AK-101

Received my rifle as part of the second-batch, with the serial number in the high 600-range. After waiting nearly six months, I was grateful to finally get my hands on the rifle and had to practically pry it from my FFL's hands as he gazed upon it saying "where TF did you find this beauty"? The fit and finish is superb; after two days of playing with it, the finish has withstood well. Just as a note, of my 14 diverse and brand-new 556 AK magazines (I've been stocking up for months), only TWO fit nicely. All of my Circle-10 556 mags and most of my PSA mags struggled to fit. My Circle-10 ironically had the worst fit and three of the four wouldn't seat at all. I was able to get them to seat with a file and time, but it was a pain. Based on the online reviews about how "perfect" the mags all fit in other people's rifles, it makes me wonder if it is a slight spec difference in the rifle rather than the magazines. They all fit now after some amature gunsmithing work, so no big deal, but did want to point it out for others who may see the same issue. I have only three small issues of note so far: 1) The cleaning kit trap door does not work well with either of my Romanian or Bulgarian stock cleaning kits. The catch on the trap door catches on my cleaning kits, prevent the door to shut them in unless I use a thin screwdriver to push the cleaning much farther back in. Not a big deal, but annoying. It's a cheap plastic part so not the end of the world. 2) The top cover is loose compared to my SLR's and SGL rifles. In fact, the edge on the left side has a loose fit and has already been snagging on my sweater. I took the top cover off and threw on my own AK-101 imported top cover. The MDC-101 top cover also left a larger but relatively small gap between the selector lever and the cover when in "safe" - my import top cover leaves virtually no gap that could allow dirt and debris through. Not a big deal, but again, something that could be improved in future iterations. I get some may prefer a looser top cover, but the left side should still be more flush with the receiver. 3) The cleaning rod is awesome, but is nearly impossible to insert without a lot of strain. When inserted back into the rifle (yes, with the muzzle brake first removed), the cleaning rod nearly bottoms out but maybe 5-10mm before bottoming out the cleaning rod hits a rivet under the trunnion but within the receiver. I cannot get this to pass unless I really work it hard while rotating the rod counterclockwise. I've never had this issue with any of my other AK101 clone rifles. The cleaning rod just falls in with only slight wiggling in those. This wouldn't be a big deal, but I do worry with repetition it would damage the threads on my cleaning rod and make it difficult to use. Overall however, this rifle is 5-stars. It can be improved, but it is still a homerun in my book. This is a new production rifle, so of course it is expected to be slightly different from later iterations - I am only hoping to offer my feedback to help the process. The sights are straight, the action is smooth, the furniture is tight, and combined with the durable finish, the rifle should get lots of life. Considering we are under an upcoming ban on rifles like these AK's here in Virginia coming July 1st, I will cherish this rifle for years to come as it will likely be my last AK - and hopefully my greatest! Glad to finally have a nice American-made AK after waiting for so long and having had endured previous disappointment (cough... Kalashnikov USA and PSA). You've got this Meridian; keep up the good work!

Upon delivery of this rifle, it's clear Meridian is not messing around. The rifle feels amazing. It shoots very well and is extremely smooth. The sights were spot on and able to hit 8" steel at 100 yards with ease. It accepts all the mags I have and didn't skip a beat. I've shot a lot of AK's, and nothing has felt as good as this one. This is my 2nd Meridian rifle, and I'm thrilled with both. If you're looking for a 556 AK, don't look anywhere else.

This has certainly been worth the 1899 Arizona Iced-Teas I spent on it. It runs smoothly with minimal recoil and was almost perfectly zeroed out of the box. Although there is some lubrication from the factory I would recommend double checking for any dry surfaces before firing. By far the best 5.56 AK to ever touch the American market.

Meridian knocked it out of the park. The fit and finish is excellent. It runs well suppressed with a huxwrx can and has concentric threads. The trigger is crisp and fast. This was my first MDC rifle and I’m impressed. If you want a modern 5.56 AK, this is the ideal answer.

I've tried AK's before through friends but nothing quite compares to how great this is right out of the box. Recoil is extremely pleasant and a dream to shoot, as well as accurate! Couldn't be happier with this set-up.

Mint out of the box, furniture is perfect, best gassed AK out of the box I've ever had. This is a definite buy.

Rifle is properly gassed and the trigger reset is perfect in my opinion. Honestly there’s nothing I don’t like about this AK. Can’t wait for the 102

Absolute sewing machine. Im currently doing a side by side comparison to an arsenal 106 and this blows it out of the water. Amazing gun and can't wait to get the 102.

This 101 blew me away. Straight out of the box you could tell it was something special. The fit, finish, and quality are apparent right from the start. The chrome lining is beautiful, the build quality is nuts. It’s buttery smooth and the trigger is better than the ALG-UL. Folding button and safety were a little tight but I’m sure they’ll break in with time. This gun is as-smooth as my well worn-in Bulgy 74. Worth every single penny and then some! Don’t waste your shekels on a WBP, PSA, or Pioneer 5.56 gun. THIS is the one to get!