The 100% American Made AK: The Ras-47

AK-47 Gun Reviews Jim Grant Rifles Uncategorized

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The RAS47, an all-American made rifle with Russian roots.

The RAS47, an all-American made rifle with Russian roots. The Eotech 552 is mounted with an RS-Regulate 303.

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Buy a Century AK on GunsAmerica: /Century Ak

Visit the Century site: https://www.centuryarms.com/

Made in America

Recently, American consumers have been clamoring for American-made goods. From baby toys to dog food, few things have escaped the ire of these patriotic purchasers. Once exception is Mikhail Kalashnikov’s namesake, the AK-47. For years AK elitists have considered anything not made behind the Iron Curtain to be cut rate; and in many cases they’re correct. However, Century Arms, the largest importer of AKM carbines, has decided in light of recent importation sanctions to shatter the myth with their own all-American AKM, the RAS-47. How does it stack up against decades of AK-manufacturing experience of overseas builders? Better than anyone could have guessed.

Though it begs the question why. Why would Century undergo the tremendous cost, time and effort to produce a 100 percent American-made AK when countless countries fielded hundreds of millions of the rifles that can be parts kitted out, saving them millions of dollar?

In a word, sanctions. In two: import restrictions.

In response to the aggressive military actions of Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin, President Obama issued punitive economic sanctions against them. One of these actions was the restriction on imports of Russian-made firearms into the United States. While some manufacturers were spared, the largest Russian manufacturer of AK rifles, Izhmash, was not. This lead to increased fear that all AK rifles would face importation restrictions VIA executive order. This, combined with the huge time delay on imported firearms stuck in US Customs and so-called sporting clause limitations caused by section 922r, created an unstable AK resource market.

Rather than be subject the whims of a notoriously anti-firearms president or the trepedacious nature of hawkish Eastern European oligarchies and their country’s seemingly nebulous borders, Century decided to create their own parts source market.

The RAS-47 has stamped receiver.

The RAS-47 has stamped receiver and a bolt-hold-open safety–an easy, but highly useful upgrade.

RED ARMY STANDARD (RAS) 47 Semi-Auto Rifle

  • Caliber: 7.62x39mm
  • Capacity: 30 rds.
  • Receiver: Stamped
  • Barrel: 16.5″ with a 1:10 twist, 14×1 LH
  • Overall: 37.25″
  • Weight: 7.8 lbs

A note on Century

Before we continue, it’s important to address the concerns of gun forum-goers everywhere. Yes, Century Arms made some mistakes in the past with their builds. Given the volume of their products, this is unavoidable. Also, given the company’s prolific nature, the reports of these issues are often overstated. How many times do shooters buy a gun from any maker, and excitedly post online that it runs as advertised?

Additionally, the majority of issues with Century’s most problematic rifle, the Romanian WASR, had nothing to do with Century’s mechanical or manufacturing capabilities. Since the most prominent issue were canted iron sights and these are a result of poor build quality by the Romanian armory where they were made. In that case, the alterations Century made had nothing to do with the front sight. Still, there’s no denying that Century should have caught these issues with their quality assurance team.

Previously Century was known as the economical (read: cheap) way to get into the AK game. Their new approach centers on building the best, without having a cost-prohibitive price point. Though their approach is sure to aggravate purists and collectors alike.

The iron sights on most all AKs are basic, at best. While the RAS-47 is no different, the sights are appropriately durable.

The iron sights on most all AKs are basic, at best. While the RAS-47 is no different, the sights are appropriately durable. And the barrel is threaded, too. Bonus.

The new Century?

Instead of simply checking off every box on an AKM build checklist for what it takes to make a mil-spec AK, the new RAS-47 seeks to surpass it. While many of said improvements are obvious upgrades, some of the areas where Century made alterations offer questionable benefits. Such as the lightening cuts made to the bolt carrier to reduce lockup time and the omissions on the bayonet lug. Neither of these bother the overwhelming majority of prospective buyers, but the remaining five percent malcontents are disproportionately vocal. Other deviations include the lower handguard interface which is made to Russian standards, so Romanian-type furniture will require minor fitting, and the addition of their own proprietary polymer, finger-grooved pistol grip. The latter of which is precisely what Century ships on their N-PAP series of rifles – though more traditional replacements can be purchased online for as little as $10.

