Took nearly 18 months to get it, but it was definitely worth the wait. I have several other AKs but this is on a different level. Rifle grouped incredibly well with two different loads on the first range trip. By far the softest shooting 7.62 AK I have. The gas system is very well tuned. Recoil is soft, but cases are ejected with just enough authority to be well clear of the rifle. Most of my other AKs are noticeably over gassed. When compared against basic rifles from other MFGs, it almost feels like it just floats in hands under recoil. I can't recommend it enough. If your an AK enthusiast, definitely treat yourself to one of these or something else from Meridian. The quality is top notch.

The Fit and finish are perfect. Runs like a dream.

The fit and finish of the rifle is excellent, I couldn’t be happier. It is well worth the wait.

I am just a regular fella that likes "nice" things, fortunate enough to "afford" a few of them. Therefore this review will be more of form than function. Functionality, Robski has done that already anyway. No regular Joe Schmo can do better. This Pestilence is definitely one of the nicest rifles I have ever owned. As the saying goes, "cool stuff ain't cheap, cheap stuff ain't cool." This rifle is one of those things that will get the usual trolls and haters; over priced, over hyped, blah blah blah, etc. But that's all they are, haters. As far as current owners that have negative feelings, you will get your $$ back, just list it and someone else will gladly buy it from you. Just as in any hobby ( or sport ), you have to pay to play. Good things come to those who wait. Yes, lot of us endured a year and a half of wait time to receive this fine piece of craftsmanship. Some are still waiting. When MD bounced back and got caught up from the pandemic, this pestilence got re-listed with an expected turn around time of 12 weeks or less ( sold out in 11 minutes ). A lot of us got bent out of shape, understandably. Me personally, once the dust settled, I eventually calmed down. Calm enough that I ordered another. Timing was not on my side the first go around. Simple as that. The world did shut down, and was a logistical nightmare for most businesses. MD was no different. As far as customer service, comms were more than excellent. Thank you Paul and Tony...job well done!

Well the wait has finally ended. Ordered on July 2021 and just received the rifle on Saturday. I realize reading all these reviews seem to repeat themselves. I’m very impressed with the quality and workmanship that’s been put into this battle rifle. Fit and finish its spot on! I think I wore YouTube and Meridian website out for close to a year and a half anticipating it. That prob took away from the Wow factor initially? But I own many makes and models of AK’s and it’s definitely at the top! I’m excited to get it out to the range and throw some lead with this bitch! My SAM7sf-84 has the KNS piston and shoots flat as a welcome mat. This stamped receiver should be much lighter but still shoot flat. The team at Meridian were very informative and honest regardless of completion times delayed several times. It was frustrating I have to admit but anytime I contacted them with a question or added any mods to the order they were very punctual. Paul and Marco are great guys with amazing talent and vision. I’m sure there many other people involved in providing such a badass rifle. Thanks to them as well!

I was mad… took a year and a half to receive my order.. not anymore.. the rifle is beautiful… went to sleep with it in my hand..M.D.. thank you.. waiting on the new series to drop as we speak..

Took a year and a half, but well worth the wait!! Bad Ass Rifle! Welcome to the dark side

Nice rifle but not worth the wait…

Wow what a Beauty, I called my FFL and asked if my Rifle had showed up and they said the AK, Yes ill be right there. We had everybody just in aw with the Rifle . The 18 month well worth the wait, Love this gun

Well, hello dongleberry. Ordered my Pesty in June, 2021. It was listed as “SOLD OUT” shortly after. Took possession of it last month. It’s everything you’d want in a top level rifle. It’s absolutely physically stunning. And the dongle is epic. It’s just that little extra something. Makes shnuzzling into your shots so snug & comfy. I’ve heard people say there must be something special in the water over there at Meridian HQ. I can attest to that, having been born & raised just across the highway. Now, I thankfully live in a state that’s free from the tyrannical grips of the Commifornia leaders, and I have the PureBlood Unchained Freedom version of the Peestimence, unshackled from the bondage of dain bramaged beaurocratic snarflefartic thinking. It is butter. It is epic. When it arrived at the FFL, I called to check on picking it up. “Which firearm are you inquiring about?” Mr. FFL asked. “The Meridian…” I started to reply, but was cut off. “The AK? Brother, we all took a look at it when it arrived & checked it in. That is one BEAUTIFUL piece, man. There was a shop full of guys drooling when it arrived.” I’ll return after I’ve fed a few thousand rounds through it. But for the time being, with the few mags I’ve put down range so far…I’m a happy Goleta transplant, glad to rep a piece of my hometown up in the mountains of Montana, and smiling with every pull of my ridiculously wonderful Pesty’s trigger. Thanks guys. I’ll be back for another at some point!

First time running AK, I was amazed by how light it was. You can tell the rifle was assembled by someone that loves what they're doing. I shot my first comp this weekend with it and didnt even bother to check if irons were on. It was a complete full send on my end. I was nailing an 8" silhouette target like it was nothing. Definitely impressed with the product I received.

Awesome Rifle!