WASR-series rifles
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2009) |
The Wassenaar Arrangement Semiautomatic Rifles (more commonly referred to as the WASR series rifles) are export-oriented, semi-automatic versions of the Pistol Mitralieră model 1963/1965 (PM md. 63), itself the Romanian variant of the Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizirovanniy (AKM) series of Kalashnikov rifles originally manufactured in Russia. The WASR series rifles take their name from the 1996 Wassenaar Arrangement, a multilateral export control regime (MECR), the purpose of which is to monitor and limit the proliferation of certain conventional weapons and dual-use technologies.
The WASR series rifles use a Romanian made receiver, but lack the dimple above the magazine well seen in the SAR series of Romanian AKM rifles. The equivalents with Russian models are:
Construction
WASR series rifles are manufactured with stamped sheet metal receivers that were originally intended for single-stack magazines. Featuring hard chrome-lined barrels, side-mount scope rail and wooden stocks, WASR series rifles are commonly imported to the United States by Century International Arms.
At the Century International Arms factory, the rifles are modified to conform with certain Unites States firearms regulations — in particular Title 18, Chapter 44, Section 922(r) of the United States Code, which deals with unlawful acts related to firearms. For example, the magazine wells are typically widened to accept double-stack column box magazines. Other common modifications include installation of upgraded gas pistons, fire control groups (i.e. trigger), pistol grips, and plastic folding or collapsible stocks manufactured by TAPCO of Georgia.
Older WASR series rifles commonly caused trigger slap, which is caused by the bolt slamming backward into the trigger assembly and causing significant pain to the shooter's trigger finger.[1] Begiinning in 2007, Century International Arms has installed the TAPCO Intrafuse AK G2 trigger group, virtually eliminating the trigger slap problem. Rifles with this trigger group will have "TAPCO USA G2" stamped on the left side of the trigger. Some of these rifles may exhibit canted front sight blocks and gas tubes.[2]
WASR series rifles are inexpensive and easily customized, with hundreds of aftermarket stocks, muzzle brakes, flash suppressors, telescopic sights, and other accessories available.
WASR-10 and variants
The WASR-10 is a post-ban version of the AKM rifle in 7.62x39mm caliber. Factory-original rifles only support single-stack, low-capacity magazines (ten rounds), but are frequently modified by Century Arms to accept double-stack, regular-capacity magazines (thirty rounds or more). Pistol grip and thumbhole stocks are both commonly found.
GP WASR-10
After the sunset of the assault weapons ban, importers were able to legally equip WASR-10s with compensators, bayonet lugs, and folding stocks, thus making the GP WASR-10 (with GP standing for general purpose). The machining burrs on the magazine well cause some magazines to fit tightly if the burrs are not removed. This can easily be accomplished with any standard dremel tool. Some advantages of this rifle are the reliability and availability of aftermarket parts.[3]
GP WASR-10/63 (Pistol Mitralieră 63)
The 2007 GP WASR-10/63 has an updated front trunnion with added contact support for the bolt carrier.
A WASR-10/63 with an under-folding stock was introduced into the product line in 2007.
As of 2008, there are GP WASR-10/63 rifles which are being made from demilled military rifles. Look for a triangle with arrow (some only have a triangle) on the front trunnion. Quality is much better with these. [citation needed].
WASR-22
The WASR-22 fires the .22 long rifle cartridge. They are designed as trainers or starter AKs. They usually ship with two 10-round magazines. There are reports of jams caused by the smaller shell casing lodging in the receiver cover and blocking the action. Most people switch the top cover with a military one or adjust the extractor spring tension under the bolt assembly.
WASR-2
The WASR-2 is essentially a WASR-10 chambered in 5.45x39, and usually does not come with any accessories (muzzle brake, bayonet), especially if it is ordered straight from Century Arms.[4]
Because it is not chambered in 7.62x39, the WASR 2 is legal in Connecticut despite the state's Assault Weapons Ban. Despite this, most dealers do not sell the WASR-2 [citation needed].
WASR-3
This commercial export version of the WASR is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO (which can also safely fire the .223 Remington round). It usually comes in the same configuration as the WASR-2. These have known problems with jamming or failure to feed. This may be due to low quality magazines, or their followers. People have used Weiger mags with some success. Some switch the follower of the Romanian magazines with one from Robinson arms.[5]