Grooved grips are one-size-fits-all, which isn't exactly true. That said, they're easily replaced.

Grooved grips are one-size-fits-all, which isn’t exactly true. That said, they’re easily replaced.

Which is great, because personally, I detest grooved pistol grips. This is because these grips are meant for someone who perfectly fits them. Nine times out of ten, I’m not that guy. While less of an issue with Hogue rubber grips that have some give, these hard plastic grips are pretty uncomfortable especially when holding the rifle with one hand during tactical reloads. That said, many of my larger-handed compadres found the Century grip to be much more comfortable than factory ones. The best solution would be to try and handle one yourself before buying, but again it’s only a $10 fix if a shooter determines they aren’t correct for them. Though this isn’t the only furniture option available on the carbine.

Shooters have their pick of the more traditional wood-stocked version or the tactical Magpul one. The Magpul version features the wildly popular new series of polymer AK furniture announced just prior to SHOT Show 2015. The handguard of which features Magpul’s proprietary accessory-mounting system known as M-Lok. This is great news for both tactical gear-lovers and pragmatists alike since most other mounting options add considerable weight forward of the magazine well. Anyone who has ever carried an AK or fired one extensively can attest that the gun is sufficiently weighty as it comes, and the added forward weight shifts the balance towards the muzzle, making the carbine feel sluggish and needless heavy.

Shooting the RAS-47

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Shooting the RAS-47

Shooting the RAS-47. The optic here is a Zeiss Z-Point on the Midwest rail.

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All groups in the data below were fired from the prone position and are 5-round groups achieved at 100 yards. Each shot was taken approx 10 seconds apart to allow proper barrel cooling. Loads were measured 10 feet from muzzle with RCBS AmmoMaster Chronograph and are the rounded average of 3 five-shot groups.

  • Red Army Copper-jacketed 123gr FMJ–1.74″ – 2411 FPS
  • Hornady 123gr SST–1.12″ – 2306 FPS
  • Prvi Partisan 123gr FMJ–1.91″ – 2403 FPS
  • Silverbear 125gr  SP–2.24″ – 2367 FPS
  • Tulammo 123gr FMJ–1.44″ – 2321 FPS

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Though it’s what’s beneath this handguards that really sets the Century RAS-47 apart from competitors. Whereas military specification AK carbines feature a chrome-lined steel barrel to better resist corrosion, Century’s new carbine uses a stainless barrel coated in black nitride. The result is a remarkably accurate rifle that defies the AK’s reputation as a crudely-made, inaccurate leadslinger. In testing, the RAS-47 proved more accurate than many off-the-shelves AR-15 carbines; achieving five-round groups just over one MOA at 100 yards with Hornady SST ammunition–a feat I deemed impossible for the platform prior to shooting this rifle.

A decent mount will allow you to use precision optics to their full potential. This is a...

A decent mount will allow you to use precision optics to their full potential. This is a Hi-Lux 1-4x24mm CMR-AK762 mounted in a Midwest Industries 30MM AK Side Mount (barely shown).

Unfortunately, the rifle’s iron sights do little to assist shooters in obtaining this sort of accuracy. Which is why it’s great that Century decided to add a side rail mount to the RAS-47. Shooters looking to achieve similar levels of precision from the carbine, should invest in a quality mount and clear optic. Russian-made optics mounts are either prohibitively expensive, or simply mount too far above the receiver for shooters to effectively use without having to rest their chin on the buttstock. The two companies I found to best address this issue are Midwest Industries and market-newcomer, RS Regulate.

Both offer great mounts that were utilized in this review, and drastically increased the carbine’s usability, while assisting it in reaching its potential. This is especially true when paired with a high-quality magnified optic; shooters can’t hit what they can’t see.

The extended mag release is a nice standard feature on the RAS47.

The extended mag release is a nice standard feature on the RAS47.

Below this mount is another non-traditional addition to the AKM, an extended magazine release – Though referring to it as such is misleading. The release isn’t simply extended, but also widened so shooters can more easily release empty magazines. In testing, this upgrade offered little time savings to more experienced AK-runners, but newer shooters appreciated the wider controls. In my experience they are greatly helpful for shooters using alternative reloading techniques, such as dislodging the spent magazine with the middle finger of the firing hand, without leaving the pistol grip. Not simply because it’s easier to reach, but also because the extended portion offers greater mechanical advantage, thus reducing the amount of force required to do so. Again, mostly unimportant for traditional shooters, but those running an AK under the clock will appreciate the precious milliseconds saved.

