The Best AK-47s Ever Made

Which durable AK variant holds ‘Best Of’?

Since the AR-15 is essentially the commercial version of the U.S. military’s M16 rifle, it stands to reason that it would be the most popular semi-automatic rifle sold in the United States. However, the AK-47 remains the most popular selective-fire rifle in the world market, and the second most popular domestically.

Although the Soviet-designed AK-47 is not as modular like the AR-15, it makes up for its lack of versatility by being the most reliable semi-automatic rifle in the world.

Designed for use by the largest army in the world, and for use in every conceivable environment in the world, it is recognizable in almost every country and carries a reputation for putting rounds on target with every pull of the trigger.

The AK-47 is the rifle of choice for the common man, offering consistent behavior and accuracy without requiring excessive maintenance and training, and for this reason it is gradually gaining a larger share of the market in the U.S.

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#1 Arsenal SAM7SF

Arsenal, a Bulgarian firm, has copied and modified AK-47 rifles since 1958. Their proximity to the USSR and frequent involvement with the Soviet military make them uniquely proficient with this rifle.
The SAM7SF is a cross between the old AK-47 and the AK-74, which was a 1974 improvement from Mikhail Kalashnikov that still takes the widely available 7.62x39mm ammunition that makes an AK-47 a desirable weapon.
You can see the originality of this Soviet infantry gun in the functional folding stock. Simple, tough, basic and functional - these are the important selling points. It was a fully-automatic machine gun when the military carried it, but it has been modified for the U.S. commercial market.
If you’re looking for the original concept of the AK-47 rifle, with just some basic mod-cons, then the Arsenal SLR might be what you’re looking for.
It doesn’t have the wood furniture - instead, you get a more functional polymer stock with pistol grip. This is a shooting gun, not a trophy model.
It can fit a 50-round mag without any difficulty, which should give the home defender an additional measure of comfort. The iron sights are similar to the M4 or old AK-47, but the muzzle brake gives it a modern touch.
This rifle pays homage to the Soviet military roots of the AK-47, but is also modernized for the 21st-century gun owner. This rifle should last you for years.
It’s an agricultural gun, yet accurate up to 400 yards. With practice, you can hit targets at 800 yards, and it’s got more kick and stopping power than an AR-15.

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#2 Russian Saiga

Though most Russian firearms can no longer be imported to the United States, the Saiga rifle is still widely available on the market, as are the conversions. The most popular configurations are as a “sporter” rifle or a “converted” configuration.

Sporters generally look like semi-automatic hunting rifles: old-fashioned with long handguards and Monte Carlo stocks. Rifles in this configuration are becoming less popular, but they can still be purchased from online sellers for around $700. Sporter Saigas are a great way to start a conversion project. Usually some modification is necessary to make Saigas compatible with AK-47 magazines and grips.

Converted guns look much more like the traditional AK-47 that is so popular. They usually accept standard-capacity magazines and conventional furniture. Depending on the professionalism of the conversion, such a rifle might cost $800. Expertly-converted Saigas can cost more than $1,000.

Saigas are available in 5.45x39mm, 5.56x45mm, 7.62x39mm, and .308 Winchester calibers. Regardless, you’ll get a gun manufactured by the same machines that have been building them for decades. All Saigas are made at the Izhmash factory in Izhevsk, Russia, and feature well-made Russian chrome-lined barrels. Many shooters want the prestige of owning an authentic Russian-made AK-47.

#3 WASR-10

This is the historic AK-47 rifle in its former glory, made affordable for the modern gun owner. It can accommodate pretty much any ammo and it should keep going all day when you’re hunting out in the wilderness.
This is a pretty accurate recreation of the classic assault rifle that the Soviet military used all over the world. It’s a tribute to the original, effective AK-47 and Century Arms has made all the effort to stay true to the design.
This Classic AK-47 has served all over the globe and on every continent, whether in Middle Eastern wars, African skirmishes, or Eastern European bloodbaths. It is an iconic example of modern warfare, and this is what it looks like in its purest form. You get a pistol grip, seemingly untreated wood furniture, and the accuracy and reliability that it is famous for.
If you’re looking for a wood stock, this rifle is the only appropriate choice. However, it can also be fit with a folding stock, which gives it comfort without sacrificing authenticity. This is the classic and historic weapon that everyone wants to use.
If you want to hold a deadly piece of history in your hands, at an affordable price, then the Century Arms Classic AK-47 is what you’re looking for.

#4 Czech Small Arms VZ.58

Although it has the same reliability as the AK-47, the Czech Small Arms VZ.58 is not technically an AK-47 - it’s a competing rifle built by Czech firearms designers. But it has similar ergonomics and will feel and handle just like the original model.

The VZ.58 is built with a milled steel receiver, which makes it stronger than the standard stamped steel receivers used in AK-47s. The receiver on this model additionally is much smoother and more natural-feeling than an AK-47 receiver.

