Century Arms has become a significant player in the AK market, offering a wide range of rifles at various price points. This review dives deep into the brand, examining its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if a Century Arms AK is the right choice for you. We'll explore build quality, reliability, accuracy, and overall value, considering the different models and their respective features.
Century Arms: A Brief History and Reputation
Century International Arms, often shortened to Century Arms, is known for importing and assembling AK-pattern rifles and other firearms. Their business model focuses on offering affordable options, often utilizing parts kits sourced from various countries. This approach allows them to provide AKs at a lower cost than many competitors, but it also contributes to some of the criticisms leveled against their products. The quality of Century Arms AKs can vary significantly depending on the specific model and the components used.
What Makes a Century Arms AK? Understanding the Build Process
Century Arms often utilizes parts kits from various sources, which are then assembled and finished in the United States. This process can lead to inconsistencies in quality control. While some rifles may feature excellent craftsmanship and tight tolerances, others might exhibit more variability in fit and finish. Understanding this assembly process is crucial when considering a Century Arms AK. The company's use of different parts kits means no two rifles are exactly alike, impacting both the feel and the performance of the firearm.
Key Models and Their Characteristics
Century Arms offers several AK variants, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Let's examine some popular models:
RAS47 (or similar variations):
- Strengths: Often features modern upgrades like a railed handguard, allowing for the addition of optics and accessories. This improves versatility and customization options.
- Weaknesses: As with other Century Arms rifles, consistency in build quality can be a concern.
WASR-10:
- Strengths: This model is frequently cited as one of Century's more reliable offerings. It’s typically known for a more robust build compared to some other models within their lineup.
- Weaknesses: While often considered more reliable, it still might not reach the same level of precision and consistency as higher-end AKs from other manufacturers.
Other Models:
Century Arms produces many other AK variants, often incorporating unique features or attempting to replicate specific models. Researching the specific model number is crucial before purchasing as individual model quality can differ significantly.
Performance and Reliability: The Crucial Factors
The reliability and performance of a Century Arms AK are highly variable and depend heavily on the specific rifle and its assembly. While some owners report excellent reliability with thousands of rounds fired without issues, others have experienced malfunctions due to loose tolerances or poor part matching. Accuracy is generally considered adequate for its intended purpose, though not typically on par with higher-end, more precisely manufactured AKs.
Value Proposition: Affordability vs. Potential Issues
The primary appeal of Century Arms AKs lies in their affordability. They often represent a significant cost savings compared to other AK manufacturers. However, this lower price tag often reflects a compromise in quality control and consistency. Buyers should carefully weigh the cost savings against the potential need for additional tuning, maintenance, or even part replacements.
Conclusion: Who is a Century Arms AK For?
A Century Arms AK might be a suitable choice for budget-conscious shooters who understand the potential for variability in quality and are comfortable with the possibility of needing to perform some maintenance or upgrades. However, for shooters prioritizing absolute reliability and top-tier precision, investing in a higher-end AK from a different manufacturer may be a better choice. Always thoroughly research the specific model you’re considering before purchasing. Reading user reviews and seeking advice from experienced AK owners is highly recommended.