Even though the RAS-47 has a myriad of atypical features for an AK, it still retains many iconoclastic details that function well and maintain the traditional AK aesthetic. For instance, unlike Century’s first attempt at an domestic AK clone, the C39, the RAS-47 uses a standard AKM post and notch iron sights. The rear leaf sight is adjustable for drop and has pre-measured distances notched out for rapid target engagement.

The RAS47's slant muzzle brake.

The RAS47’s slant muzzle brake.

Another classic feature is the slant muzzle brake topping the RAS-47’s barrel. It features AKM-standard 14X1mm LH threading, so shooters can purchase alternatives designed to fit any AKM carbine that doesn’t use the larger mount on AK-74 or AK-100 series rifles. Although this addition is aesthetically pleasing and functional, I feel Century would have been better served introducing their own brake, but only if it wouldn’t have affected the rifle’s price point.

Prices range from $669.99 to $859.99 depending on furniture. This model regularly sells for less than $600. Given the high price of the optional Magpul furniture, shooters are getting what they pay for in both instances. So whether a shooter is looking for their first AK rifle, a remarkable accurate carbine in an inexpensive caliber or simply an attractive, ultra-reliable plinker – the Century Arms RAS-47 won’t disappoint.

Ammunition for for this review provided by Hornady Manufacturing and Century Arms.

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The traditional safety selector on the RAS-47.

The traditional safety selector on the RAS-47.

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The trigger pull on the RAS-47 comes in at a healthy XX pounds. If you want light triggers, they're available.

The trigger pull on the RAS-47’s RAK-1 trigger comes in at 4 pounds.

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The side mount makes mounting traditional AK style mounts easy. For those of you who want railed optics mounts, you'll need to look to after-market upgrades.

The side mount makes mounting traditional AK style mounts easy. For those of you who want railed optics mounts, you’ll need to look to after-market upgrades.

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The wooden furniture, maple in this case, gives the RAS-47 that traditional look. Polymer furniture is also available from makers like Magpul and others.

The wooden furniture, maple in this case, gives the RAS-47 that traditional look. Polymer furniture is also available from makers like Magpul and others.

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There are a wide variety of mags available for the RAS-47, which will take any traditional AK mags.

There are a wide variety of mags available for the RAS-47, which will take any traditional AK mags.

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The Magpul AK mags are a solid American made option.

The Magpul AK mags are a solid American made option.

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Maintenance and cleaning are easy on the AK platform, which is notoriously forgiving.

Maintenance and cleaning are easy on the AK platform, which is notoriously forgiving. The RAS-47, like a lot of AKs, runs well, even when dirty.

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Sling mounts? Traditional AK. No QD mounts.

Sling mounts? Traditional AK. No QD mounts.

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  • Manuel Garza October 31, 2018, 8:03 pm

    I own a century cv39 I’m about to hit the 2k Mark with not one issue great trigger pull…great gun forbeing cheap!! Pew pew pew bitches!!😎🐗🔫=🍖🍖🍖

  • Russ C April 19, 2018, 11:22 am

    Would stay away from these rifles. After around 600 rounds multiple places on the bolt carrier were being deformed. Returned to century to “fix” and they sent me a new RAS47. Immediately sold this and bought a used VEPR- $ well spent.

    • Levi Hardebeck February 12, 2019, 9:08 pm

      My bolt mushroomed not happy

  • gary June 16, 2016, 10:35 am

    the biggest concern i have regarding a ras-47 is premature parts wear that seems to be so prevalent on you tube reviews. nobody addressed that.

  • Mike M March 11, 2016, 10:54 pm

    I recently purchased a new RAS47 and for the price I really like it. Centurys new RAS47 has many nice features over your standard old AK models. Like a nice 4 pound trigger, Threaded Barrel, Thicker dust cover, Side Scope Mount, Sling Mounts, Bolt Hold etc… and is an all around more Accurate gun with No Rattling compared to a typical AK…Yes, the pistol grip is a bit thin for my hands and the safety needs a rear lever similar to a Krebs Custom Safety but other than that I have been extremely happy with my RAS47 so far! No Problems shooting HP, SP etc…

  • Sandy January 6, 2016, 12:39 pm

    Purchased one for Christmas. Beautiful finish, extended mag release very nice. Unfortunately, slider on the rear sight was cracked and fell off first time I tried to adjust it…seems to be made out of pot metal. Called Century, very disappointed in the response. They are sending a replacement, but was treated with: “…fill out the paperwork, and we’ll put it in the system…” Not what I expected from a company promoting their product as a “quality” made firearm. No apology, no expression of concern that a gun that hadn’t even been to the range had a part failure…nada…zip. Needless to say I can’t recommend their customer service at this point, and the cheap part that broke off in my hand makes me wonder about the rest of the firearm.

