Collecting and Shooting the Military Surplus Rifle (2008)

Article Published Date: 01/29/2008

Article by Layne King

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IO, INC.s New STG2003C AK-47 Variant in .223 NATO

IO inc. has recently commissioned the manufacture of a series of AK variant rifles at the Cugir Arms Factory in Romania. The list of rifles includes:

STG-2000C (7.62x39)
STG-2002C (5.45x39)
STG-2003C (.223 NATO)
SSG-97 (.308 & 7.62x54R)
SSG-2000 (.308 & 7.62x54R)
SSG-2003(.223 NATO)

The STG-2000C & STG-2003C rifles are currently available, and the remaining rifles are scheduled to arrive for sale over the next couple of years.

During a recent conversation with Uli at IO Inc. I was offered the opportunity to test the new STG2003C AK variant in .223. I jumped at the chance, and it was only a few days before it arrived at my neighborhood FFLs� shop. The rifle came well packed for the trip, and arrived safely along with a ProMag magazine, an unissued military cleaning kit, military AK sling, and a disassembly/reassembly manual.

Figure 1

STG2003C AK variant in .223, ProMag magazine, an unissued military cleaning kit, military AK sling, and a disassembly/reassembly manual

Figure 2

Nice kit!

Figure 3

STG-2003C (.223 NATO)

STG-2003-C in Cal .223

NEW!! Our STG-2003-C in cal .223 NATO is a semi-auto off spring of the famous German Wieger Rifle. It features a hammer forged barrel, TAPCO`s non slap trigger components , a side scope mount rail, US Polymer stock, and various high quality US made parts. It also features a chrome plated barrel, a US made plastic magazine, and an M-16 style muzzle brake.

http://www.ioinc.us/mm5/merchant.mvc

A quick visual inspection revealed a typical AK type rifle. The main noticeable difference between the STG and other AKs I�ve used is the black plastic furniture. I have to be honest that I did not like it at first. I don�t really know why�.I just didn�t. Maybe it was an aesthetic thing. As I brought it up to my shoulder I began to like this rifle a lot. Why? Then it hit me�.I was learning to like it because IT FIT ME! It shouldered very well�carried at the ready very well�it was just �comfortable�. My mind was changed!

While I was doing some Christmas shopping I had picked up a couple boxes of ammo�.I decided to try two different types�.both were Remington�one box of 55gr FMJ and one box of 45gr JHP.

I figured that the Hollow points would probably be a bit more accurate (they were), I started out with the FMJ and found that the rifle shot low and to the right��WAY to the right. I fetched my SKS/AK front sight adjusting tool to make the necessary adjustments. I soon found that the clearance hole on the adjuster (the hole that the sight mount plug goes into as you adjust the sight) was too small for the plug to go into. After a little trial and error work, I found the proper size drill bit and enlarged the clearance hole with the help of my drill press.

Between the bright sunshine in my eyes�.the targets being in the shade�and my old eyes�. I COULDN�T HIT CRAP!�so I set it aside for another day.

It took almost a month, but �another day� finally came�although it was a bit breezy to be doing any accuracy work with a rifle. Since it was overcast and I could see the sights properly I decided to give the new rifle a workout.

Starting where I left off, I first checked the point of aim/point of impact�yep�.it was still shooting low and to the right�.a couple of quick adjustments and it was hitting about 2 inches high and slightly to the left at 50 yards�.almost where I wanted it�.but I was having feed problems�.it took me awhile but I finally figured it out�.this is a military type rifle�.I was �babying it� and it didn�t like that one single bit! After I started firmly mounting the mag, the problems went away�.it was operator error for sure!

Figure 4

5 ROUND GROUP - Getting there�

After I had it running smoothly (or did it have me running smoothly?) I tried 10 rounds rapid fire (I pulled the trigger just as soon as I could re-acquire the target) to see how I could do. WOW! I�m not much at rapid fire, but I put 10 rounds into 7 inches at 50 measured yards�

Figure 5

TEN ROUND GROUP - Rapid fire results...

Positive Ejection

After each shooting session I policed up the brass, but I wasn't able to find but about one third of the empty cases. The rifle was throwing the cases out about 25 to 30 feet at about the 2:00 position. A CTK precision brass catcher would work well with this rifle.

Overall Impressions�.

I�ll be honest�.I�m not much of an AK lover�but this rifle is very different from the others I�ve used�.more comfortable to carry�.shoulders better�recoils is less�and it is FUN to shoot!

If I was looking for an AK that was a little different�.this would be the one to get. Add on a red dot scope and this would be an AWESOME close range rifle!�

Shoot Safe!�..Layne

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