Century International Arms RAS47 AK Rifle Review

Mike reviews the Century International Arms RAS47 AK Rifle.

The company constantly pushes the envelope with new and innovative designs for the AK platform and we took a look at their latest offering, the Century International Arms RAS47 AK Rifle.
The company constantly pushes the envelope with new and innovative designs for the AK platform and we took a look at their latest offering, the Century International Arms RAS47 AK Rifle.
Mike Searson
Mike Searson

U.S.A.-(Ammoland.com)- Once known for being the king of imported collector firearms Century International Arms had to adapt as supplies of surplus arms began to dry up around the world a few years ago.

The company has shifted its sights to importing modern firearms from other countries and by building a few of their own designs.

The company constantly pushes the envelope with new and innovative designs for the AK platform and we took a look at their latest offering, the RAS-47.

Century International Arms RAS47 AK Rifle

This is a 100% “Made in America” variation of the Kalashnikov AK design. From 5 feet away, you would not know it to see the blonde wood and the Combloc style side rail on what is probably the most identifiable rifle in the world.

Then a few things jump out at you such as the proprietary US pistol grip and the lack of the ubiquitous under barrel cleaning rod and bayonet lug.

If you are a purist, those details may upset you, as well as the choice of including 2 MagPul P- Mags instead of stamped steel or old school Bakelite magazines. If you are just looking to add an AK to your collection as a shooter of cheap surplus ammo and do not care if it was not made by a former Soviet satellite state or even know what to do with a mounted bayonet, then read on.

Century International Arms RAS47 AK Rifle – The Good

Our first impression was that the build was performed well. Fit and finish was outstanding for an AK and the wood looked pretty damn flawless to us.

Our first impression of the Century International Arms RAS-47 Rifle was that the build was performed well.
Our first impression of the Century International Arms RAS-47 Rifle was that the build was performed well.

The sight was not canted and we liked the polymer pistol grip for our XXL sized hands.

Again, this may make the purists upset but this is not intended to be a Cold War era replica. This is an American made copy of that rifle.

At the range the Century International Arms RAS-47 Rifle shot well. Our first few range sessions were a bit different than normal, we were after reliability and with 2 exceptions we achieved it.

Century sent along some Red Army 7.62 X39 and the rifle fed those flawlessly. We supplemented this with some Wolf 7.62 X39 Ammunition because we actually enjoyed shooting the rifle.

Accuracy is typical “Minute of Man” and it helped decimate some leftover pumpkins from Halloween.

Century International Arms RAS47 AK Rifle – The Bad

As an AK it is definitely not a match grade rifle, but it was reliable and consistent with our mix of ammunition.

As an AK the Century International Arms RAS-47 is definitely not a match grade rifle, but it was reliable and consistent with our mix of ammunition.
As an AK the Century International Arms RAS-47 is definitely not a match grade rifle, but it was reliable and consistent with our mix of ammunition.

We did have a few problems with some Wolf ammunition on the last round in the two included PMags, but we believe the problems were related to the magazines because switching out to our old steel Yugoslavian magazines had it running like a typewriter again.

A few things to note are that the bolt and trunions look to be cast. This caused some concern, particularly with regard to the bolt carrier. Investment casting has come a long way, but we are still leery of cast parts around a high-pressure rifle round.

However, since 2013, Century has been performing a heat treat on the bolts to harden them and prevent issues in the future. This can be identified by the X marked on the bottom of the carrier and if yours does not have it, we recommend you call into Century to have it done.

There are no accessories beyond a pair of Magpul AK magazines and a side rail for mounting a scope. No surplus bayonets, sight tools, magazine pouches, oilers or even the under barrel cleaning rod come with this rifle. Still, it is not an imported rifle, so it does not need them for the sake of continuity.

Century International Arms RAS-47 Rifle with MagPul P Mag
Century International Arms RAS-47 Rifle with MagPul P Mag

Century International Arms RAS47 AK Rifle – The Reality

It may be election aftermath and general confusion of a market that was ramping up for potential bans or talk of bans and hoarders grabbing every last thing they could. We did a quick look around and could not believe that some AK variants are now out pricing ARs.

We are not even talking about the super rare Steyr imported Maadis, reworked Saigas or genuine imported rifles prior to 1989, but some that are cobbled together kits made by God knows who from God knows what in the 4-digit price range.

The RAS-47 seems to be the most affordable option out there for someone looking to pick up an AK. Until our new president undoes the onerous George HW Bush 1989 Import Ban or removes the sanctions from China and Russia regarding importation of Kalashnikov clones (and their ammunition), this may be the lowest priced offering you will see for quite some time.

About Mike Searson

Mike Searson’s career as a shooter began as a Marine Rifleman at age 17. He has worked in the firearms industry his entire adult life as a Gunsmith, Ballistician, Consultant, Salesman, Author and was first certified to teach firearms safety in 1989.

Mike has written over 2000 articles for a number of magazines, websites and newsletters including Blade, RECOIL, OFF-GRID, Tactical Officer, SWAT, Tactical World, Gun Digest, Examiner.com and the US Concealed Carry Association as well as AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.

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Briian

Just purchased mine. Did a little research. Have a very large gun shop with a large selection. Something made me walk up to the salesman and ask him what AK he would by if given the choice. He chose the RAS 47. I took his word for it as he didn’t lead me wrong with my Springfield Saint AR. Am looking forward to taking it to the range and feel confidant about my purchase. thanks for your input.

Hector

The RAS47 will shoot 1 MOA open & other groups of 2 & 3. It isn’t a real AK though, 100% American clone. It has metal degrading issues, in as early as a few hundred to 400 rounds, such as early signs of chipping & rounding at the bolt & carrier, the piston also shows early marks. A WASR-10 would never be in such condition, even after 10,000 rds. The RAS47 isn’t the same but it works and doesn’t fail like the AR’s. The PMAG’s are plastic junk, thin. They don’t fail but the plastic gets eaten away and deep… Read more »

Charles Elgeti

I was gonna call century and ask them about the x. But you had said that x or not they are all hardened . Thank I bought mine in March 17th.

RICHARD KENDALL

I called Century about the bolt hardening, since mine does not have an X on it. They said all their bolts are hardened, X or not.

Michael Leisring

I paid $599.00 for my RAS47 from Classic Firearms. Have put 200 rounds thru it without a single hiccup. I love the rifle. I also own an shoot an AR which I also love. “Variety the Spice of Life”. I don’t plan to throw my rifle down onto concrete, fire a 1000 rounds thru it in a single day or mis-treat it to draw attention to “my website”. I have worked to hard for my money to waste it. Just my thoughts.

gerard fitch

would like to check one out. just want one for my collection..

PavePusher

For $700, I expect far better than “minute of man” accuracy, these days.

For HALF that price, that MIGHT be acceptable.

Maybe.

Gene

Apparently you have not been pricing AK’s…they cost more than AR15’s do these days.

Grant

Just purchased one in Alaska as I live there and it consistently shot 3 inch five shot groups at 100 yards with Wolf Ammo. I am happy with it.———–Grant

RICHARD KENDALL

With good ammo, in my case Fusion or Hornady, mine will do 1 inch groups at 100 yards. With a scope, of course. Ammo makes all the difference with these. The cheap Wally World stuff does 3 inch groups at 100 yes.

godfrey daniel

Mine works fine and does what it is intended to do. It doesn’t need to be Ruski or Polski or Chinki to do it’s job plus I got it as a “factory second” with only some slight finish imperfections, which after the first range session you couldn’t see anyway, and w/ MagPul Zhukov furniture, plus I saved $200.00.

Mick

Prefer the real thing.