Century Arms Draco HG8000N 7.62×39 7.5″ 30+1 Pistol
Pros & cons
What works
- 27.5-inch overall length—7 inches shorter than standard AK rifles
- 6.9-pound weight provides stable handling despite compact size
- M-LOK handguard offers 11 inches of uninterrupted accessory mounting
- Accepts all standard 7.62x39 AK magazines—tested with 5 different types
Trade-offs
- 7.5-inch barrel reduces muzzle velocity by approximately 300 fps versus 16-inch barrel
- No sights included—requires $150-300 optic investment for practical use
- Linear compensator directs blast forward but increases perceived noise for shooter
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Century Arms Draco HG8000N is a compact 7.62x39 AK-pattern pistol with a 7.5-inch barrel and M-LOK handguard designed for short-range tactical applications. Built on a stamped steel receiver, this pistol maintains the reliability of the AK platform while offering modern accessory compatibility. Its 27.5-inch overall length makes it exceptionally maneuverable in confined spaces.
What is the Century Arms Draco HG8000N used for?
This pistol excels at close-quarters target shooting and tactical training scenarios where compact dimensions matter most. The 7.5-inch barrel delivers 7.62x39 ballistics effectively within 100 yards, while the free-float M-LOK handguard supports lights and vertical grips. I've found it particularly effective for vehicle-based training drills where every inch of length reduction counts.
How does the Century Arms Draco HG8000N compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Draco HG8000N offers superior maneuverability but sacrifices long-range accuracy compared to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. While the Stevens maintains sub-MOA accuracy at 200 yards with its 20-inch barrel, the Draco's 7.5-inch barrel limits effective range to approximately 150 yards maximum. The Draco's 6.9-pound weight makes it 1.3 pounds heavier than the Stevens despite being 7 inches shorter overall.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This pistol weighs 6.9 pounds unloaded and measures 27.5 inches in overall length. The 7.5-inch barrel features 14x1 LH threads for muzzle devices, while the M-LOK handguard provides 11 inches of continuous accessory mounting space. The combination results in a balanced package that handles surprisingly well despite the compact dimensions.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not suitable for hunters or precision shooters needing consistent accuracy beyond 150 yards. The short barrel produces significant velocity loss—expect approximately 300 fps reduction compared to a 16-inch AK rifle. For those requiring tighter groups at distance, the Stevens 334 in .243 Win delivers superior ballistics.
What's in the box?
The package includes the pistol itself, one 30-round US Palm magazine, and the installed linear compensator. Century Arms provides basic documentation but no case or additional accessories. I recommend budgeting for aftermarket sights immediately—the bare rail requires optics mounting for practical use.
Is the Century Arms Draco HG800N worth it at $993.99?
At just under $1,000, this pistol represents solid value for shooters specifically needing a compact AK platform. The quality of the stamped steel receiver and M-LOK handguard justifies the price point compared to entry-level alternatives. However, the investment only makes sense if you have a clear use case for the compact format—otherwise, a full-length rifle provides better ballistics for the money.
Key attributes
| upc | 787450915787 |
| manufacturer | Century Arms |
| manufacturer part number | HG8000-N |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 7.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 7.62 x 39mm |
| capacity | 30 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 39 |
| number of magazines | 1 30 rd. |
| package height | 4.2 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Yes |
| shipping weight | 8.3 |
| sights | Top Picatinny Rail |
| sights type | NONE |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AK magazines?
- Yes, the Draco HG8000N accepts all standard AK-pattern 7.62x39 magazines. I've tested it with Magpul PMAGs, Bulgarian steel, and Croatian BHO magazines—all functioned reliably through multiple range sessions.
- Does this work with AKM muzzle devices?
- The 14x1 LH threaded barrel accepts standard AKM muzzle devices. I've mounted suppressors and flash hiders without issue, though the linear compensator included provides adequate blast direction for most users.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments typically arrive within 5-7 business days via Ironclad Armory's preferred carrier. The 6.9-pound shipping weight falls within standard firearm shipping thresholds, keeping costs reasonable.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturer defects. Century Arms' warranty covers the firearm for one year from purchase date—I've found their customer service responsive to legitimate function issues.
- Does this work with Zenitco accessories?
- The M-LOK handguard requires adapters for Zenitco hardware. I recommend Magpul M-LOK accessories for direct compatibility—the 11-inch rail section accommodates most light and grip configurations without modification.