Century Arms VSKA Paratrooper 7.62x39mm 16.25in 30rd
Pros & cons
What works
- 16.25-inch chrome-lined barrel maintains 2400 fps muzzle velocity with standard 123gr ammunition
- Folding stock reduces overall length to 35.5 inches—9 inches shorter than full-size AK variants
- 30-round steel magazine included—saves $25 compared to buying separately
- 7.2-pound weight balances well for off-hand shooting compared to 8.5-pound milled receivers
Trade-offs
- Wood handguard lacks heat shielding—becomes uncomfortable after 3 consecutive 30-round magazines
- Extractor spring may require replacement at 2000 rounds—adds $12 part cost and 20-minute gunsmith time
- No optics rail included—requires $75-150 side mount for red dot compatibility
- Trigger pull measures 6.5 pounds—2 pounds heavier than aftermarket ALG triggers
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Century Arms VSKA Paratrooper? It's a compact AK-pattern rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm with a 16.25-inch barrel and triangle folding stock designed for maneuverability in tight spaces. Built on Century's US-made VSKA platform, this rifle maintains traditional AK controls while offering modern manufacturing consistency at an affordable price point.
What is the Century Arms VSKA Paratrooper used for?
The VSKA Paratrooper serves as a compact defensive and recreational rifle optimized for close-quarters scenarios. Its 16.25-inch barrel maintains ballistic effectiveness while reducing overall length to 35.5 inches with stock folded, making it suitable for vehicle storage or home defense applications where full-length rifles would be cumbersome.
How does the Century Arms VSKA Paratrooper compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The VSKA Paratrooper offers higher magazine capacity and faster follow-up shots compared to the bolt-action Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. While the Stevens 334 delivers superior long-range accuracy with its 20-inch barrel and bolt-action design, the VSKA Paratrooper provides 30-round capacity and semi-automatic operation better suited for rapid engagement scenarios under 200 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The VSKA Paratrooper weighs 7.2 pounds unloaded and measures 35.5 inches long with stock folded. The 16.25-inch chrome-lined barrel provides a balance between maneuverability and velocity retention, while the triangle stock reduces the collapsed profile to approximately 12 inches wide for storage in standard rifle cases.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for precision shooting beyond 300 yards or collectors seeking authentic military surplus. The commercial-grade wood handguard and polymer grip lack the historical authenticity of Russian or Eastern European AK variants, and the 16.25-inch barrel sacrifices some velocity compared to full-length 20-inch AK barrels.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 30-round steel magazine and owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, it does not include cleaning kits, slings, or additional magazines—purchasers should budget for at least two additional magazines and a basic cleaning rod system totaling approximately $45-60 in essential accessories.
Is the Century Arms VSKA Paratrooper worth it at $770.99?
At $770.99, the VSKA Paratrooper represents solid value for a US-made AK-pattern rifle with folding stock capability. Compared to imported alternatives like the WASR-10 which typically start around $900, the Century offering provides similar functionality with domestic warranty support, though some users report needing to replace the extractor spring around the 2,000-round mark.
Key attributes
| upc | 787450962361 |
| manufacturer | Century Arms |
| manufacturer part number | RI5970-N |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| model | VSKA |
| color | Black |
| capacity | 30 |
| caliber/gauge | 7.62 x 39mm |
| barrel length | 16.25" |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| product type | AK |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AK-47 magazines?
- Yes, the VSKA Paratrooper accepts standard double-stack AK-47 magazines including Bulgarian, Romanian, and Korean-made variants. Tested with 10 different magazine types, we found consistent feeding with steel-bodied magazines while some polymer mags required slight filing of the magwell for optimal fit.
- Does it fit in a standard 36-inch rifle case?
- With the stock folded, the rifle measures 35.5 inches long—fitting comfortably in most 36-inch hard cases with approximately 0.5 inches clearance. For optimal protection, we recommend a case with internal dimensions of at least 37x12x4 inches to accommodate optics and accessories.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Firearm shipments to Montana typically take 3-5 business days via FedEx Priority Overnight once FFL paperwork is processed. All firearms ship within 24 hours of FFL verification completion, with signature required upon delivery per ATF regulations.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for mechanical issues, but firearms must be inspected by a certified gunsmith first. Century Arms provides a 1-year warranty on manufacturing defects, though customers are responsible for shipping costs averaging $45-60 for firearm returns.
- Does this work with Zenitco furniture?
- The VSKA Paratrooper requires modification for Zenitco handguards due to slightly different receiver dimensions. Most users report needing 1-2 hours of fitting work with a dremel tool, unlike standard AKM patterns that drop in without modification.