Century Arms VSKA 7.62 X 39 16.5″ Barrel 10-Rounds CA Compliant

You’re looking at a modern American AK. Not a parts kit rebuild, not a questionable import, but a rifle built from the ground up with domestic materials and manufacturing to meet a specific, demanding standard. The Century Arms VSKA in 7.62×39 represents a deliberate pivot in the AK market, addressing the historical weak points of the platform with upgraded metallurgy and construction. It’s a rifle designed for the shooter who understands the AK’s appeal but demands the accountability and quality control that comes with stateside production.

Miamishooterssupply is a Boise, ID-based retailer specializing in firearms, parts, and accessories for the DIY enthusiast and serious shooter. The Century Arms VSKA 7.62×39 is a U.S.-made AK-pattern rifle featuring a 16.5″ chrome-moly barrel and a 10-round CA-compliant configuration. Its core strength lies in the use of forged and billet American steel in critical components. This rifle is in stock and ready to ship today for $744.29.

What the Century Arms VSKA 7.62×39 Actually Is

Let’s cut through the noise. The VSKA is Century’s answer to the longevity concerns that have plagued some American AK builds. From an armorer’s perspective, the focus is on the trunnion and bolt carrier—the heart of the rifle’s locking system. Century moved away from cast parts here, using CNC-machined 4140 steel for the front trunnion and a billet 4140 steel bolt carrier. This isn’t a cosmetic upgrade; it’s a fundamental change to handle the sustained stress of the 7.62×39 cartridge. The 16.5″ barrel is a chrome-moly 4150 steel, button-rifled and nitride-treated, which provides a solid balance of accuracy potential and corrosion resistance. The RAK-1 trigger group is a notable step up from a standard mil-spec AK trigger, offering a cleaner break and shorter reset that benefits both rapid fire and precision shooting.

Key Features & Build Quality

The construction method tells the story. The receiver is a 1.0mm thick U.S.-made stamping, heat-treated to a proper Rockwell hardness. I’ve handled rifles where the receiver was too soft, leading to peening and headspace issues over time; the VSKA’s specs aim to prevent that. The front trunnion is riveted using a tooling system designed for consistent, high-pressure rivet setting, which is critical for long-term headspace stability. The furniture is standard U.S.-made polymer, which is durable and functional, though it leaves room for personalization—a feature many AK enthusiasts appreciate.

From a compliance standpoint, the 10-round magazine is pinned to meet California regulations, and the rifle lacks features like a pistol grip or flash hider that would define it as an “assault weapon” under that state’s laws. It’s a configuration built for a specific legal environment, yet the core rifle retains its functional integrity. The finish is a durable black oxide, typical for the price point, that does the job of protecting the metal components.

Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment

✅ Pros:

• Forged Critical Components: The use of 4140 steel for the front trunnion and bolt carrier directly addresses the most common failure points in budget AK platforms.
• Domestic Manufacturing & Support: Being U.S.-made simplifies warranty work and parts sourcing. You’re not dealing with an overseas factory.
• Enhanced Trigger: The RAK-1 trigger group is a genuine performance upgrade over a standard AK trigger, improving controllability.
• CA-Compliant Configuration: Ships ready for California purchasers, eliminating the need for post-purchase modification.
• Solid Barrel: The 4150 chrome-moly, nitride-treated barrel should provide good service life and consistent accuracy.

❌ Cons:

• Weight: The use of heavier domestic steels makes it a bit heavier than some imported counterparts. If ultralight handling is your priority, this isn’t it.
• Basic Furniture: The stock and handguard are functional but plain. Plan on an upgrade if you want enhanced ergonomics or mounting options. See our AK Parts & Accessories for alternatives.
• Market Perception: Century’s past with some AK builds creates skepticism. The VSKA series is their engineered response, but that history is a factor for some buyers.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Rifle

Buy the Century Arms VSKA 7.62×39 if: You’re a shooter in a restrictive state like California who needs a compliant, reliable rifle out of the box. You’re an AK enthusiast who values U.S. manufacturing and the accountability that comes with it. You’re a tinkerer who sees the solid forged core as a great platform for future customization. You want a durable, straightforward rifle for range use and training without the premium price of a top-tier import.

Skip the Century Arms VSKA 7.62×39 if: Your primary goal is the absolute lowest price point, and you’re willing to accept the potential trade-offs of an ultra-budget import. You require a rifle with modern M-LOK or Picatinny furniture installed from the factory. You are specifically seeking a collector-grade or military-surplus AK. For those seeking a different direction, browse our selection of Modern Sporting Rifles or complete Rifles.

Century Arms VSKA 7.62×39 Specifications

How It Stacks Up: VSKA vs. The Competition

Feature	Century Arms VSKA	Budget Import AK (e.g., Pioneer)	Premium U.S. AK (e.g., PSAK-47 GF3)
Material (Trunnion)	4140 CNC Machined Steel	Cast or Forged (Varies)	Forged 4140 or 4340 Steel
Quality Control	U.S. Factory, Addressed Historical Issues	Overseas, Can Be Inconsistent	High, with Extensive Testing
Compatibility	Standard AKM Pattern	Often AKM Pattern	AKM Pattern
Shipping/Compliance	CA-Compliant, Ships to CA	May Require Compliance Work	May Require Compliance Work
Lifespan/Durability	Built for Improved Longevity	Potential for Early Wear	Built for Maximum Durability
Price Point	Mid-Range ($744.29)	Lowest ($600 – $700)	Higher ($900 – $1100+)

Frequently Asked Questions

Price: $826.99 $744.29

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