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Ok, we’ve talked about the exportation companies, as well as the production factories. Now let’s move to the actual companies responsible for importing the Chinese Kalashnikovs into the hands of the American Public. This is the name most commonly found on the left side of the receiver, sometimes underneath and forward of the magazine well. These companies included:
Clayco Sports: Clay Center, KS under the trunnion (left side). 
AKS
Semi Auto ALTERATIONS TO THIS FIREARM ARE UNSAFE AND ILLEGAL
Golden State Arms Distribution located in California. They had many locations including Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Pasadena, and Santa Fe, CA. These guns are the most mysterious as they arrived in America about the same time as the Clayco guns, except they had less manufacturing markings. They simply state 7.62x39mm “Made in China” GSAD, in a usually faint roll stamping, that’s it…no factory codes and no exporter markings. Many argue these got here before the Claycos, thus the reason for the additional markings on the Claycos. The majority of these rifles were bought up by companies in Hollywood to be used in the production of movies and have come to be referred to as “movie guns.” In the late 1980s, production of movies showcasing the Vietnam War had tapered off and the movie guns were sold by the hundreds by the movie houses to distributors nationwide. GSAD however, had been in the firearms importation business for many years prior. Their claim to fame was being an importer of Enfield type rifles. They also imported weapons under the name Globco as early as 1957. GSAD is also to have been rumored as the source of firearms for the Bay of Pigs invasion, as well a clandestine asset of the Central Intelligence Agency. GSAD is known to have imported rifles in the 053xx range, as well as atleast serial #'s 0787x through 09xxx, in both fixed stock and underfolding configurations. "Double-underfold" models with folding spike bayonets and underfolding stocks have also been reported. GSAD imports are usually marked over the trigger guard on the left side of the receiver:
GLNIC
Corporation of America
 
D.I.G: Dominion Investment Group in Virginia Beach, Virginia was a group headed by a gentleman who was actually an Attorney-at-Law. A number of years ago he passed away from a heart attack, and people assisted his wife in continuing the business by partnering with Intrac. Together they formed Intrac/Dominion Importing for these rifles.
Territorial
Protection Systems, Inc.
ARMCO: Was located in Boylston, MA They were located in Boylston, Massachusetts, and was both an importer/exporter and a firearms retail store. ARMCO was owned and operated by Stephen A. Holmquist, who was arrested in October 1991 and convicted on November 5, 1992 on six counts of importing firearms by means of false statements, and three counts of exporting restricted firearms to China. ARMCO is known to have imported atleast serial #'s 04440 through 05000, as well as rifles in the 073xx range. ARMCO imports are marked under the receiver, ahead of the magwell: ARMCO BOYLSTON,MA
 
SILE: They were incorporated in addition to distributing a wide variety of firearms and related accessories (including the manufacturing of stocks and grips). 7
CENTRE MARKET PL RAI:was/is Royal Arms International. Owner :Randolph J. Brill. They've been importing guns since the 1970s. RAI guns from this manufacturer/exporter does range from 8700001 to 8704400. The 87 stand for the import year 1987. RAI guns came with the red/orange bakelite blades, with serial numbers stamped to match the gun. Also, fome of the early RAI guns were stamped FTC Woodland Hills, CA RAI Guns were stamped: R.A.I. Contact Info: P.O.
Box 6083
IA CO: Was located in Sacramento, California and incorporated in May 1986. All examples seen were from factory 66. Pacific International: Was incorporated in December 1985. Keng’s Firearms Specialties (KFS)Atlanta Georgia: Was responsible for importing some of the most popular Kalashnikov Rifles. KFS guns had very desirable features that differed from other standard imports. A spring loaded firing pin, larger checkered pistol grip, along with an overall better fit /finish on wood and metal made this one of the most sought after rifles. These upgrades were suggestions by Peter Kokalis, in an article written by him for SOF magazine. These were manufactured in factory /416\ (early), and (386) (late). B-West: B-West imported weapons as well as manufactured weapons from parts kits. Their imported weapons are perfectly made as they're Norinco or other Chinese arsenal weapons. Their receivers are ones to avoid. They didn't heat treat the guide rails in the receiver, causing much deformation after as little as 2000 rounds. Be sure you're looking at a B-West import and not B-West manufactured guns before you buy.
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