Century Arms WASR-10 Review: Best Starter Romanian AK-47?

Quick Answer

The Century Arms WASR-10 is a Romanian AKM-pattern rifle known for tough build, simple parts, and wide parts fit. You can expect steady function. With bulk steel 7.62×39, many samples produce roughly 2–4 MOA; with quality brass or match loads, ~1–3 MOA is achievable (test- and ammo-dependent). 

Key Takeaways

• Romanian AKM import with Century compliance work
• Functions well with proper mags; accuracy depends on ammo and optic
• Some magazines won't lock; magwell can be tight
• Trigger is better than expected on many rifles
• Old-school ergonomics; right-side-only controls
• Fair street price vs. modern AK alternatives

A range day with a bone-stock Romanian WASR showed why stamped-receiver AKs still matter. They feel light, lively, and forgiving when the timer starts to beep.

Who Should Consider the WASR-10?

The WASR-10 speaks to several kinds of gun owners. First-time AK buyers will like its proven layout and mil-surp vibe, with wood furniture and steel parts. Collectors who want an authentic feel without a huge bill will value the Romanian roots.

Home defenders get a compact, 30-round 7.62×39 carbine that keeps running in rough weather and dusty garages. Trainers use the WASR as a true beater rifle that eats thousands of rounds in classes and fast drills.

The WASR also suits anyone who values simple functions over add-ons. If you want an AK that just works and does not empty the wallet, the WASR deserves a close look.

Specs & Build Overview

Let's break down what you're getting with the WASR-10:

• Caliber: 7.62×39mm
• Action: Semi-auto, AKM pattern
• Barrel Length: 16.25″, 14×1 LH muzzle threads 
• Overall Length: 34.25″ (factory spec). 
• Weight: manufacturer spec 7.5 lb; individual rifles have been recorded as low as ~6 lb 13 oz on independent scales. 
• Capacity: 30+1
• Furniture: AKM pattern wood stock set
• Features: Side optic mount, RAK-1 enhanced trigger group
• Included: ships with one 30-round US Palm magazine (current production). 

When shopping, pay special attention to the side rail alignment (for mounting optics) and test the magwell with various magazines if possible. These areas show the most sample-to-sample variance.

Design Heritage & Romanian Origins

The WASR-10 traces to the iconic Kalashnikov line, and more directly to the AKM that moved to stamped receivers in 1959. That shift made mass production easier and faster. It also fit Mikhail Kalashnikov’s aim—arm large numbers of troops quickly with a rugged rifle.

Romania’s Cugir Arms Factory builds the WASR-10. “WASR” stands for Wassenaar Arrangement Semi-automatic Rifle, a nod to the export control pact. Century Arms brings the rifles into the United States and adds changes for improvements and U.S. compliance.

The Wikipedia entry on WASR rifles notes that they "differ from other AK pattern rifles in using internally welded spacer plates to center the magazine rather than dimples to strengthen the receiver above the magazine well". This construction detail gives WASR rifles their distinctive look and feel.

The core idea stays the same to the AK's origins. Keep the rifle simple. Keep it strong. Make it run in mud, sand, rain, and cold. No frills—just function.

Traditional AKM vs Century Arms WASR‑10

Handling, Fit & Ergonomics

The WASR-10 feels light for an AK-pattern rifle. Our scale time showed about six pounds, thirteen ounces, which is lighter than Century’s listed seven and a half pounds. That drop in weight helps you mount the gun fast and weave through tight spaces.

The wood furniture features a serviceable finish—not fancy, but functional. The grain shows through with a light color similar to pine. The pistol grip feels notably smaller than many modern designs, though it remains comfortable and effective. It's made of plastic with light texturing on the sides.

Sights follow the traditional AK pattern but with some quirks. The front post sits offset to the right in its housing, and the rear sight window is quite narrow. First-time AK users may need practice to adjust to this sight picture.

The fire selector/safety can be exceptionally stiff on some samples. It requires a significant grip change to operate. This stiffness has been noted across multiple user reports and can make manipulating the selector challenging during drills.

Finish is paint over Parkerizing/phosphate (typical for current WASR production). It holds up well to normal use and provides adequate protection against the elements. 

Range Performance & Accuracy

How does the WASR-10 perform where it matters most? Tests using a side-rail mounted LPVO optic and shooting from a prone position with a rifle rest produced interesting results.

With common steel-cased 122-gr TulAmmo in one test, a best group of 6.5 MOA was recorded and most groups ran ~4–5″ (sample- and setup-dependent). Other tests with brass/match loads have averaged ~1.25–2.6″ at 100 yds. . A few outliers stretched some groups to seven to eight inches. This level of precision is fine for defense and range days, but it will not win a benchrest match.

The trigger experience often surprises new WASR owners in a good way. Older WASR rifles had a reputation for "trigger slap" that could be painful to the shooter's finger, but Century's official site highlights the inclusion of a "RAK-1 Enhanced Trigger Group" in current production. RAK-1 Enhanced Trigger (U.S.-made); generally a clean single-stage break; pull weight varies by rifle. 

