AK-47 Pistols

What Is an AK Pistol?

An AK pistol is an AK-platform firearm with a barrel under 16″ and a pistol receiver—no rifle stock. Legally classified as a pistol under federal law, AK pistols can accept pistol braces and don’t require NFA registration as short-barreled rifles. What you get is the AK’s legendary reliability and the hard-hitting 7.62x39mm cartridge in a significantly more compact package. Most AK pistols run barrels between 6 and 12 inches, making them practical for home defense, range use, and as a suppressor host. With the elimination of the NFA tax stamp in January 2026, converting an AK pistol to a short-barreled rifle is now more accessible than ever as well.

The Draco: Century Arms AK Pistols

The Century Arms Draco is the most widely recognized AK pistol in America—a Romanian-made 7.62x39mm pistol available in three configurations. The standard Draco runs a 12.25″ barrel. The Mini Draco shortens to 7.75″ for maximum compactness. The Micro Draco goes to 6.25″—the most compact and concealable configuration. All three use standard AK magazines and the proven Romanian WASR action. For buyers who want a proven, widely available AK pistol with strong parts and accessory support, the Draco family is the default starting point. See also: Century Arms Draco.

Zastava ZPAP M92: Serbian Quality

The Zastava ZPAP M92 is a Serbian-made AK pistol in 7.62x39mm with a 10″ barrel, cold hammer-forged barrel, and the quality construction that has made Zastava one of the most respected AK manufacturers globally. The M92 uses a proprietary short-stroke piston system optimized for the shorter barrel length, improving reliability compared to standard long-stroke piston designs in pistol configurations. For buyers who want the highest quality AK pistol construction at a moderate premium over Romanian alternatives, the Zastava M92 is consistently the recommendation from our staff. See also: Zastava ZPAP M70.

Caliber Guide: 7.62x39 vs. 5.56 AK Pistols

The vast majority of AK pistols are chambered in 7.62x39mm—the cartridge the platform was designed around, widely available, and hard-hitting from short barrels. A small number of AK-pattern pistols are chambered in 5.56 NATO (like the Zastava M85), which shares ammunition with AR-15 platforms. 7.62x39 is the right choice for most buyers who want the classic AK experience and terminal performance. 5.56 AK pistols appeal to shooters who want to standardize on a single ammunition type across both AK and AR platforms. See: 7.62x39 Ammo and Zastava M85.

Pistol Braces on AK Pistols

Most AK pistols are sold without a brace and accept standard AK pistol brace adapters. The SBA3, SBA4 (SIG Brace), and KAK Shockwave Blade are among the most commonly added braces. A pistol brace allows one-handed and two-handed shooting support without converting the firearm to an NFA short-barreled rifle. If you want the full stock experience, the NFA tax stamp has been eliminated as of January 1, 2026—registering an AK pistol as an SBR now costs $0 and only requires ATF approval processing time.

AK Pistols for Home Defense

The AK pistol is a compelling home defense option for shooters who want more than a handgun but need a more compact platform than a full-length rifle. The 7.62x39mm cartridge produces significant terminal performance at home defense distances, and the AK’s reputation for reliable function under adverse conditions is well-earned. The compact barrel length allows maneuvering in hallways and rooms more easily than a 16″ rifle. For home defense use, a Mini Draco or Zastava M92 with a quality pistol brace and weapon light provides a formidable close-range defensive platform. See: Home Defense Guns and Weapon Mounted Lights.