Century Arms WASR-10

The WASR-10 is a Romanian AK-47 pattern semi-automatic rifle imported and finished by Century Arms—one of the most widely sold and recognized AK-pattern rifles in America. Chambered in 7.62x39mm, it delivers the AK-47’s proven reliability and ballistics in an affordable, widely available package. The WASR-10 has been on the U.S. market for decades, building a large owner community and broad aftermarket support across accessories, furniture, and optic mounting solutions.

Read our full WASR-10 Buying Guide ↓

Platform Overview

The WASR-10 begins as a Romanian military AK receiver, then is imported and finished by Century Arms for the U.S. civilian market. It features a stamped steel receiver, chrome-lined barrel on current production models, and standard AK-pattern controls. Current production WASR-10s represent a significant improvement over earlier generations, with tighter tolerances and more consistent finish work. The chrome-lined barrel provides excellent corrosion resistance and greater tolerance for steel-case ammunition, which is the most common and affordable 7.62x39mm option.

WASR-10 in the AK Market

The WASR-10 occupies the entry level of the quality AK market. It is a functional, shootable AK-pattern rifle at an accessible price that makes the platform available to buyers who can’t or won’t spend on a Zastava or Arsenal. For shooters who want an affordable, functional AK for range use, home defense, and general utility without the premium of higher-tier options, the current WASR-10 delivers the essential platform reliably. Inspect your specific rifle at purchase, particularly trigger group fit and magazine well alignment.

WASR-10 vs. Higher-Tier AKs

Zastava ZPAP M70 and Arsenal AK-pattern rifles are built to higher specifications with cold-hammer-forged barrels and more consistent manufacturing at a meaningfully higher price. For shooters planning high round counts or wanting the best-built AK available, stepping up to a Zastava is worth the premium. For occasional range use and general utility, the current WASR-10 delivers the essential AK platform at an accessible price. See our Zastava page for a comparison of higher-tier AK options.

Aftermarket and Customization

The WASR-10’s standard AK-pattern receiver makes it compatible with the vast AK aftermarket. Stocks, pistol grips, handguards, rail systems, and trigger groups from Magpul, FAB Defense, US Palm, and others all fit standard AK receivers. Optic mounting options include dust cover rails, side-mounted optic rails, and scout scope mounts. The broad aftermarket and the WASR-10’s long U.S. market presence means installation guides and fitting resources are widely available for any modification you want to make.

WASR AK47: The Romanian Military Heritage

The Century Arms WASR-10 is the civilian-legal export version of the Romanian Military’s standard-issue AK-47 pattern rifle — manufactured at the Cugir Arms Factory in Romania, the same facility that has produced AK-pattern rifles for the Romanian Armed Forces since the 1960s. “WASR AK47” is the most common search term buyers use when researching the platform, and the WASR-10 is the correct answer: a genuine Romanian-factory 7.62x39mm AK with a 16.25” barrel, 30-round magazine, and the AK platform’s documented reliability in a configuration that meets US import requirements. The WASR-10 is available in standard wood furniture, Magpul MOE polymer furniture, and the underfolding stock variant for buyers who want the original Romanian military aesthetic. For buyers who want verified military-factory AK heritage at the most accessible price in the imported AK market: the WASR-10 is the established answer. Compare with the Zastava ZPAP M70 as the primary Serbian-factory alternative and the Riley Defense RAK47 as the American-made option. See our 7.62x39mm ammo page.

Browse our Century Arms page for the full Century Arms lineup, or see our rifles page for all AK-pattern and other rifle options. See our 7.62x39mm ammo page for ammunition.