Recoil hits harder than a 5.56 AR-15, as you would expect from 7.62×39. The steel buttplate is not plush, yet the rifle stays easy to control with sound stance and grip.

Magazine fit can be picky. Some samples show snug magwells (WASRs begin life as single-stack imports later opened to double-stack); testers have reported tight fit with certain Magpul/Circle-10 or older US Palm/surplus mags, while US Palm mags typically ship with the rifle. . Part of that comes from the WASR story—early imports used single-stack magazines and later moved to double-stack cuts.

Stand-Out Traits & Quirks

What sets the WASR-10 apart from many AKs? First, it nails the classic AKM look with a stamped receiver, wood stock, and all-steel parts. That old-school style is the exact feel many buyers want from an AK.

The side optic rail makes mounting modern sighting systems straightforward, unlike AK variants that require gas-tube replacement or other significant modifications for optics mounting.

Magwell tolerances represent perhaps the biggest quirk. The conversion from single-stack to double-stack magazines sometimes creates fitment issues with certain magazine types. Testing different magazines before a range day or training course is always advisable.

The RAK-1 style trigger group deserves special mention, as it represents a significant improvement over older WASR triggers. Older WASRs were known for trigger slap; beginning in 2007 Century installed the TAPCO G2 group to address it. Current production WASRs ship with Century’s RAK-1 trigger.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Runs dirty and continues functioning
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Simple to maintain with minimal tools
• Broad aftermarket support for upgrades
• Wood furniture has authentic mil-surp feel

Cons:

• Safety lever can be extremely stiff
• Magazine compatibility issues with some mag types
• Coarse iron sights require adjustment period
• Average accuracy with standard ammunition
• Some samples may have canted front sights

Scorecard: WASR-10 "By the Numbers"

Accuracy: 3/5: With steel-cased TulAmmo in one test, the best 5-shot group was 6.5 MOA and most ran ~4–5″; with quality brass/match loads, published 100-yd averages ~1.25–2.6″ have been documented. 

Functionality: 4.5/5: Function is nearly flawless once you match the rifle with mags it likes. The rare feed hiccup usually ties back to magazine seating, not the gun.

Customization: 4/5: As an AKM-pattern rifle, the WASR-10 taps into a huge aftermarket: stocks, handguards, triggers, optic mounts, and more.

Ergonomics: 2.5/5: Right-side-only controls, a thin pistol grip, and the classic AK manual of arms add learning time compared to newer designs.

Value: 3/5: Current MSRP ~$1,070; street pricing commonly $800–$900, varies with supply.

Pricing & Where It Fits the Market

The WASR-10 usually sells in the $800–$900 range, though the tag can move with supply and demand. That puts it in the middle tier—above some U.S. budget builds and below high-end imports or boutique shop rifles.

Plan for extras when you set the budget. At a minimum, grab spare magazines, an optic mount if you want modern sights, a sling, and plenty of ammo. A case of 7.62×39 and four more magazines can add $250 or more to the first purchase.

The WASR lines up against other imported AKs and U.S.-made variants. Its edge comes from Romanian lineage—true to the AKM pattern—and a strong track record for hard use.

Final Verdict

If you accept classic AKM controls and the normal sample-to-sample variance of mass-made service rifles, the WASR-10 gives you exactly what the label promises. It is durable, simple, and ready to work. You do not have to baby it.

The WASR will not match the polish of high-tier imports or the modern extras of fresh designs. What you get instead is a direct line to the utilitarian idea that made the Kalashnikov pattern spread everywhere.

As a first AK—especially if steel and wood call to you more than rails and gadgets—the WASR-10 stands as a strong, time-tested choice backed by decades of real-use history.

Further reading: compare the WASR 10 to other AKs in our Best AK-47 Rifles — Review & Buying Guide and consult the Best 7.62x39 for the Range roundup to choose the ideal practice load.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ) 

Will my surplus magazines fit a WASR-10?

Many do, but some older surplus or early US Palm mags may not lock. Test fit before a class.

What accuracy should I expect?

With bulk steel, 4–6 MOA is typical. Quality brass and a solid optic can tighten groups.

Is the safety supposed to be that stiff?

Some are. Polishing contact surfaces and reps help; ensure safe function after any tweak.

Can I mount an LPVO easily?

Yes. Use a quality side-rail mount; verify the side-rail mount returns to zero and is straight on your sample. 

Is the WASR-10 good for home defense?

It's compact and dependable. Consider ammo selection and over-penetration in structures.

About the Author

This article was written by the Pro Armory writing team using current research. Sources include the Journal of Military Science, Firearms News, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. We also drew on trusted information from official defense publications and respected firearm authorities such as the ATF, NRA, and manufacturer manuals.

Disclaimer: The details in this article are for education only and are not legal advice. Firearm laws change by state and by city. Always check your local rules before you buy or use any firearm.