This is the best rifle in the world and used in movies too. The video games are fully loaded with the best AK and its various versions like a short barrel, stock, no stock, etc. The durability of this gun is on another level. There are many more guns like this or you can say better than this is the term of reliability, speed, and accuracy.
But this gun tested in the good to the worst conditions. Some of them are continuously fired for 1000+ round and then change its barrel and wooden stock, cool for an hour, and then its again ready to run for another 1000 rounds of 7.62 ammo. This design has been used by many manufacturers but with some changes and other functions.
All of the other versions are also reliable like classical AK-47. So don’t worry about taking a lot of time to choose the right one, only some physical appearance you can have some of its options available. All the version of AK is fully automatic and each manufacturer has put their own touches that make their model a bit different than the rest.
Now there may be a lot of confusion so we are here for you to help so that you can choose your best AK 47, for self-defense and for shooting purposes.
Our Suggestion-
Century International Arms C39V2 Pistol
- Milled 4140 steel receiver
- Nitrided chrome moly barrel.
- Accepts standard AKM furniture
Few of the Best AK 47 available in the market:-
1- Century International Arms C39V2 – Best Overall AK-47 Rifle
Century Arms International changed the idea with Centurion 39. Fully automatic gas-operated included with flash hider. Recently, a serious improvement of the Centurion 39 came out, the C39v2. For those of you readers that will be leery thanks to the producer, I get it.
If you’ve been burned by a substandard Century product within the past, no have to worry, I can directly empathize with you. The look and physical appearance on all the parts was much better for my older Centurion 39. there have been no visible machining marks or blemishes on the finish, and also the bolt racked quite smoothly.
One in every one of the primary things that caught my eye was the protection lever, which contains a slot cut intent on hold the bolt open. this is often a pleasant stock feature that almost all other AK models don’t include, especially during this price range.
The barrel itself features a 1:10 twist rate and 14×1 LH thread.
The muzzle brake isn’t of the normal slant variety, but rather a chevron-style with three ports at the 12 o’clock position forward of the chevrons. I found the wood furniture to a very nice finish, with no rough spots, chips, or cracks. This also comes with a side scope option so can mount a red dot or any other scope.
The C39v2’s best AK in my opinion was its excellent trigger and old classic design and stock. Need only 3.5 lbs of pressure, so I can say it is the most effective stock AK trigger I’ve got ever tried.
ITEM DETAILS
- Barrel Length: 16.25″
- Capacity: 30+1-Round
- Cartridge: 7.62 x 39 mm
- Length: 35.25″
- Magazine Included: 1 x 30-Round
- Muzzle: Flash Hider
- Stock Material: Polymer
- Weight: 8.2 lbs
2- Century International Arms Red Army RAS47 – Best Value
This also manufactured by the same company but this time quite affordable. The quality of this AK is not as much as the other variant but it meets the standard of demand, reliability, and usability. This is the basic version within a low budget but no other model provides the same as it provided.
The stock and barrel guard is made up of plastic as usual but the grip is polymer-based. The magazine is curved shape so easy to load and unload and the ejector button is just behind the magazine box. Its range is enough to shoot the target and sight can be adjusted up to 300m.
The main thing of this company is its barrel quality, made up of 4040chrome molded steel, which helps stability and more round can be fired without changing the barrel. Sometimes if it does not fire continuously than it can fire up to 2000 rounds of 7.62 ammo easily. The test also appears that 500+ rounds of continuously firing and you have to change the barrel.
The barrel is pre-mounted with compensator but can remove and mount some other accessories too. The other attachment like scope can not be installed in it and it may the disadvantage, other than this no problem with this. You can also switch to its other versions by adding some more bucks in your budget.
ITEM DETAILS
- Barrel Length: 16.5″
- Capacity: 30+1-Round
- Cartridge: 7.62 x 39 mm
- Length: 37.25″
- Rear Sight: Adjustable
- Stock Material: Wood
- Weight: 7.55 lbs
3- Century International Arms WASR-10 – Best Budget
This will be the last from this manufacturer and there is a little difference between the above AK and the current one. This is budget AK available in the market, reliable and stubborn mean that work in all scenarios and tested up to 8000+ rounds.
The same problem of top rail but this time there is the solution, now you can attach a rail and mount scopes, IR sensors, etc. The barrel is pre-mounted with compensator but can remove and mount some other accessories too.
The trigger is quite rough and similar to the old one which needs to be improved. Sometimes the magazine gives some problems of loosing from the grip and rattle down while firing but don’t worry it will not affect the performance of the gun. The standard magazine of any can fit it so you can purchase a few other magazines for your need.
