The search for an affordable and reliable 5.56 AK platform often leads enthusiasts down a winding road. For those with a penchant for the AK system but chambered in the widely accessible 5.56 cartridge, options can sometimes feel limited or overly expensive. Recently, the Pioneer Arms Ak BLEM F.T. emerged as an intriguing contender, particularly for budget-conscious buyers. Purchased from Classic Firearms, this model, despite its “blemished” designation, presents itself as a viable entry point into the world of 5.56 AKs without breaking the bank. This initial review delves into the out-of-box impressions of the Pioneer Arms AK BLEM F.T., examining its features and build quality for those considering a foray into this specific AK variant.
Initial inspection reveals a firearm that, at first glance, appears well-constructed. The sights, while not explicitly zeroed, exhibit a level of factory adjustment, suggesting a degree of pre-delivery attention. The front sight post, in particular, shows clear signs of manipulation, indicating some effort towards basic alignment. Rivets, often a critical point of visual and structural assessment in AK platforms, appear to be of good quality. While some minor surface browning, indicative of superficial rust, was noted on areas like the safety selector and rail rivets, this was easily addressed with basic cleaning. For firearm owners accustomed to basic maintenance, this presents no significant concern and is purely cosmetic. Applying a protectant, such as a wax designed for metal preservation, further mitigates any future superficial corrosion.
Closer examination of internal components, specifically the locking lugs and hammer, reveals slight wear marks. These appear to be cosmetic in nature, limited to the black finish wearing in these high-contact areas. The presence of brass residue on the bolt face strongly suggests factory test firing. This is a positive indicator, suggesting a basic functionality check was performed before shipment, providing a degree of assurance to the end-user regarding initial operational readiness.
Addressing the “BLEM” designation, the cosmetic imperfections appear minimal and largely confined to the finish. On the bolt carrier group (BCG), some finish rubbed off during initial cleaning, and similar wear was observed in areas where the receiver and dust cover interface. However, for many firearm owners, particularly those focused on practical application over pristine aesthetics, these blemishes are inconsequential. The firearm’s functionality and underlying build quality remain the primary concerns, and superficial finish imperfections do not detract from the weapon’s intended purpose as a working tool.
Magazine compatibility is a crucial aspect for any AK platform. Initial testing with repurposed 5.56 followers in surplus 74 pattern magazines yielded mixed results. Circle 21 magazines, known for tighter tolerances, presented a very snug fit, suggesting potential compatibility issues or the need for magazine-specific adjustments. Conversely, commercially produced Bulgarian steel-reinforced magazines chambered for 5.56 exhibited a much more agreeable fit, indicating better compatibility with magazines specifically designed for the 5.56 AK platform. Further testing with a wider range of 5.56 AK magazines is recommended to establish a more comprehensive understanding of magazine compatibility.
While online firearm communities can sometimes exhibit skepticism towards budget-oriented AK platforms, initial hands-on impressions of the Pioneer Arms AK BLEM F.T. are encouraging. It presents itself as a potentially solid and affordable option for individuals seeking a 5.56 AK. Further range testing and more extensive evaluation are necessary to provide a definitive assessment of its long-term reliability and performance. However, out of the box, the Pioneer Arms AK BLEM F.T. offers a promising entry point into the 5.56 AK world for shooters mindful of budget without sacrificing core AK functionality.