    • Bill February 4, 2016, 6:12 am

      You are so right!!!tried to deal with them to, they seem like they don’t like there job and don’t want to be there ,I was also treated same way

  • Big Jim November 11, 2015, 9:06 pm

    Boo Hoo, Boo Hoo, sob, sob………….All of you whiners need to get Real Lives. You’re living in the make believe land of Oz. The Century Ras47 is what it is. I’ll be happy to inform the cry babies what it is not. Its not a Russian made AK47, a Romanian, a Serbian, a Czech or any other foreign made weapon. It stands out there by itself as an individual not part of the group. It doesn’t need the bayonet lug (which by the way none of you will ever use). It doesn’t come with a cleaning rod, (wtf ???, why would anyone worry about such trivial stuff) and though Century did have some over looked areas on previous products, why would that affect this particular weapon? Most of you don’t own or have ever fired the RAS47. You’re habitual complainers who would find fault with anything regardless of its quality. I say get off the sofa, walk outside and view reality. This weapon was not designed, built or intended to look like or resemble anything already in production. Is that so hard to believe??? All that you should be concerned with is this…….will this weapon function properly and accurately should your life depend on it!!!!!

    • Kevin V January 25, 2017, 9:11 am

      Thank you! I like those who speak the truth. I’ve put a couple of thousand rounds through my magpul RAS-47 and have had ZERO issues. I also own Chinese and Yugo AK’s and this one is JUST as reliable and comes with a MUCH better trigger and furniture.

      Semper Fi!

    • Nightfocus January 31, 2017, 2:14 pm

      You might want to look at the RAS review on AK operators union who have the highest form of legitimacy in the AK world . Their reviews are without bias and yes sometimes, the torture tests are silly but it does give folks an idea in how to gauge what they’re going to buy.
      With that said, the RAS47 did not do so well. I guess for the casual shooter, it would be an ok purchase. With the election over there are now much better quality AKs coming down in price. You can always find exceptions of lesser quality rifles running for long timeframes (‘ MY IO AK HAS THOUSANDS OF ROUNDS NO ISSUES’) but that doesn’t do justice for the reality of uninformed buyers out there that seek something of quality craftsmanship as seen with Saiga, Molat or Arsenal.
      Arsenal now has an entry level ak for 850 which is still more than any RAS but if you’re looking for something that will last for years and years than you might seek com-bloc options

      • Richard March 27, 2018, 12:49 pm

        Rob Ski has videos that are entertaining at best. Most people who have been around a manufacturing process understand that you can not use only one sample for testing and/or have testing that is not standardized. For example he runs over certain rifles with a car/truck and then runs over one with a 4 wheeler which is a lighter vehicle.You may have a rifle that seems to fail OR pass a Rob Ski test, but it is still only one rifle out of many. It does not mean that all of those particular rifles produced by that maker will have identical results in a “torture” test.

      • Richard W March 27, 2018, 1:17 pm

        Without bias? That guy has had a inner gripe about the RAS 47 ever since someone thru out the phrase “Gold Standard” There are other reviewers out there that give the rifle thumbs up. Guess they don’t count because they speak good English. It is now 2018. It has been a few years since the rifle hit the shelves and the way some people talk smack there should be guns blowing up all over the place. But that is not the case. I do not own a RAS 47 but I would not let one non-standardized “torture ” test affect my decision to buy ANY firearm.