The barrel is a quite similar quality to the other and its total length is 37.5″ which is so long that’s, not a problem. Finally, I would like to say, if you use this gun for self-defense and an occasional shooter obviously no thief will come to your house regularly. It is rough and robust and this is the rifle that just works well.
ITEM DETAILS
- Action Type: Gas Operated
- Barrel Length: 16.5″
- Capacity: 30+1-Round
- Cartridge: 7.62 x 39 mm
- Front Sight: Fixed
- Length: 37.25″
- Rear Sight: Adjustable
- Stock Material: Wood
- Weight: 8.05 lbs
4- I.O. Inc. AKM-247C – Best Mil-Spec
This is the U.S. based company and brings some specification of other army’s gun tho this version of AK, add some decent upgrades and cost you little more for the innovative product. Firstly if we look at this the only thing that comes in my mind that is a fully polymer-based gun, means there will be a cut off weight.
Easy to handle and operate thus increase maneuverability. The stock is very lightweight and can be folded to shortening its total length up to 9″ so now the whole weight of the gun is just 7lbs, easy to store and transport to any place.
There’s an extended magazine release for faster reloads and a bolt hold-open notch on the safety for easier weapon manipulations. The barrel is tested up to the worst scenario and corrosion resistance. Sight is improved and adjusted up to 1000 yards which leads the user to fire up to a large distance. Although the rifle is plenty reliable, it has a very large gas port.
So it recoils more than normal and some of the users feel unpleasant. There is some other issue of control but in spite of all this issue, it gives a solid performance in this range and best AK for those who want light and strong performance.
ITEM DETAILS
- Barrel Length: 16.25″
- Capacity: 30+1-Round
- Cartridge: 7.62 x 39 mm
- Length: 35″
- Muzzle: Flash Hider
- Rear Sight: Adjustable
- Stock Material: Polymer
- Weight: 7 lbs
5- Arsenal SAM7K – Best Pistol
This is one of the greatest AK according to me, this is a rifle come pistol and I must say the best pistol with a heavyweight.
Adding a stock is an option but you need to go through a complex process for processing a short-barreled rifle in your state, as the law says that less than 16″ barrel is not allowed for the rifle.
This model has 2 configurations the SAM7K-01R, which supports a full set of rails for attaching scopes, and the SAM7K-01, a slick version with no rails.
The rail version is best for the majority of shooters as we know the inbuilt sight of AK is not that much good and in this case, it is not adjustable too.
The barrel is a cold hammer-forged barrel with chrome lining. It is 10.5″ long with suppressor included. All the material is polymer but instead of all this, the barrel quality put some more weight in this. The trigger is smooth and can be easily handled using very little pressure on the pull, easy for the rifle too.
The inbuilt sight and hand are only satisfied. It is quite heavy but after adding the stock no one can say anything about its weight. But after ignoring its deformities it is best for pistol lover and of self-defense with low suppressed volume.
ITEM DETAILS
- Barrel Length: 10.5″
- Capacity: 5+1-Round
- Cartridge: 7.62 x 39 mm
- Finish: Black
- Front Sight: Adjustable
- Length: 20″
- Muzzle: Threaded
- Stock Material: Polymer
- Weight: 8 lbs
6- Arsenal SAM7UF-85 – Best Competition
Made up of the highest quality of parts, make it heavy and extra-durable, reliable, robust, etc. By look, it is similar to the AKM-247C, easy to transport and adjustable to the total length. The barrel is hammer forged and chrome lined using Steyr technology for exceptional accuracy and durability.
This model is totally straight aligned like a simple stick including its stock. The receiver is innovated, normally most AKs are built by stamped steel but these guns built with a milled receiver that makes it durable and if not fired continuously, it can fire more than 10,000 rounds.
For the tip you can add any device foe improving its performance buy it will definitely increase its length of 40″. If we talk about its price than it is not normal just above the range of rifle but its quality can help to ignore its price. All other feature is like the AK pistol and AKM-247C, overall the best option for the tactical shooter and experienced one.
ITEM DETAILS
- Barrel Length: 16.3″
- Capacity: 10+1-Round
- Cartridge: 7.62 x 39 mm
- Length: 38.2″
- Muzzle: Threaded
- Rear Sight: Adjustable
- Stock Material: Polymer
- Weight: 8.5 lbs
7- Czech Small Arms VZ.58 – High-Quality AK-47
The best ever AK based rifle made by any manufacturer. Technically it is quite different than classical AK but no one here to belive this after looking that.
