Compact AK-style pistols – practical option?

JJMarsh · June 11, 2025, 02:47 AM

There's been a noticeable increase in interest around compact AK-style pistols in recent years. Their short overall length and familiar platform make them stand out, but opinions seem pretty divided on their real-world value.

Some people view them as mostly recreational or range-use firearms, while others argue they serve a more practical purpose in specific setups. Fit and finish, reliability, and handling characteristics also seem to vary widely across different manufacturers.

I thought it might be worth gathering general impressions — whether you've owned one, shot one, or just considered it. What role do you think these compact AKs realistically fill, and have they proven themselves useful beyond just looking cool?

Shadow9mm · June 11, 2025, 09:00 AM

I have not seen any "increase in interest" in ak pistols. What are you basing this on?

What role do they Realistically fill? Range toy imho. They fill the same roll as a SMG. Good for cqb, good inside vehicles. Downside is lost velocity, compared to a 16in, about 300-400fps. And muzzle blast makes them a poor choice indoors or inside a vehicle imho. Much better off with a pcc.

If your dead set on an ak "pistol" i would look into the palmetto 9mm ak-v pistols. https://palmettostatearmory.com/ak-v.html

JJMarsh · June 11, 2025, 10:17 AM

Appreciate the input, Shadow9mm — solid points about velocity drop and muzzle blast.

I’ve been looking into a few options and the Century Arms VSKA Micro Draco caught my eye. It’s super compact with that 6.25" barrel and seems built tough.
Anyone here had hands-on experience with it? Curious how it holds up in terms of reliability and accuracy in a real-world scenario.

MC 1911 · June 11, 2025, 11:36 AM

I would skip the Draco & go with the Zastava M92.You're not shooting these at
200-300 yards although you can & they are pretty accurate. I've had one over 10 years & have never had a problem with it.

Muzzle blast isn't any worse than my SBR so neither of the above is an issue for me. That said they are a fun range toy but probably wouldn't be your 1st choice after the new wears off. I did SBR it with a uf on it but braces are available & make them more fun to shoot.

dogtown tom · June 11, 2025, 09:04 PM

Quote:

JJMarsh There's been a noticeable increase in interest around compact AK-style pistols in recent years.

Only if "recent" was ten years ago.

I don't think Ive transferred an AK pistol in months. I think maybe 3-5 all last year.

Now, 2012? Heck yeah.

Mike38 · June 11, 2025, 09:16 PM

You're asking for opinions, right? Well here's mine. The AK pistols as well as the AR pistols are made for people with more money than brains. People that like to make noise while tossing money into a fire pit. They are heavy. They are not accurate. They are not concealable. They are not holsterable. (Is holsterable even a word?) They are not practical in any way shape or form. If I found myself in a real world defensive fire fight, I would rather have a 15+ round defensive pistol such as a Beretta 92FS or a Glock 19 than an AK or AR pistol. Heck, I'll take a 6 round S&W revolver.

veprdude · June 11, 2025, 09:37 PM

I have a M92PV and a Draco. The M92PV has been 100% reliable. No issues other than a canted front sight. The Draco has been a nightmare. Out of spec bolt and/or carrier. I've been filing and sanding the high spots and it's better, but still jams on occasion where the bolt gets stuck in the carrier and I have to slap the charging handle forward into battery.

I also have an AR Pistol.

They are considered pistols so I am able to carry them concealed in a tennis racket bag if needed in Texas. Texas law prohibits concealed carry of a rifle. I usually take the AR pistol when travelling out of town. If needed, I can carry it with me without raising alarm.

bamaranger · June 11, 2025, 10:19 PM

I see them in shooting videos being used by 'bangers & thugs to hose down a victim or vehicle in drive by shootings, no aiming, just spray and pray. I see AR rifles & AK's sans butt stock used the same way. I put Draco's in about the same class as pistol gripped shotguns and mare's leg lever guns.

Pretty much on the same page as Mike38.

noyes · June 12, 2025, 11:18 AM

..

dogtown tom · June 12, 2025, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Mike38 You're asking for opinions, right? Well here's mine. The AK pistols as well as the AR pistols are made for people with more money than brains.

You left out people that understand the benefits of a AR or AK firearm that isn't 26" long.

Quote:

People that like to make noise while tossing money into a fire pit.

Huh? Ammunition costs are identical.

Quote:

They are heavy.

Nonsense.
An AR pistol with an arm brace is significantly lighter than an AR rifle.

