Soviet Firearms/Kalashnikov

From Thinline Weapons Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

AK Buyer's Guide

==NEW Simple version of the guide HERE==

Imported 7.62x39 AK Rifles

AK Imports in general are in a tight spot as far as options go. There are some rifles listed here that aren't being imported currently, but there are still a fair number of them in the US waiting to be sold off (looking at you, KVAR). For the guy/gal just wanting to get into AKs I'd suggest looking at these imports as they will hold their value much better than a US made rifle due to scarcity in case you end up selling it off. I'd reccomend, for a starter AK, a 7.62x39 WBP Jack, WASR-10, or a ZPAP M70 as these are all easy to find via retail and are the highest quality new guns currently coming in.

NOTE: There are a lot of bad AKs out there. Bad AKs are not like Bad ARs. A bad AR has feeding issues, poor accuracy, and fit/finish problems. A bad AK will have all of these issues along with the likelihood of firing out of battery, exploding, and sending shrapnel to you, your friends, and neighbors. If you see a gun listed here that states DO NOT BUY it's because this is one of the guns that can harm you or kill you/others unintentionally through regular use. Please Look HERE for a list of all these guns and their issues in greater detail. Be smart, be safe, read up on something before you spend your hard earned money, or else you'll be paying more down the road.

Imported 7.62x39 AK Rifles
Country Manufacturer Model Receiver Style Rear Style Barrel Length In. Optics Rail Reviews Recommendation Notes
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10)) SAM7SF Milled-ARM SF ARM SF 16.3 Bulgarian BattleField Vegas - SAM7s haven't failed 300,000+ rounds The best AK currently imported into the US Can come with Quad Rails, has thumb selector
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10)) SAM7K (SBR) Milled-ARM SF ARM SF 8.5 Bulgarian BattleField Vegas - SAM7s haven't failed 300,000+ rounds The best short AK currently imported into the US Can come with Quad Rails, has thumb selector
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10)) SAM7K Pistol Milled-ARM SF ARM SF (Pistol) 10.5 Bulgarian BattleField Vegas - SAM7s haven't failed 300,000+ rounds The 2nd best pistol AK currently imported into the US Note: these come with a fake muzzle device, in order to convert the front end of the gun you need a new front sight block and have to SAM7K chop the barrel
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10)) SAM744K Pistol Milled-ARM SF ARM SF (1913) 8.5 Bulgarian BattleField Vegas - SAM7s haven't failed 300,000+ rounds The best pistol AK currently imported into the US These come with a 1913 rail adapter for braces, and have threaded barrels with a proper barrel length. (better than old SAM7K) Can come with Quad rails.
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10)) SAM7SFK-80 (Gambit) Milled-ARM SF ARM SF 8.5 (+8 from Gambit) Bulgarian BattleField Vegas - SAM7s haven't failed 300,000+ rounds The best pistol AK currently imported into the US Can come with Quad Rails, has thumb selector
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10)) SAM7R Milled-ARM AR-M Stock 16.3 Bulgarian BattleField Vegas - SAM7s haven't failed 300,000+ rounds The best Fixed stock AK currently imported into the US Can come with Quad Rails, has thumb selector
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10)) SAM7UF Milled-ARM UF UnderFolder 16.3 Bulgarian BattleField Vegas - SAM7s haven't failed 300,000+ rounds The best Underfolder AK currently imported into the US Has thumb selector
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10)) SLR107R Stamped (74) Fixed stock AKM 16.3 Bulgarian Pre-2013 SLR passes AKOU 5k rounds Can come with Quad Rails
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10)) SLR107FR Stamped (74) 4.5mm hinge 16.3 Bulgarian Pre-2013 SLR passes AKOU 5k rounds Can come with Quad Rails
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10)) SLR107UR AKSU 4.5mm hinge 16 Bulgarian Pre-2013 SLR passes AKOU 5k rounds Can come with Quad Rails
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10)) SLR107UR (SBR) AKSU 4.5mm hinge 8.5 Bulgarian Pre-2013 SLR passes AKOU 5k rounds Can come with Quad Rails
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10)) SLR107CR Stamped (74) 4.5mm hinge 16.3 Bulgarian Pre-2013 SLR passes AKOU 5k rounds Can come with Quad Rails
Romania Cugir GP WASR-10 (UF version available too) AKM AKM 16.3 Romanian 10k rounds with AKOU and still goingBattleField Vegas - WASR tends to go 60k+ rounds The best bottom barrel imported AK Usually Terrible furniture, great Rifle, may or may not come with Bayonetlug and unwelded muzzle device, depending on state
Romania Cugir GP WASR-10/63 AKM AKM 16.3 Romanian 10k rounds with AKOU and still goingBattleField Vegas - WASR tends to go 60k+ rounds The best bottom barrel imported AK Uses some surplus military parts, can come with different stocks.
Romania Cugir Draco (Romanian) AKM Underfolder AKM 11.75 None N/A - Cugir guns are solid Better QC than WASR (This is the REAL Draco) Pistol (This is the Draco you want)
Romania Cugir Mini Draco AKM AKM 7.75 N/A - Cugir guns are solid Better QC than WASR (This is the REAL Draco) This is the short version of a real Draco, but it's an odd cookie Shortish version of the Draco
Romania Cugir Micro-Draco (Romanian) AKM Underfolder AKM 6 None N/A - Cugir guns are solid This is the short version of a real Draco, but it's an odd cookie Dust Cover sight will not hold zero
