhanced FCG delivers a shortened trigger travel, smooth and light pull, and eliminates trigger slap through precision engineering: a single-hook trigger, full-contact disconnector face, elongated disconnector tail, and hammer stop designed to prevent slamming. The intermediate-length US-made polymer buttstock offers a 13.4-inch length of pull and includes a cleaning kit compartment. A side-mounted scope rail provides modern optic compatibility, and the rifle ships with one 30-round Circle 10 magazine and is 922(r) compliant with both US and imported magazines.
Whether you're running drills at the range, building a versatile intermediate rifle, or adding a modern AK to your battery, the Sam5 combines authentic Cold War pedigree with reliability that demands respect.
| Caliber | 5.56x45mm (.223 Remington) |
| Barrel Length | 16.3 inches (415 mm) |
| Overall Length | 36.5 inches (927 mm) |
| Receiver Type | Milled, hot-die hammer-forged |
| Front Sight Block | AK-74 type |
| Flash Hider | AK-133S |
| Muzzle Threads | 24x1.5mm (right-hand) |
| Barrel Finish | Hard-chrome plated bore and chamber |
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 1:7 twist |
| Fire Control Group | FIME Group Enhanced FCG |
| Buttstock | Intermediate length, US-made polymer, 13.4" LOP |
| Furniture | Black polymer |
| Rail System | Side-mounted scope rail |
| Magazine Included | One 30-round Circle 10 magazine |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,986 fps (910 m/s) |
| Effective Range | 547 yards (500 m) |
| Maximum Range | 1,476 yards (1,350 m) |
| Rear Sight Range | 875 yards (800 m) |
| Rate of Fire (Practical) | 40 rounds/min |
The Sam5 is designed for AK-pattern magazines in 5.56x45mm and ships with one 30-round Circle 10 magazine. It is 922(r) compliant and compatible with both US-made and imported magazines in this caliber.
Yes. The Sam5 includes a side-mounted scope rail that allows you to install modern optics while retaining the integrated AK-74 type front sight block.
Arsenal's receiver is created through a 5-ton hot-die hammer-forging process that produces a stronger, finer-grained steel structure without internal voids or cooling deformations. The forged blank then undergoes over 5.5 hours of precision milling—a labor-intensive process that delivers superior strength and durability compared to receivers machined from bar stock.
The FIME Group Enhanced FCG delivers a shortened trigger travel and smooth, light pull through precision engineering: a single-hook trigger, full-contact disconnector, and hammer stop that prevents trigger slap and slamming. It is widely regarded as the go-to upgrade choice for AK operators seeking improved trigger performance.
Arsenal, Inc.
