Riley Defense RAK308-C .308 Win 19.65in 20rd
Pros & cons
What works
- Milled receiver withstands sustained fire better than stamped alternatives
- Adjustable gas system with three settings tunes for suppressor or light loads
- 19.65-inch nitride barrel provides 2650 fps with M80 ball ammunition
Trade-offs
- 9.5-pound weight is 2.4 pounds heavier than most modern .308 platforms
- Wood furniture shows surplus character marks—not pristine condition
- No optic rail requires aftermarket mounting solutions
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Riley Defense RAK308-C is an AK-pattern rifle chambered in .308 Winchester built on a mil-spec Yugoslav surplus kit with a milled receiver and nitride-treated barrel. This rifle delivers robust .308 performance in a familiar AK platform with adjustable gas tuning and traditional hardwood furniture. It's engineered for shooters who prioritize mechanical reliability over weight savings or modern ergonomics.
What is the Riley Defense RAK308-C used for?
This rifle is built for range training and field use where .308 power and AK reliability are prioritized over lightweight design. The milled receiver withstands sustained fire better than stamped alternatives, while the 19.65-inch barrel provides good velocity for medium-range engagements. I'd recommend it for defensive scenarios or hunting in dense brush where quick follow-up shots matter.
How does the Riley Defense RAK308-C compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The RAK308-C offers semi-auto capability versus the Stevens 334's bolt-action, trading precision for rapid engagement. While the Stevens 334 weighs 7.1 pounds and groups under 1.5 MOA with match ammo, the RAK308-C weighs 9.5 pounds and delivers 3-4 MOA practical accuracy. Choose the RAK308-C for volume fire, the Stevens 334 for precision work.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 9.5 pounds unloaded with an overall length of 39.5 inches. The 19.65-inch barrel features a 1:14 twist rate optimized for 147-180 grain projectiles. These dimensions make it 4 inches shorter but 2.4 pounds heavier than typical AR-10 platforms, requiring stronger shooting form for extended use.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't for shooters seeking lightweight precision or modern accessories. The 9.5-pound weight and traditional furniture won't suit mountain hunters or competitors needing quick transitions. If you require optics-ready platforms or weight under 8 pounds, consider an AR-10 pattern or the Stevens 334 bolt action instead.
What's in the box?
You get the rifle, one 20-round steel magazine, and typically no optic or sling. The hardwood furniture may show character marks from its surplus origins—expect minor dings or color variations. Count on purchasing aftermarket optics mounts separately since the receiver lacks Picatinny rail sections.
Is the Riley Defense RAK308-C worth it at $1277.99?
At this price, it delivers legitimate .308 performance in a proven AK platform with superior durability to most stamped-receiver alternatives. The milled receiver alone justifies the cost for serious use, though the wood furniture and surplus kit origins limit its appeal to traditionalists. If you need NFA-compliant reliability without custom gunsmithing, this represents solid value.
Key attributes
| upc | 850028892237 |
| manufacturer | Riley Defense |
| manufacturer part number | RAK308 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | MODERN SPORTING RIFLE |
| barrel length | 19.65" |
| caliber/gauge | .308 / 7.62 NATO |
| capacity | 20 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 39.7500 |
| safety | Manual |
| sights | Adjustable |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| 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 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AK-47 accessories?
- No, the .308 chambering and Yugo-pattern dimensions require specific accessories. The handguard accepts M70 pattern furniture, and magazines must be M77 or .308 AK specific. Standard 7.62x39 AK parts won't fit without modification.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, the 39.5-inch overall length fits most 42-inch rifle cases. I recommend a case with at least 40 inches interior length, like Plano's All-Weather 42-inch model, to avoid pressure on the muzzle.
- How long does shipping take?
- Expect 3-7 business days for processing plus carrier transit. All firearms ship to your local FFL, not residential addresses, adding 1-2 days for transfer paperwork completion.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Firearms sales are final unless defective. If you experience cycling issues, try the adjustable gas system's three settings—most issues resolve with proper gas tuning. Contact Riley Defense directly for warranty service if problems persist.