[Sledge303]

KIndly disagree, I could find a better way to spend $480 like on mags or ammo. Sooner or later the lemon will come out with the VSKA. If you really want another AKM then buy a trouble free WASR or ZPAP.

Funny, this would be my reaction if we were talking about vehicles and someone was spending money on an import!
Just as they tell me imported cars and trucks are manufactured better now than my experience witnessing them rust apart in NH while I was in High School (mid 1970's) Century Arms became an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer back in mid 2018.
I took some time to go read what that standard is to a manufacturer. (GOOGLE has lots of info about it)
I ran across the contractor that Century hired to train them and coach them thru the certification process.

"Century International Arms was seeking to pursue ISO 9001:2015 certification to improve business systems and results. They wished to be ready for their registration audit in early 2018 and preferred to be trained and coached to develop and implement a quality management system that worked for their team."

To my knowledge they are the only AK manufacturer to hold that certification.
It means the VSKA they build now is coming from a manufacturing operation that follows the same standards as other US firearms companies, like these guys:
Barrett receives iso-90012015 certification
ISO compliance also means you can compete for DoD and other US Gov't contracts.
CUGIR & ZASTAVA can't be ISO compliant because they still hand fit parts (I watched those on-line video's).
Parts interchangeability and a uniformity of the manufacturing process, established QC standards, ISO dictated management processes and internal documentation are all part of ISO and mean you produce consistent product.
That means any VSKA you hand to RobSki will perform like the one before it, given the same test routine, ammo etc.

I would feel pretty safe spending that $480 on a used VSKA.

 

[motorolanut]

Funny, this would be my reaction if we were talking about vehicles and someone was spending money on an import!
Just as they tell me imported cars and trucks are manufactured better now than my experience witnessing them rust apart in NH while I was in High School (mid 1970's) Century Arms became an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer back in mid 2018.
I took some time to go read what that standard is to a manufacturer. (GOOGLE has lots of info about it)
I ran across the contractor that Century hired to train them and coach them thru the certification process.

"Century International Arms was seeking to pursue ISO 9001:2015 certification to improve business systems and results. They wished to be ready for their registration audit in early 2018 and preferred to be trained and coached to develop and implement a quality management system that worked for their team."

To my knowledge they are the only AK manufacturer to hold that certification.
It means the VSKA they build now is coming from a manufacturing operation that follows the same standards as other US firearms companies, like these guys:
Barrett receives iso-90012015 certification
ISO compliance also means you can compete for DoD and other US Gov't contracts.
CUGIR & ZASTAVA can't be ISO compliant because they still hand fit parts (I watched those on-line video's).
Parts interchangeability and a uniformity of the manufacturing process, established QC standards, ISO dictated management processes and internal documentation are all part of ISO and mean you produce consistent product.
That means any VSKA you hand to RobSki will perform like the one before it, given the same test routine, ammo etc.

I would feel pretty safe spending that $480 on a used VSKA.

Personally I would not risk my $ on a century build. Import yes build no...

 

[Sledge303]

Personally I would not risk my $ on a century build. Import yes build no...

I remember the first time I saw that MEME, about 15 years ago, at first I thought it was clever, not so much anymore.
I think working with a manufacturer for a while changed my perspective.
Some upset customers can say some really terrible things about people they have never met.

 

[hoagie90]

Funny, this would be my reaction if we were talking about vehicles and someone was spending money on an import!
Just as they tell me imported cars and trucks are manufactured better now than my experience witnessing them rust apart in NH while I was in High School (mid 1970's) Century Arms became an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer back in mid 2018.
I took some time to go read what that standard is to a manufacturer. (GOOGLE has lots of info about it)
I ran across the contractor that Century hired to train them and coach them thru the certification process.

"Century International Arms was seeking to pursue ISO 9001:2015 certification to improve business systems and results. They wished to be ready for their registration audit in early 2018 and preferred to be trained and coached to develop and implement a quality management system that worked for their team."

