The AK-47, one of the most well-known and widely used rifles in history, epitomizes durability and reliability. Recognized for its presence on virtually any battlefield around the world, the AK platform rifles, and the AK-47 in particular, stand as a testament to robust engineering.
For gun owners seeking a high-quality rifle that can withstand abuse and still function flawlessly, the AK-47 offers a compelling alternative.
While in the United States, the AR-15 may be the most popular choice for its versatility and precision, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s not the only option available.
Designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, the AK-47 has been an important firearm since its introduction in 1947. Like the AR-15, its long service life has led to the platform’s evolution, giving us, in the 2020s, a wide selection of rifles and pistols to choose from.
Selecting the best rifle for your situation can be challenging, so we at Gun Made are here to help you decide what you should purchase.
I have been shooting AK-style rifles for over a decade and have owned rifles from multiple manufacturers and countries of origin.
Serbia’s official arms manufacturer, Zastava, makes the ZPAP M70. This rifle has the best features, price, and quality control of any on this list, so it easily took our top spot for best overall.
Other good choices are available; any rifle from this list would provide solid service. Rifles like the Arsenal SAM series and several rifles from Palmetto State Armory, among others, deserve a long look.
Keep reading and get all the information you need to pick your first….or next AK-47 or AK platform rifle.
Best AK-47 and AK Style Rifle Recommendations
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall AK-47 – Zastava ZPAP M70 | Check Price |
 | Best Domestic Value AK-47 – Palmetto State Armory GF3 | Check Price |
 | Best Imported Value AK-47 – Century Arms WASR-10 | Check Price |
 | Best Domestic Produced AK-47 – Palmetto State Armory GF5 | Check Price |
 | Best Milled AK-47 – Arsenal SAM7R | Check Price |
 | Honorable Mention AK-47 – Beryl Pattern – FB Radom Beryl | Check Price |
Best Overall AK-47 – Zastava ZPAP M70
Specifications
| Caliber | 7.62×39 |
| Capacity | 30+1 |
| Weight | 7.9 pounds without a magazine |
| Overall Length | 35 inches |
| Barrel Length | 16.3 inches |
| Country of Origin | Serbia |
| Receiver Style | Yugo/1.5MM Bulged Trunnion |
| Furniture Pattern | Yugo |
Pros & Cons
- Incredible reliability
- 1.5MM bulged trunnion receiver
- Wood furniture is true to the classic AK-47 aesthetic
- Heavy-duty construction absorbs recoil well
- Limited lifetime warranty from Zastava
- On the heavier side
- Some reports of canted sights
Zastava is one of the old-school names in AK production.
With a history dating back to the mid-nineteenth century, Zastava, as a company in one form or another, has produced many firearms, including but not limited to cannons, Mauser rifles, SKS rifles, and AK-style rifles.
This long history of firearms production is not wasted, and Zastava has put its experience and long history to good use, producing quality AKs for the civilian market.
The ZPAP M70 is the fourth generation of AK PAP rifles brought to the market by Zastava. I acquired my first AK in 2013 when I purchased a Zastava OPAP (Zastasava third-generation AK), and let me tell you, that gun is built like a tank.
The ZPAP took everything right with the OPAP and made it better.
Zastava began producing the ZPAP in 2019, which corresponds with the launch of Zastava USA. The ZPAP M70 has a 1.5MM bulged trunnion receiver, like the OPAP, but features a chrome-lined barrel, which is a significant upgrade over the OPAP.
The Z-PAP is still principally manufactured in Serbia. Receivers and barrels are made in Serbia and then sent to the United States.
Once here, Zastava USA does its thing and builds out the remainder of the rifle. This ensures 922r compliance and allows the company to perform quality control checks on every rifle.
The Z-PAP is a “Yugo” pattern rifle, which means the furniture is incompatible with AKM pattern rifles. Most other AK-47 rifles on the market are AKM patterns, which you must be aware of when purchasing accessories.
This isn’t to say that you are limited in aftermarket support. Many companies produce both AKM and Yugo pattern accessories.
My Zastava M70 has proven to be the epitome of reliability. The rifle has functioned without flaw for over ten years. It shoots well, points well, and is dead sexy. It isn’t picky with mags, running new, surplus, metal, and polymer mags well.
As my eyes have aged, I have added a Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) to compensate for the standard AK iron sights. Besides the optic and a sling, the rifle is stock, and I don’t see myself changing that soon.