Romania Cugir M10 AKM AKM 16.3 Romanian It's a RH10, which is a WASR with different side rail and barrel setup Wasr with a combo block, good QA/QC This is the new Imported rifle, designation M10-762. Guns made by Cugir, in Romania. Imported by M+M, Finished by Lee Armory, NOT Century Arms. Ships with Phoenix Buttstocks, Hogue Handguards and Grips, and XTech Mags. Front hood will be half cut to make co-witnessing easier.
Romania Cugir M10 DIY AKM AKM 16.3 Romanian It's a RH10, which is a WASR with different side rail and barrel setup Wasr with a combo block, good QA/QC This is a great gun to get if you plan on replacing the regular items on a stock M10 or even a WASR
Romania Cugir I.O. M10-7.62 AKM AKM 16.3 Romanian It's a RH10, which is a WASR with different side rail and barrel setup Wasr with a combo block, good QA/QC This is imported by I.O., They don't touch any vital compenents just like Century does the WASR-10. It's fine.
Romania Cugir AES-10B RPK RPK RPK 21.5 Romanian N/A - Cugir guns are solid Reinforced Cugir gun, likely very solid RPK, but with a carry handle
Romania Cugir RH-10 AKM AKM 16.3 Romanian N/A - Cugir guns are solid It's like a WASR, but better for SBR. Great Gun Has Combo GB/FSB to aid in SBR'ing. Same quality as WASR.
Israel IWI Galil Ace 7.62x39 Rifle Galil-ish Galil-ish 16.3 1913 Top Rail N/A Likely a pretty good gun, no major reports of breakages Rifle with Folding Stock
Israel IWI Galil Ace 7.62x39 Pistol Galil-ish Galil-ish 8.3 1913 Top Rail N/A Likely a pretty good gun, no major reports of breakages Pistol
Israel IWI Galil Ace 7.62x39 SBR Galil-ish Galil-ish 8.3 1913 Top Rail N/A Likely a pretty good gun, no major reports of breakages NFA Item
Russia MOLOT FM converted Vepr 7.62 RPK RPK 16.3 Russian RPK Passed AKOU 5k test RPK Based sporter rifle, good quality Vepr is RPK pattern
Poland FB Radom Beryl 762 S M1 Beryl Beryl 16.3 None Made by the legendary FB Radom, I don't think there's much to say Likely a fine rifle. Can use Beryl rail system
Poland Pioneer Arms Hellpup AKM AKM 11.73 None Immediate Failure with Mishaco DO NOT BUY THIS POS Do Not Buy
Poland Pioneer Arms Pioneer Arms Sporter AK47 AKM AKM 16.3 None Immediate Failure at AKOU DO NOT BUY THIS POS Do Not Buy
Poland Pioneer Arms Pioneer Arms Forged Series AK47 AKM AKM 16.3 Yes No reviews at this time. Caution Reccomended, especially due to prevoius manufacturer history. Comes with forged bolt and front trunnion
Poland WBP WBP Fox AKM Beryl 16.3 Polish/Beryl Compatible Passed AKOU 5k Test Best stamped AK currently imported - NOTE: The Fox classic (AND Czerwony) uses a U.S. Gas Piston and users of these guns report that the pistons are soft and bend out of shape after a few hundred rounds. Many different furniture selections, also compatible with Bery top rail.
Poland WBP WBP Fox (Unconverted) AKM Beryl 16.3 Polish/Beryl Compatible See WBP Fox (converted) Best unvonverted stamped AK currently imported Takes single stack mags, need to convert magwell to take standard mags
Poland WBP WBP Lynx Pistol AKM Underfolder AKM 10 (Gas Tube Rail) WBP Lynx = WBP Fox but Pistol Good stamped pistol, competitor to the Draco Review by Mishaco
Poland WBP WBP MiniJack Pistol AKM Underfolder AKM 10 Polish As good as a WBP Lynx or better Great stamped pistol, competitor to the Draco This is a good value pistol
Poland WBP WBP Jack Rifle AKM AKM 16.3 None As good as a WBP Fox or better Great stamped pistol, competitor to the Draco No side rail, does not use Beryl rear Trunnion.
Poland WBP WBP Milled MiniJack Proprietary Unknown style 10.2 None Unknown quality Has a unique rear sight style, looks weird. Probably ok. No side rail, looks like AR Pistol tubes will thread in.
Serbia Zastava NPAP Commercial Serb Yugoslavian 16.3 Yugoslav Side Rail Passed AKOU 5k test These aren't as proven out as the WASR, but not terrible Yugo Pattern, standard AKM furniture will not fit Mishaco Talks on PAP Differences (No Longer Imported)
Serbia Zastava OPAP Yugoslavian Yugoslavian 16.3 Yugoslav Side Rail Almost a military M70 - better than NPAP/ZPAP Slab side Very well built. High quality and durability. No Longer Imported
Serbia Zastava M92PV Yugo Short Yugo Short 10 No side rail but it's possible to mount a 1913 rail on the top cover N/A - No major reports of issues Good stamped AK pistol Yugo short Pattern, standard AKM furniture will not fit Mishaco Talks on PAP Differences (No Longer Imported)
Serbia Zastava USA ZPAP92 Yugo Short Yugo Short 10 No side rail but it's possible to mount a 1913 rail on the top cover N/A - No major reports of issues NEW Serbian Pattern of AK pistol. Stylized after the M85 bulged trunnion short 5.56 rifle, but now in 7.62x39 Yugo short Pattern, standard AKM furniture will not fit Mishaco Talks on PAP Differences (No Longer Imported)
Serbia Zastava USA ZPAP Commercial Serb Yugoslavian 16.3 Yugoslav Side Rail Passed AKOU 5k test while suppressed These aren't as proven out as the WASR, but still are good Yugoslavian Furniture only
Serbia Zastava USA ZPAP M70A Underfolder Commercial Serb Yugoslavian 16.3 Yugoslav Side Rail See ZPAP test These aren't as proven out as the WASR, but still good Yugoslavian Furniture only
Serbia Zastava USA ZPAP M70 Yugoslavian Yugoslavian 16.3 Yugoslav Side Rail These aren't as proven out as the WASR, but still good Much closer pattern to the stamped Yugoslavian M70, good quality. Has CHF CL barrel Yugoslavian Furniture only
Serbia Zastava USA ZPAP M92 Pistol Yugo Short Yugo Short 16.3 Yugoslav Side Rail Testing Started, No issues so far Good stamped AK pistol Special M92 /85 Furniture, has hinged dustcover

