Have a spikes 5.45. Real nice upper. I beleive everthing that would be exposed is melonite coated or treated (whatever the correct term is). I just boil up some water and pour it down the barrel and gas tube then clean as normal.
Have some ASC mags that haven't failed me (only on the range though, nothing too taxing). Tried modifying one pmag follower, but didn't work (but some folks seem to have some success with it)
Accuracy is good with Russian Surplus, good enough for plinking. Like others I stacked (moderatly deep) when it was $129/1080 rounds. Won't buy anymore until it starts dropping below $200 (doubt I'll see it as low as I did before).
Main issue I've had is standard hammer spring wasn't enough to set off primer every time. 3-4 times/mag it wouldn't go off. I got some Wolff heavy springs and haven't had an issue yet, but the trigger is heavy. I've heard folks having good success using Geiselle triggers with 5.45.
Otherwise a pleasure to shoot at nearly 1/2 - 1/3 the cost of brass 5.56 ammo.