It has the same reliability as the AK-47 and has somewhat better than the old versions.
The receiver is innovated, normally most AKs are built by stamped steel but these guns built with a milled receiver that makes it durable and if not fired continuously, it can fire like a deadly weapon like a beast.
The safety features and magazine ejector lever is very simple to operate using a thumb and this makes it more comfortable for the shooter and his/her hand. The barrel is super fine and coated with nitride for corrosion-proof. The sight is similar to 300 yards of distance.
For mounting attachments, it has side gear for scope or laser and polymer furniture with rails is available. The wooden part is blended with plastic for longer durability. It is costly but can live longer like you and your children can also use this in their harsh condition.
ITEM DETAILS
- Barrel Length: 16.15″
- Capacity: 30+1-Round
- Cartridge: 7.62 x 39 mm
- Front Sight: Adjustable
- Length: 34.06″
- Muzzle: Threaded
- Rear Sight: Adjustable
- Stock Material: ABS Plastic
- Weight: 6.72 lbs
Are AK-47s Good For Home Defense?
For a long time, I using this gun in order to as a rifle and also familiar for training purposes. Most of the time the new price and the maintenance cost of the gun is quite high than its competitor but some of them with basic function are cheap or inexpensive.
Owning the AK can be fun but not only fun in the bad condition it can keep you the same from outside attack or any threats. For serious use, such as personal defense, a higher level of practice and expectation is needed. Some AKs are better than others when it comes to home defense like the pistols series of an AK 47.
It is the most popular gun in the world and even kids know a little bit about AK. Works well and is affordable to some of its series, and few manufacturers make the model to another level with compactness but with the same functionality.
Advantages of the AK Rifle
- The Arsenal SAM7K is a rifle that you might rightly bet your life on looks like a small arm but its impact is something big. AK has endless qualities and robustness. The rifle is easy to manipulate with simple stock to tactical handling. The bolt is quite soft to make the rifle ready.
- The sight is adjustable and can mount some equipment easily. The recoils of the modern AK is very less than the classical AK or the rifle used by the defense forces. Give protection against wild animals, equipt personal, or gangs is needed, nothing quite equals the AK rifle.
- Many users also said that this gun is work like a racehorse which simply means no big maintenance is required only a few times of cleaning and oiling make it better to use.
- The 7.62x39mm is an efficient cartridge with much to recommend. Once we got over the cheap part, over time we realized that the 7.62 x 39mm is a great cartridge. Due to the large demand, the cost of this ammo is very less which can be the big reason to use it in bulk.
- While steel-cased ammunition from Wolf or Tula is fine for practice a quality expanding bullet load should be used for hunting and personal defense. A couple of magazines full of quality ammunition does not cost you a lot or can steal your dinner for that.
- Many of these rifles are designed for hunting, shooting, and self-defense but can also be used to survive in a difficult environment. In this rifle, the sight is properly aligned with the barrel. The wooden texture gives a unique and classical look while maintaining its modern qualities.
AK Ammunition Selection
I have tested several 7.62x39mm loads with its various versions of the bullet. The Wolf 122-grain HP opens quickly with excellent wound potential. The Remington 123-grain JSP offers a good balance of expansion and penetration.
Practice with FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) and use the expanding bullet are for duty, hunting, and personal defense. This may be the best rifle for personal defense in all other available firearms.
The rifle had a clear preference for Wolf “Military Classic” 124gr HP and Fiocchi 123gr FMJ, both of which are extremely affordable loads.
Hornady Steel Match with the SST bullet is a first-class choice for most uses. The main reason to use that as is the price is less than the available 7.62mm ammo. And now you can pull your trigger just by using 3.5 pounds of pressure.
Final Verdict
I like the AK for home defense, area defense, and keeping the enemy away from the homestead. While the rifle would not be a better option for defense in a crowded complex, but it is ideal for short-range defense purposes.
If you are looking for the most durable AR and can be used as AR 15 in the vulnerable situation then the Century International Arms C39V2 is the best option for you. The most reliable and fully satisfied version of AK and come with the attached flash hider.
The most durable can run your whole life if cleaned regularly using the gun cleaning kit and solvent. The price for this piece is also very unexpected not much low and not so high, you can give that amount easily for this piece of art.
The model is also quite similar to the classical AK 47. On the other hand, if you want to buy AK with a shorter length or a pistol AK then you should definitely go for the Arsenal SAM7K price is cool and compact than any other best AK in the market.
Happy Hunting!