Kit Build 7.62x39 AK Rifles

Kit build rifles are hit/miss. There are many good builders out there, and there are many bad ones. The bigger the name of the builder, the more likely it is that they did their research before putting your gun together. I don't reccomend buying some random dude's garage build unless you can be certain of their quality of work and the quality of the parts they used. The exception to this rule is that Century Arms builds are pretty crappy. They're so bad at it they once put a bunch of barrels in a run of their builds that were the wrong caliber, meaning people got guns shipped to them that keyholed on shot #1. Don't buy Century MADE anything.

Kit Build 7.62x39 AK Rifles
Country Manufacturer Model Receiver Style Rear Style Barrel Length In. Optics Rail Reviews Recommendation Notes
Romania Cugir Atlantic Firearms Romanian BFPU PM63 AKM AKM 16.3 Depends N/A Atlantic Kit Build. Well put together Rough Finish
Romania Cugir Atlantic Firearms DIY AKM AKM 16.3 Depends N/A Atlantic Kit Build. Well put together Comes in parts, but doesn't require tools to finish
Romania Cugir Atlantic Firearms PM65 AKM Underfolder AKM 16.3 Depends N/A Atlantic Kit Build. Well put together Underfolder build
Romania Cugir Atlantic Firearms PM90 Pistol AKM AKM 11.73 Depends N/A Atlantic Kit Build. Well put together Pistol
Romania Cugir Atlantic Firearms Romanian RPK RPK RPK 20.5 Depends N/A Atlantic Kit Build. Well put together RPK with Rough Finish
United States Cugir/TRA Two Rivers PM63 AKM AKM 16.3 Depends N/A Kit build by Two Rivers, outstanding quality BFPU/Iraqi Style
United States Zastava/TRA Two Rivers Yugo RPK Yugoslavian Yugoslavian 21.4 Depends N/A Kit build by Two Rivers, outstanding quality Yugo RPK replica
United States Zastava/TRA Two Rivers Tabuk Sniper Yugoslavian Yugoslavian 21.4 Iraqi Tabuk Siderail N/A Kit build by Two Rivers, outstanding quality Iraqi DMR Replica using Yugo Parts Kit and Two Rivers Parts
United States Zastava/TRA Two Rivers Tabuk WS Yugoslavian Yugoslavian 16.2 Iraqi Tabuk Siderail N/A Kit build by Two Rivers, outstanding quality Iraqi M70 Replica using Yugo Parts Kit and Two Rivers Parts
United States Zastava/TRA Two Rivers Tabuk FS Yugoslavian Yugoslavian 16.2 Iraqi Tabuk Siderail N/A Kit build by Two Rivers, outstanding quality Iraqi M70A Replica using Yugo Parts Kit and Two Rivers Parts
United States Cugir/Lee Armory Lee Armory Romanian Classic AKM AKM 16.3 Romanian N/A Kit build gun by Lee Armory. Built well. A Lee Armory build using brand new Romanian parts off the military line that passed the AKOU test
United States Cugir/Lee Armory Lee Armory RL-762 AKM AKM 16.3 Romanian N/A Kit build gun by Lee Armory. Built well. CA Compliant AK in Saiga Sporter Configuration
United States Various/Lee Armory/Krebs Krebs Customs AKM AKM Various Side Rail Present N/A Krebs guns can be anything, including a RAS-47. Make sure you know what you're buying! If it's a good to go rifle under all the stuff krebs throws on it, then it's a neat custom rifle

100% USA 7.62x39 AK Rifles

This is almost a list of AKs you should never buy. The only exceptions to this are guns built on US Milled receivers like Sharps Bros, and the latest PSA Aks like the PSAK AKE and possibly the PSAK GF3 and newer. Kalashnikov USA made some good examples, but their QC is way outta wack right now.

