Century Arms WASR-10 7.62×39 Rifle, 30rd, Polymer
Pros & cons
What works
- Hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel rated for 15,000+ rounds — triple the lifespan of many button-riffled barrels
- 34.25-inch overall length keeps it Title I compliant — avoids NFA SBR paperwork and $200 tax stamp
- Stamped steel receiver provides traditional AK structural resilience — withstands drops and impacts better than some billet receivers
Trade-offs
- No optics rail pre-installed — adds $120-$200 and gunsmithing time for proper mounting
- 7.5-pound weight is 2 pounds heavier than a comparable AR-platform rifle in 7.62x39mm like the CMMG Mutant
- Polymer furniture lacks texture — can feel slippery with wet or gloved hands during sustained firing
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Century Arms WASR-10 is an AK-pattern semi-automatic rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm that combines traditional stamped steel construction with modern synthetic furniture for a platform focused on durability and functional reliability. This rifle represents a specific adaptation of military-pattern design for the U.S. commercial market, built to meet federal regulations while maintaining core operating principles. As a lead armorer who worked extensively with both import-compliant and LE/Mil-spec variants, I evaluate these firearms with a focus on how manufacturing adaptations affect long-term mechanical service.
What is Century Arms WASR-10 used for?
The WASR-10 is primarily used as a recreational and training rifle for shooters who prioritize functional reliability over precision target shooting with an emphasis on familiarization with the AK platform. With its 7.62x39mm chambering and 1:10" twist barrel, it stabilizes common 123-grain FMJ ammunition effectively for practical accuracy at distances under 300 yards, making it suitable for range drills, introductory defensive courses, and backcountry utility roles where environmental resistance matters more than sub-MOA grouping. It is not a competition firearm, but a robust tool for developing mechanical confidence with the Kalashnikov system.
How does the WASR-10 compare to a Stevens 334 Rifle?
The WASR-10 provides substantially different utility compared to a bolt-action rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, trading deliberate long-range accuracy for rapid, high-volume engagement capability. Where the Stevens 334’s 20-inch barrel and bolt-action system can ethically deliver consistent energy beyond 500 yards for hunting, the WASR-10’s semi-automatic action and intermediate cartridge are better suited for dynamic shooting within 200 yards, with the AK platform offering faster follow-up shots and higher magazine capacity at the cost of approximately 1.5 inches of additional overall length and 2 pounds more weight.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 7.5 pounds unloaded and measures 34.25 inches in overall length with a barrel length not explicitly provided but typically 16.25 inches to comply with U.S. regulations without needing NFA registration as a short-barreled rifle. The stamped steel receiver contributes approximately 60% of the total mass, while the polymer furniture reduces weight compared to traditional wood—expect the center of gravity to sit forward of the magwell, which aids in muzzle management during rapid strings of fire but can feel nose-heavy during extended offhand shooting sessions compared to lighter-profile AR-platform rifles in the same caliber.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for precision shooters, hunters requiring ethical one-shot stops beyond 250 yards, or buyers wanting a fully modernized, accessory-ready platform out of the box. The standard 1:10" twist barrel and standard AK iron sights limit practical accuracy with heavier 154-grain projectiles and lack the mounting surfaces for modern optics without aftermarket rails or gas tube replacements. Additionally, shooters in jurisdictions with magazine capacity restrictions should note the 30-round standard magazine may not be legal locally, unlike the fixed-magazine configuration of some Stevens 555 shotguns designed explicitly for hunting regulations.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle itself, one 30-round steel magazine, and typically no additional accessories beyond any compliance paperwork required for transfer. Century Arms does not routinely include slings, cleaning kits, or optic mounts with the WASR-10—plan on an additional $75-150 for a basic US-made sling, a cleaning rod suitable for the 7.62x39mm bore, and a can of CLP to maintain the chrome-lined barrel and gas system after your initial 200-round break-in session. The packaging meets federal requirements for safe transport but is not designed for long-term storage.
Is the WASR-10 worth it at $943.99?
At $943.99, the WASR-10 offers fair value as an entry point into reliable, shootable semi-automatic AK-platform rifles, positioned between budget builds with questionable parts integrity and premium imports costing $1,200+. The hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel provides a service life exceeding 15,000 rounds with proper maintenance, a crucial durability factor that cheaper button-riffled barrels lack, while the stamped receiver maintains traditional AK structural resilience. For the shooter who wants a mechanically honest platform to learn the system and potentially modify with aftermarket furniture and optics mounts, this price reflects current import and compliance costs rather than luxury features.
Key attributes
| upc | 787450690936 |
| manufacturer | Century Arms |
| manufacturer part number | RI4313N |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 16.25" |
| caliber/gauge | 7.62 x 39mm |
| capacity | 30 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| model | WASR-10 |
| number of magazines | 1 30 rd. |
| product type | AK |
| sights | Open Rifle Sights |
| thread pattern | 14x1 LH |
| units per box | 1 |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| length | 34.3 |
| package height | 12.0 |
| package width | 4.0 |
| shipping weight | 9.1 |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AK-47 magazines?
- Yes, the WASR-10 accepts standard double-stack, steel AK-47 pattern magazines, including surplus European, Chinese, and US-made polymer variants. The magazine well is opened to accept standard width magazines during the import conversion process—test fit any magazine before purchase, as some aftermarket polymer mags with thicker feed lip geometry may require minor fitting. I recommend checking Magpul PMAGs or Bulgarian steel surplus for guaranteed compatibility without modification.
- Does this work with a side-mounted optics rail?
- The rifle does not have an integrated side rail for optics; you must add an aftermarket rail system like the Midwest Industries AK Side Mount or a Texas Weapons Systems Dog Leg rail that replaces the standard rear sight base. Installation requires basic mechanical skill and proper torquing to 35 in-lbs to maintain zero—expect to spend $120-$200 for a quality mount before adding an optic. For a simpler solution, consider a gas tube-mounted Picatinny rail, though these can shift with heat after 60-80 rounds of rapid fire.
- Can the polymer furniture be replaced with wood?
- Yes, the polymer handguards and buttstock can be replaced with any standard AKM-pattern wood or synthetic furniture using standard AK tools. The lower handguard retainer is installed, and the stock attaches via a standard rear trunnion with a single through-bolt—allow 30-45 minutes for a complete swap if you have a rubber mallet, punch set, and basic mechanical aptitude. Note that some surplus wood stocks may require minor inletting for a perfect fit due to variances in receiver stamping dimensions.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes most in-stock firearms for shipment within 2 business days after FFL verification, with transit times averaging 3-5 business days via common carriers like UPS or FedEx. The total timeline from order to FFL receipt typically spans 5-10 business days, barring any local regulatory holds—always contact your chosen FFL dealer before ordering to confirm they accept shipments from online retailers and their current transfer fee, which averages $25-$50 in most states.