Draco Pistol
The Draco is a series of Romanian-designed gas-operated semi-automatic pistols sold by Century International Arms.
Origin
[edit]Most Draco models available are built in Romania by Cugir Arms Factory and imported to the United States. Century Arms produces its own US-built variant using fully American components.[1]
Design
[edit]The Draco is chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge with its design taken heavily after the AK-47. Although mechanically a rifle, its stockless configuration allows it to be legally sold as a pistol, while holding a magazine of 30 rounds chambered in an intermediate rifle cartridge. 9x19mm variants are also available.[2]
The weapon has been noted by some for inaccuracy and an apparent lack of practical application,[3][4][5] though to some extent this could be explained by the large potential for operator error due to high recoil of a 6-inch barrel firing a rifle round without a stock.[6]
Variants
[edit]- Draco - original version with 12.25" barrel and standard AK sights[7]
- VSKA Draco Pistol - US made variant of the original. [7]
- Mini Draco - 7.75" barrel, standard AK sights.[7]
- Draco Tactical - 7.5" barrel, with linear compensator, Strike Industries bi-Folding pistol brace, US Palm free-floating M-LOK handguard and rail system with picatinny rail integrated rear sight. Also sold in a version with no brace included. [7]
- Micro Draco - 6.25" barrel, non-standard sights (non-adjustable rear sight, and adjustable front sight post). [7]
- Draco 9S - 9x19mm pistol-caliber carbine variant using Scorpion magazines, 11.14" barrel, blowback action, hinged dust cover and rail system[2]
- Draco NAK9 - 9x19mm pistol-caliber carbine variant using Glock magazines, 11.14" barrel, blowback action, hinged dust cover and rail system[8]
Presence in the United States
[edit] |
The Draco is referenced or shown in several American rap songs and music videos. The online firearm retailer Gunsamerica discovered a direct correlation between Draco sales and its appearance in American rap songs in 2016 and 2017.
The Draco has been criticized by Detroit law enforcement officials. Detroit police chief James White has stated that he considers the Draco pistol an "assault rifle" and that it should not be sold in the city. The Detroit Police seized around 50 Draco Pistols in 2021-2022.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "The Century Arms Draco". Faktory 47. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
- ^ a b "Century Arms DRACO 9S". www.centuryarms.com. Retrieved 2025-07-01.
- ^ Pike, Travis (2022-09-27). "Century Arms Draco Review: OG AK Pistol". Pew Pew Tactical. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
- ^ Dumbest Gun I’ve Ever Bought #shorts, retrieved 2023-08-18
- ^ Manning, Robb (2022-05-06). "Mini Draco Review: The Romanian Candle". Gun Digest. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
- ^ Micro Draco AK accuracy test, retrieved 2023-08-18
- ^ a b c d e "Century Arms DRACO Series". www.centuryarms.com. Retrieved 2025-07-01.
- ^ "Century Arms NAK9". www.centuryarms.com. Retrieved 2025-07-01.