Arsenal is another Eastern European defense industry company, and global supplier of firearms and military equipment. Arsenal Inc. is the licensed U.S.A. based importer and manufacturer of very high quality rifles. The company is know for their milled receiver AKs chambered in 7.62×39, 5.56×45 and 5.45x39mm.

My two takeaways from a visit at Shot Show, is the AR-M5F rail system and the availability of custom shop services. If you’ll remember the Parabellum Armament AK Adaptive Rail System – AKARS (now out of business), the AR-M5F achieves the same objective using a slightly different approach.

Parabellum Armament AK Adaptive Rail System – AKARS

The AKARS attaches to the trunnion but anchors the rail on the dust cover. The AKARS made it possible to get away from the side mounting of optic rails that made it difficult to achieve a good cheek weld. AKARS opened up the Kalashnikov platforms to the red dot and holographic sight offerings on the market.

Arsenal Inc uses a similar strategy but they anchor the rail to the receiver using a locking detent. A feature I felt was slicker than cat poop on linoleum is the ability to use the AR-M5F rail as the gas tube lever. Arsenal uses the system on the SAM5-94 and the SAM7R. You can also purchase the AR-M5F separately, for $199 MSRP, the company will be publishing an installation video. As of this writing, only milled receivers will accept the AR-M5F. A great concept, but I wish the locking latch were placed on the left side.

AR-M5F Rail System
Includes Picatinny rail over the receiver to accommodate any variety of scopes, and a Picatinny rail integrated on the lower handguard.

Arsenal is also offering custom shop services like the Desert Camo Cerakote on the SAM 5 shown above.