Century Arms WASR-10 Review

As AK-47 serves as an icon of reliability, durability, and simplicity. Its variants are employed by military and civilians shooters across the world; in the united states the century arms WASR-10 is among the most common AK-47 variants. This thorough review goes into the Century Arms WASR-10, focusing on its background, features, performance, and worth to shooters.

History and Background

WASR-10 is a Romanian variant of the AK-47 rifle produced by Cugir Arms Factory and imported in the U.S. by Century International Arms. The cartridge was first designed to cater to the needs of the civilian market in the U.S., and as an affordable yet dependable alternative for AK-47 enthusiasts. The WASR-10 is based on the Pistol Mitralieră model 1963/1965 of the Romanian military, a copy of the AKM.

Features

Performance

The WASR-10 is celebrated for its robustness and reliability. It can operate in diverse environmental conditions, from deserts to snow-covered landscapes, without significant performance degradation. The rifle’s accuracy is respectable for its design, with most shooters achieving effective groupings at ranges up to 300 yards. The trigger pull is relatively heavy compared to more modern rifles, a characteristic trait of AK-47 variants, but it can be improved with aftermarket modifications.

Century Arms WASR-10 Essential Maintenance

Proper care of your Century Arms WASR-10 will help provide it with its legendary reliability and lifespan. This rifle, with its reputation for strength and toughness, still needs routine maintenance to operate at top efficiency. This is a simple human-readable maintenance guide to the vital procedures that need to be performed on a WASR-10 in order to restore it to mint condition.

1. Initial Inspection: Before getting into maintenance, make sure your rifle is empty. Take out the magazine, retract the charging handle, and ensure that the chamber is empty. Safety must always be your top priority.

2. Cleaning the Barrel: The barrel is among the most important parts of your WASR-10. Apply bore brush and cleaning rod with solvent to clean the inside of the barrel. Run a clean patch through the barrel to eliminate any loose residue till the patch comes out clean. For a more thorough cleaning, try soaking a bore snake in solvent and then running dry passes until it’s clean.

3. Lubricating the Action: Your WASR-10 action comprising the bolt, bolt carrier, and gas piston needs to be lubricated frequently to function properly. Following cleaning, apply a thin film of firearm oil to these parts. Use sparingly; too much oil attracts dirt and grime which might result in malfunctions.

4. Cleaning the Gas Tube: The gas tube is an integral part of the semi-automatic action of the rifle, guiding gas from the fired cartridge to cycle the action. In order to remove the gas tube, push the lever on the right side of the rifle and rotate it upwards.

5. Inspecting and Cleaning the Receiver: The receiver will build up dirt and debris, thereby affecting the rifle’s performance. Clean the inner surface of the receiver with a rag soaked in solvent, making sure to concentrate on the rails where the bolt carrier travels. Inspect for any wear and tear, which might interfere with the operation.

6. Checking the Furniture: Your WASR-10 wooden or polymer furniture can also require some attention. Linseed oil or any other suitable wood conditioner can be used occasionally to treat wooden stocks and grips. In regards to polymer furniture, a damp cloth should just be enough to keep the furniture clean.

7. Magazine Maintenance: Magazines should not be neglected as they are very essential for accurate feeding. Disassemble the magazines and clean the insides. Pay attention to the springs and followers for signs of wear. Magazine malfunctioning can lead to several problems; therefore, always maintain them in a good state.

8. Final Assembly and Function Check: Clean and lubricate your rifle before re assembly and the function check. Make sure the safety works properly, the trigger resets well, and the action cycles well. This check is essential to ensure that your WASR-10 is indeed safe to be fired.

9. Storage: Keep your WASR-10 in a place where it is not humid so that it does not catch rust. You could instead use a silicone-treated gun sock or have a dehumidifier in your safe to prevent dampness.

Routine Maintenance Tips:

• After every use make sure you clean your rifle to avoid residues.
• Inspect your rifle regularly for wear and tear.
• Lubrication and keeping your rifle dry will prevent corrosion and ensure proper functioning.

Additional Tips

Caring for your Century Arms WASR-10 goes beyond just regular cleaning and maintenance. Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of your rifle, ensuring it stays reliable and performs well for years to come. These suggestions come from a blend of personal experience, community wisdom, and a bit of common sense that any firearm enthusiast would appreciate.

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Manual: It might sound basic, but thoroughly reading it is invaluable. Manufacturers often provide specific maintenance tips, recommended lubricants, and operational advice for keeping your rifle in prime condition.

2. Use Quality Ammunition: The WASR-10 is known for its robustness, and capability of firing a wide range of ammunition. However, consistently using high-quality ammo can enhance performance and reduce wear on the rifle. Cheaper, dirtier rounds might save money in the short term but can lead to increased cleaning needs and potential reliability issues.

3. Upgrade Sensibly: The aftermarket for AK-47 variants is vast, offering numerous upgrades and accessories. When customizing your WASR-10, prioritize upgrades that improve functionality and reliability, such as enhanced triggers, recoil management systems, or ergonomic grips. Always ensure that modifications do not compromise the rifle’s safety or legal status.

