FIME group is the New Arsenal?

anthony6727 · August 31, 2012, 11:26 PM

I was looking forward to buying an arsenal AK-74, but to my dismay, I found out that Arsenal, inc. does not assemble the SGL (both 21, and 31) line of AK's anymore. Instead, the parts are imported and assembled by FIME group, which assembles the AK's in Las Vegas. I've heard mixed reports that FIME is associated with Arsenal, but I must say it is a bit of a concern for me. I was always told that Arsenal was the "Gold Standard" of AK's. I don't know anything about this FIME company, the only thing i do know, is that they have a different address, and phone numbers.

It makes me hesitate to buy such an expensive AK when FIME isn't really well known and I have no idea if the quality control is as top notch as Arsenal was. I can't find many reviews on the specific FIME version of the SGL.

Does anyone have any input on this? Or heard anything about FIME?

raftman · September 1, 2012, 01:32 AM

According to another forum, Arsenal Inc refers to FIME as a "sister company," I would imagine the quality of the the product remains essentially the same, I am however glad that I got my SGL-21 when it was assembled by Arsenal, as it appears the current production ones have risen in price.

Mrgunsngear · September 1, 2012, 06:40 AM

Quote:

According to another forum, Arsenal Inc refers to FIME as a "sister company," I would imagine the quality of the the product remains essentially the same, I am however glad that I got my SGL-21 when it was assembled by Arsenal, as it appears the current production ones have risen in price.

This is how I understand it as well. By all accounts, the quality is the same but I don't think the resale value would be. I'd try to find an Arsenal one first, if you can't the FIME should be just fine.

Mobuck · September 1, 2012, 07:59 AM

Sounds like a typical business approach. Build a rep as a topend product and then outsource production to someone else in order to increase or reduce cost of production. Usually results in lowered quality and possibly increased consumer pricing until the original reputation is worn thin. After the market wanes, fold up and restart with a new name.

Willie D · September 3, 2012, 08:25 PM

The whole Arsenal arangement has always been a bit confusing. From what I can gather, Arsenal NV is a domestic offshoot of Arsenal Bulgaria, importing neutered firearms/parts from Bulgaria and 're-militarizing' them for sale here. I'm not sure if there is official joint ownership or if it is just a tight partnership.

The Bulgarian rifles get a lot of press are are very nice. Arsenal NV is the only domestic source for those. The "SGL" series are Saiga rifles made in Russia by Izhmash then "converted" into military form by Arsenal NV. Again, they are nice but really not much different than getting a Saiga from whatever source and converting it yourself with KVAR parts.

I guess my point is just that if Arsenal is outsourcing SGL conversions I wouldn't be too worried. A monkey can do those - heck, this one did.

raftman · September 3, 2012, 08:45 PM

Quote:

I guess my point is just that if Arsenal is outsourcing SGL conversions I wouldn't be too worried. A monkey can do those...

And on that notion, Century Arms International was founded.

Willie D · September 4, 2012, 11:55 AM

^Touche. But if this guy can do them...

August 31, 2012, 11:26 PM	#1
anthony6727 Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Posts: 58	FIME group is the New Arsenal? I was looking forward to buying an arsenal AK-74, but to my dismay, I found out that Arsenal, inc. does not assemble the SGL (both 21, and 31) line of AK's anymore. Instead, the parts are imported and assembled by FIME group, which assembles the AK's in Las Vegas. I've heard mixed reports that FIME is associated with Arsenal, but I must say it is a bit of a concern for me. I was always told that Arsenal was the "Gold Standard" of AK's. I don't know anything about this FIME company, the only thing i do know, is that they have a different address, and phone numbers. It makes me hesitate to buy such an expensive AK when FIME isn't really well known and I have no idea if the quality control is as top notch as Arsenal was. I can't find many reviews on the specific FIME version of the SGL. Does anyone have any input on this? Or heard anything about FIME?

September 1, 2012, 01:32 AM	#2
raftman Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,890	According to another forum, Arsenal Inc refers to FIME as a "sister company," I would imagine the quality of the the product remains essentially the same, I am however glad that I got my SGL-21 when it was assembled by Arsenal, as it appears the current production ones have risen in price. __________________ "My momma, she done told me, there's heart and then there's hate If one of 'em's inside of you, the other one, it aint."

September 1, 2012, 07:59 AM	#4
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	Sounds like a typical business approach. Build a rep as a topend product and then outsource production to someone else in order to increase or reduce cost of production. Usually results in lowered quality and possibly increased consumer pricing until the original reputation is worn thin. After the market wanes, fold up and restart with a new name.

September 3, 2012, 08:25 PM	#5
Willie D Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2007 Posts: 1,149	The whole Arsenal arangement has always been a bit confusing. From what I can gather, Arsenal NV is a domestic offshoot of Arsenal Bulgaria, importing neutered firearms/parts from Bulgaria and 're-militarizing' them for sale here. I'm not sure if there is official joint ownership or if it is just a tight partnership. The Bulgarian rifles get a lot of press are are very nice. Arsenal NV is the only domestic source for those. The "SGL" series are Saiga rifles made in Russia by Izhmash then "converted" into military form by Arsenal NV. Again, they are nice but really not much different than getting a Saiga from whatever source and converting it yourself with KVAR parts. I guess my point is just that if Arsenal is outsourcing SGL conversions I wouldn't be too worried. A monkey can do those - heck, this one did.

September 4, 2012, 11:55 AM	#7
Willie D Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2007 Posts: 1,149	^Touche. But if this guy can do them...