      • TheTruth April 4, 2018, 9:44 am

        Nightfocus, Rob Ski is very entertaining and indeed knowledgeable of the AK platform. Having said that, his so-called torture tests consists of taking a rifle, treating and shooting it like no person on the face of the planet would treat a weapon. His test also consists of testing a sampling of (1) rifle. Now is the rifle typical of the whole lot, a lemon, or possibly better than most? What he does is interesting and probably of some value, but no test of quality consists of the testing of a sampling of (1) rifle.
        One more observation. There are a lot of Rob Ski “trained seals” that frequent his videos and this mob passes judgment based on his torture tests. By reading some of the comments, most of these dillweeds know zero about the an AK. Their comments consists of fact based information like, “Century sucks”, “waste of money”, “if it’s not Combloc, it’s junk”, etc. I read one where some guy said the cast trunnions on his C39V2 were mushrooming. The C39V2 has a milled receiver. Take all Youtube reviews with a grain of salt. The most valuable opinion is your own based on your own experience.

        • Nightfocus March 5, 2019, 12:05 pm

          Funny hearing all you guys get triggered over the RAS47 being junk .
          It is junk . There are countless reports of it all over the place and since you guys have such trouble believing this, why dont you look to the likes of ppl like Jim fuller, Krebs definitive arms , kvar , legion arms .they dont even Carry this POS rifle ! Why? Cause its junk . Period.
          It cannot compare to quality comblocs .
          This is a painful fact for some of you I see.

  • Jim October 26, 2015, 11:13 am

    will this work with any other AK? Made in Zastava, Serbia?

  • Dick October 26, 2015, 9:33 am

    Is this unit adaptable to the Century Arms early underfolder?

  • A. Lee Morris Jr. July 25, 2015, 7:16 pm

    New Russian Imperial Empire aggression in E. Ukraine an American plot? I reckon it just goes to show some folks are going to believe what they want to. The old, “My mind’s made up, don’t confuse me with facts bit!” My fiancé lives in E. Ukraine. She & her friends keep me well posted on what’s going on over there. Also have my own “alternative” news & intel sources. Don’t expect “lame stream leftist media inc.” here to tell you what the “real” skinny is!

    • Joe October 26, 2015, 10:11 am

      Your fiance lives in E. Ukraine???LOL. An overseas pay to own fiance?Your own alternative intel sources?? And have you even been there and seen her in person? I think your fiance might be a guy named Ivan, who knows how to play you by the internet or maybe he is a pimp and is getting your money. Just by that reference you have credibility.What a joke.

      • Jon M October 31, 2016, 11:24 pm

        Idiot. He’s right. I’ve been to eastern Ukraine and have many friends from there for over 15 years. US has nothing to do with Russian aggressiin in East Ukraine. Many pro Westerners there and they’re asking for American aid but we’re not interested. That guy knows more about it than you, and I know more than him because I know ex KGB agents and other Christian missionaries all over Ukraine and Russia. Don’t make fun of something you’re clueless about. It only puts your foolishness on display for the whole world to see.

  • David July 21, 2015, 2:30 pm

    Hmm. Would this increased accuracy make this a reasonable white-tail rifle?

    • Travis May 8, 2016, 2:28 am

      I think so. Add a quality 5 round magazine, a good rail and optics as well as quality hunting ammo and you are good to go. That is my plan for next fall.

  • Winston July 21, 2015, 1:51 pm

    ‘Aggression by Russian Pres. Putin’, the author states? You mean sir, that Russia should allow ethnic Russians and relatives of Russian citizens to be murdered by US backed neo nazis in Donetsk and Lugansk and their cities and neighborhoods reduced to rubble? US military trained neo nazi paramilitary personnel ( Azov, Right Sector, Tornado, Dnier-1,2, Donbass ) in NOV. 2014 under the laughable monicker of national guard, and PM Yatesenyuk of UKR IS a neo nazi. The author should be better informed and not post US propaganda as an afterthought to fit an explanation based on lies to begin with.

    • Pro2Aguy July 25, 2015, 11:43 pm

      Yes “Russian Agression” and I hope this author nor anyone else in this thread apologizes for describing Putin as such (in fact, we should be arming the Ukrainians to be sure). This is a guy that is intentionally and consistently trying to provoke the U.S. with Bear Bombers probing American Coastal Air Space and constant threats of potential Russian “Nuclear responses” to anything it deems “hostile” towards ‘The Motherland…’ One could ramble on in perpetuity about this Kremlin Thug but I will conclude with the following; Putin would never consider such outlandish dangerous behavior if a Strong Sitting POTUS were residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave…

      • Peter January 4, 2016, 10:49 pm

        HAHAHAH! Good comment. I’m biased as I have a RAS47, but also have a brand new AR-15 by Armalite , two SKS’s and a cast stainless steel CETME. The expensive AR I so dreamed of had a worse fit and finish than the supposedly POS Century, which is superb. No rattling cover on mine, no canted sites, beautiful furniture and so, very, very accurate. My first AK so I’m a newbie, but glad to own an American made product, even if it is a Communist gun!! What has the world come to?