100% USA 7.62x39 AK Rifles
Country Manufacturer Model Receiver Style Rear Style Barrel Length In. Optics Rail Reviews Recommendation Notes
United States Century Arms BFT AKM AKM 16.3 Century Proprietary Guns recalled Big F****in Turd-47 DO NOT BUY THIS - multiple documented cases of issues. FALSE reinforced trunnion. QC is bad, there are better options for the same money or slightly more. DO NOT BUY.
United States Century Arms VSKA AKM AKM 16.3 Century Proprietary 2 guns failed 1500 rds James Yeagar Very Shitty Kalashnikov Attempt DO NOT BUY THIS POS - multiple documented cases of exploding guns QC is bad, there are better options for the same money or slightly more. DO NOT BUY.
United States Century Arms C39 AK-47 AK-47 16.3 None This gun is so bad they made a C39V2 DO NOT BUY THIS POS Discontinued Model for a reason, DO NOT BUY
United States Century Arms C39V2 AK-47 AK-47 16.3 Century Proprietary Aftermath of AKOU Test DO NOT BUY THIS POS Both AKOU and MAC C39V2s are out of headpace after firing
United States Century Arms C39 Pistols AK-47 AK-47 Various Century Proprietary See C39V2 DO NOT BUY THIS POS It's a C39, but shorter
United States Century Arms Draco (USA) AKM AKM 10.5 None See RAS-47 DO NOT BUY THIS POS Pistol version of RAS47 (Do Not Buy)
United States Century Arms RAS47 AKM AKM 16.3 Century Proprietary FAILED AKOU DO NOT BUY THIS POS (Do Not Buy)
United States DDI DDI AKM AKM 16.3 Side Rail Present FAILED AKOU Don't Do It (DDI)
United States DDI DDI Folder AKM Underfolder AKM 16.3 Side Rail Present See DDI Don't Do It (DDI)
United States A Blind Chicken I.O. AKM AKM 16.3 None The Worst AK DO NOT BUY THIS POS If you buy this gun and make a post about how good it is, you will be grilled hard. Do NOT buy this rifle.
United States Kalashnikov USA KR-103 Saiga AKM 16.33 Yes An American made AK that won't explode. Not a true 103 clone as it's fixed stock. If you can see this in person before buying, and it looks good, it'll likely be fine. Quality control has been very hit or miss with KUSA, you might get a good gun, you might get a gun with the wrong parts installed.
United States Kalashnikov USA KR-103 FSF AK-100 Series AK-100 Series 16.33 Yes The closest thing you can get to an American made AK-103. If you can see this in person before buying, and it looks good, it'll likely be fine. Quality control has been very hit or miss with KUSA, you might get a good gun, you might get a gun with the wrong parts installed.
United States Kalashnikov USA KR/KP-104 AK-100 Series AK-100 Series 16.33 Yes An American made AK that won't explode. Lots of instances of these being shipped with crushed rear receivers. Beware. If you can see this in person before buying, and you know what to look for, it will probably be OK, do not buy without eyes on. Quality control has been very hit or miss with KUSA, you might get a good gun, you might get a gun with the wrong parts installed and overcrushed rivets.
United States Kalashnikov USA Kommander 103 Saiga Saiga 16.33 Yes The closest thing you can get to an American made unconverted Saiga sporter. If you can see this in person before buying, and it looks good, it'll likely be fine. Quality control has been very hit or miss with KUSA, you might get a good gun, you might get a gun with the wrong parts installed.
United States Palmetto State Armory PSAK Gen 1 AKM PSA Puzzle Piece 16.3 PSA rail Multiple cases of parts failure DO NOT BUY Uses Cast Trunnions, Do Not Buy
United States Palmetto State Armory PSAK Gen 2 AKM PSA Puzzle Piece 16.3 PSA rail barely survived an AKOU 5k round test Very hit/miss quality for what you pay DO NOT BUY Uses Billet Trunnions, QA/QC on these is VERY spotty, maybe you'll get a good one, maybe not. (/r/ak47 does not recommend you purchase this rifle. Too hit or miss)
United States Palmetto State Armory PSAK Gen 3 AKM Various 16.3 PSA rail 17,025 Rds at BFLV before barrel keyholed The first US AK that will not harm its user. Expect 15-25k rounds of life Passed an AKOU 5k Test
United States Palmetto State Armory PSAK GF4 AKM Various 16.3 PSA rail It's a GF3 with a better trigger. Due to lack of unbiased sources please look to prior manufacturer history See GF3, but be aware that PSAK quality can be hit/miss
United States Palmetto State Armory PSAK GF5 AKM Various 16.3 PSA rail It's a GF4 with a forged bolt carrier. Due to lack of unbiased sources please look to prior manufacturer history See GF3, but be aware that PSAK quality can be hit/miss
United States Palmetto State Armory PSAK "SOVIEM ARMS" Spiker Type-56 Type-56 16.3 PSA rail First of its kind, no unbiased reviews available Due to lack of unbiased sources please look to prior manufacturer history If you & your buddies don't know what a Mak90 looks like, and you buy American made only, I guess this is for you.
United States Palmetto State Armory PSAK P AKM PSA Puzzle Piece 10.5 Top Cover Rail See PSAK GF3 The first US AK Pistol that will not harm its user. Expect 15-25k rounds of life
United States Palmetto State Armory PSAK AKE AKM Various 16.3 PSA rail 2k rds so far at AKOU Based of the GF3, but with a better Barrel and front Trunnion Limited Sales so far'
United States Palmetto State Armory PSAK 103 Klone AKM 4.5mm hinge 16.3 PSA rail See GF3/4/5 or other respective generation GFX with some visual changes Closer to a Bulgarian 107FR clone than a Russian 103
United States Palmetto State Armory PSAK 103 Klone SF AKM 4.5mm hinge 16.3 PSA rail See GF3/4/5 or other respective generation GFX with some visual changes + 4.5mm trunnion Closer to a Bulgarian 107FR clone than a Russian 103
United States Riley Defense Riley Defense Gen 1 AKM AKM 16.3 Side Rail Present Gen 1 failed, it's why they made Gen 2 AVOID Currently Do Not Buy, will update if needed
United States Riley Defense Riley Defense Gen 2 AKM AKM 16.3 Side Rail Present Gen 2 FAIL Spotty Reviews, hit or miss Currently Do Not Buy, will update if needed
United States Riley Defense Riley Defense Gen 3 AKM AKM 16.3 Side Rail Present Nothing remarkable to say Until further notice, we will not recommend this manufacturer Currently Do Not Buy, will update if needed
United States Various/TheAKGuy AKG47 AKM AKM 16.3 Side Rail Present N/A Kit build gun by AK Guy. Built very well. Cerakote by We Plead The 2nd
United States Lee Armory Lee Armory Milled AK AK-47 AK-47 16.3 Side Rail Present N/A Sharps Bros Milled receiver, great quality. Milled AK receiver by Sharps Bros.

