Last updated September 9th 2023
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Winners at a Glance
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Arsenal SAM7R |
| Best Price |
 | Palmetto State Armory PSAK-47 |
| Best Price |
 | Riley Defense RAK-47 |
| Best Price |
 | Zastava Arms ZPAP |
| Best Price |
 | Century Arms WASR-10 Classic |
| Best Price |
Introduction to the AK-47
The AK-47 is a mythical beast in the firearms world and rightly so. This assault rifle has won more wars than possibly any other weapon in the world and sees active service in the kind of conditions we would fear to tread.
The classic Russian icon is found right across Africa, the Middle East and yeah, more or less everywhere else. The Soviet Union and the fearsome Red Army was effectively built on the back of the best AK47 rifles.
Lieutenant General Mikhail Kalashnikov designed the AK-47. His rifles changed the world and world war II. Sometimes for the better.
It has become a symbol of war, and has featured from the Islamic State to the depths of the African jungle and the Vietnam War. Farmers, child soldiers and properly enlisted troops around the world have carried AK-47 rifles.
Modern-day AK-47s for sale have kept the heavy hitting ammunition, the low maintenance finish and the willingness to chew through ammunition at the range. AK-47s tend not to jam up, can be field stripped in minutes and you can pretty much send any old ammo downrange.
But what is the best AK-47 rifle for sale?
1. Arsenal SAM7R
- Price: $1,829.99
- Action: Semi Auto Rifles
- Barrel Length: 16
- Weight: 8lb
- Caliber: 7.62x39mm
- Capacity: 10 +1
Overall Winner
Price: 3/5 Accuracy: 5/5 Value for Money: 4/5 Style: 5/5
This, right here, is a modern savage. It’s a gun that has moved on, ever so slightly, from the original AK-47 era of Russian political and military history. It’s the cleaner, more efficient, modern day equivalent and the best AK47 in our opinion.
So this, in a close quarters’ urban war, is exactly the kind of gun you’d love to have by your side. It’s also an epic truck gun, at a price that is just about within reach.
Bulgarian firm Arsenal has copied the AK-47 rifles since 1958. It has also brought in some improved manufacturing techniques, like a milled receiver produced from a hot die forged receiver, bolt carrier group and more to give more strength and durability.
This Arsenal Sam7R is a hybrid between the old AK-47 and the AK-74, a 1974 update from the base Kalashnikov rifle. So it’s a more advanced version of the most widely used weapon in the world.
The Arsenal SLR is another option, if you want a cheaper rifle. We prefer the SAM7R, but we totally get you if you want to go with the Arsenal SLR.
2. Palmetto State Armory PSAK-47 GF4
- Price: $799.99+
- Barrel Length: 16.5 inch
- Action: Semi Auto Rifles
- Total Length: 34 inch
- Weight: 6.3lb
- Capacity: 30+1
Best Budget Option
Price: 5/5 Accuracy: 3/5 Value for Money: 5/5 Style: 3/5
PSA is probably the biggest supplier of AK-47s in the United States of America right now. Crazy huh?
They’re a pretty solid fit, honestly. PSA produce high quality cheap AR-15 rifles and parts kits. The AK fits their ethos of value for money firearms that made them the assault weapon of the century, possibly last century too.
Now you might be confused by the PSAK-47 GF3 and GF4. The main difference in the G4 is the chrome lined barrel that marks a major improvement in accuracy and durability. There was a G5 with an FN barrel that was even better, but that seems to have fallen off the radar.
You can still by the PSAK-47 GF3 or G4 and we’d go for the G4 unless the daily deals on the PSAK-47 GF3 are too good to pass up.
Variety of Finishes
This one comes with black satin finish wood stock and handguard. But there’s a rifle to suit your taste, style and budget.
You can get a BLEM Palmetto State Armory for around $600 on a good day through to $1,100 Custom offerings with a picatinny rail for red dot sights & rifle scopes and other modern touches.
