A Glance at the AK-47’s Enduring Legacy
Origins and Impact
The AK-47. The name alone conjures images of conflict, resilience, and a firearm that has become a global icon. From the rice paddies of Vietnam to modern-day conflicts, the AK’s robust design and simplicity have cemented its place in history. Today, the spirit of the AK lives on in various iterations, and one rifle that’s making waves in the budget-friendly market is the Century Arms BFT47. But does this affordable AK variant live up to the legacy, or is it just another pretender? This article dives deep into the Century Arms BFT47 review, dissecting its features, exploring its performance, and helping you decide if it’s the right AK for you.
Key Characteristics
The AK-47, short for Avtomat Kalashnikova model 1947, was born from the mind of Mikhail Kalashnikov in the Soviet Union. Its design was a response to the harsh conditions of World War II. The focus was on creating a firearm that was simple to manufacture, easy to maintain, and exceptionally reliable. It achieved this by using a loose-tolerance design that allowed it to function in extreme environments, from freezing cold to scorching heat, and everything in between.
Worldwide Influence
The AK-47’s design philosophy – simplicity and reliability – proved to be a winning formula. It quickly gained popularity, not just with Soviet forces but also with nations and insurgent groups around the globe. The ease with which it could be mass-produced and the availability of parts led to its widespread adoption. Over the decades, numerous variants and clones emerged, each adding their own twist to the original design, while maintaining the core principles of the AK.
Century Arms: A Name in the Firearms World
The Company’s Background
Century Arms is a prominent importer and manufacturer of firearms in the United States. They’ve built a reputation for offering a broad range of firearms, including AK-platform rifles, at competitive prices. Century Arms often takes in imported firearms and modifies or upgrades them to meet US market standards, or they build their own AK variants from the ground up. Their goal has always been to provide accessible firearms options for shooters of all levels, with the Century Arms BFT47 being a prime example of their commitment to affordability.
The BFT47’s Place in the AK World
Target Audience and Purpose
The Century Arms BFT47 represents Century Arms’ effort to produce an AK-style rifle that’s both functional and cost-effective. It competes in a price bracket that’s often seen as the entry point to the AK world, and it often competes with other budget friendly AKs. The BFT47 is meant to provide the classic AK experience without breaking the bank. It’s designed for recreational shooting, home defense, and plinking at the range, providing a practical option for those who want the AK platform’s reliability without a premium price tag. The presence of the BFT47 highlights the company’s focus on providing affordable access to this iconic firearm platform.
Examining the Features and Design
The Receiver
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes the Century Arms BFT47 tick. This involves a look at its key components and how they contribute to the overall user experience.
The receiver is a critical component of any firearm. The BFT47 features a stamped steel receiver. Stamped receivers are typically more affordable to produce than milled receivers, contributing to the rifle’s lower price point. The receiver is a crucial part of the firearm and contributes to its overall structure and durability.
The Barrel
The barrel length is an important factor that influences both accuracy and ballistic performance. The BFT47 boasts a barrel length commonly associated with AK-style rifles, often contributing to the gun’s balance and handling. The barrel is also crucial to the BFT47’s overall function.
The Furniture
The furniture, which includes the stock, handguard, and pistol grip, plays a significant role in the rifle’s ergonomics and appearance. The BFT47 typically features synthetic furniture, often made of polymer. Polymer is a durable and cost-effective choice. Polymer furniture is resistant to the elements and easy to maintain, making it ideal for use in various conditions.
The Sights
The sights on the BFT47 are the standard AK-style iron sights. These are simple, robust, and easy to use. The front sight is typically a post, while the rear sight is a sliding notch. This design provides a quick and reliable sight picture for close-to-medium range shooting. Many owners consider adding after-market optics.
The Operating System and Trigger
The operating system of the BFT47, like other AK-style rifles, is gas-operated. This system uses the expanding gases from the fired cartridge to cycle the action, loading the next round. This gas-operated system contributes to the rifle’s renowned reliability.
The trigger plays a significant role in accuracy and the overall shooting experience. The BFT47’s trigger has a typical pull weight for the AK platform. Aftermarket trigger upgrades are common and may improve both feel and performance, if desired.
Performance and Handling in Action
Recoil
How does the Century Arms BFT47 perform when you pull the trigger? Let’s examine the real-world experience of shooting this AK variant.
When it comes to recoil, the BFT47, like most AKs, has a noticeable but manageable recoil impulse. The straight-line design of the AK, where the recoil is in-line with the shoulder, helps to mitigate the felt recoil. A good stance and proper technique contribute to managing the recoil efficiently.
Accuracy and Reliability
Accuracy is a key factor for any firearm. The BFT47, like other AKs, isn’t known for precision. The platform prioritizes reliability and ruggedness. The accuracy is generally sufficient for the intended role. The BFT47 is generally capable of hitting targets at typical combat ranges.