To my knowledge they are the only AK manufacturer to hold that certification.
It means the VSKA they build now is coming from a manufacturing operation that follows the same standards as other US firearms companies, like these guys:
Barrett receives iso-90012015 certification
ISO compliance also means you can compete for DoD and other US Gov't contracts.
CUGIR & ZASTAVA can't be ISO compliant because they still hand fit parts (I watched those on-line video's).
Parts interchangeability and a uniformity of the manufacturing process, established QC standards, ISO dictated management processes and internal documentation are all part of ISO and mean you produce consistent product.
That means any VSKA you hand to RobSki will perform like the one before it, given the same test routine, ammo etc.

I would feel pretty safe spending that $480 on a used VSKA.

This is the kind of information I was looking for. I did ask for opinions, but factual information is always better. As for motors comment: "trouble free WASR." Myy WASR has actually given me several problems since purchase, so that statement doesn't ring completely true.

 

[HWI]

Funny, this would be my reaction if we were talking about vehicles and someone was spending money on an import!
Just as they tell me imported cars and trucks are manufactured better now than my experience witnessing them rust apart in NH while I was in High School (mid 1970's) Century Arms became an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer back in mid 2018.
I took some time to go read what that standard is to a manufacturer. (GOOGLE has lots of info about it)
I ran across the contractor that Century hired to train them and coach them thru the certification process.

"Century International Arms was seeking to pursue ISO 9001:2015 certification to improve business systems and results. They wished to be ready for their registration audit in early 2018 and preferred to be trained and coached to develop and implement a quality management system that worked for their team."

To my knowledge they are the only AK manufacturer to hold that certification.
It means the VSKA they build now is coming from a manufacturing operation that follows the same standards as other US firearms companies, like these guys:
Barrett receives iso-90012015 certification
ISO compliance also means you can compete for DoD and other US Gov't contracts.
CUGIR & ZASTAVA can't be ISO compliant because they still hand fit parts (I watched those on-line video's).
Parts interchangeability and a uniformity of the manufacturing process, established QC standards, ISO dictated management processes and internal documentation are all part of ISO and mean you produce consistent product.
That means any VSKA you hand to RobSki will perform like the one before it, given the same test routine, ammo etc.

I would feel pretty safe spending that $480 on a used VSKA.

Sounds cool, but the 2 VSKA's that failed miserably for Yeager were after they were ISO 9001 certified.

I am very familiar with ISO 9001, the company I work for is certified. It basically means we are certified to perform our own QA on government contracts without government oversight. It honestly doesn't mean a whole lot if you are trying to gauge the quality of work simply because the government does not often revoke the certification. You can be good enough to get it and then go back to being shit and keep it. A good example of this is for anyone familiar with Navy ship construction quality, HII's Pascagoula yard puts out some serious garbage and has for years and it has been very well documented by NAVSEA and by NSWC , but they still have the cert and SUPSHIP Gulf Coast still signs off on their crappy products.

Bottom line, don't ignore all the first hand crappy experiences you can find online about the VSKA on the hopes an dreams of a government cert.

 

[Sledge303]

Sounds cool, but the 2 VSKA's that failed miserably for Yeager were after they were ISO 9001 certified.

I am very familiar with ISO 9001, the company I work for is certified. It basically means we are certified to perform our own QA on government contracts without government oversight. It honestly doesn't mean a whole lot if you are trying to gauge the quality of work simply because the government does not often revoke the certification. You can be good enough to get it and then go back to being shit and keep it. A good example of this is for anyone familiar with Navy ship construction quality, HII's Pascagoula yard puts out some serious garbage and has for years and it has been very well documented by NAVSEA and by NSWC , but they still have the cert and SUPSHIP Gulf Coast still signs off on their crappy products.

Bottom line, don't ignore all the first hand crappy experiences you can find online about the VSKA on the hopes an dreams of a government cert.

