“Loose is good.” I think. Since that’s really just a hunch, I did the easiest most journalistically-thorough thing and Googled the phrase. My results? Well, let’s just say they stuck a collective finger in my gut: nearly every hit involved Weight Watchers. Then I repeated the search with the SafeSearch™ filter off, at which point I’d rather not say where the collective finger was sticking. Regardless, other than loose-fitting jeans (and, uh, loose-fitting other things), nothing I could find supported my contention that my friend’s loosey-goosey AK-variant, the WASR-10, is superior to its less-wobbly alternatives. But I still think it is.
Apparently, I’m not alone. I’ve always heard that the AK-47 – the poster rifle for relaxed construction tolerances – is the most common firearm in the world. Also, I’ve always heard that it’s “the rifle of the revolution.” No civil unrest awaits this particular gun, though. This one is simply “the rifle of Todd.”
My pal Todd (owner of the example featured here) is certainly no gun nut. He’s a well-educated and well-rounded critical thinker (and an engineer by trade). As such, he carefully assessed his firearms needs and decided his best bet was the ultra-affordable AK variety known as the Century Arms WASR-10.
What makes an AK-47 a WASR-10, you ask? Check out William Montgomery’s TTAG article for the broader AK story. Now that you’re back, here’s the skinny on this branch of the family tree . . .
In the early Sixties, the Romanian military put a pistol grip on the front hand guard directly beneath the barrel of the then-current AKM version of the Soviet AK-47. They called it the “Pistol Mitralieră model 1963.” Decades later, a U.S. company called Century Arms decided to meet U.S. Kalashnikov demand by importing these ultra-cheap AKs. However, several key pieces of 1990’s legislation got in the way.
First, a federal law known as 18 USC 922R stipulated that at least ten major components of any gun categorized by federal law as a “semi-automatic assault weapon” had to be produced domestically. Then, in 1994, the infamous Federal Assault Weapons Ban mandated that such weapons could only be sold with 10-round (max) magazines. Bummer.
Because of these legislative shenanigans, most of the WASR-10’s internal components (bolt, trigger group, gas mechanism, etc.) had to be produced in the U.S. and installed before the gun could be sold stateside. Also, WASR-10s sold during the Assault Weapons Ban (1994-2004) received a magazine well modification which narrowed the opening, restricting the gun to a ten-round, single stack magazine. Double bummer.
All this nanny-state compliance might make you think that the WASR-10 is not quite representative of the true AK-47 personality. Nothing could be further from the truth. Todd’s gun is actually a “post-ban, pre-ban” model. In other words, it was one of the many WASR-10s produced with the narrowed magazine well. However, since the wretched assault weapons ban has gone back to hell where it came from faded from the books – and since exactly no one wants an AK with a ten-round magazine – Century Arms has un-narrowed the well. With a Dremel. In the dark. While they were drunk.
Okay, maybe the mag well isn’t that maligned by the virginity restoration reversal. But the magazine retention dimples common to most other AK receivers are completely AWOL and the resulting lateral motion of fully-seated 30-rounders is a little . . . disconcerting.
What’s not disconcerting: everything else about the WASR-10. Given the relatively low cost and relatively high degree of post-manufacture modification, I halfway expected a jacked-up looking gun that shot jacked-up looking groups. What I experienced was a very authentic-looking AK that fired consistently decent groups and felt as comfortable as a well-worn pair of (loose) sneakers.
Yes, the gun’s general laxity did take some getting used to. In addition to the magazine well situation, the bolt felt a good bit freer than other rifles I’ve fired lately – more of a “slick-slack” than a “click-clack.” And the trigger seemed a little light, like it traveled a bit too far before the sear broke. However, the quickly-but-progressively building tension just prior to the break is positive enough that the shot won’t ever surprise you. And the 7.62X39’s recoil never feels excessive.
Other than several of the commonly-kvetched-about AK annoyances – like a short sight radius, a loud-ass “alert-the-enemy” safety switch, a bolt that doesn’t stay open once the gun is empty, and an Oompa-Loompa-short stock (common to most original AK variants) – firing the WASR-10 was no problem at all. Honestly, Todd and I had a blast, without a single malfunction all afternoon (and we used only the cheapest factory ammo). Finally, as you’ll see in Todd’s video, field-stripping the AK is a breeze.
For some folks, a gun that feels so unbound that it could possibly be a Transformer hiding in your gun safe just won’t cut the mustard. Others will admire a design so ruggedly brilliant that ultimate precision wasn’t needed to achieve effectiveness. Although I tend to agree with TTAG’s Martin Albright about the SKS being better than the AK in a number of ways, the Century Arms WASR-10 delivers almost-comparable accuracy and absolutely-comparable ergonomics for a similar price – with the added benefit of a detachable, high-capacity magazine. That formula appealed to Todd, just as it’s appealed to several hundred million other users.
