Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories. The Century Arms Draco 7 62x39mm Semi Auto Pistol with 10 5 Inch Barrel offers a compact AK-style platform for reliable shooting performance. Its 10.5-inch barrel provides a balance of maneuverability and ballistic capability. Available for $999.00.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What are the specifications of the Century Arms Draco 7.62x39mm Pistol?
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Semi-Automatic Pistol |
| Caliber | 7.62x39mm |
| Barrel Length | 10.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 21.5 inches |
| Capacity | 30 Rounds (comes with one magazine) |
| Action | Semi-Automatic |
| Sights | Adjustable AK-style iron sights |
| Material | Stamped Steel Receiver, Wood Handguard |
| Manufacturing | Imported by Century Arms, originally Romarm/Cugir (Romania) |
| Finish | Black Oxide |
| Hardness/Quality | Military-grade steel components, durable finish |
| Compatibility | Standard AKM magazines, most AKM furniture |
| Installation/Usage | Ready to fire out of the box, standard AK field stripping |
| Weight | Approximately 5.5 lbs (unloaded) |
| Country of Origin | Romania (imported by Century Arms) |
| Condition | New |
| SKU | HG1916-N |
What makes the Draco a popular choice for enthusiasts?
The Century Arms Draco 7.62x39mm Semi Auto Pistol with 10 5 Inch Barrel is a compact, pistol-variant of the AK platform. It’s built on a stamped steel receiver, which is common for AK-style firearms, and features a 10.5-inch barrel. This length makes it more maneuverable than a full-size rifle while still retaining the punch of the 7.62x39mm cartridge. The wood handguard gives it a classic AK look and feel, and it ships with one 30-round magazine. For anyone familiar with the AK platform, the controls and field stripping will be second nature. It’s a robust firearm, built to handle the 7.62x39mm round reliably.
- Compact AK Platform: Offers the familiar AK operating system in a pistol format, making it more maneuverable in confined spaces or for vehicle carry.
- 7.62x39mm Cartridge: Fires the powerful and widely available 7.62x39mm round, known for its effectiveness and affordability.
- Stamped Steel Receiver: A classic and durable construction method for AK-style firearms, providing a robust and reliable foundation.
- Wood Furniture: Features a traditional wood handguard, giving it an authentic AK aesthetic and a comfortable grip.
- Adjustable Iron Sights: Comes with standard AK-style adjustable iron sights, allowing for basic zeroing and aiming.
- Magazine Compatibility: Accepts standard AKM pattern magazines, offering a wide range of readily available options.
Who is this pistol intended for?
Buy it if:
- You want a compact, reliable AK-style firearm for range shooting or personal defense.
- You appreciate the aesthetics and robust simplicity of the AK platform.
- You already own other 7.62x39mm firearms and want to share ammunition.
- You’re looking for a pistol that can be easily modified with AK-compatible accessories.
- You want a firearm that offers a balance between power and maneuverability.
Skip it if:
- You are looking for a firearm with minimal recoil; the 7.62x39mm in a pistol format can be stout. You might consider a 9mm handgun for a softer shooting experience.
- You need a firearm with a stock for shoulder firing (this is a pistol, not a rifle). For a rifle-caliber carbine with a stock, see our semi-auto rifles.
- You prefer a lighter, more modern polymer-framed pistol.
- You are on a very tight budget and looking for the absolute cheapest option on the market.
How does the Draco compare to other compact AK pistols?
| Feature | Century Arms Draco (This Product) | Cheap Import (e.g., specific budget-tier PAP M92 clone) | Premium Brand (e.g., Arsenal SAM7K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Stamped Steel Receiver, Wood Handguard | Stamped Steel Receiver, Polymer Handguard | Milled Steel Receiver, Polymer Handguard |
| Quality | Good, reliable import, standard AK build | Variable, can be hit-or-miss, often less refined | Excellent, high-end fit and finish, military-grade |
| Compatibility | Standard AKM magazines/furniture | Standard AKM magazines/furniture (some variations) | Standard AKM magazines/furniture |
| Shipping | Same-day from Wichita, KS | Varies by retailer | Varies by retailer |
| Lifespan/Durability | Long, robust, typical AK lifespan | Decent, but may show wear sooner | Very long, built to last generations |
| Price | $999.00 | ~$600-$750 | ~$2000+ |
What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Draco?
