Century Arms Debuts Its New AK-47: The BFT Core — SHOT Show 2022

in SHOT Show 2022
Century Arms Debuts Its New AK-47: The BFT Core -- SHOT Show 2022
Century Arms BFT Core.

At SHOT Show 2022, Century Arms debuted its BFT Core AK chambered in 7.62x39mm. This all-American rifle adds a bulged/forged front trunnion, bayonet lug, cleaning rod, optics rail, and enhanced safety all on a thick 1.5mm stamped receiver. 

The 4140 bulged/forged front steel trunnion is designed to help cycle higher pressure ammo reliably. Speaking with the Century Arms at SHOT, they told me that the increased thickness will help with bullet case expansion when using brass ammunition. 

Century Arms Debuts Its New AK-47: The BFT Core -- SHOT Show 2022
Bulged/Forged 4140 steel front trunion.

Another helpful feature is the ergonomic safety lever. This was easy to use and allowed for locking the bolt back. The extended T-shaped mag release was also easier to hit for quick reloads. 

Century Arms Debuts Its New AK-47: The BFT Core -- SHOT Show 2022
Enhanced ergonomic safety lever.

Incorporating an optics-ready side-mount attached to the side of the thicker 1.5mm stamped receiver, users should have a more reliable mounting solution for red dots or scopes. Holding zero is critical, and these improved features should increase the durability and ruggedness of the platform.

Century Arms Debuts Its New AK-47: The BFT Core -- SHOT Show 2022
Side mount for scope rail.

With a bayonet lug and cleaning rod, the BFT Core is ready to rock and roll!

Century Arms Debuts Its New AK-47: The BFT Core -- SHOT Show 2022
Bayonet lug and cleaning rod.

The Century Arms BFT will ship in four different configurations: the Core, Essential, Maple Essential, and Enhanced all uniquely priced starting at $829.99. While not yet posted to their website, you can find some of the unique features for this AK-47 listed below:

Features: 

  • US made with a limited lifetime warranty
  • Semi-Automatic firing capabilities
  • 1.5mm heat treated stamped 4130 steel reciever
  • Bulged/forged 4140 steel front trunion
  • Carburized 4140 steel bolt
  • S7 tool steel carrier
  • Manganese phosphate finish
  • Enhanced ergonomic safety selector
  • RAK-1 enahnced trigger group
  • Extended T-shape magazine catch
  • 16″ 1:10 chrome-molly 4150 steel barrel
  • Concentric 14x1mm LH threaded BBL
  • Slant muzzle break
  • American maple furniture
  • Optics ready side-mount
  • 30-round magazine and cleaning rod

About the author: Mitchell Graf is passionate about hunting and competition shooting. During college he was the shooting instructor for Oklahoma State’s Practical Shooting Team, and these days he spends as much time as he can chasing after pigs and coyotes with night vision and thermals. You can follow Mitchell’s adventures over at his Instagram @That_Gun_Guy_

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  • Ej harbet February 15, 2022, 6:16 pm

    Not a fan of the safety lever but that’s a easy fix. Otherwise I like what I see so far

  • Jake February 7, 2022, 12:27 pm

    Looks like a nice piece. Unlike what the headline says, this is an AKM.

    • Griff February 17, 2022, 10:29 am

      I don’t believe it’s an AKM either. It’s more of a bastardization of an RPK with the 1.5mm thick receiver and bulged front trunnion, but lacks the heavier profile barrel.

  • Skip February 6, 2022, 12:55 pm

    Do they make in a left hand version ?

    • Boss February 7, 2022, 11:06 am

      I am also left-handed. The last thing I would want is left-handed rifle. I would want to be able to use any rifle I might find. You have to adapt and overcome anything you may come across.

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