Imported 5.45x39 AK Rifles

5.45 is dead. Anything you can find imported today was imported a while back, except for a few exceptions with new Bulgarian guns. These don't have a great track record for the price they demand so far, so I'd stick to hunting around on the Used market or get yourself your own kit to send off to a builder.

Imported 5.45x39 AK Rifles
Country Manufacturer Model Receiver Style Rear Style Barrel Length In. Optics Rail Reviews Recommendation Notes
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10))* SLR104UR Gambit AKSU 4.5mm Hinge 8.5 (+8 from Gambit) Bulgarian Side Rail See 104FR AKOU 5k Test Easy to SBR this gun
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10))* SLR104FR AKS-74 4.5mm Hinge 16.3 Bulgarian Side Rail PASSED AKOU 5k Test Can come with quad rails
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10))* SLR104UR (Pistol) AKSU 4.5mm Hinge 8.5 Bulgarian Side Rail See 104FR AKOU 5k Test Can come with quad rails
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10))* SLR104UR (SBR) AKSU 4.5mm Hinge 8.5 Bulgarian Side Rail See 104FR AKOU 5k Test Can come with quad rails

Kit Build 5.45x39 AK Rifles

A lot of kit builds in 5.45 are demanding 5.45 import prices. This is due to scarcity. I don't know how value will hold on these in the long run but if you're not going to sell this gun ever then it can be a great buy.

Kit Build 5.45x39 AK Rifles
Country Manufacturer Model Receiver Style Rear Style Barrel Length In. Optics Rail Reviews Recommendation Notes
Romania Cugir Atlantic Firearms AIMS74 AKM AKM 16.3 Romanian Side Rail N/A Takes WASR-2 mags, which are East German Style Comes in Fixed or folding stock versions
Romania Cugir Atlantic Firearms Tantal Tantal Tantal 16.3 MAYBE Tantal Side Rail If you find one make sure the correct barrel is installed Make sure you know this only takes proprietary Tantal everything except mags Bipod version available
Bulgaria Arsenal Bulgaria Lee Armory Bulgarian build AK-74 Fixed Stock AK-74 16.3 Bulgarian Side Rail Passed AKOU 5k Test Very Scarce rifle, but good if you want a 5.45 gun

100% USA 5.45x39 AK Rifles

PSA, KUSA, Riley and Century are all claiming to get 5.45 guns built in the US this year. I would wait to see if anybody does this right before buying one. 5.45 is a much higher pressure round than 7.62x39 and it will challenge the QA/QC practices of these companies much more than before. No US company has made any AK rifle other than 7.62x39 in mass, so this is a first.

100% USA 5.45x39 AK Rifles
Country Manufacturer Model Receiver Style Rear Style Barrel Length In. Optics Rail Reviews Recommendation Notes
United States Riley Defense RAK-74 (Various) AKM Various 16.25 Yes No qualifying reviews at this time I would just avoid this company altogether, personally. if it says RAK on the side, set it back down and move on.
United States PSA PSAK-74 Various Various 16.3 Yes No qualifying reviews at this time Look at manufacturer's previous track record to make your own decision No Comment

Imported 5.56x45 AK Rifles

I believe the only current 5.56 AK imports are from Bulgaria (SAM5), Zastava (M85 pistol/M90 Rifle), IWI (Galil Ace) and Poland (WBP and Pioneer). If you can find an SLR-106 or SA M5 or Wasr/SAR/CUR/WUM they will be used or old stock. They are some of the finest AKs you can have in the US. One major thing to note before you go out and buy a 5.56 AK is that there is no one true Magazine spec for these guns. Whatever gun you buy will likely only take 1 or maybe 2 magazine types (with modification possibly) and those mags will be 3 times more expensive than 7.62x39 mags. Especially the Old Chinese guns.

