The Centurion 39 —seen here with a Trijicon RMR sight, TAPCO mag, Arma Laser Stingray SR1 laser and SureFire X300 light—is the first 100-percent “made in the U.S.A.” Kalashnikov pistol.
Last year the folks at Century Arms introduced us to their first ever 100-percent “made in the U.S.A.” rifle called the Centurion 39 Sporter. This year we have the Centurion 39 Pistol, a 100-percent “made in the U.S.A.” handgun built upon the original Kalashnikov-style action. This is not a rifle chopped down to pistol size but a built-from-the-ground-up handgun.
The “Shark Fin” front sight is an unique feature of the Centurion 39 Kalashnikov-styled pistol.
Gun Details
First of all, like its predecessor, the Centurion pistol is chambered in 7.62x39mm and will accept standard AK magazines of all varieties. Built on a gas-piston action, the semi-automatic handgun uses traditional AK controls. The charging handle and manual safety lever are located on the right side of the frame. The magazine release lever is ambidextrous and found just ahead of the triggerguard.
Most notable on the Centurion is the use of a machined receiver. That’s right AK fans, this a solid piece of machined steel—not your typical rolled sheet metal version. To commemorate this fact, a U.S. Flag is engraved into the receiver itself.
When firing the substantial 7.62x39mm round, control of the pistol’s recoil was made easier via the tension of the BlackHawk single-point sling. Note the Midwest Industries Palm Picatinny forend and topcover system.
Photo Courtesy Paul Markel