About James Yeager, when Jacob Herman (at the time a Century Arms spokes person) started having James Yeager do reviews on Century products a good many people cried foul, because the 2 of them were long time friends.
Lots of comments about Yeager and Jacob Herman in general, and many people felt the favorable reviews were tainted by their friendship.
Century finally fired Jacob Herman (I met him and his EGO at the Shot Show and didn't care for him) and the next review that his friend James Yeager does immediately after Jacob being canned is suddenly "the final word" on Century AK's??
I think some people focus on the stories that fit the narrative they favor.

The gent posting here is assuming that Century wanted nothing more than the initial certification as ISO 9001-2015.
However, I am assuming that the people involved at Century and running the manufacturing department are doing what is needed to comply with the ISO requirements, and are performing QA and producing a uniform product.

This article may be of interest to some forum members:
MIL-SPEC Torture Test: Century’s US-Made AKs:

 

[HWI]

Yeager is a turd, no doubt, but the headspace issues were documented on video and Tim from MAC was there as well.

However, I am assuming that the people involved at Century and running the manufacturing department are doing what is needed to comply with the ISO requirements, and are performing QA and producing a uniform product.

That's a pretty big assumption. You seem to out of hand ignore the large quantities of information across multiple forums and videos showcasing Centuries quality issues.
If you like their stuff it's all good, it's your money. I just don't like to see other people eating up the bullshit that don't know any better.

Milspec doesn't mean squat, anyone that has been in the military can and will back that statement up 100%, it's basically a bare minimum type of standard.

 

[motorolanut]

This is the kind of information I was looking for. I did ask for opinions, but factual information is always better. As for motors comment: "trouble free WASR." Myy WASR has actually given me several problems since purchase, so that statement doesn't ring completely true.

All guns have lemons from time to time but NONE like century's RAS47, CV39 and VSKA. Run away, run away fast. Unless you are the type to shoot one 30rd mag and place in the safe to collect dust. OP you have been warned please don't come back here in 6 months crying about VSKA problems. lol

 

[Good Samaritan Sniper Soc]

So I'm generally curious about opinions on the VSKA. Educated opinions based on real world experience with the rifle, not opinions based on the horror that was the RAS47. I only ask because I actually saw one in stock at one of our local stores for what seemed a cheap price given the current climate. I'm wondering if it would be worth it as plink gun.

VSKA is a very good rifle. It has a heavier barrel, and is well made. I would replace the wood furniture, but other than that, you're good to go.

 

[hoagie90]

All guns have lemons from time to time but NONE like century's RAS47, CV39 and VSKA. Run away, run away fast. Unless you are the type to shoot one 30rd mag and place in the safe to collect dust. OP you have been warned please don't come back here in 6 months crying about VSKA problems. lol

I think you can chill out, I asked for everyone's opinion. If I did purchase the rifle, and it failed me, then I probably would come back here and post the results. I wouldn't blame nobody. You gave your opinion, so did others. I also gave you mine in saying that WASRs are not problem free.

 

[hiketheball]

So I'm generally curious about opinions on the VSKA. Educated opinions based on real world experience with the rifle, not opinions based on the horror that was the RAS47. I only ask because I actually saw one in stock at one of our local stores for what seemed a cheap price given the current climate. I'm wondering if it would be worth it as plink gun.

I shot a rental VSKA at the range that I use.
It shots well with my Magpul mags (the range uses Korean mags)
It's pretty accurate -- far more accurate than I am
It is made in the USA
It is fun to shoot
Easy to handle
It has a harder recoil than my Zastava M92 (which surprised me)
It doesn't have a scope-mount on it (which is a showstopper for me)

The manufacturer/distributor has that it has be sighted in before sale and it is.
The front sight is not canted.

I have only seen two VSKAs and only shot the rental VSKA. If I needed a range/farm rifle, I would consider a VSKA.
Personally, the VSKA with the wood furniture looks better than the black, polymer furniture. Rob Ski did a 5,000 round test of the VSKA and his main complaint was the butt stock cracking (but duct tape keep it together for the entire test.

