The following info was given on February 10, 2000 by Mr. Jimmy Streetman of the Arsenal USA company:


We began systematically importing parts from the military factories in eastern Europe before anyone else did. There had been scattered sources before us, but no one had thought of buying new parts from factories and supplying every part for sale separately. We started visiting the factories in 1995, and went to Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Poland, even Croatia, and Macedonia looking for parts and other goodies. One of our partners is originally from Bulgaria, and speaks six languages that he will admit to, and can get along in at least that many more. We established good relations with the factories, and this is now becoming very important. Delegations from everywhere are showing up at factories wanting to buy parts and kits, they are finding our footprints everywhere they go. In late 1996 we had obtained an import permit to import the SLR-95, and when we were at the factory in Bulgaria, we asked the then Managing Director of Arsenal Kazanlak, Mr. Krum Khristov, if we could import the rifle. He told us something that we did not like at the time, that he had a policy of selling the same product to only one seller in each market. He would not sell us the rifle, but because he was very fond of our Bulgarian Partner, he offered to produce an entirely new rifle that would be ours exclusively. This was a .223 rifle with a milled receiver. It was to be called the SLR-100. You may have seen some of these receivers that were prepared for us converted to 7.62X39 configuration showing up for sale here in the U.S. marked SLR-100. It took over a year to get the rifle to perform flawlessly, the factory insisted that they not be sold until they were perfect. In early November of 1997 we were notified that the prototypes were ready. We overnighted an import permit application to Washington, and celebrated.
The next day we were notified that all import permits for semi automatic rifles were suspended by executive order "national health emergency". After sulking for a while we realized that the prohibition was only for the importation of rifles. With enough U.S. source parts we could assemble the rifles here in the U.S.. We started consulting with the ATF about the regulations, not much information was readily available. After much work, we had the assurance that we could legally build AK's here in the U.S.. It took most of 1998 to get all of the licenses and permits in place. Just as we were ready to go, Mr. Khristov died from complications of an auto accident. We went to Kazanlak in late 1998 to complete the arrangements to buy the kits to build the rifle here. The idea was to continue the fine tradition of Arsenal milled rifles in the U.S.. We signed a contract with the new managing director to purchase the kits, from which the rifles you know as the SSR-99 and the K-101 were built. During the summer leading up to this point we had worked with several experienced manufacturers of firearms, and ended up making a deal with Jerry Gordon of Gordon Technologies for two reasons. He has a reputation for building flawless weapons, and he also has an extensive background in machining. We knew that this would be very handy in the future. When we went to Kazanlak that Fall, we took MR. Gordon with us as an extension of Arsenal USA. He got to see the factory, and saw how the milled rifles were put together there. Very few westerners have been in this factory. We were able to combine the traditional way of making Kalasnikovs with our own modern western technology to produce AK's with tolerances better than the Bulgarian factory. Our arrangements with Gordon Technologies is a contractual one. We contracted with him to do the barreling and testing of the rifles, with full knowledge and permission of the ATF. The rifles are partially assembled at his facility and test fired (using proof loads, I wonder how many of the other builders do that), and then return to us for parkerizing, assembly of stock sets, final fitting of the trigger and other internals, final inspection and boxing, and marketing. He has done the SSR-99, the K-101, and the SSR-99P for us in this fashion. We have produced the finest AK ever offered to the American public.

***Note: Gordon Technologies assembled only the earliest batches of SSR-99's and K-101's under contract of Arsenal USA. These early batches were actually completed by G-Tech, not needing any work when arriving at Arsenal USA. All the SSR-99's & K-101's built by G-Tech were proof load tested before receiving the "G" marking on the barrel. This "G" stamp meant that it not only passed the proof load test, but also meant that it was a G-Tech built weapon. All later production of these models were done by Arsenal USA's in house staff. I do not know if Arsenal USA continued with the proof load testing once the production shifted to their own facilities.