Quote:

They are not accurate.

Again, nonsense.
They are just as accurate. Overall length and barrel length do not mean a gun is more accurate.

Quote:

They are not concealable.

Again, nonsense.
I can conceal an AR pistol in a backpack or under a coat.

Quote:

They are not holsterable. (Is holsterable even a word?)

Not every pistol needs a holster.

Quote:

They are not practical in any way shape or form.

You need to get out more.

Quote:

If I found myself in a real world defensive fire fight, I would rather have a 15+ round defensive pistol such as a Beretta 92FS or a Glock 19 than an AK or AR pistol. Heck, I'll take a 6 round S&W revolver.

I'll take an 10.5 " 5.56 AR pistol with folding arm brace, 30 round magazine and Aimpoint over any of those handguns.

bamaranger · Yesterday, 01:25 AM

There is a vast difference between the practicality and useability of a Draco with a "brace" and one without. The brace transforms the clunky unwieldy "pistol" essentially into an SBR, the Draco becomes a semi Krinkov. SBR's are useful compact powerful weapons that exceed the capabilities of typical handguns both in range and power.

The AR, with its buffer tube, is the same story. The weapon can be shouldered and fired accurately to distances well beyond what can be done with a handgun BECAUSE it can be shouldered. And I have little doubt that with an optic and some practice, the Draco/AR pistol can be fired unsupported surprisingly well at pistol distances. But adding an optic only makes the beast more SBR/carbine like and less pistol.

While their are indeed "pocket pistols" that do not necessarily need a holster (though I think some type of pocket sheath is a good idea), you are not going to pocket your AR/Draco pistol. And while you can conceal a great deal under a coat or in a pack, the practicality of such a practice is suspect. If everybody in the locale is wearing shorts and shirtsleeves, you're going to stand out like a sore thumb in a jacket, and be pretty miserable in the process. The same can be said of a pack or gym bag. While the commuter/student backpack has grown in use, it is still not a common item across much of the country . Walk into the diner or pharmacy in our little town with a backpack, or a jacket in July, or a sport coat for that matter, and you will be noticed. A fanny pack/gym bag/backpack on an individual that is clearly not a student, or possesses same in an area where such is not a commonly seen item, tends to stand out as well. Additionally, any type of off body carry has certain disadvantages.

Nobody in their right mind will opt that a Draco/AR is as concealable as a G17. While not technically sound, I'd offer that if you cannot fit your "pistol" into a holster, wear it all day and not be terribly uncomfortable, and have a reasonable degree of concealment if that is a concern as well, you do not have a good defensive pistol and concealment arrangement.

I never saw the specialty hunting pistols like the TC Contender or the XP-100 in the same light as other handguns. Most were best carried on a sling about the neck. Essentially, they were carbines sans buttstock. I tend to view the AR pistol /Draco family the same way.

OK, rant over. I have used an old Elmer Keith quote several times on these forums before, and now seems a good time to use it again. "I'm for anything that burns powder". If you are a fan of the Draco/AR pistol, good on you. You can put it in the safe with your Judge and Mares Leg.

Shoot the snot out of it, tote it about all you want.

Somebody asks me what I think about the breed, I'll offer my comments. Doesn't mean I have to be a fan too.

mehavey · Yesterday, 06:13 AM

When all the dust settles....

Quote:

AK pistols as well as the AR pistols are made for people with more money than brains

^^^ This ^^^

stagpanther · Yesterday, 10:52 AM

Shoot whatever you like...as long as it's legal, that's my opinion. AR/AK pistols are in a grey zone legally-speaking IMO and I decided to disassemble mine and make them into rifles.

Jim Watson · Yesterday, 11:17 AM

I do not recall having seen anybody shoot a "braced pistol" with the back end thing strapped to his arm, held against his bicep, chin, or chest. All I have seen have been used like any other shoulder stock. Are things different there?

I have seen them used as such in competition where they are specifically disallowed. I assume the match clerk either does not know the rule or cares more about the entry fee and head count.

I have not seen anybody shooting an AK or AR actioned "pistol" without back end thing very long before adding a supporting thing.

dogtown tom · Yesterday, 01:57 PM

Quote:

stagpanther Shoot whatever you like...as long as it's legal, that's my opinion. AR/AK pistols are in a grey zone legally-speaking IMO and I decided to disassemble mine and make them into rifles.

Nonsense.

Even ATF never came to such a conclusion, being that AR/AK pistols that meet the definition of "pistol" in federal law are indeed pistols.