Reliability is where the AK platform shines, and the BFT47 aims to continue this tradition. Overall, the BFT47 is built for reliability, though there may be occasional hiccups, particularly with certain types of ammunition. Using quality magazines and proper maintenance procedures can help ensure consistent performance.
Rate of Fire and Ergonomics
The rate of fire is another aspect of performance. The BFT47 has the characteristic rate of fire that is often associated with AK-style rifles.
When it comes to handling and ergonomics, the BFT47 is generally easy to use. Loading and unloading magazines is straightforward, and the controls are simple. The stock and pistol grip are often designed for a comfortable grip. The balance of the rifle is also generally good, making it easy to handle during rapid fire.
The Balancing Act: Pros and Cons of the BFT47
Advantages of the BFT47
Like all firearms, the Century Arms BFT47 has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a rundown to help you make an informed decision.
- Durability and Reliability: The AK platform is known for its ruggedness, and the BFT47 benefits from this legacy.
- Affordability: Compared to other AK variants, the BFT47 is generally available at a lower price point, making it accessible to more shooters.
- Availability of Parts and Accessories: The AK platform has a massive aftermarket, so finding spare parts and accessories for the BFT47 is relatively easy.
- Classic AK Experience: The BFT47 provides a classic AK experience, with a familiar feel, sound, and function.
Disadvantages of the BFT47
- Fit and Finish: While the BFT47 offers a good value for its price, some owners may experience less-than-perfect fit and finish compared to higher-end AKs.
- Accuracy Limitations: As with most AKs, the BFT47 isn’t designed for extreme precision. Its accuracy is often sufficient for its intended role, but it may not be the best choice for competitive target shooting.
- Potential Reliability Concerns: While the AK platform is known for reliability, there have been reports of issues with the BFT47, primarily related to certain types of ammunition or magazines. These reports should be viewed and weighed in perspective to use case.
- Comparison to Higher-End AKs: For shooters seeking the absolute best in quality, the BFT47 may not compare favorably to higher-end, more expensive AK variants, which often come with enhanced features and build quality.
Comparing the BFT47 to Other AKs
Against Premium AKs
How does the BFT47 stack up against other AK variants? The market is full of AK options, but the BFT47 occupies a specific niche.
In comparison to some of the premium AKs, like those made by Arsenal, the BFT47 typically falls short in terms of fit, finish, and potentially long-term durability. These higher-end rifles often use more advanced manufacturing techniques and higher-quality materials. However, they also come with a significantly higher price tag.
Against Other Budget-Friendly AKs
When compared to other budget-friendly AK options, the BFT47 holds its own. Its reliability and overall performance often make it a solid choice in its price range. The availability of parts and the familiarity of the AK platform are added bonuses.
Who Should Consider the BFT47?
Ideal Users
So, who is the Century Arms BFT47 best suited for?
The BFT47 is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable entry point into the AK world. It is often favored by beginners because the rifle’s rugged design and simple operation provide a low barrier to entry. The BFT47 is perfect for those who are new to the AK platform.
For enthusiasts, the BFT47 is a practical option for plinking and range use. The price allows for more shooting, without a significant financial investment.
Home defense is another common use case for the BFT47. The AK platform is well-known for its reliability and stopping power, making it a viable option for self-defense.
Important Considerations
Before you buy a BFT47, consider your budget, your experience with firearms, and your intended use for the rifle. Also be sure to follow all of your local laws regarding firearms. If your budget is limited and you want a reliable and familiar AK variant, the BFT47 is worth considering.
Essential Care and Maintenance
Basic Cleaning
Proper maintenance is vital for keeping your Century Arms BFT47 operating at its best. Here’s a quick guide.
Basic cleaning involves disassembling the rifle, removing any debris, and cleaning the bore, bolt carrier, and gas system. It is important to use the recommended cleaning supplies.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Common issues and troubleshooting include failure-to-feed problems, ejection problems, and accuracy issues. Often times, the user is able to remedy these issues by checking the magazine, cleaning and lubricating the rifle, and ensuring that the user is using the correct ammunition.
Final Thoughts: Wrapping Up the BFT47
Overall Assessment
The Century Arms BFT47 represents a compelling offering in the budget-friendly AK market. It provides a classic AK experience at an accessible price point.
The overall assessment of the BFT47 is generally positive. It provides good value for the money. The design is simple, and it is known for its reliable performance.
Recommendations
If you are looking for an entry-level AK or if you’re on a budget, and want to experience the fun of the AK platform, the BFT47 is a solid choice.
Action Steps
What are your thoughts on the Century Arms BFT47? Share your experience, or your thoughts on the platform, in the comments below!
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