Riley Defense RAK102CA 7.62×39 10-Round Polymer Rifle
Pros & cons
What works
- Built on a fully heat-treated 1mm stamped receiver with a forged trunnion—the core structural standard for AK durability.
- 4150 nitride-treated barrel resists corrosion and extends bore life well beyond 10,000 rounds with proper maintenance.
- Weighs 7.35 lbs—approximately 1.5 lbs lighter than a comparable wood-stocked WASR-10 due to polymer furniture.
- Machined side scope rail allows direct mounting of optics like the RS Regulate mount without receiver drilling.
Trade-offs
- Compliant polymer blade grip is awkward for shooters with larger hands—requires a deliberate, unnatural wrist angle.
- No threaded muzzle device included—leaves the 14×1 LH threads exposed unless you purchase and install a $25-$50 muzzle brake.
- Polymer magazine feels less robust than surplus steel mags—consider budgeting for aftermarket steel or reinforced polymer options.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Riley Defense RAK102CA is a California-compliant AK-style rifle chambered in 7.62×39mm built on a mil-spec stamped receiver and compliant polymer furniture. It is engineered for shooters in restrictive jurisdictions who still demand the durability and straightforward mechanics of the Kalashnikov platform. This specific RAK variant addresses both the physical feature requirements and magazine capacity limitations mandated by California's assault weapons laws, replacing traditional wooden furniture with a one-piece polymer stock and grip configured around a state-compliant 10-round magazine.
What is the Riley Defense RAK102CA used for?
The RAK102CA is primarily used for range training, target shooting, and collection in states with restrictive feature-based firearm legislation like California. It provides a familiar, durable semi-automatic platform for practicing fundamentals with the intermediate-power 7.62×39mm cartridge, while its compliant configuration ensures legality without permanent modification. The rifle's 4150 nitride-treated barrel and forged trunnion offer longevity for consistent training sessions, and its machined side rail allows for optic mounting for precision work out to 200-250 yards.
How does the Riley Defense RAK102CA compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Riley Defense RAK102CA is better for rapid-fire training and manual-of-arms practice, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win is superior for precise, single-shot hunting or long-range target work. The RAK operates via a gas-piston, semi-automatic action for faster follow-up shots, whereas the Stevens 334 is a bolt-action rifle with a more precise two-stage trigger. The 7.62×39mm in the RAK produces about 1,500 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, far less than the .308 Winchester's typical 2,650, making the Stevens the definitive choice for larger game or extended distances.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Riley Defense RAK102CA weighs approximately 7.35 pounds (3.33 kg) unloaded, and its overall length is 35.25 inches. This specific length includes the non-adjustable polymer stock and the 16.3-inch barrel with 14×1 LH threads; the rifle's height from the top of the fixed rear sight to the bottom of the magazine well is 8.5 inches. The compact dimensions—shorter than many standard AKM variants by nearly 2 inches—and polymer construction keep the weight manageable, crucial for extended range sessions or for shooters of smaller stature.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for hunters seeking optimal terminal ballistics for deer-sized game beyond 150 yards, or for shooters who intend to immediately modify it with aftermarket pistol grips and adjustable stocks. The 7.62×39mm round, while capable, is outperformed by cartridges like .308 Winchester at distance, and the compliant stock configuration is designed to remain unaltered to stay within the law. Furthermore, anyone living in a state without 'assault weapon' restrictions will find more versatile standard-configuration AK platforms for the same price or less.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 10-round polymer magazine, the compliant polymer blade grip, and the standard rear sight adjustment tool. You will not receive cleaning kits, slings, or optic mounts—those are end-user acquisitions. The packaging includes the factory paperwork and a chamber flag, as required for commercial firearms transfer. Ensure you verify the magazine count is correct for your local laws, as some jurisdictions may have capacity limits lower than 10 rounds.
Is the Riley Defense RAK102CA worth it at $862.99?
At $862.99, the RAK102CA is worth it specifically as a compliant, durable entry into the AK platform for California and similar-state residents, but offers less value for shooters in unrestricted states. You are paying a premium for the compliance engineering and American-made components on a stamped-receiver rifle, which often translates to a higher cost-per-round of reliable function compared to some import options. For unrestricted shooters seeking a 7.62×39mm rifle for general use, alternatives like the WASR-10 often provide a more traditional feature set at a similar price point.
Key attributes
| upc | 860247000757 |
| manufacturer | Riley Defense |
| manufacturer part number | RAK102CA |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 16" |
| caliber/gauge | 7.62 x 39mm |
| capacity | 10 |
| color | Black |
| model | RAK102CA |
| product type | AK |
| shipping weight | 10.0 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is this rifle compatible with standard AK-47 magazines?
- Yes, the RAK102CA accepts standard double-stack, steel AK-47 magazines in its stamped receiver. However, you must use California-compliant 10-round magazines or use a magazine block to permanently limit standard 30-round magazines to 10 rounds to remain legal while possessing the rifle. The magazine release and well are mil-spec dimensions, so aftermarket polymer or steel magazines from vendors like Magpul or US Palm will fit and function.
- Does this rifle have a threaded barrel for a muzzle device?
- Yes, the barrel features standard 14×1 LH (left-hand) threads, allowing for the installation of traditional AK muzzle devices like slant brakes or flash hiders. In California, the installation of a flash hider would make the rifle an 'assault weapon' unless it is permanently attached via pin-and-weld to a muzzle brake or compensator that is not a flash-hiding device, adding a $40-$80 gunsmithing step.
- Can the polymer stock be replaced with an aftermarket adjustable stock?
- No, not without potentially violating California's feature-based assault weapon laws and creating a felony configuration. The rifle's compliant design uses a fixed, one-piece polymer stock; replacing it with an adjustable or folding stock adds a prohibited feature. To legally modify the stock, you must first render the rifle featureless in other ways, such as installing a fin grip or fixed magazine system—a process requiring specific parts and compliance verification.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL dealer?
- Shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer typically takes 3-7 business days after order processing and payment verification. All firearms must ship to a licensed dealer for the mandatory background check (Form 4473) and transfer; you should contact your chosen FFL ahead of time to confirm they accept shipments from our distributor. Processing time before shipment can add 1-2 business days, so plan for a total of 5-10 business days from order to dealer receipt.