If you are in the market for an AK-style rifle, look no further than the Zastava ZPAP M70. It is the perfect choice for going to the range, being used as a truck gun on a ranch, or if you find yourself in a SHTF situation.
Best Domestic Value AK-47 – Palmetto State Armory GF3
Specifications
| Caliber | 7.62×39 |
| Capacity | 30+1 |
| Weight | 7.5 pounds (estimated) |
| Overall Length | 34.5 inches |
| Barrel Length | 14.7 inches |
| Country of Origin | United States of America |
| Receiver Style | AKM/1MM Stamped |
| Furniture Pattern | AKM |
Pros & Cons
- Palmetto State Armory stands by its products with excellent customer support
- An actual quality American-made AK-style rifle
- Reliable
- Ample aftermarket support
- Cleaning rod is not included
- Early GF3s had questionable quality control
The Palmetto State Armory (PSA) GF3 is our choice for the best domestically produced value AK-47. The GF3 is well-built, has the backing of a solid company, and is priced better than just about every other AK-47 rifle on the market.
I always try to support companies I like and respect, and PSA is one of them. I am firmly convinced that Palmetto State Armory is doing its very best to arm every American legally allowed to be so.
The GF3 is not a new rifle, so there is plenty of data regarding the longevity of these rifles. They work, and they last. AK Operators Union, Local 47-74 has over 5,000 rounds through one, and there are reports of them lasting over 15,000 rounds.
Aside from its durability, the PSA GF3’s best aspect is its price point. The GF3 may not be the best AK available, but it costs less than many other rifles and performs very well for the price.
Palmetto State Armory is still working to overcome a past reputation for inconsistent quality control. However, I have never personally experienced an issue with any of my PSA firearms. I have also heard of plenty of instances where PSA has quickly addressed the issue(s) and stood behind its products.
I do not own a GF3, but I plan to acquire one as soon as possible. My experience with rifles made by Palmetto State Armory makes me confident that it will serve me well for many years to come.
Best Imported Value AK-47 – Century Arms WASR-10
Specifications
| Caliber | 7.62×39 |
| Capacity | 30+1 |
| Weight | 7.5 pounds |
| Overall Length | 34.25 inches |
| Barrel Length | 16.25 inches |
| Country of Origin | Romania |
| Receiver Style | AKM/1MM Stamped |
| Furniture Pattern | AKM |
Pros & Cons
- Proven track record for durability
- Chrome-lined barrel
- Outstanding value for an imported AK
- RAK-1 enhanced trigger group
- Some reports of rifles arriving with canted sights
- Customer service/quality control has been hit or miss in the past
- Cleaning rod is not included
Our value pick for an imported AK-47 goes to the Century Arms/Cugir WASR-10. Produced by Cugir in Romania and imported by Century Arms, the WASR-10 is a no-frills AK with a reputation for being a tough gun that lives up to the AK-47’s reputation for durability.
If buying an AK-47 made in the United States feels sacrilegious to you, Cugir is your oyster. The WASR-10 competes directly with Palmetto State Armory’s GF3 for best value AK-47.
Cugir has a long history of producing firearms and AK-47s specifically. This expertise is not wasted. AK Operators Union, Local 47-74, has put over 10,000 rounds through one, and it’s still functioning. Battlefield Vegas reports WASRs still running after 60,000 rounds.
This isn’t to say the WASR is a perfect rifle. It tips the scales as a value pick for a reason, and offerings from Zastava, WBP, Arsenal, and FB Radom are all considered high-quality AKs, but they cost more.
That said, you can find people who will argue that the WASR is a better rifle but with cheaper furniture to explain the price difference.
If you are in the market for an imported AK and don’t want to break the bank, the Century Arms/Cugir WASR-10 is a worthy offering.
Best Domestic Produced AK-47 – Palmetto State Armory GF5
Specifications
| Caliber | 7.62×39 |
| Capacity | 30+1 |
| Weight | 7.5 pounds (estimated) |
| Overall Length | 34.5 inches |
| Barrel Length | 16 inches |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Receiver Style | AKM/1MM Stamped |
| Furniture Pattern | AKM |
Pros & Cons
- FN chrome-lined, cold hammer forged barrel
- A variety of configurations are available
- Quality American-made AK
- Enhanced extended safety lever
- Cleaning rod included
- On the pricey side
The Palmetto State Armory GF5 is the best domestically produced AK-47 rifle. PSA has taken its successful GF3 that we mentioned above and upgraded a few components to make a premium version of the GF3. The result is this GF5.