Check the full line of best sellers in the United States here:
3. Riley Defense RAK-47
- Price: $869.99
- Barrel Length: 16.5 inch
- Total Length: 34 inch
- Weight: 6.3lb
- Capacity: 30+1
Most Stylish AK-47
Price: 4/5 Accuracy: 3/5 Value for Money: 4/5 Style: 5/5
This thoroughly 21st Century AK comes with a quad rail up front, an MFT Minimalist stock and a much more advanced looking muzzle device.
The Riley Defense RAK-47 is a design masterpiece.
You can mount red dots on the Picatinny rail, a weapons light or go full operator with lights and lasers.
Then there’s the cold hammer forged chrome moly barrel with twin port muzzle devices and polymer furniture that combine to create one of the best bang for buck rifles here. Not the best gun, but the best bang for your buck.
See the full Riley Defense line up and some of the best AK47s here. Get an old world wood stock, or a Magpul MOE stock. The choice is yours.
4. Pioneer Arms Sporter
- Price: $866.99
- Barrel: 16.5 inch
- Total Length: 34 inch
- Weight: 7.9lb
- Capacity: 30+1
The Pioneer Arms Sporter 7.62x39mm is the minimalist Russian military service rifle with the folding ‘stock’.
Now this Polish manufacturer is right up there with the best AK47 rifles in the modern clone wars. And this is a fun gun that you will enjoy.
You can switch out the wire stock for a Magpul MOE or purest wood stock or synthetic stock too.
5. Century Arms VSKA 7.62x39mm
- Price: $700.00+
- Barrel: 16.5 inch
- Total Length: 34 inch
- Weight: 7.9lb
- Capacity: 30+1
If you want a more faithful recreation of the classic Soviet rifle that has been re-engineered with S7 tool steel for additional strength, then you want the Century Arms VSKA. That’s the USP here. It’s a little heavier, but this semi auto rifle is definitely stronger.
This is modeled on the Soviet military weapon that has made its presence felt on every single continent since it turned into the world’s most effective killing machine in the last Century. Complete with wood furniture.
The Century VSKA7.62x39mm is basically the rifle that has served in the Red Army, Middle Eastern wars, African skirmishes you will never know about and Eastern European bloodbaths. It is woven into the tapestry of our world.
6. Zastava Arms ZPAP M70
- Price: $1,430.99
- Barrel: 16.5 inch
- Total Length: 34 inch
- Weight: 7.9lb
- Capacity: 30+1
The Zastava ZPAP M70 is another thoroughly modern interpretation of the class AK design, and we like it.
The Zastava Arms M70 Bulged Trunnion is like a really fat, double height handguard that basically conceals the fact its an AK at all from the outside world.
You can buy a Zastava ZPAP M70 with the traditional wood stock, or a metal stock, but you’ll see plenty of that on this list.
So this Zastava Arms M70 is a Back to the Future AK47 7.62x39mm with a side folding stock, a full length Picatinny rail, polymer furniture, a proper muzzle brake and other treasures. It is different and quality control is superb.
We like the Zastava ZPAP M70 for home defense. Although firing an AK indoors without ear protection might make you question the decision.
Pioneer Arms, Riley Defense, Zastava, it mostly comes down to the personal impression each brand has made on you. You could just as easily have a wood furniture Zastava at number one.
The Zastava N-PAP still gets great gun reviews to this day and that is a classic version of possibly the most widely used assault weapon in the world.
7. Kalashnikov USA KR-103
- Price: $1,265.99
- Barrel: 16.5 inch
- Total Length: 34 inch
- Weight: 7.65lb
- Capacity: 30 rounds.
The Kalashnikov USA AK-103 was the last version of the legendary AK that Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov personally oversaw and it built on the progress of the AK-74.
This faithful recreation is built to the Russian specifications and features tech that the Russian army uses to this day. It is certainly one of the best AK-47 rifles on the market today, even though it really isn’t technically a 47 anymore. It’s a twist on the classic Soviet army infantry weapon.
This is an AKM rifle, though, and comes with the hammer forged front trunnion, cleaning rod, button rifled barrel that adds a little long range accuracy.
The front sight and single port muzzle device are both better than the earlier models, and there’s space to attach tactical accessories.