The Global Trades / Arsenal USA line of Weapons

SSR-99 *Discontinued*

(Photo: raf32)
A similar rifle to SAM7 produced by Arsenal USA and Gordon Tech. These have Bulgarian milled receiver with updated AKM parts, ie. 90 degree gas block, thinner barrel, etc. These have enough US parts to allow it pistol grips and hi cap mags.

SSR-99P *Discontinued*

(Photo: Unknown)
Limited production AK by Arsenal USA and Gordon Tech. These are built from Bulgarian milled receiver with parts from Polish grenade launching AK-47. A unique gas cut off switch is a feature of this particular rifle. The laminated Polish stock completes the classic AK-47 look.

K-101 *Discontinued*

(Photo: raf32)
A limited production rifle from Arsenal USA and Gordon Tech. These are .223Rem Bulgarian AK with milled receivers. The polymer furniture give it a modern look, while the 5.56mm NATO round makes it a very versatile firearm.

SSR-47 *Discontinued*
Limited production AK-47 Type III clone built by Global Trades/Arsenal USA of Houston TX. These have Polish AK-47 parts built on Bulgarian milled receivers. These are very close copies of the AK-47 Type III model with Polish laminated stock.

SSR-74S *Prototype*

(Photo: raf32)
Only 7 prototypes of this new Arsenal USA model were made in 2002. These 5.45 caliber rifles are built on FEG receivers using Bulgarian AK-74 parts and US trigger groups. Hopefully we'll see it entering full scale production in 2003.

SSR-85A *Prototype* *Discontinued*
These were the original production model of SSR-85 with all Hungarian FEG parts, assembled in the US by Arsenal USA. I guess their were not enough FEG parts for full production.

SSR-85BA *Discontinued*
The "Barreled Action" version of SSR-85B. These have all parts of SSR-85B, except the furniture. There's also a model SK-100 in the receiver-only version.

SSR-85B *Limited Production*

(Photo: Global Trades)
Assembled by Global Trades/Arsenal USA using new stamped Hungarian FEG SA85M receiver and surplus Polish AKM parts. These "like new" parts were removed from Polish AKM in storage. These have enough US parts to take hi cap mags and in pistol grip configuration. There's also a slant muzzle brake permanently installed on the barrel. Some recent models featured Ohio Ordnance's US made stamped receiver when they ran out of FEG receivers.
UPDATE: The FEG receivers are back on the SSR85 series, but the Hungarian stocks have been replaced by Bulgarian stocks.

SSR-85C *Limited Production*

(Photo: Unknown)
A close cousin of the SSR-85B. Arsenal USA used Polish AK-47 parts instead of Polish AKM parts. This makes it easily identifiable with AK-47 features, ie. smooth receiver cover, thicker AK-47 barrel, bigger front sight block, and vented gas tube. Like SSR-85B the C model comes with blonde Hungarian steamed Elm wood furniture.
UPDATE: The FEG receivers are back on the SSR85 series, but the Hungarian stocks have been replaced by Bulgarian stocks.

SSR-56 *Current Production*
(Photo: Unknown)
This is the newest AK model built by Arsenal USA/Global Trades. The SSR-56 is built on Hungarian FEG receiver with new Chinese Poly-Tech barrel, Bulgarian receiver parts, US trigger parts, and Bulgarian Walnut stock (or Polymer stock). It used to be built on US-made Ohio Ordnance Works/ITC receiver before FEG receivers came in again. This is a very unique and interesting blend of AK-47 and AKM from 4 nations. Arsenal used to use OOW receiver, but they've switched back to FEG for now. It's likely to be built on Arsenal USA's own US receiver in the future. This model is new for 2002.

By AvtomatKalashnikova  Moderator of Bulgarian & Hungarian Arsenal
 

AK-47.net:  SSR-99 Rating:   Quality: 10,  Posted: 03/29/01 Pros: Everything about these weapons are awesome!   Cons:   That it is a post ban rifle. Summery: This is a great gun if you can get your hands on one. They are pricey due to their limited production.  AK-47.NET Highly recommends buying any of the Global Trades weapons.                                      Submit Review