Kalashnikov USA announced the introduction of the AK Alpha rifle to the US market. The new gun uses an AK-style action but upgrades the platform to provide a rifle with more modern features and utility.
A quick glance at the rifle will tell the average gun enthusiast that this rifle is not a common WASR. In fact, nearly everything looks like it has been touched in the modernizing process. According to the company, the rifle was designed with input from a select group of Israel Defense Force (IDF) snipers. I hope that means that the gun is easier to run without sacrificing any of the platform’s reliability.
Two models will be available: the AKL with a 16.338″ barrel and the AKS with a 12.362″ barrel.
Caliber and Charging
The guns are chambered in the iconic AK cartridge: the 7.62×39. As one would hope, the guns are fed by standard AK magazines, so all of the surplus feeders, plus the newer US Palm and Magpul mags should all run in these rifles. The magazine catch lever is in the same spot, though the catch has been upgraded.
The bolt can be run from the right or left side of the gun. Although Kalashnikov USA claims the charging handle is ambidextrous, it appears to be swappable from side to side.
Features and Accessories
A full-length Picatinny rail adorns the top of the gun. This allows for the very easy addition of sights and an optic. Compared to some of the kludgy ways of adding red dots to traditional AK-pattern rifles, this is a nice addition.
Upfront, a KeyMod handguard is used. This keeps things relatively light while still providing a way to add accessories.
A big change from the traditional AK is the manual safety selector. Kalashnikov USA opted to install an ambidextrous AR-style selector. Purists might balk, but there are a lot of people who prefer this style.
On the back end, Kalashnikov uses a buttstock that folds and is adjustable for length of pull. The stock even includes a cheek riser to help you get a better fit on the rifle.
The pistol grip has interchangeable panels. These allow the owner to find the most comfortable fit for his/her needs. The grip also has a watertight storage compartment for batteries should you decide to run a red dot on top.
While there is nothing wrong with this grip, I much prefer the AK pistol grip from Magpul.
Many shooters may recognize some of the components looking like parts from CAA. This is an accurate assessment. A glance at the CAA site shows these exact rifles. Additionally, the CAA site shows a 5.56 variant using Galil magazines. I’ve reached out to the Kalashnikov USA media rep for additional information.
Pricing and Specs
No MSRP has been set yet, and an exact shipping date has not yet been announced.
| AKL | AKS | |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 7.62×39 | 7.62×39 |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 | 30 |
| Barrel Length | 16.338″ | 16.362″ |
| Overall Length | 26.98″-37.4″ | 12.362″-22.99″ |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs | 7 lbs |
| Stock | folding, adjustable length | folding, adjustable length |
| MSRP | not yet available | not yet available |
Shipping Update
Unfortunately, Kalashnikov USA canceled this project. It appears the gun was announced before the company worked out all of the production details. Ultimately, the project was abandoned in favor of more traditional platforms like the KS-12 shotgun.
Since that time, the leadership in the company changed. With the new CEO came a philosophy of only announcing products that are ready to ship. While this project is no longer on the table, the company has several new guns coming that will likely be of interest to a variety of shooters. One is the new Kalashnikov USA Komrad.
Last Update: October 17, 2022
62 replies on “AK Alpha Rifle from Kalashnikov USA”
I have always considered the 7.62 x 39 cartridge to be inferior and made for a fighting force with no education and little tactical skill other than spray and pray over the head. Unless this gun makes them more accurate at 100 yards plus, I would not care one way or the other. It looks like much ado about nothing.
The 7.62×39 is a better round for any combat 300 yards and closer. It has better stopping power, it can power through and penetrate cover better than the 5.56 and its trajectory won’t get tweeked when hitting a twig shooting in a dense forest. The 5.56 is only a better round past 300 yards in open ground. Anything closer and I will take the AK and a 7.62×39 round.
Well put!
I’d like to see this compared to the Galil Ace. If anyone does this, let me know.
I was about to post the exact same question.
The Galil was heavy but still a great gun. Not sure about other differences.
No way! That Creative Arms weighs NINE freaking pounds with no mag. That is boat anchor weight. There are battle rifles in .308 that weight less. Also, no charging handle on right side, no folding stock included. The weight alone is a deal killer. VERY good looking rifle, but horrid specs.
Great item. This the only AK variant so far that is interesting. (because The MUTANT is not a piston gun). I would just have to take this gun and it’s parts in a milling machine and drill press to get it below 7 pounds which is the max weight I wish to carry. I love my 6.1 pound and 6.2 pound AR-15’s WITH optic!
7.7 pounds doesnt cut it. Anything can be altered to make it better I have found.
This rifle is at least off to a great start.