8. Century Arms WASR-10 Classic
- Price: $972.99
- Barrel: 16.5″
- Total Length: 37.25″
- Weight: 8.05lb (Unloaded)
- Caliber: AK-47 7.62x39mm
- Capacity: 30 Rounds
This is the classic AK-47 rifle in period dress, for a price that most of us can afford. It will eat pretty much any ammo, it will make most AR-15s look like histrionic drama queens and it should keep going all day.
The Century Arms semi automatic rifle isn’t the best example you can get of the AK-47 mechanism in terms of build quality and it’s based on the old Romanian model for civilian use, but it is better than the majority of pattern rifles you might see for a less money.
You get a pistol grip, a fixed front sight, seemingly untreated wood stock. It stays true to the old AKM philosophy with the fewest modifications possible for the modern market, and that’s basically it’s USP and major weakness summed up in one sentence.
It’s a true old style AK, with no creature comforts, no modern frills and no real evolution. But if you want a real old AK for home defense or playing at the range, then these are pluses.
9. IWI Galil Ace Gen II
- Price: $2,012.99
- Barrel:16
- Weight: 7.5lb (Unloaded)
- Caliber: 7.62x39mm
- Capacity: 30 rounds
Now this is a naughty little gun isn’t it? It has drawn inspiration from the good old-fashioned AK and the Finnish icon, the Valmet RK62.
It’s not really a standard issue AK-47 anymore, but it is a great little rifle for home defense and general shooting. You can get one in 5.56 NATO, too, and rifles that go right up to the 308.
The Israelis are on a roll right now, with the Tavor TS-12 Semi-Automatic shotgun, but this is a gun we could easily see taking over as anybody’s last line of defense.
For that reason alone, this is one of the very best weapons you can buy in the traditional AK-47 caliber of 7.62x39mm. There are cheap gun deals on this side folding rifle, too, sometimes…
The Israeli Special Forces, feared throughout the world, pack the gas operated full auto machine gun when they go to work. It’s easy to see why this machine gun works for them, especially the short barreled SBR form.
It’s a great little weapon for home defense in the United States and is definitely a step up from an AR-15 when it comes to stopping power.
They come in Flat Dark Earth and other racier finishes, and it’s ready for tactical accessories.
And the AR Wildcards…
10. Sig Saur MCX LT Spear
- Price: $4,338.99
The new Sig Sauer MCX Spear has been adopted by the US military and law enforcement agencies in fully automatic rifle form and it might just be the best gun here. It has borrowed the best parts of the AR-15, without giving up any of the AK’s hard hits.
That makes it one of the best AK-47 complete rifles for sale in 2023. It’s a high price, high spec masterpiece.
The direct impingement system is refined, compared to some of the agricultural specials here. It’s an AK-47 lite, for sure, but there’s nothing wrong with that. This is a different kind of side folding rifle and it could really be the best AK-47 rifle for sale.
And of course there’s a short barrel rifles version, which we used to call pistols in the good old days.
11. Rock River Arms LAR-47
- Price: $1,312.99
The Rock River Arms is a stellar AR-15 chambered in 7.62x39mm that is not too expensive.
So if you want to go the AR route, this is a wildly different route to the Avtomat Kalashnikova .
Law enforcement agencies love this company, and you probably will too. Get a matte black finish or Flat Dark Earth.
Where to Buy 7.62x39mm Ammo
If you are looking to bulk buy ammo, 7.62x39mm ammo, 45 ACP ammo, 223 ammo, 300 Blackout ammo, rimfire ammo, rifle ammo, shotgun ammo, handgun ammo, AR-15 ammo for a belt fed AR-15 and more, we can help.
Well our partners like Firearms Depot, Lucky Gunner and Sportsman’s Guide can help with the ammo, best muzzle velocity and cleaner ammo so you won’t need so many gun cleaning supplies for your home defense guns.
- Firearms Depot – AK ammo, AAC Blackout ammo, 9mm ammo, Creedmoor ammo and more.
- Sportsman’s Guide – Get 7.62x39mm rifle ammo, handgun ammo, rifle ammo, rimfire ammo and more.
- PSA – Cheap ammo deals on 7.62 Ammo, shotgun ammo etc.
