For those who thought the GunLab VG1-5 project was très chic, the first example is now complete and awaiting BATFE approval. Even better, Allegheny Arsenal is now accepting preorders! The guns will cost $4,000 each (despite the decidedly inexpensive construction of the VG1-5 design, there is expected to be only a small run of weapons, thus negating any real economy of scale).

A VG1-5 reproduction would certainly be a totally unique addition to any collection. Ammunition is available through Prvi Partizan, making it both a conversation piece and (by virtue of not being an original example) a great shooter, too. The price tag means the VG1-5’s second coming probably won’t result in hordes of inexpensive but serviceable selfloading carbines in the hands of everyone who can hold one, as the designers intended, but for the collector with a full wallet who wants not only to own but also to shoot the ultimate example of economy engineering, these reproductions are hard to beat.