Compact AK-style pistols – practical option?

JJMarsh · Yesterday, 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 · Yesterday, 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 · Yesterday, 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 · Yesterday, 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 · Yesterday, 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 · Yesterday, 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 · Yesterday, 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 · Yesterday, 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 · Today, 11:18 AM

Reddit forms
Short barrel AK ,AR very popular with pistol brace or sbr papers.

Accuracy short barrel Ak 200 yard head shot good enough for me.
Short barrel AR if you do the home work 1moa or less @ 100 yards.(waiting for it to come back in stock other wise I'd tell you the name.)

Yesterday, 02:47 AM	#1
JJMarsh Junior Member Join Date: June 5, 2025 Posts: 5	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?

Yesterday, 10:19 PM	#8
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,783	'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.

Yesterday, 09:00 AM	#2
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 4,590	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

Yesterday, 10:17 AM	#3
JJMarsh Junior Member Join Date: June 5, 2025 Posts: 5	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.

Yesterday, 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.

Yesterday, 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.

Yesterday, 09:37 PM	#7
veprdude Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 475	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.

Today, 11:18 AM	#9
noyes Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2008 Posts: 1,035	Reddit forms Short barrel AK ,AR very popular with pistol brace or sbr papers. Accuracy short barrel Ak 200 yard head shot good enough for me. Short barrel AR if you do the home work 1moa or less @ 100 yards.(waiting for it to come back in stock other wise I'd tell you the name.)