You want a Suppressor? Black Aces Tactical Has You Covered
A suppressor can make 7.62 ammo more fun to shoot, at the expense of a little muzzle velocity. You should still use ear protection, but it’s less important with a Black Aces Tactical Pro Series 47 PoBoy Suppressor
Black Aces Tactical is one of the top brands for bullpup shotguns, pump action and semi autos, but this suppressor is basically the undisputed champion of the AK suppressor world at the moment and it costs less than $200.
The Black Aces Tactical supports fully automatic weapons, too, which could be useful. Maybe…
The Best Concealed Carry AK-47
If you want a concealed carry AK pistol on the market today then you really should take a look at the Micro Draco Pistol. It’s fun, tiny and loud, and it’s almost small arms. If you really want small arms you’ve got to go to the 45 ACP ammo or best 9mm subcompact pistols.
Where to Buy Rifle Parts & Accessories
AK complete rifle parts and accessories are relatively easy to find these days. If you need stamped receivers, milled receivers, a charging handle, complete uppers, a new trunnion, magazine release or a forged, chrome lined barrel, check out PSA first.
They have all kinds of parts and accessories, from stamped receivers to a cold hammer forged trunnion, side charging handle, muzzle devices, furniture and more. Check the rifles & pistols out here:
They have other parts, shotgun parts, pistol parts, range gear as well.
Does the US Marine Corps Prefer the AK-47?
There’s a wild story that the Marine Corps will drop their rifle and pick up an AK from a felled opponent at the first opportunity. I mean it’s a fun idea, but not strictly true.
We’re sure there are times when the Marine Corps will dump their 21st Century weapon for a rusty AK, if there’s lots of AK ammo around and not enough to keep their main duty weapon running. But not normally.
It was a thing in the Vietnam War. Not so much these days…
Is the AK-47 a Copy of the German STG?
No, the German STG combat rifle certainly inspired certain elements of the AK, but it is not a copy of the German STG.
What Else Can We Sell You?
We got shotguns, best 1911 pistols 9mm pistol caliber carbines range gear and all kinds of stuff for you. You need cleaning kits? Parts kits? We got those too.
What is the best AK-47 Tuner?
Rifle Dynamics are one of the biggest names in modified AK rifles these days. So if you want a better AK, then check out Rifle Dynamics here for complete rifles and parts & accessories.
What Are AK Shotguns?
Some of the best semi auto shotguns/pump action shotguns have adopted the AK layout. Semi automatic shotguns from Kalashnikov USA and almost always feature top of our semi auto shotguns feature.
Is There a California Legal AK-47?
In California, AK-47s are generally classified as “assault weapons”. So the sale, transfer, and possession of are highly regulated by state law.
There are some legal AK-47 variants that are specifically designed to comply with California’s assault weapons laws. But not many. And forget short barrel rifles.
They have to be modified with a fixed magazine, no flash suppressor, and no protruding pistol grip. A California legal AKs must essentially be a featureless rifle with a maximum capacity of 10 and a cumbersome reloading process.
New York legal AK-47 and New Jersey legal firearms are almost as extreme, although you don’t need a pinned magazine and just have to do without the threaded barrel, tri-lug adapter and pistol grip.
There are reasons behind the laws for California legal weapons, but it’s easy to see how these rifles/pistols are an abomination.
So yeah be careful with the California legal rules, or New Jersey legal rules, Maryland legal, or just move to a better State and enjoy the best AK47 rifles. And freedom…
Can You Buy a Left Handed AK-47?
You can find left handed AK rifles, pistols etc, but they’re really not that common off the shelf. Left handed shooters often simply cope with the occasional shell casing to the face, or modify their weapons with a left handed safety and a modified extractor to give some additional clearance.,
Specialists like Atlantic Firearms are a good place to look for rifles or parts. PSA, Atlantic Firearms Primary Arms and Guns.com are our go tos in our affiliate program.,
We work as part of an affiliate program and our partners include Brownells, Guns.com, PSA and more. So each partner has their own return policy and terms of service too. You have to check order status of your guns & handguns, directly with them too.
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