The Century Arms WASR-10 Rifle is a great choice for young shooters looking for their first gun, or those wanting to build their skills before advancing in rifle caliber and price. It is a basic model built for ease of use and learning the ropes; however, it still has many of the features that you could find on a more expensive option. Its durability and reliability means you can shoot no matter the weather or environment.
The rifle itself weighs in at 7.5 pounds and 34.25 inches long. While it is shorter than some other rifles on the market, this is what makes it great for younger beginners. It’s easier to hold and maneuver while being less intimidating than some longer options. Additionally, it still holds a full-sized barrel (16.25 inches), so the length is not necessarily a compromise for this budget model.
There is a 30 round maximum capacity which is typical, and the ammunition is one of the most popular rifle cartridges on the market. This means it will be easy to find refills when needed. The magazine release is sturdy and easy to reach, yet another feature perfect for relatively new shooters still learning the intricacies of a rifle.
The grip is made of polymer and patterned for added traction. The best part of the grip on this rifle is, along with the handle, it is placed on the hinged dust cover. This makes it an easy area to hold while loading and unloading which can be a stressful aspect for newer shooters.
Safety is an important feature on any model, and as we’ve been saying, this one has safety features great for first-time shooters that’s reliable and easy to use. There is a manual thumb safety located near the grip. Shooters can use their trigger finger to turn it on by pushing the button forward and sliding their finger back until a click is felt. It is a prominent and easy to reach slide stop making it easier to reach and control this rifle when compared to others on the market.
This rifle is great for those looking to go hunting. It hits targets accurately up to 400 yards away and can shoot a bullet with a muzzle velocity of 2,350 ft/sec. This equates about 1,600 ft/lbs of muzzle energy, a great statistic for a budget model like this one. While it does have a lower stopping energy than other rifles you can find, it is still great for hunting situations, and for its price, the WASR-10 is a commendable option.
Additionally, the trigger mechanism has a clean release which is great when needing to focus on your target and avoid non-targeted animals. It’s a gas operated system which is simple to use and reliable in the field to avoid inconvenient rifle jams. There is also an internal hammer that helps to reduce recoil, once again making this a great beginning rifle and creating a more fun and enjoyable experience.