  • Pro2Aguy July 20, 2015, 9:19 pm

    Indeed Century has proven that they actually appreciate customer feedback which is critical but not always the case with many companies…I just picked up their C39v2 and it’s a real winner (wish it had the Ras 47’s barrel–I still don’t know why the “flagship” gun didn’t get the “best barrel” as well…WTF?).

    But unless you’re planning on putting 12K+ downrange it’s not a ‘deal-killer’ to be sure.

  • mike July 20, 2015, 5:18 pm

    some stuff. why no “nato” length buttstock and no RPK rear site? no brainers there. use of brass cased vs steel. personally don’t do steel in ARs or brass in combloc AKs ,just me. getting 2 moa in an AK would require better quality brass cased,i think. trusting century to do anything honestly and well is a looong reach for me. would the rubber buttpads fit to lengthen LOP? straight gas blocks etc. could century get that right? had an npap and a POS it was wouldn’t feed reliably 80% of the time. century again! my personal bug-no available,affordable,quality 20r mags; 5s or 10s either for that matter. need low cap to hunt and rest on bags and for me 30s are just a bit too long and obtrusive. just my .02.

  • Occams July 20, 2015, 4:39 pm

    Uhhhhhhhhhh….. “In response to the aggressive military actions of Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin, President Obama issued punitive economic sanctions against them”

    Should read;
    “In an effort to create a new enemy to blame on the coming crash of the dollar, Obama and his puppeteers are doing all they can to create tension where there was none, simply because Putin kicked out the all-controlling Rothschild Central Bank. ALL overt and covert action has been taking by the US or it’s proxies, including the now-proven air to air missile downing of MH-17 from a Ukrainian MIG”.

    There. Fixed it.

    There’s ENOUGH lies in the MSM and from the White House. Don’t need to see them here.

    • Robert July 22, 2015, 10:29 am

      http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32283378 Wrong on your missile theory.

    • Warthog April 4, 2020, 2:03 pm

      The sanctions are all a Democratic scheme to prevent Americans from owning guns. Something has to be done about these nasty Democrats.

  • George July 20, 2015, 1:01 pm

    This rifle is a exact copy of the Chinese Poly Tech. Norinco AK-47… Exactly, from what I can see.

    • Joe July 20, 2015, 5:48 pm

      Yeah, I had one of those, but not for long. I don’t keep guns that don’t shoot consistent for long.

  • Mars Wolf July 20, 2015, 11:11 am

    This looks like a hybrid of the Zestava N-PAP & a WASR. At least they aren’t stepping outside of their zone of experience for their first foray into making one with their own makers’ mark.

  • James July 20, 2015, 10:42 am

    I don’t understand why someone hasn’t moved the rear site back on the AK-47/74 or put a railing on top for a scope. They had to make an attachment to the side of the rifle instead. Other then that I would get one.

    • Richard July 20, 2015, 11:28 am

      The top cover on the receiver is essentially just a “dust Cover”. There are aftermarket add on rails and dust covers with rails but since the cover isn’t a Solid fitting piece, your accuracy at distance has a high chance of being off target. A side mounted scope is the only way you will maintain a zero. Just an AK quirk

  • George Shaw July 20, 2015, 8:59 am

    If they were going to make changes, why didn’t they lengthen the stock? That’s the AK series’s most glaring fault.

  • GuidoFL July 20, 2015, 8:41 am

    My understanding is that the barrel is made from 4150 steel not stainless. The pistol grip is a minor issue and the first thing I do to any AK I purchase is replace that ASAP. The bigger issue is trigger creep always a Tapco issue but the pull number is great here at 4 lb. All in all it seems that Century has a winner here and if the price point hits $550. they will rule the market.

    • Jim Grant July 20, 2015, 9:27 am

      Yeah, the trigger is no longer a Tapco part, but rather an in-house made RAK trigger. I like it better than the Tapco, and I found it to be nearly unperceivable from the Geissele AK trigger I shot a few months back.