 

[JeepFan]

If you buy it please post results. I'm sure you have found the only century build that will have no issues, lol.

On a side note if that clown Yeager recommended anything it would in your best interest to run quickly instead of walking away from what he was shilling for.

Hopefully these Century threads will serve as a warning to new members and those searching for what AK to purchase info.

 

[10Gauge]

I'd have a hard time passing up a sub $500 AK regardless of origin or make. That being said, I sure as heck wouldn't make it my go to rifle or even shoot it until I had it inspected for cracks in vital points and headspace issues. Like with anything, a gun can turn into a major money pit that you can never get your time out of , let alone cash and parts. If major repairs had to be done, a smith labor costs alone would land you underwater as far as value, let alone sourcing parts. The CENTURY mark on the receiver is the only thing people who are in the know will see before walking away.

Use caution when using parts kit value as a benchmark for a good deal. Those kits still have to be built and if that is outsourced, you might as well use a good kit and build a quality rifle from the ground up instead of trying to perform surgery on a terminal patient.

 

[Richp]

So I'm generally curious about opinions on the VSKA. Educated opinions based on real world experience with the rifle, not opinions based on the horror that was the RAS47. I only ask because I actually saw one in stock at one of our local stores for what seemed a cheap price given the current climate. I'm wondering if it would be worth it as plink gun.

I have had a vska since April of this year. It is my first ak47. As of today I have over 6000 rounds through it. Not a single issue. I have taken 5 carbine classes with it this year. Like I said no issues. It eats all ammo. All mags work well with it. A couple of my buddies bought some vska on my recommendation. He has 3000 rounds through it and has not cleaned it since he first got it. This is a first hand review of the rifle. Not someone say on YouTube or read on a forum. Buy one.

 

[JeepFan]

Oh you Century franken AK rifle threads, why you so entertaining? 🤪

 

[TTA89]

For $480 bucks I don't how you can go wrong or how it will ever be worth less than that in the foreseeable future. I went with a friend to buy a gun and ended up coming home with a VSKA AK for $675 about a month ago. Took it to the range, ran a bunch of mags through it and never had a failure. We were just messing around plinking at 100 yards and I'm either a really crappy shooter or the sights are off lol. I didn't get a chance to setup something close with a bench rest and probably never will. The other thing is my "cheek weld" feels funny on the stock. It's almost like the stock is too narrow/short or something, hard to explain but obvious when you shoot the rifle.

If I paid $480 I'd just keep it in the safe but for $675 and no inventory around here I'll probably sell it and look for something else. Comparing the fit and finish to my MAK90 it's not in the same category but it functions fine. As long as you know that you're buying a low end model I think it's fine.

*Disclaimer - I'm just some guy that likes blasting shit at the range for fun. I'm not a special ops guy.

-Mike

 

[wpmick]

6,000 rounds through a VSKA,

 

[43m1garand]

If you buy it please post results. I'm sure you have found the only century build that will have no issues, lol.

On a side note if that clown Yeager recommended anything it would in your best interest to run quickly instead of walking away from what he was shilling for.

Hopefully these Century threads will serve as a warning to new members and those searching for what AK to purchase info.

The same self-proclaimed gun expert clown who said Mosin Nagants are not sniper rifles and 1911s suck.

 

[JeepFan]

For $480 bucks I don't how you can go wrong or how it will ever be worth less than that in the foreseeable future.
*Disclaimer - I'm just some guy that likes blasting shit at the range for fun. I'm not a special ops guy.

-Mike

Well that's easy, using substandard along with nonstandard parts, coupled with inferior production and horrible customer service it would be worth less than the $480 bucks. What a cool nonfunctional paperweight that almost looks like an AK pattern rifle.

"Hey bros, I like AK, I'm just dropping by with my new membership and or low post count (cough.. shill.. cough) to tell you how OpErAtOr my pos Century is in carbine classes and how I like BLaStInG stuff."

LMFAO

 

[TTA89]

What exactly don't you believe? 🤷‍♂️