The Best AK-47 Rifles That You Can Find in The U.S.

It’s difficult to determine which AK-47 is the best, with so many types being imported over the years. But here are 10 front runners to keep an eye out for.The Best AKs In The U.S.:CugirMilled ArsenalsStamped ArsenalsChineseMolotsSaigasFEGMaadisFB RadomValmetsEver since there were two kinds in the U.S. to compare to one another, people have been debating over which is the best AK-47. The conversation has covered topics such as metallurgy, fabrication techniques, and the originality of technical data. Although I wish this issue could be resolved immediately, the lack of hard data, and some missing knowledge means that there won’t be a definitive answer to the question “What is the best AK-47?” You would need multiple samples of each AK model and millions of rounds to determine the winner. These rifles can only be objectively ranked after they have been thoroughly tested and put through their paces. The Kalashnikov is a winning design that can be seen with just a few eyes. This list will inform you about the best AKs you can buy, both new imports and older guns that are often available on the secondhand market. This means that AKs such as full-auto Vietnam War bringbacks are not included in this list. These models are ranked in an approximate order of decreasing average commonality, starting with the most common and ending with the rarest, yet easily obtainable. AK-47s with the best options are available, regardless of differences in build quality, design, or model designation. Romanian Cugirs (SAR-1, WUM-1, CUR-1, WASR-10/63, etc. These are both a good AK and one the most commonly available varieties. If you are wondering why Zastava did not win this position, it is because their latest ZPAP rifles do not have chrome-lined barrels. Cugir’s AKs have them since 1997 when they were first imported. Although some older Romanian imports were plagued by canted sights, only a few of them were actually “out of specification.” Since the 1960s, Romanian military AKs have been battle-tested in all of the world’s conflict areas. Semi-auto imports from Romania are just as tough. Cugir-made guns can be considered low-tier AKs because of their sloppy fit. However, they are as reliable as any Kalashnikov made in an original Combloc military plant. Romanian AKs can still be imported under the name WASR-10. While they are excellent rifles, older import models include more desirable features like mag well dimples and military surplus components. Check for straight sight bases, flush rivets, and not-squished rivets when shopping for an older Romanian AK. It will outlast you, no matter how many times you shoot it. Cugir-made AKs are the most affordable and common AK types that can be imported into the U.S.SAR-1 Romanian AK. This model is more accurate than new WASR imports because it still has magazine well dimples. Rock Island Auction Company. Milled Bulgarian Armaments (SAM7. SA-93. SLR-95. etc. AKs made in Bulgaria are no different from Russian ones when it comes to originality. The fact is that the Bulgarians have kept their AKs “original” longer than anyone else. Before the invention of the AKM and the perfect stamped receiver, AKs with milled receivers were the first to have been produced and used in significant numbers by any country. Most AK-producing countries made the switch to AKM as soon as possible. However, Bulgaria was the exception. Their 7.62×39-sized guns were a pale imitation of their continued production of milled receiver rifles. This was also true for their export guns. Some prefer milled AKs for their greater accuracy and longevity, while others feel that the cost and weight are too high. After the fall of communism, Arsenal AKs were imported to the United States in the early 1990s. They are still technically being imported today in small quantities. The AKs are made from milled steel and look like tanks. However, you should be prepared to pay a lot for a SAM7 series gun or an older import. Rock Island Auction Company.
3. Stamped Bulgarian Guns (SLR107 Series) While the Bulgarians prefer to use milled guns for their own purposes as well as export, it is possible to make a fine stamped AK as well. Although they have imported fewer of these guns than their milled AKs (SLR-107 Series), there are many subtle variants of their stamped guns. Stamped Arsenal guns are generally of the same quality as stamped Russian AKs like Saiga, but are easier to find and more affordable. These rifles are some of the most beautiful AKM-pattern rifles available. Photo by K-Var.
4. Chinese Norincos & Poly Techs (MAK-90, Legend, etc. Despite China being such a vast industrial hub, it’s almost impossible to make any claims about the quality of their AKs. However, we do know about the ones that were imported into the USA before 1994’s ban. Experts such as Vladamir Onokoy, who have extensive experience with all varieties of AKs, often claim that they were poor quality. While I believe this to be true, I don’t think it means that the Chinese AKs that made their way to America are inferior. China has produced many AKs over the years in many different factories. While the details of each one are a mystery to the West, it is clear that the Chinese put in varying amounts depending on the customer. The AKs made in China for sale to the Middle East and Africa appear to have been made with less care than semi-auto models made for the American market. Even with the latest production, Chinese AKs that are available in some European countries for sale are considered to be very low-grade. Despite these issues others have experienced, you should feel confident buying any Chinese-made AK that’s on the American secondhand market (assuming it’s been well-maintained).Since they were made to please American shooters, most Chinese AKs have a blued finish which is pretty to look at but not very protective. Their use of Chinese-pattern furniture and this finish are the only real downsides to their guns. These guns have become more popular in recent years, resulting in a rise in their prices. However, large quantities of these guns were imported between 1980s and 1990s, making them more common than you might think. Whether it’s a Polytech Legend or a sporter-style MAK-90, the AKs China produced for the U.S. are durable machines with an iconic Type 56 design. Rock Island Auction Company.