The ergonomics are also greatly improved, featuring a simple, thumb-operated fire selector switch and an open-locking bolt when the magazine is empty that allows faster reloading.

The barrel is chrome-lined and nitride-coated for corrosion resistance, and machined by Walther in Germany.

The VZ.58 is extremely accurate for its platform with a high-quality barrel combined with a smooth trigger and a crisp break. Unfortunately, this accuracy is mitigated by the sights, which are very similar to the original 300-yard AK-47 sights. Optical accessories will significantly increase the shooter’s accuracy.

The furniture is a wood and plastic blend that’s durable and inexpensive. Although there are no rails for accessories on the furniture, polymer furniture with rails is an available option.

The price on the VZ.58 may be higher than the other AK-47 models, but one can argue that it’s an excellent option for competitive shooting and tactical operators who want reliability without discomfort.

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#5 Century Arms C39V2

The C39V2 is an upgraded rifle for the buyer who values quality and is willing to pay for it.
At first glance, the gun enthusiast will notice the hazelnut wood stock. The smooth detail of the pistol grip and fixed stock will feel noticeably more comfortable in your hand and against your shoulder, and those contoured guards on the barrel make it both look and feel authentic. The C39V2 is a work of beauty as well as an effective semi-automatic rifle.

Chrome moly Nitride alloy composes the barrel, which is also chrome lined. A high-grade steel milled receiver comes standard. None of this takes away from the classic AK-47 design, and those familiar with the design will be delighted to find the iconic lever action safety that defines the AK-47.
The best quality of the C39V2 is the enhanced RAK-1 trigger set, which makes this rifle one of the top products in the market. Improvements that came with the AK-74 have been incorporated in the design.

Standard AK accessories and furniture will fit perfectly on to this rifle, but the glamourous wood stock deserves extra attention and care. For long-lasting use and appearance, make sure to oil it regularly.

The Century Arms C39v2 is a beauty of an AK-47 rifle that your shooting buddies will be jealous of.

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#6 Mutant MK-47

The Mutant MK-47 has been composed by CMMG in a very clever way. While remaining a functional AK-47 design, CMMG took the very best design factors from the AR-15, to make a truly superior cross-product for sale in 2018.
Benefits: Your reliable, streamlined assault rifle now has a floating guard for accessorizing with optics, flashlights, or any other favorite tactical gear. The collapsible stock, and other adaptations, give it the versatility and familiarity of an AR-15.
It has a 16-inch barrel, giving it the increased accuracy of the AR-15, but still uses the larger, banana-shaped magazines for the standard AK-47. You will be surprised by the enhanced muzzle brake, also. This gun has everything that the shooter is looking for.
When you’re looking for an improvement over the typical AR-15, this is a great, muscled-up option for the gun owner who admires the original AK-47 experience. This is one of the best rifles on the market; try it out, and you won’t be disappointed.
You will find that this is possibly the most useful gun in our inventory. The others have appeal and nostalgia for AK-47 admirers, but this rifle has accuracy and consistency - good beyond 400 yards. If you are a hunter, take this rifle with you - it’s remarkably suitable for hunting, considering that it is an AK model.
Some of the other rifles in the inventory are pure spray and pray. But this is a precise AK-47 rifle. Use it for basic hunting, target work, general sport shooting, or all three. The generic Magpul Moe stock gives it a solid look and feel, and the accessories that you chose for the stock will personalize it for your shooting hobbies.
The direct impingement system is more refined than many of the agricultural models here. This is a different kind of AK-47 rifle, lighter, more comfortable and versatile.

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#7 I.O. Inc. AKM-247C

The AK-47 lacks the quality of U.S. military specifications; I.O. Inc brings it up to code. The I.O. Inc. AKM-247C is a considerable upgrade over the basic models with only a small price increase.

The all-polymer furniture is the most noticeable and modernized upgrade, making the weapon lighter and more comfortable.

Making it even lighter is the wire folding stock. The stock is stamped steel and weighs very little, bringing the total weight to just 7 pounds. The stock is foldable so this rifle for easy storage and transportation.

To improve the ergonomics, some additional features were added. There’s an extended magazine release to expedite reloading, and the safety includes a bolt hold open notch for easy weapon handling.

The barrel is nitride, treated for corrosion resistance, and is as accurate as a chrome lined barrel. The trigger is sharp yet light, set at 3.5 pounds, suitable for personal defense or tactical use.

The sights are adjustable up to 1000 yards, which is likely farther than most operators can accurately shoot, given the constraints of the model.

The finish is parkerized and offers excellent corrosion resistance, and is also a good base for painting the rifle.

Although the rifle is reliable as expected, it has a very large gas port. The recoil impulse is heavier than expected, and may be uncomfortable after prolonged shooting.

The AKM-247C is a solid performer at a low price. It’s a perfect option for those who want an affordable, light rifle.

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Written by Sgt. Gunner

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