Chiappa RAK-9 Review: Best Budget AK PCC?

Have you ever shopped for an AK-based 9mm pistol caliber carbine? Are you, like me, utterly shocked by the price of these guns?

These are all simple, blowback-operated 9mm large-format pistols and rifles, so why do some of them cost upwards of $1000?

Luckily, there is a more affordable option — the Chiappa RAK-9. These Romanian-made guns, imported by Chiappa, feature modular magwells that allow the use of popular pistol magazines.

Is the RAK-9 Perfect? No. But with a bit of elbow grease and some mods, could it be better? Join me as I dig into the Chiappa RAK-9 and see if this budget-minded AK PCC is worth the squeeze.

Chiappa RAK-9 Specs & Features

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 10 (with Included Magazines)
• Overall Length: 34.25”
• Barrel Length: 17.25”
• Weight: 7.9 lbs
• Country of Origin: Romania
• Comes With: (2) 10rd magazines

Features

• Glock and Beretta 92 magwell adapters (sold separately)
• 1/2x28mm threaded barrel
• Standard AK adjustable sights
• Side-mounted scope rail

Chiappa RAK-9 Backstory

Around 2014, pistol caliber carbines (PCCs) exploded in popularity. The release of the CZ Scorpion, Sig MPX, and other PCCs, combined with the growing number of pistol braces at the time, really kicked things off.

Although it initially took manufacturers some time to adapt the AK platform to the PCC format, the market eventually saw the release of guns like the Draco NAK-9 and the PSA AK-V. However, none of these 9mm AKs were particularly cheap.

Chiappa, a firm best known for the Rhino revolver, decided they could bring a Glock-mag-compatible 9mm AK-style gun to market at a lower price point.

In 2017, Chiappa announced they would be importing PAK-9 AK-style PCCs, with the RAK-9 being announced two years later.

These guns are manufactured by the Cugir Arms Factory in Romania. Cugir is known for producing the famed WASR AK series, as well as the Draco NAK-9, PSL, and other popular AK platform guns.

Shooting the Chiappa RAK-9: Accuracy & Reliability Analysis

I was itching to get to the range, but before heading out, I installed the Glock magazine adapter. These adapters are sold separately, but they only run about $20.

As soon as I got to the range and shouldered the gun, I noticed I could not use the rear sight because the handguard sat too high. Not exactly optimal.

I shot a few rounds and decided I had to make a swap. One Magpul MOE AK handguard and gas tube cover later, and I could see the sights.

AK sights are not fancy. For rifle rounds, they tend to be lacking, but for a 9mm PCC, they are fine. They can adjust to 400 meters, but if you can make a 400-yard shot with a 9mm, I would love to learn from you.

Accuracy

At 100 yards, I did a basic accuracy test. I could hit an IPSC-sized piece of steel fairly easily from a rested position.

In terms of groups, well, the best was about 7.5 inches wide with Staccato brass-cased 124-grain ammo and iron sights.

While irons are fine, I mounted a Primary Arms Classic Mini red dot using an old AK optics I had lying around.

With the dot mounted, I did a “minute of bad guy” test. This test uses a Sage Dynamics Thoracic target printed on a standard sheet of printer paper. I shoot seven rounds from a standing position at 100 yards, and if five out of seven hit, I consider the gun “minute of bad guy” accurate.

I shot the drill three times, going 7-for-7 once and 6-for-7 twice. The RAK-9 is “minute of bad guy” accurate by my standards.

Using the red dot, I was able to land headshot after headshot while shooting off-hand at 50 yards. I could rapidly shoot a reduced-size steel IPSC target from an off-hand standing position without much challenge; I just had to time the target’s swing. The RAK-9 shines at 50 yards and in.

Shootability

I found the RAK-9 handled quite well. Direct blowback carbines normally have a bit of violent recoil impulse, but the weapon’s nearly 8-pound weight helps mitigate this.

While the gun lacks a true AK gas piston, it has a weight that runs the length of the gas tube and connects to the bolt.

This seemed to help further offset recoil by adding weight to the bolt without the need for a super-heavy recoil spring. The lack of a heavy spring makes the gun easy to rack.

The RAK-9 has a typical AK trigger, so it is long and spongy, but fine. However, there is no uncomfortable trigger slap, which I fully expected from a 9mm blowback-operated AK.

Reliability

Overall, the RAK-9 proved to be quite reliable. I fired a total of 500 rounds, which was a mix of remanufactured ammo, steel-cased, and new-production brass ammo.

The gun came with a 40-round ETS magazine, which broke after running through a single mag. The follower departed from the feed lips and entered the action, resulting in a failure to feed. Other than that, I had only two failures to feed on the last round of a Magpul D50 drum.

I also used OEM Glock mags, KCI mags, and regular Magpul box mags. Other than the aforementioned stoppages on the ETS and D50 magazines, everything else fan 100%.

The RAK-9 also ran very well suppressed, with very minimal gas blown back into my face. I used the SilencerCo Spectre 9 with a fixed barrel spacer, and everything was quiet and copacetic for the most part.

Ergonomics: Fit and Feel

The included furniture is poor. It includes an ATI one-piece thumbhole stock that looks like it was taken off a discount Dragunov.

My main issue is that the length of pull is 14.25 inches, which is absurdly long for a PCC. The grip is fine, and the cheek riser is nice, but the stock itself is bad.