Specifications:
Model: Century Arms WASR-10 (Romanian AK)
Action type: Gas-opearated, rotating-bolt semi-automatic
Caliber: 7.62X39 Russian
Capacity: 30-round detachable magazine
Barrel length: 16.39″
Overall length: 34.25″
Weight: 6.9 lbs. (unloaded)
Stock: Hardwood
Sights: Hooded post front; tangent leaf rear, graduated from 100 to 1000 meters
Finish: Blued receiver, barrel, gas tube and magazine
Current Value: $300-$550 depending on manufacturer/condition
RATINGS
(Out of five stars)
Style * * * *
Menacing (especially with the owner’s 40-round magazine), but I doubt anyone would call it “beautiful.”
Ergonomics (carry) * * * * *
It’s a carbine with a pistol grip that’s just the right size for non-shoulder fire. If you might need to get a long gun into action quickly, this classic is the one for you.
Ergonomics (firing) * * * *
Slightly numb trigger, slightly short stock, and I wish the bolt stayed open after you’ve fired the last round. Other than that, it’s great (provided you don’t have unrealistic accuracy expectations).
Reliability * * * * *
Uh, it’s a Kalashnikov. Enough said.
Customize This * * * * *
If the AR-15 is the Ford Mustang of the gun aftermarket, then the AK is the Chevy Camaro.
OVERALL RATING * * * * *
The WASR-10 proves that Mikhail Kalashnikov came up with such a fantastic design that even a low-cost importer who has to cheaply modify it in order to comply with ridiculous government regulations can’t screw it up.
I own two wasr 10′s and they are for the money a good deal.One was made in 82 and she is a mag wobbler,the other is 1965 and has a little wobble with the sttel mag but not as much as 82.I added the tapco intafuse furniture to the 82 and it is nice with the M4 type adjustable stock.The experts beat up the wasr but it is a good cheap assault gun
Pingback: Guns….. « dannyfrom504
Great article! A slight correction regarding 922r: there are 16 parts of an AK identified as critical to the weapon. Only six need be U.S. made and ten can be foreign. In my WASR 10/63 underfolder (which I dearly love) the trigger group (trigger, hammer, disconnector), the gas piston, the slant compensator and the pistol grip are the six U.S. parts-all TAPCO. Everything else in Romanian. Most, if not all 922r Kalashnikovs, will have a U.S. made trigger group as this is a simple way to get half of the required U.S. parts. As silly as it may sound, a magazine can count for three of the 16 parts. A U.S. TAPCO magazine would provide the remainder of the required U.S. parts. I also have an SGL31-61 which is built from a neutered SAIGA IZ240. It has seven U.S. made parts: the stock set, the trigger group and the muzzle brake, everything else is Russian Izhmash. And did I say that I love AKs?
Center fire systems – has a good batch of WASR-10s. going for $429. i think it was, i picked up one the other day , no mag well wobble , no trigger slap , and no canted sight or gas tube . Just use a tac hammer to adjust the left and right sight post slide. It is a dead nuts gun now. I would recoment sanding the stock and using a Minwax poly shade you can find at The Home Depot . The wood cleans up well
I have had my WASR for 8 years, no problems what so ever. Heat, rain, snow and sub zero she thumps away. Great gun. I tried refinishing the furniture but it appears mine had been completely saturated, I ended up using olive oil to even it out and it looks very nice now.
are Warsaw 10 barrel from century chromed
I picked up a 1972 WASR 10/63 that is the least wobbling, minimally rattling, and imperfection bearing underfolder I’ve ever seen; all the while being a noncomplain’ ammo eatin’ lead spittin’ rounds on target everytime I squeeze the trigger amalgamation of metal and wood I’ve ever seen. A mere $500. It did not however arrive with a cleaning rod or a sling but instead, with a bayonet. I also picked up 5 of the 40rd magazines and it came with two 30rd magazines also. I wanna swap out the skinny lil Tapco grip with an authentic wood one. am accepting gifts and/or donations of anything AK, AR, DSA, FN, or….ect, ect, yeah yeah. Them grips feel better in you hand too; I opine.
Waiting anxiously for delivery, all your reviews got me positively excited, would you put a scope on it, is it possible and what kind
Happy new year, keep shooting!
I own both a WASR and AR-15, both are great rifles and GREAT for self defense, the WASR has that classic intimidating AK look and the AR with a modern military look. The only problem I had with the WASR was its short (puny) rear stock, at least the AR was adjustable. But the WASR still performs excelent, but what did you expect its based off a Kalashnikov.
