I cannot begin to state how fantastic the fit and finish on this AK is, the wood and all the rivets are pristine while having an aged mad max look and finish. Looks and runs great with my sandman K, and the ALG trigger included is perfect. I am upset that the build took almost 2 years to finish when originally I believe I was quoted around a year and the emails I received with updates would state it was close to delivery which ended up being months further out. I will say in there defense any email I sent with questions was answered in under 24 hours and was always courteous and informative. Knowing how long it will take, I would do it over again as this is a one of a kind piece. Thanks for the sweet blaster and I hope they crank out thousands of this thing

Amazing work of art and it shoots most splendidly. This weapon is best used by both gentleman and scholarly class!

17 months later and is has arrived. Overall fit and finish is fantastic. Haven’t shot it yet so I can’t comment on how she runs. It’s a beautiful rifle but on appearance alone I would not say it was worth the wait. A Zastava M70 with an Ultimak rail and a KNS piston is just as nice in my opinion. She’s a keeper for sure but the wait time was brutal.

17 months later and is has arrived. Overall fit and finish is fantastic. Haven’t shot it yet so I can’t comment on how she runs. It’s a beautiful rifle but on appearance alone I would not say it was worth the wait. A Zastava M70 with an Ultimak rail and a KNS piston is just as nice in my opinion. She’s a keeper for sure but the wait time was brutal.

It’s a beaut Clark, it’s a beaut! Whole gun shop was drooling, online pictures don’t do it justice this thing is amazing.

Looks and shoots great

The fit, finish, and function of this rifle is nothing but top notch.

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!