While the handguard feels fine in the hand, it does block the rear sight, as I mentioned before.

I decided to swap everything out for Magpul AK furniture. I used a K2 grip, MOE stock, and MOE AK handguard.

Installing the handguard was a hassle. I had to break out a file and trim some parts of the handguard to finally get it to fit and lock into place.

The gas tube has two retaining rings at the top that the handguard fits under. One of those was bent, but was easily fixed with a pair of pliers.

I had to trim both sides and some corners to make it fit. The handguard required significant filing of the front and rear, and I had to remove the internal metal heat shield.

I was able to easily install the stock with a few taps of a rubber mallet to get it into the gun’s receiver. The pistol grip attaches a bit differently since it uses a bolt from inside the receiver, but the installation was simple and easy.

The whole Magpul setup cost me $130, keeping the gun still below many other AK PCCs in price.

Beyond the furniture, it is a typical AK with a right-side charging handle and a safety designed in 1905. It all works, but like all AKs, it is not the pinnacle of firearm ergonomics.

Improvements We’d Like To See

I get that the included furniture is somewhat limited to meet 922R compliance and all that, but I would pay a slight premium for a 922R-compliant Magpul model with better furniture.

At the very least, they could make sure the sights clear the handguard so it is usable out of the box. They could standardize the design a bit more, so I don’t have to file a common aftermarket handguard for two hours to get it to fit.

I would love to see a better trigger, but that is a minor gripe on such an affordable gun. Since it is a multi-mag platform, I think a last round bolt hold open is out of the question, but a man can dream.

To be honest, I would personally prefer if the proprietary curved Chiappa magazines had more than 10 rounds of capacity. Or better yet, adapt the gun to use the ultra-reliable and cheap CZ Scorpion magazines.

Who Is It For?

The RAK-9 is perfect for people who like plinking. If you want to have AK fun without spending 7.62x39mm money, the RAK-9 is for you. It suppresses easily, has light recoil, and is genuinely a lot of fun to shoot.

There are better options for a defensive PCC, but it could fill that role if you really needed it to. I am honestly thinking about taking it to the next Steel Challenge match just for giggles. It could certainly compete at the lower levels of USPSA and Steel Challenge.

By the Numbers

Reliability: 4/5

Three failures out of 500 rounds is not bad. One was a physical magazine failure, and the other two seem to be a pickiness with the drum mag. With decent box mags, it runs without a problem and suppresses well.

Ergonomics: 2/5

Being an AK, you have to deal with 1940s Soviet ergonomics, which is about a 3 out of 5 on its best day. Add in the overtly long stock, and it knocks another point off.

Accuracy: 1/5 (factory handguard) 4/5 (Magpul handguard)

As the gun comes, it is tough to achieve any kind of decent accuracy with a blocked rear sight. That is a hassle. Replace the handguard, and then you can shoot it straight consistently.

Customization: 2/5

The modular magwell is a nice touch, and it takes AK stocks without an issue. However, if you want to install other handguards, be prepared to break out the file and get to work.

Value: 4/5

Compared to other PCC AKs, it is downright cheap when you find the right deal. Just be prepared to spend some money to upgrade it if you want to maximize its potential. With that said, guns like the Extar EP9 perform just as well without modifications needed.

Overall: 3/5

Upgrades and Accessories for the Chiappa RAK-9

Ditch that absurdly long OEM thumbhole stock for the much more appropriately-sized fixed MOE stock from Magpul.

The stock RAK-9 absolutely has to go since it blocks the rear sight. While the Magpul MOE AK handguard requires some fitting and elbow grease to get installed, it is affordable and effective.

While the original RAK-9 grip is functional, the Magpul MOE-K2 is a significant upgrade that is very low-cost and easy to install.

How We Tested the Chiappa RAK-9

Accuracy testing was conducted at 50 and 100 yards using a Primary Arms Classic Micro red dot. Handling and shootability were tested by shooting Bill Drills, Failure to Stop drills, and double- and triple-taps at close range.

I fired a total of 500 rounds using the following ammo:

• Ammunition Depot remanufactured 115-grain (200 rounds)
• Monarch steel case 115-grain (100 rounds)
• Staccato 124-grain (100 rounds)

I used a wide variety of magazines, including the included proprietary mags, OEM Glock mags, KCI Glock mags, ETS Glock mags, Magpul Glock box mags, and a Magpul D50 drum.

Meet the Experts

This review was written by Pew Pew Tactical contributing author, Travis Pike. Travis spent a lifetime shooting as a kid and later joined the United States Marine Corps, where he spent five years as an infantryman. His experience as a machine gunner, recreational shooter, and hunter has given him unique insight into various guns and accessories.

Additionally, Travis has thousands of articles to his name with a variety of publications, and has tested countless shotguns, rifles, handguns, and other firearm accessories, including numerous AK platforms and 9mm carbines.

Final verdict on the Chiappa RAK-9

If you feel the need for an AK PCC and do not want to spend a $1000 on a blowback-operated gun, then the RAK-9 has you covered.

Out of the box, it is far from perfect, but it is functional, and giving it a little love goes a long way. It is fun, affordable, and gives you much of that AK experience without paying 7.62 ammo prices.

What do you think of the RAK-9? Does it carve out enough of a niche to be interesting? Let us know in the comments below! Interested in other PCCs? Cruise on over to our article on the Best Pistol Caliber Carbines.