The most significant upgrade for the GF5 over the GF3 is the barrel. For the GF5, PSA replaced the gas nitride 4150 steel-treated barrel with a chrome-lined FN cold hammer forged CMV steel barrel. The GF5 also includes an upgraded front trunnion and an upgraded ALG trigger.
These upgrades result in a price increase from the GF3. Considering the quality of the GF3, you might question whether the premium is worth it. I would say it is.
When you consider the cost of just the upgraded barrel and trigger, you are getting a better rifle and are coming out ahead in terms of buying those upgrades separately. It also includes the cleaning rod the GF3 is missing.
As a PSA AK rifle owner, I have first-hand knowledge and experience with their fit and function. PSA is the best of the US-based AK manufacturer and compares closely with the best international manufacturers for making rifles that will last.
You will not be disappointed in your GF5 if you decide to buy one.
Best Milled AK-47 – Arsenal SAM7R
Specifications
| Caliber | 7.62×39 |
| Capacity | 30+1 |
| Weight | 8 pounds |
| Overall Length | 36.5 inches |
| Barrel Length | 16.33 inches |
| Country of Origin | Bulgaria |
| Receiver Style | Milled |
| Furniture Pattern | AR-M5 stock |
Pros & Cons
- Milled receiver
- Hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel
- Incredible durability and dependability
- FIME Enhanced Fire Control Group
- Many included extras (cleaning rod, cleaning kit, sling, oil bottle)
- Expensive
The best milled AK-47 is the Arsenal SAM series of rifles. As opposed to the majority of AK-47s that are made using a stamped receiver, the SAM7 is milled from a hot-die hammer forged receiver blank.
A milled receiver, machined from a solid block of steel, offers several benefits over a stamped receiver.
The result is added strength and rigidity in the receiver. High rigidity helps to enhance the accuracy of the rifle, while the added strength results in greater durability.
Arsenal is not content with just basic parts for its rifles. It pairs the milled receiver with a cold hammer-forged barrel and a FIME Group Enhanced Fire Control Group.
The old adage of you get what you pay for is true with the Arsenal SAM7. If money is not a factor in your purchasing decision…buy an Arsenal.
Honorable Mention AK-47 – Beryl Pattern – FB Radom Beryl
Specifications
| Caliber | 7.62×39 |
| Capacity | 30+1 |
| Weight | 6.75 pounds |
| Overall Length | 36.25 inches |
| Barrel Length | 16 inches |
| Country of Origin | Poland |
| Receiver Style | Beryl |
| Furniture Pattern | Beryl |
Pros & Cons
- Hammer forged chrome lined barrel
- Durable and reliable
- Available in multiple configurations
- Comes with a soft rifle case
- Different furniture and rail pattern than AKM style rifles.
- Pricey
FB Radom, like Cugir in Romania and Arsenal in Bulgaria, is a well-known manufacturer of AK-pattern rifles; some say it is a legendary manufacturer.
The long heritage of making rifles for actual military service means the rifles are both durable and reliable. FB Radom is recognized around the world for its quality manufacturing.
Much like AK rifles from Serbia that are what we call “Yugo” pattern and are slightly different than the “standard” AKM pattern, AK-style rifles from Poland also can be of a non-AKM style. The newest style we see coming from Poland is the Beryl pattern.
The Beryl rifle is a combat-proven arm that is the standard infantry rifle of the Polish military. Since Poland is a member of NATO, the Beryl was designed to be chambered in 5.56 NATO, but it is also available in 7.62×39.
It features upgraded components such as a hammer-forged chrome lined barrel and enhanced controls.
The Beryl can be a difficult rifle to find with limited availability, and the price for the rifle runs higher than most on our list. However, that shouldn’t dissuade you if you decide the Beryl is the right rifle for you.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
Selecting the best AK-47 rifle is not an easy exercise. Several quality manufacturers are vying for your hard-earned dollars, and many of them produce products that anyone would love to have in their safes.
We at Gun Made have years of experience shooting AK-style rifles as well as guns of all types.
Our years of experience have helped us to decide what factors are most important to selecting the best rifles. I have owned AK-style rifles from Serbia, Poland, as well as the United States and shot rifles from several other nations as well.
All of this combines to help us give you the best advice.
AK-47-style rifles are legendary for their reliability and durability. For a rifle to make it to our list, it needed to check off both factors.
Several US-made AKs have earned a reputation for catastrophic failures, so we obviously avoided those. Price was also an important factor once a rifle was confirmed reliable and durable.