5. Russian Molot Veprs FM-AK47-11, FMAK47-21. These are essentially RPK carbines. This can be either good or bad depending on your point. Although they are made in Russia, their unusual appearance can detract from that authenticity. They have thicker RPK receivers, handguards that are too small to accommodate a cleaning rod and many models come with a Molot-style folding stock. The Vepr’s RPK roots make it a very heavy semi-auto carbine. These guns are expected to have the longest lifespans of any AK version, despite the extra weight. They were banned from import in 2017, which led to a rise in their price but they are still more affordable than other options. If the best AK-47 was determined through testing how many mag dumps each rifle can withstand in a rapid succession of shots, I’m putting all of my rubles on Molot Vepr FM-AK47-21. Photo by K-Var.
6. Russian Izhmash Saigas (SGL-20, SGL-21, etc. These have been imported in many configurations since their arrival in the country in 1990. They have been banned from importation since 2014 due to Izhmash’s sanctions. This means that unless an unlikely reversal, no more of these will be allowed in. Saigas of all types are highly collectible and very expensive due to their exceptional quality. Many were imported in sporter configurations. Some were later converted to military configurations. Some of the imported Saigas by Arsenal were however converted before they were sold to the general public. Technically, a Saiga in any configuration is based on the Russian AK-100 series. It will be sturdy and last a long time. These are the closest thing you can get to owning a Russian-made AK-103 in America when they are in their correct configuration. Russian Izhmash Saiga SGL-21 Rock Island Auction Company.
7. Hungarian FEGs, SA-85M. Hungarian AKs don’t have the same respect or popularity as they should. Although authentic FEG-made guns were not imported for a long time, those that did make it in are considered very high-quality Kalashnikovs. They were imported before and after the AWB with both fixed stock and under-folders. Pre-ban versions are more popular because they include features such as a bayonet-lug. However, even the “ban-era”, versions have solid internals. Some AKs are marketed as Hungarian. However, some were made in America from parts that contained low quality barrels. FEG-SA85M underfolder. Rock Island Auction Company.
8. Egyptian Maadis (Steyr, PARS ARM, INTRAC ARM, etc. Like Hungarian AKs you should be cautious when buying an Egyptian-made Kalash. Some were parts kits made with poor quality, leading some people to believe all “Egyptian” AKs are bogus. Maadis, which were actually manufactured in Egypt, are the closest rifles to an authentic Soviet AKM. Although the relationship between the two countries was still friendly, the Soviets helped Egypt set up their AK production using original Russian machines. The Soviet-made Egyptian AKs are so similar to their Soviet counterparts, they were used as prop weapons by the Russians in “Red Dawn”. Steyr imported Maadi Arm. Rock Island Auction Company.
9. Polish FB Radoms, (Beryl 762S M1)FB Radom is the oldest producer of AKs other than Russia. Despite Poland’s views regarding communist influence, they chose to keep the AK as their primary weapon of war even after joining NATO. Beryls, the modernized 5.56 AK rifles that they called were considered to be the best semi-auto AKs ever imported. However, many Americans were dissuaded at their non-original caliber. Despite seizing the AKM production in the 1980s, FB Radom bought 7.62×39 to fulfill an order for Nigerian military. The Beryl M762 is equipped with all the modern upgrades that the normal Beryl has, but it still accepts standard AK magazines. This allows for the best of both worlds. The standard Beryls are expensive and highly sought-after, but the M762 version is even more so. Only one batch of these rifles had entered the United States as of August 2021. This means that their availability will increase as more are imported. Despite being relatively new, 7.62mm Beryl rifles are still some of the most sought-after AKs in America.FB Radom Beryl 762. Photo: Wikipedia
10. Finnish Valmets (M62/S, M76, etc. Despite being born through reverse engineering, Valmets can still be used as AKs, even if their design has been altered. The RK 62 was the result and was adopted by Finland as its service weapon. It is still in use today in a slightly modified configuration. This rifle’s semi-auto sporter versions were the first AKs to be imported to America. However, even back in 1960s Valmets were extremely expensive. These AK-47s were expensive and many people couldn’t afford them when they were imported. This made them even rarer today. These AK-47s are among the most expensive ever imported due to Finland’s meticulous manufacturing process. Photo: Rock Island Auction Company. The best AK47 for you. Photo by Rock Island Auction Company. The Best AK-47 for You. The best AK-47 for you is the model that you have and enjoy the most. As long as it meets a few requirements of quality. Regardless of whether your favorite AK is on the list, the truth is that almost every AK has a lifespan greater than the ammo it will ever use. We all wish that we could spend our days at range shooting thousands of rounds with no care in the world. But ammo costs a lot and most people never really put their rifle through its paces. If you are a fervent AK-holic, the question of which AK-47 is the best comes down to curiosity and not practicality. Storm Tactical’s impressive target pack includes 62 printable targets that can be used for rifle or handgun range usage. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be downloaded in MOA. Perfect for long-range shooting! Get free targets