Romanian Cugir Romarm SAR-3 5.56×45 16.25” Semi-Automatic Rifle MFD 2000
SOLD FOR: $1,108.69
LSB#: LSB251030RN006
Make: Romarm
Model: SAR-3
Serial Number: S3-01010-2000
Year of Manufacture: 2000
Caliber: 5.56×45
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Right side of the receiver marked “MADE BY S.N. ROMARM S.A. CUGIR / IN ROMANIA / IMPORTED C.A.I. GEORGIA, VT”, “S” and “F” by the safety lever. The left side of trunnion is marked “S3-01010”. The receiver is marked “SAR-3 / Cal. 5.56x45mm”. The rear of the dust cover is marked “01010”. Top of the rear sight is marked “1-10” “P”. The firing pin housing is marked “01010”. The safety is marked “010”.
Barrel Length: 16.25”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable post iron sight with protective wings. The rear sight is a “U” notched leaf sliding sight escalator.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a three piece. The buttstock is a fixed wood stock with bottom sling ring and smooth metal buttplate with trap door. The two piece handguard is wood with hand swells. The pistol grip is checkered synthetic. The left side of the receiver has rails for adding your sights and optics. There are little to no handling marks. There are some faint scratches throughout. The LOP measures 12.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Four 30rd magazines all in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows scratches and scuffs throughout the rifle. There are nicks on the barrel. There is a formation of surface rust on the gas block. There is operational wear on the receiver. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the mentioned magazines and a leather magazine pouch. This rifle also comes with a canvas sling in about Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: Romania’s SAR-3 represents the 5.56×45mm NATO adaptation of the Kalashnikov platform built at the Cugir factory—a transitional rifle produced at the turn of the millennium when Eastern European arsenals were retooling for Western export markets. Retaining the familiar AKM-pattern stamped receiver, long-stroke piston system, and robust, utilitarian construction, the SAR-3 paired those traits with a Western chambering and U.S.-mandated semiautomatic configuration. These rifles became some of the earliest commercially available 5.56 AKs in the United States, preceding later WUM, WASR, and Arsenal offerings.
Chambered in 5.56×45mm—a cartridge standardized in the 1960s and widely adopted by NATO forces—the SAR-3 provides the flatter trajectory and lighter recoil associated with Western intermediate cartridges while maintaining the durability and mechanical simplicity of the AK pattern. This example’s bright bore, strong rifling, and honest exterior wear align with lightly used imports from this era. The wood furniture, matching numbers, and included magazines reinforce the rifle’s character as a clean, representative example of Cugir’s early 5.56 production. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! -N.P
