military collectors were not that enamored with the clumsy looking AK-47 with mediocre build quality and an noisy outside control lever for safe, semi-auto - similar to a Remington Model 8 - and full-auto modes on select fire models. While imported in very limited quantities before 1965, most U.S. Ever seen a Middle East terrorist holding up an AR-15 in defiance? So how can the AK-47 - short for Automatic Kalashnikov carbine/rifle introduced in 1947 - that has been mass-produced by the millions in over 20 countries by multitude of military arsenals become collectible in America? This configuration's popularity, made famous in Eastern Europe after WWII, was followed in Asia as the Cold War warmed up, and it remains the weapon of choice in many countries today for both military/LE forces, as well as insurgents and rebels. With Mikhail Kalashnikov's rifle design, it emulates the simplicity and reliability of Browning's M1911 semi-auto pistol design. Browning was alive today and could only spend a couple of minutes inspecting an AK-47 compared to its American counterpart, the AR-15, there is no doubt in this writer's mind that he would choose the AK-47. Looking for something in the AK family that’s a bit more collectible? Check out the Collector’s Corner for something unique or our Classic Military Firearms for a little piece of military history.If John M. They are built with the same innovative spirit as the original AK-47s, mixed with a little modern technology and American pride. Kalashnikov USA produces robust, reliable, and authentic Russian heritage rifles made right here in the USA. Like all of their products, the Zastava AK-47 variants won’t break the bank but are ready to go up against the competition. Forged tough and made in the USA, Riley Defense offers classic-styled AKs, as well as modernized versions and pistol variants.Īnother great contender in the AK market, Serbia-based Zastava has made high-quality firearms for several decades. Well-known for their place in the AR-15 market, Palmetto State Armory has become a top contender in the AK market as well, manufacturing American-made AK-47s with a price so nice you can click “buy” twice. Made in the USA, Century Arms offers high-quality AK-47s at an attractive price. Though a bit higher priced than some other AK-47s, Arsenal repeatedly gets great consumer reviews. When it comes to buying a new or used AK-47, there are plenty of options from which to choose.Īrsenal is a solid company that produces solid rifles. Pistol versions are also available for even greater versatility. There are a plethora of variants available on the market today, with dozens of countries now manufacturing their own version of the AK as well. However, over seven decades, gunmakers have added their own twists and upgrades to the AK-47, sometimes keeping these two features, sometimes not. Many AKs retain two of their most iconic features - the wood furniture and curved “banana clip.” While the original AKs, made for military service, were full-auto, they are manufactured today primarily as gas-operated, long-stroke piston, semi-automatic rifles. However, numerous variants are available in different calibers. The vast majority of AK-47s use the 7.62×39mm cartridge, which also has a Soviet origin and is powerful enough to take down deer and similar sized game. Rain, snow, sleet, shine, desert, or doomsday, the AK-47 will continue to perform, even in the most unforgiving environments. Its success can be summed up with a few key features - inexpensive to produce, easy to use, and dependable. An iconic rifle if ever there was one and quite possibly the most widely used rifle in the world, the AK-47 is referred to as the “Weapon of the Century.” It has Soviet lineage, as indicated by the name.įor more than 70 years, the AK-47 has seen a place in military conflict worldwide.