Recently, I decided to venture into the realm of 5.56 AK platforms and picked up a Pioneer Arms Sporter BLEM F.T. from Classic Firearms. The decision was primarily driven by budget considerations, as I was looking for a cost-effective option to add to my collection, especially compared to higher-end alternatives. Having owned AK variants in the past like a WaffenWerks 74, WASR, and NPAP, I was curious to see how this budget-friendly Pioneer Arms Sporter would stack up. The PSA AK-101 was on my radar, but some mixed reviews gave me pause, particularly considering the investment and potential need for post-purchase work. At around $600, the Pioneer Arms Sporter BLEM F.T. seemed like a less risky entry point, especially with some positive feedback circulating about the newer PAC models.
Upon unboxing the Pioneer Arms Sporter BLEM F.T., my initial impressions were quite favorable for a rifle in this price range. The iron sights appeared straight, and while not definitively zeroed, the front sight post showed clear signs of adjustment. The rivets seemed well-formed and aesthetically acceptable, with only minor browning, which was easily cleaned off the safety selector and rail rivets. As a sword collector, I applied a bit of Renaissance Wax to the receiver after cleaning, a habit from maintaining edged weapons, to provide a layer of protection.
Examining the internals of the Pioneer Arms Sporter BLEM F.T., I noticed slight wear marks on the locking lugs and hammer. This appeared to be primarily cosmetic, with the black finish rubbed off in certain areas. The presence of brass residue on the bolt face suggests that the rifle was likely test-fired, which is reassuring in terms of basic functionality checks before shipping.
Regarding the “BLEM” designation of this Pioneer Arms Sporter, the cosmetic imperfections were indeed minor. I observed that the finish on the bolt carrier group rubbed off easily in some spots when wiped down. Similar finish wear was present where the receiver and dust cover meet. However, these blemishes are purely cosmetic and do not detract from the functionality of the rifle. For me, a firearm is a tool, not a display piece, so minor finish issues are inconsequential.
To test magazine compatibility with the 5.56 chambering of the Pioneer Arms Sporter BLEM F.T., I acquired some DangusLeatherWorks 5.56 followers to use with my existing 5.45×39 Circle 21 magazines. Unfortunately, the Circle 21 magazines proved to be an extremely tight fit, suggesting potential issues with reliable feeding. On a more positive note, commercial Bulgarian steel-reinforced magazines fit into the Pioneer Arms Sporter magazine well without any issues. Since I am relatively new to the 5.56 AK platform, further testing with live rounds is necessary. Currently, I only have a limited supply of 5.56 ammunition (60 rounds), which is insufficient for a comprehensive evaluation.
Interestingly, sharing my new Pioneer Arms Sporter BLEM F.T. in an online discord group led to some unexpected criticism. It seems opinions on this particular model are varied within the online firearms community. Despite the initial online reactions, I remain cautiously optimistic about the Pioneer Arms Sporter BLEM F.T., especially considering its price point. Further range testing will be crucial to fully assess its performance and reliability.
