Trying to find a budget-friendly AK that you can trust? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’re diving into a showdown between two popular rifles: the VSKA and the WASR.
The legendary AK (Avtomat Kalashnikova) series of rifles, masterfully crafted by the brilliant mind of Mikhail Kalashnikov, stands as the pinnacle of reliability and resilience.
These formidable firearms have not only earned their rightful place on the battlefield but have also been favored among civilian shooters across the globe, solidifying their reputation over decades.
These bad boys VSKA and WASR are brought to you by Century Arms and Pioneer Arms, respectively. If you’re itching to know which one is worth your hard-earned cash, buckle up because we’re about to break it down for you in plain and simple terms. Let’s get to it!
Design and Features
VSKA
VSKA features a robust, all-American construction with a focus on durability and reliability. The VSKA typically has a matte black finish, which gives it a tactical and utilitarian appearance.
It includes polymer furniture, such as the handguard and stock, which is designed to be both lightweight and resistant to harsh environmental conditions. Some consider it to be a bit plasticky, however.
The VSKA may also have rail systems for mounting accessories like scopes, lights, or grips, further enhancing its tactical versatility.
WASR
The WASR is a Romanian-made variant of the AK-47. It has a more traditional and classic appearance compared to the VSKA. WASR rifles typically feature a wooden stock and handguard, which gives them a rustic and iconic AK-47 look.
The wood can vary in quality and finish, ranging from a simple, functional design to more polished and aesthetically pleasing variations.
The metal parts on a WASR, such as the receiver and barrel, usually have a colored finish, which adds to the rifle’s classic appeal. Some WASR models may have folding stocks for compactness and ease of transport.
Ergonomics and Customization
VSKA
The VSKA often comes with a fixed stock, which can be less adjustable than some shooters prefer. However, this can contribute to the rifle’s overall stability.
Customization options may be somewhat limited compared to rifles with more versatile stock configurations.
WASR
WASR rifles often feature a folding stock and multiple options for customization. This flexibility can be appealing to users who want to tailor their firearms to their preferences. Keep in mind that personal ergonomics play a significant role in firearm comfort.
Caliber and Magazines
VSKA
The VSKA, by Century Arms, chambers the 7.62x39mm cartridge. This caliber is one of the most common choices for AK-47-style rifles worldwide.
Known for its reliability and power, the 7.62x39mm round is capable of delivering significant stopping power and penetration, making it suitable for various purposes, including self-defense and hunting.
The rifle comes with a standard 30-round capacity magazine.
WASR
Like the VSKA, the WASR also uses the 7.62x39mm cartridge. This shared caliber means that both rifles are capable of firing the same ammunition.
In terms of caliber and ammunition, the VSKA and WASR AK-47 rifles are essentially identical.
Like the VSKA, WASR comes with a standard 30-round capacity magazine.
Ease of Reload and Safety
In terms of ease of loading, the VSKA and WASR AK-47 rifles offer virtually identical processes, owing to their shared AK-47 platform design. Both rifles utilize detachable box magazines, making magazine insertion easy and straightforward.
Additionally, both rifles feature a safety lever on the right side of the receiver, ensuring safe handling before firing.
Overall, the loading procedures for the VSKA and WASR are user-friendly and familiar to those accustomed to the AK-47 platform, making the choice between them in this regard a matter of personal preference.
Price and Value for Money
You can get your VSKA rifle in the price range of $600-$700. The price tag depends on the model you choose and where you buy it from. You can click here to check its updated price and buy from Guns.com.
Similarly, the price for the lower end model, the WASR-M, is $600-$700 for WASR. However, if you want an apple to apple comparison, you need to select the WASR chambered in 7.62x39mm.
This version should cost you around $1000, which is significantly higher. However, it is pertinent to mention that the top end versions of both rifles cost nearly $1000.
Therefore, from a price perspective alone, they offer comparable value for money. If you are specifically looking for 7.62 mm rifles, the VSKA is definitely cheaper, but not necessarily the better choice as I discuss in the next section.
Conclusion
Both the VSKA and WASR rifles have their respective merits and drawbacks. The WASR offers a more solid build quality and durability but may come at a higher price point.
On the other hand, the VSKA is known for its affordability and availability but may have some quality compromises.
When deciding between these two rifles, it ultimately boils down to your specific needs and preferences. If budget is a significant factor, the VSKA may be the only choice. I would go for the WASR, though.
If you too prioritize a more robust build and are willing to invest a bit more, the WASR should be the rifle for you. You can check out all the new and used options available at Guns.com by clicking here, since they might not always be available easily.
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