That they were indeed pistols was confirmed in their ill fated "arm brace" ruling. A ruling btw, that specifically mentioned arm braces on......pistols.

27 CFR 478.11 “Pistol”

stagpanther · Yesterday, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Nonsense.

No, your interpretation is nonsense. So we're even.

dogtown tom · Yesterday, 05:56 PM

It's not my interpretation, its been federal law since 1968.
Heck, I even gave you the citation from the CFR.

bamaranger · Yesterday, 11:24 PM

One of my favorite films is "Last of the Mohicans" . I enjoyed the movie more than the book. The movie has a scene with point of view that I have adopted in conversations like this one.

Hawkeye (the hero) explains to Alice (the heroine) while discussing the frontier and the people who live there that.... "they will not understand you, and you will not understand them" or words to that effect.

Kind of where we've ended up.

June 11, 2025, 02:47 AM	#1
JJMarsh Junior Member Join Date: June 5, 2025 Posts: 7	Compact AK-style pistols – practical option? There's been a noticeable increase in interest around compact AK-style pistols in recent years. Their short overall length and familiar platform make them stand out, but opinions seem pretty divided on their real-world value. Some people view them as mostly recreational or range-use firearms, while others argue they serve a more practical purpose in specific setups. Fit and finish, reliability, and handling characteristics also seem to vary widely across different manufacturers. I thought it might be worth gathering general impressions — whether you've owned one, shot one, or just considered it. What role do you think these compact AKs realistically fill, and have they proven themselves useful beyond just looking cool?

June 11, 2025, 10:19 PM	#8
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,788	'bangers & thugs I see them in shooting videos being used by 'bangers & thugs to hose down a victim or vehicle in drive by shootings, no aiming, just spray and pray. I see AR rifles & AK's sans butt stock used the same way. I put Draco's in about the same class as pistol gripped shotguns and mare's leg lever guns. Pretty much on the same page as Mike38.

June 12, 2025, 11:18 AM	#9
noyes Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2008 Posts: 1,036	.. Last edited by noyes; Today at 10:33 AM.

Yesterday, 01:25 AM	#11
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,788	comparison/concealment and more There is a vast difference between the practicality and useability of a Draco with a "brace" and one without. The brace transforms the clunky unwieldy "pistol" essentially into an SBR, the Draco becomes a semi Krinkov. SBR's are useful compact powerful weapons that exceed the capabilities of typical handguns both in range and power. The AR, with its buffer tube, is the same story. The weapon can be shouldered and fired accurately to distances well beyond what can be done with a handgun BECAUSE it can be shouldered. And I have little doubt that with an optic and some practice, the Draco/AR pistol can be fired unsupported surprisingly well at pistol distances. But adding an optic only makes the beast more SBR/carbine like and less pistol. While their are indeed "pocket pistols" that do not necessarily need a holster (though I think some type of pocket sheath is a good idea), you are not going to pocket your AR/Draco pistol. And while you can conceal a great deal under a coat or in a pack, the practicality of such a practice is suspect. If everybody in the locale is wearing shorts and shirtsleeves, you're going to stand out like a sore thumb in a jacket, and be pretty miserable in the process. The same can be said of a pack or gym bag. While the commuter/student backpack has grown in use, it is still not a common item across much of the country . Walk into the diner or pharmacy in our little town with a backpack, or a jacket in July, or a sport coat for that matter, and you will be noticed. A fanny pack/gym bag/backpack on an individual that is clearly not a student, or possesses same in an area where such is not a commonly seen item, tends to stand out as well. Additionally, any type of off body carry has certain disadvantages. Nobody in their right mind will opt that a Draco/AR is as concealable as a G17. While not technically sound, I'd offer that if you cannot fit your "pistol" into a holster, wear it all day and not be terribly uncomfortable, and have a reasonable degree of concealment if that is a concern as well, you do not have a good defensive pistol and concealment arrangement. I never saw the specialty hunting pistols like the TC Contender or the XP-100 in the same light as other handguns. Most were best carried on a sling about the neck. Essentially, they were carbines sans buttstock. I tend to view the AR pistol /Draco family the same way. OK, rant over. I have used an old Elmer Keith quote several times on these forums before, and now seems a good time to use it again. "I'm for anything that burns powder". If you are a fan of the Draco/AR pistol, good on you. You can put it in the safe with your Judge and Mares Leg. Shoot the snot out of it, tote it about all you want. Somebody asks me what I think about the breed, I'll offer my comments. Doesn't mean I have to be a fan too.

