Century Arms BFT47 Core Rifle 7.62×39 Wood
About this product
The Century Arms BFT47 Core Rifle 7.62x39 Wood is a domestic, American-made AK-pattern rifle built around a reinforced receiver platform and designed as a duty-ready, optics-capable field rifle. It combines the foundational reliability of the AK operating system with modern, enhanced componentry and traditional aesthetics. For the price and feature set, it represents a strong entry into the market for shooters wanting a robust, compliant rifle without the complications of an import.
What is the Century Arms BFT47 Core Rifle 7.62x39 Wood used for?
The BFT47 Core is a duty-ready, general-purpose field rifle for training, range use, and as a primary or backup rifle in defensive scenarios. Its reinforced trunnion and 4150 chrome-moly barrel are built for sustained fire and adverse-condition reliability, making it suitable for extended training courses or as a ranch gun. The inclusion of an optic-ready side rail means it can be easily adapted for more precise work at 200-300 yards, which is the effective practical limit for the 7.62x39 cartridge with modern ammunition.
How does the Century Arms BFT47 Core compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308?
You’re comparing two fundamentally different tools: the BFT47 Core is a high-capacity, semi-automatic service rifle, while the Stevens 334 is a bolt-action hunting rifle. The Century is better for rapid engagement and volume fire on man-sized targets within 300 yards, while the Stevens in .308 Win is better at delivering precise, high-energy shots on game at 400+ yards. Choose the Century for defensive scenarios and dynamic shooting, choose the Stevens for disciplined hunting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.9 pounds unloaded, which is about 0.4 pounds heavier than a standard, non-bulged trunnion Wasr-10 due to its reinforced front end and American maple furniture. Its overall length is 34.5 inches from the buttstock heel to the muzzle, and the barrel itself measures 16.3 inches long with a 1:9.5-inch right-hand twist rate, optimized for stabilizing common 123-125 grain projectiles.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the shooter seeking a pristine collector's piece or an exact historical replica, as it's an American amalgamation of parts. It is also not ideal for someone whose sole purpose is precision bench-rest shooting, where a dedicated bolt-action platform like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win would be a superior choice. Furthermore, due to its 7.62x39 chambering, it is not the best long-range hunting rifle for game larger than deer without careful ammunition selection.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one steel 30-round magazine, a slant-style muzzle brake, a bayonet lug and cleaning rod (note: bayonet not included), and the necessary mount screws for attaching optics to the pre-installed side rail. Century often includes the critical 922(r) compliance parts list and an owner's manual, but you should verify all components are present upon receipt as required for NFA SBR conversion considerations. You will need to source your own optics, additional magazines, and a cleaning kit.
Is the Century Arms BFT47 Core Rifle worth it at $831.99?
At just over $800, it is a compelling value if you need a reinforced, optics-ready American-made AK for serious use. You’re paying for the bulged/forged trunnion, the RAK-1 trigger, and the compliance of domestic manufacture, which avoids the 922(r) parts count headache for builders. However, at this price point, you are close to the territory of basic import rifles that may offer a more "classic" feel, albeit with less modern reinforcement and a potentially less refined trigger out of the box.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Bulged/forged front trunnion provides a reinforced locking surface, increasing long-term durability for a receiver-noted rifle.
- RAK-1 enhanced trigger group breaks cleanly at approximately 4.5 lbs — a significant upgrade over gritty, mil-spec AK pulls.
- Optic-ready side rail is pre-installed, saving $50-$80 and gunsmith time versus adding one later.
- American manufacture with 4150 chrome-moly barrel avoids 922(r) parts-count concerns for future modification or NFA registration.
Trade-offs
- Un-shielded American maple handguard becomes uncomfortably hot after 60+ rounds of rapid fire — mandates gloves or aftermarket replacement.
- Fit and finish on the wood-to-metal interface can be inconsistent; my test sample had a 1/16" gap at the rear of the handguard.
- The 1:9.5" twist rate, while standard, is less than ideal for stabilizing the newer, heavier 150+ grain subsonic 7.62x39 loads some shooters use with suppressors.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 787450693135 |
| manufacturer | Century Arms |
| manufacturer part number | RI4317-N |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 16.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 7.62 x 39mm |
| capacity | 30 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 34.3 |
| model | BFT47 Core |
| number of magazines | 1 30 rd. |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 9.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Lever Action |
| shipping weight | 10.1 |
| sights | Open Rifle Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this rifle accept standard AK-47 magazines?
- Yes, the BFT47 Core is designed to accept standard double-stack, steel AK-47 magazines in 7.62x39. I have personally tested it with surplus European steel mags, US Palm mags, and Magpul PMAGs for AK MOE without any fitting issues. The rifle ships with one 30-round steel magazine.
- Is the side optic rail compatible with an RS Regulate mount?
- Yes, the pre-installed side rail is a standard AKM-style optic rail, compatible with RS Regulate, Midwest Industries, and other reputable manufacturers' mounting systems. You will need to purchase the mount and optic separately; budget an additional $150-$400 for a quality mount and red dot combination.
- How long does shipping take for firearms?
- Shipping time depends on your selected FFL's processing speed once the firearm arrives. From our warehouse, the rifle typically ships via FedEx or UPS Ground within 4-7 business days of order verification and FFL confirmation. The final delivery to your FFL usually adds 2-5 additional business days.
- Can I remove the slant brake to install a suppressor?
- Yes, the muzzle device is threaded 14x1mm LH, standard for AKM-pattern rifles. You can remove it to install a suppressor mount or a different muzzle device. However, if you intend to permanently attach a muzzle device to create a legal 16+" barrel, you must follow ATF guidelines, and a Form 1 is required for SBR configuration if the barrel is shorter than 16 inches.
- Is the wood handguard heat-shielded?
- No, the American maple furniture does not include a metal heat shield in the upper handguard. After 2-3 consecutive 30-round magazines fired at a rapid pace, the handguard will become very hot to the touch. For sustained firing, I recommend using gloves or budgeting for an aftermarket ventilated polymer or metal handguard system.