Century arms: really how bad are they

[sansone]

I bought a CAI WASR 10/63 at a LGS a couple years or so ago. I wouldn't order one online because there's no way to check it over thoroughly before buying it. I paid a little more to buy at the LGS but I didn't encounter any of the usual CAI problems. Did discover a couple hiccups after I shot it, which were not the usual CAI type troubles but I was able to fix them myself and I got a good gun out of it.

this member stated what everyone should remember (thank you)..
your LGS is THE place to inspect guns before purchase. Become friends, it's not hard, people are usually very reasonable if treated with respect, including your friendly neighborhood LGS owner. It's how America shopped before the internet

 

[Ignition Override]

Most of my bolt-action Enfields were imported by Century, and they work fine.

But when a company with the Century name allowed lots of AK-74s to be assembled with barrels having 5.56 bores, instead of 5.45 (imagine the keyholes at 100 yards), and the large number of serious problems with CETMES, I did not understand why they were still in business.

Those many dozens of reports along with their bizarre warranty policy, I would/will never gamble with my money on any semi-auto rifle which was assembled by Century. Other people are free to gamble with their hard-earned cash.

For guys familiar with the CMP, can you guys imagine the CMP allowing such "problem guns" to leave their business? That should say something.

 

[benEzra]

I had a Century SAR-1 (Romanian 7.62x39mm AK) for many years and it was my favorite rifle until I got my AR. It never had a single failure of any kind in at least 2000 rounds, probably more than that. I eventually had to sell it to make deposit on my apartment, but were it not for that I'd still have it.

I also have a Century-imported Finn M39 Mosin-Nagant, and it is a great rifle.

 

[wasr10634unme]

i love my wasr no malfunctions ever in a couple thousand rounds but hey its an ak

 

[atblis]

i love my wasr no malfunctions ever in a couple thousand rounds but hey its an ak

An AK that Century did not make.

 

[bigdipper]

so it sounds like buy century imports but dont trust the ones they build

 

[Redlg155]

Unless things have changed, Century does not techically "Build" the Romanian WSAR series clones.

They refit those from Romania with enough US parts to satisfy the sporting arms criteria. The old SAR-10 series came over as a standard AK mag type. The current WSAR10s are converted from single stack magazine rifles. New US Parts are placed in and the mag well/trunion is "hogged" out to accept a traditional magazine.

 

[V1ROT8]

For the price....you roll the dice. You will get good or you will get very poor. No middle ground.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

^ When they are good, they are just good; when they are bad, they are horrid.

 

[knifeman32]

I believe that century has significantly improved from their earlier shotty workmanship. I believe that most of what they import now is good to go.

 

[atblis]

I believe that century has significantly improved from their earlier shotty workmanship

They have not.

 

[Mobuck]

The last 4 rifles I got from CAI were AK's(3x7.62 and 1x5.45) and all were as good as any AK type rifle I've handled and better than others in the price range. I kept the 5.45 for my own use and it's done well-100% functional and as accurate as I would expect.
I have no experience with the CETME and FAL rifles but I've handled about 2 dozen CAI Mausers, SKS types, and Mosin Nagants. No total dogs in the bunch.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

Interarms is worth a look. I believe they actually care about making quality firearms.

Happy Interarms Tantal owner here. No complaints whatsoever.

My dad has a WASR and the quality is lacking. The most notable thing is the magazines are quite difficult to insert. I have better luck with my Interarms Tantal and East German magazines.