Imported 5.56x45 AK Rifles
Country Manufacturer Model Receiver Style Rear Style Barrel Length In. Optics Rail Reviews Recommendation Notes
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10)) SAM5 Milled-ARM AR-M Stock 16.3 Bulgarian N/A Close as you can get to a military issue AR-M1 rifle in 5.56 NATO, check for wear. Unlike the SA M-5 this gun has been seeing excessive wear in some cases. If your gun is wearing quickly try a KNS piston or Stronger recoil spring. Can also use Bulgarian top rail system.
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10)) SLR106CR AK-74 4.5mm Hinge 8.5 Bulgarian N/A 106 Production ended in 2013 so all are ((10)) and are quality. Models made in 2003ish to 2006ish Known to have cycling issues due to a few runs with the guns using the improper feed ramp.
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10)) SLR106UR (SBR) AK-74 4.5mm Hinge 8.5 Bulgarian N/A 106 Production ended in 2013 so all are ((10)) and are quality. Models made in 2003ish to 2006ish Known to have cycling issues due to a few runs with the guns using the improper feed ramp.
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10)) SLR106F AK-74 4.5mm Hinge 16.3 None N/A 106 Production ended in 2013 so all are ((10)) and are quality. Models made in 2003ish to 2006ish Known to have cycling issues due to a few runs with the guns using the improper feed ramp.
Bulgaria Arsenal ((10)) SLR106FR AK-74 4.5mm Hinge 16.3 Bulgarian N/A 106 Production ended in 2013 so all are ((10)) and are quality. Models made in 2003ish to 2006ish Known to have cycling issues due to a few runs with the guns using the improper feed ramp.
Israel IWI Galil Ace 5.56 Pistol Galil-ish Galil-ish 8.3 1913 top rail N/A Likely a pretty good gun, no major reports of breakages Brace versions exist
Israel IWI Galil Ace 5.56 SBR Galil-ish Galil-ish 8.3 1913 top rail N/A Likely a pretty good gun, no major reports of breakages NFA Item
Israel IWI Galil Ace 5.56 Rifle Galil-ish Galil-ish 16 1913 top rail N/A Likely a pretty good gun, no major reports of breakages Full Length Rifle
Serbia Zastava M85PV/NP Pistol Yugoslavian Yugo Underfolder 10 None N/A Sturdy Pistol, no reports of failure Takes Yugo Short Rifle Furniture
Poland FB Radom Mini-Beryl Beryl Beryl 9.25 Polish RSB Rail N/A It's been over a decade since FB Radom, the legendary ((11)) factory has exported AKs to the US. This is likely the last pattern of Polish that Aks will imported in any significant quantity as they're switching tooling to the MSBS rifle system. If you're a Polish collector, don't skip this, because when it's gone, Polish AK imports will likely stop.
Poland FB Radom 223S M1 Beryl Beryl 18 Polish RSB Rail N/A It's been over a decade since FB Radom, the legendary ((11)) factory has exported AKs to the US. This is likely the last pattern of Polish that Aks will imported in any significant quantity as they're switching tooling to the MSBS rifle system. If you're a Polish collector, don't skip this, because when it's gone, Polish AK imports will likely st
Poland Pioneer Arms Hellpup 5.56 AKM Underfolding Trunnion 11.73 None No unpayed for / unbiased reviews at this time I would personallyavoid this gun based on previous manufacturer history Unknown if this gun also has a forged trunnion or if it's just the full size rifle that does
Poland Pioneer Arms Pioneer Forged Series 5.56 Underfolder AKM Underfolding Trunnion 16 None No unpayed for / unbiased reviews at this time I would personallyavoid this gun based on previous manufacturer history This rifle uses a forged front trunnion and bolt
Poland WBP Jack 5.56 AKM AKM 16.3 Yes No prominent reviews at this time WBP has made other guns of good quality, so it should be good to go Haven't seen much on these, good or bad.
Poland WBP MiniJack 5.56 AKM Underfolder 10? Yes No prominent reviews at this time WBP has made other guns of good quality, so it should be good to go Haven't seen much on these, good or bad.
Serbia Zastava M90NP Yugoslavian Yugoslavian 18.25 Yugoslavian Side Rail AKOU Review Possibly the best 5.56 AK ever built No Longer Imported
Serbia Zastava USA ZPAP M85 Pistol Yugoslavian Yugo Underfolder 10 None https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1_5UmnI8hw Sturdy Pistol, no reports of failure New importer Z-USA, Rifles come in from Serbia, and are finished in the US by Z-USA NOT Century Arms
Serbia Zastava USA ZPAP M90 Yugoslavian Yugoslavian 18.25 Yugoslavian Side Rail See M90NP Look to manufacturer's track record, they make good guns Adjustable gas block

Kit Build 5.56x45 AK Rifles

There aren't many of these guns to do a kit build on as hardly anyone issues a 5.56 AK that ends up as a kit in the US. They would be likely Serbian or Israeli if you can find some.

Kit Build 5.56x45 AK Rifles
Country Manufacturer Model Receiver Style Rear Style Barrel Length In. Optics Rail Reviews Recommendation Notes
Serbia Zastava Atlantic Firearms M85 Pistol Yugoslavian Yugo Underfolder 10 None N/A Atlantic Kit Build. Well put together Takes Yugo Short Rifle Furniture


100% USA 5.56x45 AK Rifles

New, never been done before. Proceed with caution.

100% USA 5.56x45 AK Rifles
Country Manufacturer Model Receiver Style Rear Style Barrel Length In. Optics Rail Reviews Recommendation Notes
United States Palmetto State PSA AK-556 PSAK reinforced PSAK Puzzle Piece 16.3 Yes No prominent unpaid/unbiased reviews Look to company previous track record and make your own decision on this one. Has an AR style magazine system, combo GB/FSB, some sort of reinforced looking front trunnion

OTHER Caliber AK Rifles

This is a misc. section including the .22LR trainer rifles and all the shotguns. There's a lot of odd ball Saiga and Vepr calibers to be found as well, such as a Vepr in 6.5 Grendel. There isn't a ton of hard reviews on AKs in this section, but if you're looking for something unique, check these guns out. Also... Vepr12 >> Saiga 12 >> all other AK shotguns.

Also... for the PP-19 lovers there are some cool Vityaz clones from K USA and it's suspected that Chitin Defense will have a Bizon clone within 1-2 years as well so look out for that!

