AK-47 (WASR-10)

Overview

The Century Arms WASR-10 is a semi-automatic, AK-pattern rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, built in Romania and imported into the United States by Century International Arms. It is a true AKM-pattern rifle based on the Romanian PM md. 63/65 service rifle, manufactured at the historic Cugir Arms Factory, with an original Romanian AK barrel, a stamped sheet-metal receiver, and traditional wood furniture. As imported and converted for the U.S. market, it accepts standard double-stack 30-round AK magazines and complies with federal firearm-assembly regulations. Long one of the best-selling imported AKs in America, the WASR-10 is prized for its authenticity, durability, and value, and it remains a benchmark for budget-friendly Kalashnikov-pattern rifles. Century's name for the series, "WASR," derives from the 1996 Wassenaar Arrangement export-control regime ("Wassenaar Arrangement Semi-automatic Rifle").

History & Background

The WASR-series rifles are Romanian-designed, gas-operated semi-automatic rifles sold in the U.S. by Century International Arms. They are based on the Pistol Mitralieră model 1963/1965 (PM md. 63/65), Romania's domestic Kalashnikov, which was patterned directly after the Soviet AKM — itself a modernized derivative of the AK-47. The rifles are made by the Cugir Arms Factory in Romania.

The GP (General Purpose) WASR-10, chambered in 7.62x39mm, has been offered since the end of the U.S. Federal Assault Weapons Ban in 2004. Factory-original Romanian rifles were built on receivers intended for single-stack, low-capacity (10-round) magazines; after import, Century Arms modifies them to accept standard double-stack 30-round AK magazines. With the sunset of the 1994 ban, importers were also able to equip WASR-10s with muzzle devices, bayonet lugs, and (on some configurations) folding stocks, making the rifle a versatile general-purpose firearm.

To comply with U.S. law (notably 18 U.S.C. 922(r), which limits the number of imported parts on a converted semi-automatic rifle), Century installs a number of U.S.-made components. Earlier WASR rifles were known for "trigger slap" caused by the carrier striking the trigger assembly; from 2007 Century fitted U.S.-made enhanced trigger groups to eliminate this. Current production rifles use Century's RAK-1 enhanced trigger group. Over the years the WASR-10 became, by various accounts, one of the most common imported AK rifles in the United States.

Design & Features

The WASR-10 follows the classic Kalashnikov operating principle and layout, with a long-stroke gas piston, a tilting-block-style rotating bolt, and a stamped receiver. It is a robust, simple, and reliable design.

• Operating system: Long-stroke gas piston, gas-operated, with a rotating bolt — the standard AK/AKM action.
• Receiver: Stamped sheet-metal AKM-pattern receiver. WASR receivers are distinctive among AK derivatives in using internally welded spacer/center-support plates (rather than dimples) at the magazine well; the rifles were converted from single-stack to accept standard double-stack magazines.
• Barrel: Original Romanian AK barrel, 16.25 in, hard-chrome-lined for durability and corrosion resistance.
• Furniture: Traditional wood stock, handguard, and grip; compatible with standard AKM-pattern furniture. (An underfolding-stock configuration is also offered.)
• Trigger: RAK-1 enhanced (U.S.-made) trigger group.
• Sights/optics: Fixed front sight and adjustable rear sight (standard AK open sights); equipped with a standard AKM side-rail mount for attaching side-mounted optics.
• Muzzle: Offered with a plain muzzle or, in some configurations, a slant muzzle brake/bayonet-lug setup.
• Magazine/capacity: Accepts standard 30-round AK magazines; ships with one 30-round magazine (current rifles ship with a US Palm 30-round magazine).

Technical Data

Feature	Specification
Manufacturer	Cugir Arms Factory (Romania); imported/converted by Century International Arms
Model / Pattern	WASR-10 (AKM pattern; based on Romanian PM md. 63/65)
Firearm type	Semi-automatic rifle
Action	Gas-operated, long-stroke piston, rotating bolt
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 rounds (one 30-round magazine included)
Barrel length	16.25 in (413 mm)
Gas system	Long-stroke gas piston (AK type)
Weight	7.5 lb (3.4 kg)
Materials	Stamped steel receiver; chrome-lined steel barrel; wood furniture
Overall length	34.25 in (870 mm)
Year introduced	Offered in the U.S. since 2004 (post-AWB)

Variants

• WASR-10 (standard): Fixed wood stock, 16.25 in barrel, 7.62x39mm; ships with one 30-round magazine. Current Century MSRP is listed at $1,069.99.
• WASR-10 (No Bayonet Lug / cleaning rod): A configuration without a bayonet lug.
• WASR-10 UF (Underfolder): Fitted with an underfolding metal stock instead of the fixed wood stock.
• WASR-10 California Compliant: A state-compliant configuration for jurisdictions with feature restrictions.

Within the broader WASR family, Century has also offered related models such as the WASR-2 (5.45x39mm), WASR-3 (5.56x45mm NATO), and the WASR-M (a 9mm Luger, Glock-magazine-fed, blowback-operated pistol-caliber carbine introduced in 2020). The GP WASR-10/63 was a closely related model assembled largely from former Romanian military parts.

Calibers / Chamberings

• 7.62x39mm (the WASR-10 itself). Related WASR-series rifles cover 5.45x39mm (WASR-2), 5.56x45mm NATO (WASR-3), and 9mm Luger (WASR-M).

Intended Use

The WASR-10 is a general-purpose, recreational, and defensive rifle. Its rugged AKM construction, chrome-lined barrel, and tolerance for inexpensive 7.62x39mm ammunition make it well suited to high-volume range and plinking use, training, and home defense, as well as collecting for those who want an authentic Romanian-built Kalashnikov. The 7.62x39mm cartridge is also adequate for medium-game hunting at moderate ranges where legal.