    • Richard July 20, 2015, 11:07 am

      It is 4150CMV and nitride treated. (Writer did a poor job on research) A stainless barrel on an AK???? Bimetal bullets thru a stainless barrel would wear out in no time

    • Mahatma Muhjesbude July 20, 2015, 12:19 pm

      Rule ‘what’ market? The Amateur Armchair Army?

  • Nate Jaeger July 20, 2015, 7:41 am

    Bought one and tried it out for three days. When I tour I like to go to local ranges or out to the flat lands. We carry all my equipment on the tour bus and can set up all my wireless target equipment. Then its just sit back and shoot. It is a fun gun to shoot and I found that precisely loading my own ammo made the gun deadly accurate out to 300 yards. Well worth $600.00 to $800.00. Nice quality. I put a 1000 rounds through it.

    • Jim Grant July 20, 2015, 9:25 am

      Agreed. I was really surprised at how accurate the rifle was. I don’t normally ask companies to keep their products, but this one is definitely an exception.

  • Thomas July 20, 2015, 7:35 am

    What would be really nice is if Century Arms would work a deal with EoTech, Regulate and Magpul to offer a completely outfitted product out-the-door at the best possible price.

    • David July 21, 2015, 2:32 pm

      Agreed!

  • Mark Solheim July 20, 2015, 7:05 am

    How much???

    • Richard July 20, 2015, 10:59 am

      I got mine from atlanticfirearms.com for $629, two weeks later it was on sale for $599

  • Joe July 20, 2015, 5:23 am

    Oh well, another 7.62/39 barn door target practice piece.
    If they made one in 7.62/54 that didn’t fall apart from added recoil and shot like an AR platform .308 they might have a top seller.

    • Richard July 20, 2015, 10:55 am

      This AK is every bit as accurate as an AR, even with Tula. My averages are 1.75 at 100m (110 yards)

      • Mick Dodge July 20, 2015, 11:42 am

        Why of course it is….snicker…snicker..snic….

        • Richard July 20, 2015, 12:51 pm

          Snicker all ya want but doesn’t change the facts and u would be missing out on a great rifle

      • Mahatma Muhjesbude July 20, 2015, 12:15 pm

        Richard, You mean ‘this AK is every bit as accurate as an ‘INaccurate’ AR.’, LOL!.

        Even my compact 11.5 inch barrel minimalist grab carbine shoots sub MOA with almost ANY ammo! And Almost any good AR barrel these days can shoot Sub MOA with match grade ammo.

        I guess the old aphorism is still true. You can take the AK away from the AK fanboy, but you can’t take the boy away from the toy.

        I wouldn’t have one if you gave it to me for free, but I applaud Century for one thing. And that’s for having the balls to beat the anti-2nd/A Fascists.

        • Richard July 20, 2015, 1:02 pm

          Well one, Im not an AK fan boy, I prefer and AR. The AK is cheaper and so is the ammo for another. For anyone that can shoot I would expect sub MOA with match ammo. Either way I generally don’t shoot the AK with a scope, its not really intended for that. I would bet that you could get sub MOA with this rifle if you could find match ammo in 762×39 (havnt looked to see if its even made, again, its not intended for that.

  • Will Drider July 19, 2015, 10:49 pm

    If your going to build it in the States to avoid import restrictions AND in turn you are not required to comply with R922 requirements since its American Made, why the hell did they not leave a bayonet lug on it? It would have beat out all the other clones! UNLESS its just “assembled” here like all the rest? Anybody have a R922 type parts count on this?
    The RAS also has a bolt hold open feature that I didn’t see listed.

    • Jim Grant July 20, 2015, 9:24 am

      922r doesn’t apply since every part of the gun is made stateside. When I asked Century about the bayo lug, they said they developed the gun right after Sandy Hook, and they wanted to future-proof the design in the event of restrictive legislature. At this point, having a new mold made would raise cost and based on their market research only a very small portion of the population actually wants the bayonet lug. – That said, I wish it were there too, I want to mount my Bulgarian circle 10 bayonet on it.

  • James July 18, 2015, 5:49 pm

    Sheesh, this author is in love with sentence fragments.

    • Richard October 22, 2015, 11:33 am

      Did you read the article to get an English lesson?

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