Just got a call that mine is in..Im picking it up Friday. Cant wait to shoot it this weekend. Didnt see any sight cant or other problems listed. Paid 560 with 2 mags. Im planning on shooting the hell out of it like I do my other 30+ guns. It is my first AK. Just wondering if anyone knows about parts. If there is problems, are there parts available? Also… Where is the absolutely-with -out-a doubt cheapest ammo sold for this??
Well, you paid too much for a Romanian, which is undoubtedly the worst AK made. For $460, SOG is selling the superb Yugoslavian model but you get what you pay for. I think about resale value thus all my AK’s are either Bulgarian, Russian (Saiga convert), East German, and PolyTech preban. Use the cheapest ammo( Yugo, Russian, etc) as long as it is non-corrosive. They are all basically steel case with a dark green polymer paint or copper washed. So, don’t bother keeping the hulls for reloading. For parts and accessories and ammo I sometimes use AIMsurplus.com and buy a Shotgun News magazine for the cheapest prices. You can get dirty ammo for as little as 8 cents a round. Buy a case for about $100 to 200 depending on the count. I was smart and after the wall fell in Germany I bought 10 cases of 1360 rounds to a case and much to my surprise foung it to be armor piercing with a tungsten core. There are probably a billion AK’s out there and because 7.62X39 is such a effective round there is plenty of it around. As far as power and trauma, the AK round is a real manstopper. If you have the time, read the ballistic reports the botched ATF raid on the Waco compound. You will see an overwhelming KIA and WIA rate from the 7.62X39 round. The preacher guy David Koresh was hit by an ATF fired .223 round to the abdomen and was walking around with that gut shot for a few days before the compound was lit up. The AK’s only weakness is range and accuracy and range is not that big of an issue anyway. I have built an AK-74 in 5.45×39 AND IT IS SWEET! It is like shooting a BB gun. Parts are all over the place but for a Romy its like dressing up for the prom wearing blue denim coveralls.
My WASR10 is absolute junk. It misfeeds more often than it works. The bolt doesn’t always close between rounds and it jams frequently. Save your money and buy a real gun.
I’ll second that comment. I mean, even a home build can have dimples to keep the mag from wiggling and wobbling. Don’t be seduced by the price. For a few hundred more you can have something that doesn’t make you look like a newbie!
The WASR sells for $359. Magazines are a dime a dozen, The toughest magazines are the original Warsaw Pact steel mags. Parts are interchangeable but may need fitting. The WASR has a tough time with hollow points and the rifle is not accurate to pour any gadgets into. I would’t spend a dime on any fancy (tactical) looking parts. We have guys come into the shop with these monstrosities that used to be a Chinese SKS with almost every gadget on the market attached. Just like a used car lot; it is customized for the eye of the beholder, or, not every one has the same taste. They come in 3 months later angry that their weapon has not sold. They ask for my advice and I advise them to take all the crap off that you added, sell it individually online and sell the weapon as you bought it, and most impotantly take the gun and your attitude and sell it yourself and next time buy a car and trick it out with rims while your baby and its momma go hungry.
WOW. Picked up the WASR 10/63 paid 560.00 came with (2) 30 round mags.It (I) will outshoot any other AK with this..! I had to allign the front sight pin with a c clamp before sighting it in. What a simple gun!!! cleaned the inside up then fired 250 rounds of cheap tulo ammo and the thing is SWEET!! Accurate, easy to shoot, and cool as hell. ( except for the red hot barrel) It is what an AK is supposed to be..simple/ reliable/ and bad ass. AKs are not designer or collector edition guns. They are war weapons. This thing is my new favorite..the bolt action is loose and awesome too and the sound of the bolt release make me shiver ( only a gun nut knows what I mean). A tiny bit of wobble in the front wood forearm and it didnt come with a cleaning rod in front or a cleaning kit in the stock. If you’re in the market, inspect the gun thuroughly first then dont hesitate to get one. ps. I own 30+ guns not a (newbie). So sorry if you have guns that cost 2xs as much and do the same thing.
Have had my WASR10 for several years. Agree that the original furniture looks like it was made from the pallet it shipped on, but overall the best bang for the dollar. We bought 2 at the same time and had 2 issues; first gun has a rear windage adjustment seized and cannot be moved, second had the reciever pin locking spring mis-installed. I replaced all the furniture with polymer OD green, adjustable butt, weaver rails. Much improved ergonomics and aesthetics.
Too many people think that if they spend more on a weapon they will be a better shot, more cool, etc. I own many firearms and this is one I would not sell.
I have TruGlo sights on weapons that matter and tried to find some for my WASR but they are not made. If anyone knows where to find the tritium sights for the AKMP, I would love to put them on.