Pros:
- ✅ Reliability: The AK platform is known for its robust and reliable operation, even in adverse conditions. This Draco carries on that tradition.
- ✅ Compact Size: The 10.5-inch barrel makes it much more maneuverable than a full-size AK rifle, suitable for tighter spaces or vehicle transport.
- ✅ Powerful Cartridge: The 7.62x39mm round delivers significant energy, making it effective for various uses.
- ✅ Magazine Availability: Uses standard AKM magazines, which are plentiful and relatively inexpensive.
- ✅ Customization Potential: Many aftermarket parts and accessories are available for the AK platform, allowing for personalization.
- ✅ Classic Aesthetic: The wood handguard and overall design provide that iconic AK look.
Cons:
- ❌ Recoil: Without a stock, managing the recoil of a 7.62x39mm pistol can be challenging for some shooters.
- ❌ Muzzle Blast/Flash: The shorter barrel can result in a more pronounced muzzle blast and flash, especially indoors or at night.
- ❌ Weight: For a pistol, it’s relatively heavy at around 5.5 lbs, which can be fatiguing during extended shooting sessions compared to typical handguns.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Century Arms Draco 7.62x39mm Pistol
Is the Century Arms Draco legal to own in Kansas?
Yes, the Century Arms Draco 7.62x39mm Semi Auto Pistol with 10 5 Inch Barrel is legal to own in Kansas for individuals 21 years or older who are not prohibited from possessing firearms. As an FFL holder, we process all transfers in accordance with federal and state laws.
What kind of accuracy can I expect from a 10.5-inch barrel 7.62x39mm pistol?
Accuracy from a 10.5-inch barrel 7.62x39mm pistol like the Draco is generally good for its intended purpose. It’s not a precision long-range rifle, but at typical pistol ranges (25-50 yards), you can expect to hit human-sized targets reliably. Factors like ammunition type and shooter skill will also play a significant role.
Can I attach a brace or stock to the Century Arms Draco?
Attaching a brace to a pistol like the Draco is generally permissible under current ATF guidance, as long as it’s not designed to be shouldered. Attaching a stock, however, would legally reclassify it as a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR), which requires NFA registration and a tax stamp. It’s crucial to understand and comply with all NFA regulations before making such modifications.
What type of magazines does the Century Arms Draco use?
The Century Arms Draco 7.62x39mm Semi Auto Pistol uses standard AKM pattern magazines. This is a significant advantage as these magazines are widely available from various manufacturers in different capacities and materials (steel, polymer).
Where can I buy firearms online?
You can buy firearms online, including the Century Arms Draco 7.62x39mm Semi Auto Pistol, from licensed FFL dealers like Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). All online firearm purchases must be shipped to a local FFL dealer for transfer, where you will complete the necessary background checks.
Is the Century Arms Draco suitable for hunting in Kansas?
While the 7.62x39mm cartridge is capable for some smaller game, the pistol format of the Draco, without a stock, makes it less practical for most hunting applications in Kansas compared to a rifle. For deer hunting, for example, a rifle with a longer barrel and more stable shooting platform would generally be preferred for ethical shots. Always check Kansas hunting regulations for specific caliber and firearm requirements for your intended game.
What kind of maintenance does the Draco require?
Like all AK-platform firearms, the Draco is known for its ruggedness and relatively simple maintenance. Regular cleaning of the bore, gas system, and bolt carrier group, along with proper lubrication, will ensure reliable operation. Field stripping is straightforward and can be done without tools.
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Last updated: April 2026
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