OTHER Caliber AK Rifles
Country Manufacturer Model Receiver Style Rear Style Barrel Length In. Optics Rail Reviews Recommendation Notes
Russia Molot Stock.jpg Vepr 12 (stock) Vepr 12 Vepr 12 19-24 1913 top rail N/A The Best AK Shotgun RPK Shotgun
Russia Molot Vepr 12 (desporterized) Vepr 12 Vepr 12 19-24 1913 top rail N/A The Best AK Shotgun Can come with folding stock or fixed
Russia Molot Super Vepr (Multicaliber Sporting) Super Vepr Super Vepr 19-24 Super Vepr Side Rail N/A The Fuddiest AK Heavily Sporterized
Russia Molot Vepr (Multicaliber butthole stock) Vepr Vepr 19-24 RPK Side Rail N/A Very Featureless .308,6.5,7.62x54R,others
Russia Kalashnikov Concern Saiga 12 Saiga 12 (20 .410) Saiga 12 19-24 gauge and .410 AK 100 Side Rail N/A The Most Iconic AK Shotgun AK shotgun
Russia Kalashnikov Concern Saiga (Various Calibers) Civ AK 100 Civ AK 100 19-24 AK 100 Side Rail N/A Very Featureless Can be found either in a sporting state, partially converted, or fully converted
China Chinuh Lynx 12 ???? ???? 19 Some kind of side rail N/A Mixed Reviews AK shotgun
United States KUSA KS-12 (T) Saiga 12 Saiga 12 18 AK 100 Style Side Rail N/A Supposedly a pretty decent AK shotgun I don't know if Saiga mags work with this gun and vice versa
United States KUSA Komrad 12 Saiga 12 Saiga 12 31.5 OAL AK 100 Style Side Rail N/A Supposedly a pretty decent AK "firearm" I don't know if Saiga mags work with this gun and vice versa
Poland FB Radom Mini-Beryl-22 Beryl Beryl 9.25 Polish RSB Rail N/A The .22LR copy of the new and last Beryl import. Coming soon. uses special .22 mags
Poland Pioneer Arms Pioneer Arms .22Lr AK AKM AKM ??? Unknown No reviews at this time. It's .22Lr, I don't think this can blow up. No comment
Romania Nova Modul Chiappa RAK-22 ???? ???? 17.25 None N/A It's cheap uses special .22 mags
Romania Nova Modul Century NAK9 ???? ???? 11.4 1913 top rail Misha/Jake have had good experiences It's cheap Takes Glock mags (booo)
Romania Nova Modul Chiappa RAK9 ???? ???? 17.25 Romanian Side Rail N/A It's definitely Unique Uses special 9mm mags
Romania Nova Modul Chiappa PAK 9 ???? ???? 6.3 1913 top rail Misha/Jake have had good experiences It's cheap Takes Glock or Beretta Mags
United States Palmetto AKV ???? ???? 10.5 1913 top rail Passed AKOU 5k Test They apparently work as long as you get one with all the bandaid fixes on it already An AKM in 9mm
United States KUSA KP9 Vityaz Vityaz 5.5mm 9.25 1913 top rail Passed AKOU 5k Test Flawless Function Vityaz Clone
United States KUSA KR9 Saiga 9 Vityaz 5.5mm 16.3 1913 top rail See KP9 AKOU Test Flawless Function Near 1:1 Saiga Clone
Serbia Zastava USA M91 (Optic Included) Yugoslavian Yugoslavian 24 Yugoslavian Side Rail N/A More accurate than a Vepr and a PSL 7.62x54R DMR style. Optic on rifle valued around $800
Romania Cugir PSL PSL PSL 24.5 PSL Rail N/A These used to be $600 and are as accurate as an AKM. No it's not an SVD 7.62x54R DMR Style. (MADE FOR USE WITH LIGHT BALL AMMO)
Israel IWI Galil Ace.308 pistol Galil-ish Galil-ish 11.8 1913 top rail N/A Likely a pretty good gun, no major reports of breakages Pistol
Israel IWI Galil Ace .308 sbr Galil-ish Galil-ish 11.8 1913 top rail N/A Likely a pretty good gun, no major reports of breakages NFA Item
Israel IWI Galil Ace .308 Rifle Galil-ish Galil-ish 16.5 1913 top rail N/A Likely a pretty good gun, no major reports of breakages Rifle


Discontinued Good to Go AK's

AK's that are no longer imported that are deemed Good to Go by the Mods

There are a lot of AKs that have come into the US. This is not all of them by a long shot. Some of these guns can be found for Cheap like the stamped Mak90, or they can be crazy expensive like the Mitchell Arms Yugoslavian import guns... if you can find them.

Model Manufacturer Caliber
SA-85M FEG 7.62x39
Valmet M62S Valmet 7.62x39
Valmet M71 Valmet 7.62x39/5.56x45
Valmet M76S-FS Valmet 7.62x39/5.56x45
Valmet M78 RPK Valmet 7.62x51 NATO
WUM-1 Cugir 7.62x39
SAR-1 Cugir 7.62x39
CUR-1 Cugir 7.62x39
WASR-10 Cugir 7.62x39
GP WASR-10 Cugir 7.62x39
GP WASR-10/63 Cugir 7.62x39
GP 1975 Cugir 7.62x39
Romak 991 Cugir 7.62x39
Romak 1 Cugir 7.62x39
Arsenal SA93 Arsenal 7.62x39
SA M-7 Arsenal 7.62x39
SA M-7 A1 Arsenal 7.62x39
SA M-7 Carbine Arsenal 7.62x39
SA M-7 SF Arsenal 7.62x39
SAS M-7 Arsenal 7.62x39
SLR-95 Arsenal 7.62x39
SLR-96 Arsenal 7.62x39
SLR-101 Arsenal 7.62x39
SLR-101-SG Arsenal 7.62x39
SLR-101S Arsenal 7.62x39
SLR-100 MSC Arsenal 7.62x39
SLR-108 MSC Arsenal 7.62x39
SSR-99 Arsenal/Gordon Tech 7.62x39
SSR-99P Arsenal/Gordon Tech 7.62x39
OPAP Zastava 7.62x39
NPAP Zastava 7.62x39
M92PAP Zastava 7.62x39
Polytech Legend Polytech 7.62x39
Polytech AKS-762 Polytech 7.62x39
Mak90/Clayco Norinco 7.62x39
Norinco Hunter Norinco 7.62x39
NHM 91 Norinco 7.62x39
Maadi ARM Soviet Tooling in Egypt 7.62x39
Maadi RPK Soviet Tooling in Egypt 7.62x39
Maadi MISR (NOT A MISR/90!) Imported via Steyr 7.62x39
Saiga Kalashnikov Concern 7.62x39
Vepr Molot 7.62x39
Super Vepr Molot 7.62x39
SLR 102 Arsenal 5.45x39
SLR 105 Arsenal 5.45x39
WUM-2 Cugir 5.45x39
SAR-2 Cugir 5.45x39
CUR-2 Cugir 5.45x39
WASR2 Cugir 5.45x39
Romak 992 Cugir 5.45x39
Romak 2 Cugir 5.45x39
Mk 2 Cugir 5.45x39
SA M-5 Arsenal 5.56x45
SA RPK-5 (S) Arsenal 5.56x45
M85PAP Zastava 5.56x45
WUM-3 Cugir 5.56x45
SAR-3 Cugir 5.56x45
CUR-3 Cugir 5.56x45
WASR-3 Cugir 5.56x45
84S Norinco/Polytech 5.56x45
84S-1 Norinco 5.56x45
84S-3A Norinco 5.56x45
Galil ARM IMI 5.56x45/7.62x51 NATO