Good move on the polymer furniture. Instead of using a tacky AR/M-16 telescopic stock, which by the way, basically disintegrates under full auto suatained fire literally disintegrates unless you get a very good $$ one you’d be better off with an East German pushbutton bent wire side folding stock. That way you get full retractability instead of just a body armor sliding stock. I just as well would buy a Saiga rifle in 7.62X39 for $299, use simple tools to advance the trigger assembly, put an AK stock of choice on w/ AK pistol grip and AK parts of choice and for about you all seem to be paying for a WASR you will have a forged receiver, chrome lined barrel with all major components coming from Izvestia, the main Russian manufacturers of AK’s. It all comes together like a Russian AK. I put together an R4, A South African Galil, in 7.62 and I got the accuracy of an AR-15 or M-14, a dual safety that can be actuated without moving your hand from the pistol grip, and all the while using AK magazines with a last round hold open device. Unrelated to the subject but in the same overall area you should see the price of .308 and .223 prices coming down due to the war in Iraq’s end and the end in sight of our Afghanistan adventure winding down. Strategically speaking, certain calibers will still be sky high due to the M-4′s eventual replacement and 9mm will be replaced due to its poor performance on the battlefield and a replacement somewhere in the wings (I pray that 10mm will be looked at due to its superior knockdown power.) Enough for now, enjoy your WASRS but beware of, you will have to invest a little money for furniture and new muzzle brakes, along with other upgrades but beware of making the rifle so much a reflection of you that others will not want a painted canvas; they will want a blank canvas to make the rifle that reflects themselves. I have has 800 pound gorilla’s in my shop that have sat for months and months with nary a nibble to the point that I have had to call a consignee to come pick their custom rifle up after a month since it makes the showroom floor look as if items are not moving. For 6 months now I have refused to take in over customized firearms and only pay the sum of the parts which I strip down and sell as parts. Sometimes I will purchase 100 pistols and just strip them down for parts and sell the registered receivers to Numrich. Or, I will have a machine shop manufacture parts that are notorious for failing such as the CZ52 firing pins.
“with all major components coming from Izvestia, the main Russian manufacturers of AK’s”
Um, PMD – that’s Izhmash, not Izvestia. The latter was a newspaper during the communist days. Just wanted to point that out… ))
Thanks for the correction but I’m sure the meaning went across, editor
I am completely sorry, but I totally and emphatically disagree with you about the WASR-10 being a bad rifle. Now I will admit I am more of an M4 man, however I recently bought a WASR-10 and I replaced the stock with a skeleton stock and I also bought a rail that fits on the back of the weapon. I added a nice Acog to the weapon and I can not express to you how happy I am with it. Right down to the grouping, it is perfect. I mean it is not as accurate as my M4 but it is very good nonetheless. I do not understand the hate, it is a good weapon and I totally stick by it. Just because it costs less than another gun means nothing. To the two people that are having jamming issues I guarantee that it is 90% your mags. I would have them changed, try a different mag and if that decent work maybe you have some internal issues. I had a Colt AR-15 that jammed on me constantly, so much so that I ended giving the rifle away. I cleaned it used different mags nothing worked so when people talk about the cost of a weapon being the fault is not always true. Sorry for the long post I just hate it when people slam someone else’s gun because they might not be able to buy the more expensive model.
If you want to know how bad the WASR is just read this months Shotgun News building a PSL article. I build better AK’s from part kits than Century sells.
FYI. Who cares bout the damn furniture on an AK. The “furniture” doesnt make a bit of difference, The gun shoots and the shooters ability makes it accurate or ..not. PMD”"”An empty canvas???”"” I dont collect guns to re sell them..when they are mine, they stay mine. (unless they are saigas?.
Touchy, touchy, sounds like you are an unhappy Ford Pinto buyer. You buy a pos and then wonder why your pos isn’t worth gold when you pass on and your kin get that pos and realize that just because King Midas here didn’t turn it ti gold with his Midas touch. My philosophy is, from many years of collecting or just buying anything of value be it watches, antiques, firearms…: if you buy a pos today just for the “value” you’re getting you will not be so happy down the road when that product is worthless. We have many “cheap charlies” down here in Florida so I’m familiar with yall’s philosophy.
I’ve got a WASR 10/63 that runs like a sewing machine. It feeds and fires anything. I have five mags for it, two new TAPCO polymer and three Eastern Block surplus. Four of the mags fit tight and feed with no issues. One of the military mags rattles and wobbles like a cheap car and even it has no functional issues. As to furniture, come on. Who cares? As long as it’s not on fire it’s all good, right? It was cheap, it’s ammo is cheap, it’s furniture does not burst into flame when I shoot it fast and it looks damn scary with the (mostly useless) bayonet mounted. In short, it’s a Kalash’ like any other. As a side bonus mine is dead accurate with a nice crisp trigger. And yes, I know that the accuracy and trigger were luck of the draw, I’ve run across plenty of WASRs with crap triggers and lousy barrels.