Why You Should Get An AK-47
You should get an AK-47 because they, along with the AR-15, are the most iconic rifles of the last 75 years. Guns do not reach this level of notoriety without reason, and the AK-47 has reasons in abundance.
The AK-47 was the standard infantry rifle of the Warsaw Pact and the Communist world during the Cold War.
From the rice patties of south Southeast Asia to the deserts of the Middle East and the plains of Eastern Europe, AK-47s were put through some of the most challenging combat conditions mankind has faced and still functioned.
They were also designed to be maintained by unskilled and untrained forces if necessary and with limited tools and lubrication. If the AK-47 can survive these types of conditions with minimal maintenance, your twice-yearly range sessions or LARPing outings won’t even begin to test the rifle.
Milled vs. Stamped Receivers
As you research AK-style rifles, you will discover there are two types of receivers: milled and stamped.
These are two separate manufacturing methods for creating the rifle’s receiver. Since everything on the rifle goes into or connects to the receiver in one form or another, it is the most important part of the rifle.
AK-47s, as initially created by Mikhail Kalashnikov, were milled. To create a milled receiver, you start with a solid steel block, which is then milled out by removing metal until the receiver is created.
To produce AKs faster and cheaper, receivers began to be stamped instead of milled. Stamped receivers start life flat, are bent into the appropriate shape, and are riveted into place.
Stamped receivers are both cheaper to produce and lighter than milled receivers.
Whether you should select a stamped or milled receiver comes down to personal preference. Most of the AKs on our list are stamped and will still serve you well.
In comparison, a milled receiver is technically stronger and more durable. But if it takes 100,000 rounds to wear out your stamped receiver, you’ll be fine with either.
Which Country of Origin?
It is no longer possible to import AK-style rifles from Russia or China. That leaves former Combloc nations like Serbia (Yugoslavia), Romania, Bulgaria, and Poland to fill the void.
In addition, the United States has several domestic producers attempting to meet demand. Most domestic manufacturers and their AKs have less than stellar reputations and should be avoided.
However, as mentioned above, Palmetto State Armory is a domestic manufacturer we recommend.
Thankfully, companies are constantly changing and improving. A great example of this is early PSA AKs, which, before the GF3, were not known to be great rifles. Now, though, PSA has two rifles on our list, and Gun Made also recommends many other PSA offerings.
FAQs
Are AK-47s accurate?
AK-47s can be accurate rifles but were designed to be battle rifles, not precision rifles. With the right AK-47, you can produce excellent groups out to at least 300 yards. That being said, the AK-47 was designed to be reliable on the battlefield and, therefore, was designed with looser tolerances to ensure function in less-than-ideal conditions. These looser tolerances can lead to decreased accuracy compared to newer rifles with different design features.
Is the AK-47 a good hunting rifle?
The AK-47 can be a perfectly adequate hunting rifle. The 7.62×39 round that the AK-47 uses, while not as powerful as .30-30, does have some similar ballistic characteristics. This means that when hunting appropriately sized game, such as whitetail deer and smaller, at less than 150 yards, it will do the job. However, you should always use a quality hunting round and ensure your specific rifle is accurate enough to harvest an animal ethically.
Should I buy an AR-15 or an AK-47?
Whether you should buy an AR-15 or AK-47 comes down to personal preference. Each rifle has a long track record of excellent service in both military and civilian roles. Both rifles are fun to shoot and belong in most gun owner’s collections. If you can’t decide, we’d suggest an AR-15 as they are more versatile, more accurate over longer distances, and have endless aftermarket support.
Last Words
Our choice for the best overall AK-47 rifle is the Zastava ZPAP M70. It is a reliable and durable rifle that is available at a competitive price point. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of other great AK-47s out there at affordable price points.
Our best value choices include the Century Arms WASR-10 and PSA GF3, both of which are incredibly durable rifles that are available at an excellent price.
Selecting a “best of” list can be a very complicated undertaking. There are lots of quality guns available that frequently do not make this list.
For example, the WBP Jack and WBP Fox are both fantastic guns that directly compete with several of the rifles on our list. These rifles are also worth exploring.
At the end of the day, if you’re still shopping for an AK-47, make sure it’s reliable, durable, and that the manufacturer has a proven track record of making high-quality AKs.
If you know which one you want, buy one today and get to training with it!
Which AK-47 would you have expected to see on this list that wasn’t? Let us know in the comments so others can check them out too!