Yesterday, 10:52 AM	#13
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 12,896	Shoot whatever you like...as long as it's legal, that's my opinion. AR/AK pistols are in a grey zone legally-speaking IMO and I decided to disassemble mine and make them into rifles. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

June 11, 2025, 09:00 AM	#2
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 4,591	I have not seen any "increase in interest" in ak pistols. What are you basing this on? What role do they Realistically fill? Range toy imho. They fill the same roll as a SMG. Good for cqb, good inside vehicles. Downside is lost velocity, compared to a 16in, about 300-400fps. And muzzle blast makes them a poor choice indoors or inside a vehicle imho. Much better off with a pcc. If your dead set on an ak "pistol" i would look into the palmetto 9mm ak-v pistols. https://palmettostatearmory.com/ak-v.html

June 11, 2025, 10:17 AM	#3
JJMarsh Junior Member Join Date: June 5, 2025 Posts: 7	Appreciate the input, Shadow9mm — solid points about velocity drop and muzzle blast. I’ve been looking into a few options and the Century Arms VSKA Micro Draco caught my eye. It’s super compact with that 6.25" barrel and seems built tough. Anyone here had hands-on experience with it? Curious how it holds up in terms of reliability and accuracy in a real-world scenario.

June 11, 2025, 11:36 AM	#4
MC 1911 Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 418	I would skip the Draco & go with the Zastava M92.You're not shooting these at 200-300 yards although you can & they are pretty accurate. I've had one over 10 years & have never had a problem with it. Muzzle blast isn't any worse than my SBR so neither of the above is an issue for me. That said they are a fun range toy but probably wouldn't be your 1st choice after the new wears off. I did SBR it with a uf on it but braces are available & make them more fun to shoot.

June 11, 2025, 09:16 PM	#6
Mike38 Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2009 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 2,757	You're asking for opinions, right? Well here's mine. The AK pistols as well as the AR pistols are made for people with more money than brains. People that like to make noise while tossing money into a fire pit. They are heavy. They are not accurate. They are not concealable. They are not holsterable. (Is holsterable even a word?) They are not practical in any way shape or form. If I found myself in a real world defensive fire fight, I would rather have a 15+ round defensive pistol such as a Beretta 92FS or a Glock 19 than an AK or AR pistol. Heck, I'll take a 6 round S&W revolver.

June 11, 2025, 09:37 PM	#7
veprdude Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 476	I have a M92PV and a Draco. The M92PV has been 100% reliable. No issues other than a canted front sight. The Draco has been a nightmare. Out of spec bolt and/or carrier. I've been filing and sanding the high spots and it's better, but still jams on occasion where the bolt gets stuck in the carrier and I have to slap the charging handle forward into battery. I also have an AR Pistol. They are considered pistols so I am able to carry them concealed in a tennis racket bag if needed in Texas. Texas law prohibits concealed carry of a rifle. I usually take the AR pistol when travelling out of town. If needed, I can carry it with me without raising alarm.

Yesterday, 11:17 AM	#14
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 19,155	I do not recall having seen anybody shoot a "braced pistol" with the back end thing strapped to his arm, held against his bicep, chin, or chest. All I have seen have been used like any other shoulder stock. Are things different there? I have seen them used as such in competition where they are specifically disallowed. I assume the match clerk either does not know the rule or cares more about the entry fee and head count. I have not seen anybody shooting an AK or AR actioned "pistol" without back end thing very long before adding a supporting thing.

Yesterday, 05:56 PM	#17
dogtown tom Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2006 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 3,233	It's not my interpretation, its been federal law since 1968. Heck, I even gave you the citation from the CFR. __________________ Need a FFL in Dallas/Plano/Allen/Frisco/McKinney ? Just EMAIL me. $20 transfers ($10 for CHL, active military,police,fire or schoolteachers) Plano, Texas...........the Gun Nut Capitol of Gun Culture, USA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pELwCqz2JfE

Yesterday, 11:24 PM	#18
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,788	Last of the Mohicans One of my favorite films is "Last of the Mohicans" . I enjoyed the movie more than the book. The movie has a scene with point of view that I have adopted in conversations like this one. Hawkeye (the hero) explains to Alice (the heroine) while discussing the frontier and the people who live there that.... "they will not understand you, and you will not understand them" or words to that effect. Kind of where we've ended up.