What cool nowadays is the high quality manufacturing of AK parts in this country. These Kalashnikov USA KS-12 magazines (5 round capacity for 12 gauge shells) fall into this category. They are manufactured for the Kalashnikov USA KS-12 Shotgun, but are compatible with the Kalashnikov USA KS-12/KS-12T, Izhmash Saiga 12 and the Lynx LH-12 which is also featured on this page.
Century Arms Romanian WASR-10 – 7.62x39mm
No, it’s not exactly new, but the the WASR-10, made in Romania at the Cugir Arms Factory, is an all time classic and was certainly the linchpin of the Romanian People’s Republic armory. (Circle 10 AK, one of our partners has a sale on these so I felt compelled to add it to this section). Bang for buck it is one of the best AKM variants available. (What other half way decent AK can you buy for under $700?)
The WASR-10 is a post-ban version of the AKM rifle in 7.62×39mm caliber. Factory-original rifles only support single-stack, low-capacity magazines (10-rounds). After import, Century Arms offered WASR rifles modified to accept double-stack, standard-capacity magazines (machining burrs on the magazine well may cause some magazines to fit improperly if the burrs are not removed). Pistol grip and thumbhole stocks were both commonly fitted to WASR rifles.
It features a 16″ Romanian cold hammer forged, chrome lined barrel with a 1:10 twist chambered in 7.62x39mm and the muzzle is threaded for the standard 14x1mmLH (Threading with a standard slant brake on the end).
Inside the receiver is the Century Arms RAK-1 Enhanced Trigger Group. The receiver also features a standard side rail for mounting your favorite optics in combination with your preferred side mount. It also accepts all standard AK-47/AKM magazines (due to tolerances across the board with AKs and magazines, some may be a tighter fit than others).
The WASR-10 ships with 1 30-round magazine (where applicable), a sling and cleaning kit. Does not include cleaning rod. Wood grain and color may vary.
Lynx LH-12 Semi-Auto 12 Gauge Shotgun
Politicians may not be happy with Chinese trade policy but the PRC manufactures excellent AK rifles. The Lynx LH-12 Semi-Auto 12 Gauge Shotgun is considered the next step in the development of 12 Gauge Kalashnikov styled shotguns. It’s reminiscent of the Russian IZ 109 AK shotgun but is actually more user friendly. Underneath it’s got a hammer forged bolt for increased strength and durability. The nice thing about the is that it will neatly accept most Saiga parts such as stick mags, handguards and even muzzle devices. The Saiga 12 style magazine is also compatible. No problem in swapping out the rear stock to to a tactical one if that’s what you might fancy. It’s also compatible with the Kalashnikov USA KS-12 magazines.
- Left side scope rail for quick attach/detach scope mounts
- Standard Right side charging handle
- Bolt hold open button.
- Rear V with a bead front sight
- Any aftermarket AK pistol grip will fit.
- Comes with one year manufacturer warranty for defects and workmanship.
- Most AK standard stocks with fit without modification (922r applies)
- AK Safety
- Standard AK triggers fit with only slight modification to the hammer.
- Barrel threaded for Saiga style compensators.
- Front forearm can be replaced with Saiga rails and aftermarket forearms.
- Four position gas system. Off, Low, Medium and High.
Krebs Custom enhanced safety
According to Larry Vickers, who I interviewed for this book, if you were to pick one component to upgrade consider the Krebs enhanced safety from Circle 10 AK. Priced at around $40, it’s not going to break the bank. Designed by Marc Krebs it allows for manipulation of the safety while maintaining the shooting hand on the pistol grip as well as providing a notch for locking the bolt carrier in the open position. You can get them both for stamped or milled receivers. Don’t leave home without one.
Dies, Bullets and Brass