Very pleased so far. Next goal is to try to get a deer with it. Here's a picture of some of the 7.62 loads I've been experimenting with. Mostly shot them from an sks before this.
I'm thinking about trying the ftx bullets for 30-30 in it, I just won't be able to seat them to the cannelure.
It was an attempt anyway, lol. I fired multiple bullet weights and styles with no problem as well. I had 7.62x39 rounds loaded with 150 grain round nose bullets, and a load using .303 brit bullets. They all fired fine, the loads with the .303 brit bullets where a little hot. I don't plan loading...
Got to take it out today instead of yesterday. Fired around 100 rounds with no problems, sighted in my red dot and checked the zero on the iron sights, had to make a slight windage adjustment to the front sight and then they where dead on at 60 yards.
My "blem" Ak came in. After disassemble and really looking it over the only blem I see was in the finish on the barrel next to the handguard retainer. Nothing to worry about in my opinion.
I just bought one as a range toy/beater. Not really concerned with the history aspect, I have my garands for that. As far as where it's made, doesn't really matter as long as it goes bang everytime and doesn't beat itself apart or explode in my hands. Chances are I'll get bored and sell or trade...