Key:

Country: Country of Origin for the receiver, trunnions, bolt carrier group and barrel system

Manufacturer: Factory/Builder that assembled the main parts of the gun. A Century Arms WASR-10 was technically "built" in the US, but the receiver, Trunnions, and barrel are all manufactured by Cugir in Romania Same thing for Kit builds: Lee Armory sells a Romanian BFPU Rifle, but it was built using Surplus military parts made by Cugir, in Romania

Model: Name of the rifle/gun, sometimes this is a model designation or sometimes a nickname. Often, the retailer will be listed here.

PRICE: Not many of these guns are in high enough circulation that Market prices can be reliably averaged/calculated The majority of these prices reflect an observed average from listings on distributors websites, such as KVAR/Atlantic Firearms/Gun watcher/GunBroker/Armslist/Budsgunshop/Brownells/etc.

Receiver Style: Closest receiever model in military production. This is helpful to know for what furniture and other gun customization will be available to you.

Rear Style: Rear trunnion type for stamped guns, or Recevier stub for the milled guns. Useful for stock selection.

Barrel Length: Length in Inches of total barrel

Optics Rail: Indicates the presence of an integrated optics rail, and what type

Reviews: Informational links to reviews/tests done by groups/individuals that are trustworthy and test the gun for the qualiites sought in a gun worthy of being a Kalashnikov copy. I WILL NOT JUST POST A "REVIEW" OF SOMEONE PUTTING A GUN ON A TABLE, TALKING ABOUT THEIR FEELINGS AND RUNNING 2 MAGS THROUGH IT AND SAYING "IT'S GREAT!". So some guns will not have a review on these lists.

Reccomendation: Our personal reccomendation here and how it may stack up to other models of AK currently available

Notes: Things that are unique to this model of gun that are important to factor in

Pics: Links to pics of the gun for visual identification (Don't Get scammed online or in person!)


Arsenal Model Designations

Model Caliber Stock Type
SLR104 5.45x39 Folding Stock
SLR105 5.45x39 Fixed Stock
SLR106 5.56x45 Folding Stock
SLR107 7.62x39 Folding Stock
SA M 5 5.56x45 Fixed stock
SA M 7 7.62x39 Fixed stock
SAM 7 7.62x39 Folding Stock
SA 3 RPK 5.45x39 RPK Stock
SA 5 RPK 5.56x45 RPK Stock
SA 7 RPK 7.62x39 RPK Stock


Arsenal Suffix Designations

SAM SLR
R = Side Rail R = Side Rail
UF = Underfolder U = Krink
SF = Side folding F = Side Folding
K = 8.5 in barrel C = 12.5 in barrel / Carbine

It should be noted that a rifle can have multiple suffixes. For example the 106CR series has a 12 in barrel and a side rail.

Arsenal Date Codes

Year Code Year Code Year Code Year Code
1970 10 1981 21 1992 32 2003 43
1971 11 1982 22 1993 33 2004 44
1972 12 1983 23 1994 34 2005 45
1973 13 1984 24 1995 35 2006 46
1974 14 1985 25 1996 36 2007 47
1975 15 1986 26 1997 37 2008 48
1976 16 1987 27 1998 38 2009 49
1977 17 1988 28 1999 39 2010 50
1978 18 1989 29 2000 40 2011 51
1979 19 1990 30 2001 41 2012 52
1980 20 1991 31 2002 42 2013 53

Rumors that 2014 is 54 also.


WASR Versions

Model Caliber Description
WASR-10/63 7.62x39 Made using surplus parts (Year of manufacture can be see on trunnion) but with new barrel and receiver
WASR-10 7.62x39 All new parts, made for export
WASR-2 5.45x39 The WASR-2 is essentially a WASR-10 chambered in 5.45×39mm
WASR-3 5.56x45 Commercial export version of the WASR is chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO
WASR-22 .22LR Trainer AK in 22LR

Romanian Models Explained

WASR-10/63 - Single stack AK pattern Sporter rifle that’s patterned off the Md.63

RH-10/M10-762 - Single stack AK pattern Sporter rifle that’s patterned off the Md.90

PSL - An enlarged version of the AKM the Romanians made because they never receive the TDP for the SVD due to “political issues”

WUM - The closest thing to an AKM that the Romanians made

SAR/CUR - Based on the Md.63 receiver

Romak - Ban Era Romanian AK import

Draco - Based of the Md.65 but named after the Md.90, in pistol format


'Want to give a huge shutout to /u/BigDave_76. He made this happen. So if you see him, give him a high five.