Home Fun and Games “The Centurion 39 AK Pistol is a compact package with fun written...

“The Centurion 39 AK Pistol is a compact package with fun written all over it!”

February 16, 2011

washgintonreb.com recently parsed my under-post bio and found it wanting. “Who is the audience for this site that would appreciate the backhanded sneering ‘(yes fun)’? It says to me ‘look at me, I don’t really take this gun stuff seriously and you shouldn’t either. Together we’ll expose these stupid bastards for what the really are and then go to lunch at the Harvard club.'” Not guilty. I eat at my desk and the parenthetical remark actually says, “Lighten-up you gun-grabbing bastards.” [Note to Brad: pull it.] Meanwhile, big fun from the unflaggingly flag-waving folks at Century International Arms . . .

While the press release reckons their refreshed 7.62-firing C39 pistol is “perfect for home protection, CQB, or a fun day of inexpensive shooting at the range,” the headline writer is not multi-task minded. “The Centurion 39 AK Pistol is a compact package with fun written all over it!” More specifically:

The new bird cage muzzle break and “shark fin” front sight, gives the small package a sexy new look. An ergonomic pistol grip and our proprietary quad rail, high-tech, poly furniture, gives an incredibly cool appearance that just oozes strength, quality and style. Other features include a machined receiver, integrated gas block and front sight, M16 style compensator and a front and rear swing swivel.

So how much does it cost, and how much fun is it? According to the company it’s priceless! “We’re out of it,” the customer service rep Diana told me. As I’m not a dealer, all I could prise re: price was that the weapon’s “Over $700.” Yikes! Can I have the number of a dealer to nail that down?

After providing my zip code, Diana said “Nope we don’t have any one there. Can you give me another zip code?” Uh, no. I only have one. “So how about the phone number of a dealer anywhere in the U.S.?” I asked. “Hold on . . .”

Fun quotient? I never got a chance to ask; I gave up waiting after spending ten minutes listening the musical equivalent of stool softener. That wasn’t much fun. At all.

15 COMMENTS

Chris Dumm February 16, 2011 At 11:36

Holy Foreclosures, Batman! $700+ for a butchered milled AK? If the whole AK-pistol thing revvs your motor, spend half as much on a butchered Romanian WASR-10.
- Ryan Finn February 16, 2011 At 11:59
  
  Seriously. Dracos go for $349 here. It’s sexy looking, but $700 worth of sexy?
  - clete June 27, 2016 At 19:53
    
    You are obviously a guy that likes things that are riveted together. BTY I do not own a c39, just found your repsose as Shakespeare Macbeth said “me thinks the lady both protest to much. Got any solid research or stats?
TTACer February 16, 2011 At 11:42

Try Atlantic Firearms in MD, they might be able to give an estimate.
Ralph February 16, 2011 At 11:53

I already have range toys. I’d be more impressed if the copy read: “perfect for a fun day of CQB shooting or of inexpensive home protection.” Ah, the fun (yes fun) of guns.
- Ralph February 16, 2011 At 15:08
  
  I also have a “package with fun written all over it.” Not compact, though.
- clete June 27, 2016 At 19:59
  
  Or your last chance to buy a short-barelled rifle before loretta/eric/obama takes the right away. BTY even the “republic party” are joining the leftist Nazis (take their guns first).
John Fritz February 16, 2011 At 22:53

Looks like Bud’s Guns will be happy to sell you a CENTURION 39 762X39 for the bargain basement price of $843.00 with prepaid shipping. Salty.
- Bob H February 17, 2011 At 01:28
  
  Here is American Rifleman’s review of the rifle at $1,090. http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/century-arms-centurion-39-review/ And I hit an absolute blizzard of negative reviews by people who despise Century’s truthfullness and quality.
  - clete June 27, 2016 At 20:02
    
    So that must mean people/companies are incapable of change. Thanks for the info. I need to kick my wife out of the house right away.
Bob H February 17, 2011 At 01:30

Thank you for the edit button, oh mighty Editor!
- Robert Farago February 17, 2011 At 06:00
  
  You’re Malcolm
john brinson September 11, 2014 At 10:24

I have had 4 century arms rifles over the years and they all failed. If you want an unreliable rifle that will most likely jam then Century Arms is the rifle for you. Never again for me. Arsenal Russian Saiga SGL’s Those are real AK’s well worth the extra bucks.
- clete June 27, 2016 At 20:04
  
  Is it possible that the company has changed course? I hope that you are never credited with trying to get better…
M. Turner July 27, 2016 At 15:45

I bought one a few years ago and it never fails,It’s a great weapon but my only gripe is the forend hand grip that melted a bit after firing 100 rounds at the range.I bought a aluminum forend grip which fixed this problem.