4. Practice Proper Shooting Techniques: Improving your shooting technique can also protect your rifle. For example, learning to manage recoil properly can minimize unnecessary stress on the rifle’s components. Additionally, proper handling and operation can prevent malfunctions and wear.

5. Monitor and Replace Wear Parts: Parts like the recoil spring, extractor, and firing pin can wear out over time. Regularly check these components for signs of wear or damage, and replace them as needed to keep your WASR-10 running smoothly. Keeping spare parts on hand can be a wise decision for quick replacements.

6. Invest in a Good Case: Transporting your rifle in a high-quality, protective case can prevent damage and wear from bumps and scrapes. A good case will also keep your rifle clean during transportation and storage, protecting it from dust and moisture.

7. Engage with the Community: The AK-47 enthusiast community is vast and knowledgeable. Forums, social media groups, and local shooting clubs can be great resources for advice, troubleshooting tips, and recommendations on accessories and modifications specifically suited for the WASR-10.

8. Regularly Check for Updates: Manufacturers sometimes release updates or recalls for their firearms. Regularly check the Century Arms website or contact their customer service to ensure your WASR-10 is up to date and to address any potential safety concerns promptly.

9. Consider Professional Training: Professional training can not only improve your shooting skills but also teach you advanced maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. Knowledgeable instructors can offer insights specific to the AK-47 platform that you might not find in manuals or online.

10. Be Mindful of Legal Requirements: Always be aware of local, state, and federal laws regarding firearm modifications and usage. What might be a simple upgrade could inadvertently alter the legal status of your rifle. When in doubt, consult a legal professional or local law enforcement agency.

Century Arms WASR-10 Performance Evaluation: My Expert Ratings and Insights

Aspect	Review Summary	Score
Accuracy	The Century Arms WASR-10 delivers commendable accuracy for an AK-47 variant, performing well within its design expectations at medium ranges. While not a precision rifle, it’s reliable for typical engagements up to 300 yards.	7/10
Reliability	Upholding the AK-47’s storied reliability, the WASR-10 shines in its ability to function in diverse conditions without fail. Its robust construction ensures dependable performance, making it a go-to rifle for many enthusiasts.	9/10
Customization	One of the WASR-10’s strong suits is its adaptability to customization. The vast market for AK-47 parts and accessories means owners can easily modify their rifles to fit personal preferences, from tactical setups to traditional looks.	8/10
Ergonomics	The WASR-10’s ergonomics are reflective of the traditional AK-47 design, which can be a mixed bag for some shooters. While functional, the stock and grip may not offer the comfort found in more modern rifle designs without modification.	6/10
Value	Offering a solid balance between price and performance, the WASR-10 provides a reliable entry point into the AK-47 world. Its durability and capability, combined with affordability, present a high-value proposition for shooters.	8/10
Overall	The Century Arms WASR-10 is a resilient and versatile rifle that stands as a testament to the enduring design of the AK-47. It balances accuracy, reliability, customization potential, and value, making it a favored choice among many.	7.6/10

Conclusion

The Century Arms WASR-10 is the quintessence of the AK-47’s heritage, providing a mixture of reliability, sturdiness, and simplicity that has made the AK-47 series a favorite among both military and civilian shooters alike. Having been born in the Romanian military and having an eye for the civilian market in the U.S. the WASR-10 has managed to make a name for itself as a cheap but reliable choice for AK-47 fans. Its specifications and features are suggestive of a gun that is flexible in its application and is tailored to the needs of its user, be that hunting, target shooting, or self-defense. Although it may have some limitations in the finish, fit, and inherent accuracy, when matched to other modern rifles, its reliability, customizability, and general value, are unquestionable. The WASR-10 is more than a rifle, it is a proof of a design philosophy that emphasizes functionality, affordability, and durability.

FAQs

1. What caliber does the WASR-10 fire?
   The WASR-10 is chambered in 7.62x39mm.
2. Can I customize my WASR-10?
   Yes, the WASR-10 is highly customizable with a vast market of aftermarket parts and accessories.
3. Is the WASR-10 reliable?
   Absolutely. It maintains the AK-47’s legendary reliability, performing well in various conditions.
4. What is the magazine capacity of the WASR-10?
   It typically comes with a 30-round standard magazine but is compatible with various aftermarket options for different capacities.
5. How accurate is the WASR-10?
   It offers commendable accuracy for an AK-47 variant, suitable for engagements up to 300 yards.
6. Does the WASR-10 have a safety feature?
   Yes, it features a lever-type safety selector on the right side of the receiver.
7. What type of stock does the WASR-10 have?
   It comes with either a wooden or polymer stock, depending on the model.
8. Can the WASR-10 use AKM/AK-47 magazines?
   Yes, it is compatible with a wide range of AKM/AK-47 magazines.
9. What is the barrel length of the WASR-10?
   The barrel length is 16.25 inches.
10. Is the WASR-10 a good value?
    Given its performance, reliability, and customizability, the WASR-10 is considered a high-value proposition for shooters looking for an affordable entry into the AK-47 platform.