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Best Russian-Made Guns That Aren’t the AK-47

Each rifle takes the same ammunition type and can easily eat through steel cased bi-metal bullets. SKS
To most, Russian firearms stop with the AK platform. But the Russians have produced some truly iconic guns that are both fun to shoot, and effective. So come see what other models deserve some attention.
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    Updated September 2024: Removed RPG-7 and added the AS Val/VSS.

    For many people, Russian firearms start and stop with the AK platform. But modern media, especially video games, has sparked an interest in other Russian guns.

    3 Upgraded AK-47s
    A couple of AK-47s

    The Russians have produced some truly iconic and neat guns that are both fun to shoot and effective that aren’t AKs or close-ish variants (sorry, AN-94 and AK-12 enjoyers).

    These other Russian guns are the topic of our article today. Note that this isn’t an all-inclusive list, just some models we think are worth mentioning. There are no specific criteria here, just some neat guns.

    THE QUICK LIST

    1. Most Durable Pistol

      Makarov

    2. Most Affordable Pistol

      Tokarev Pistols

    3. Most Affordable Rifle

      Mosin-Nagant Rifles

    4. Best Do-All Rifle

      SKS Rifles

    5. Most Accurate

      FEG HD-18

    Table of Contents

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    Best Russian Guns That Aren’t the AK

    1. Makarov – Most Durable Pistol

    Most Durable Pistol
    $600
    at Guns.com

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    To the average American, if you were to ask them to name a Russian pistol, they’d stare at you like you had asked for the formula for cold fusion.

    But for some older shooters, those who embrace less popular rounds, and a good number of gamers, this pistol should be no surprise.

    The Makarov, in addition to having a caliber named after it, has been featured prominently in video games and films for a long time. Ranging from multiple James Bond films, The Hunt for Red October, to the Mission Impossible franchise and RED 2, the Makarov has been used for over 60 years in the prop world.

    One of the reasons for its popularity is that a significant number of Eastern Bloc nations adopted the pistol after it was introduced in 1951.

    One of our editor’s Russian-imported IJ-70 Baikal Makarov

    The Makarov typically comes chambered in 9x18mm Makarov, though commercial export versions are often seen in .380 ACP as well.

    These pistols use a simple direct blowback operating system, which makes sense, considering it was designed to be a simplified version of the Walther PPK. This simplicity and ease of maintenance helped it replace the Tokarev pistols of the Soviet military.

    The Makarov is still in use throughout the world today. However, they are harder to find due to surplus drying up and import sanctions. Despite this, they are still reasonably affordable and neat guns that you won’t feel bad about shooting.

    2. Tokarev – Most Affordable Pistol

    Most Affordable Pistol
    $449
    at Guns.com

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    The TT-30/TT-33, or as it is more commonly known, the Tokarev, is a legendary pistol with more than 20 wars under its belt.

    Developed in the early 1930s, it was used by the Soviets until being replaced by the Makarov in 1952. But that didn’t stop the Tokarev from being used around the globe by more than 30 countries, even to today.

    The Tokarev is most commonly seen chambered in tail-twisting 7.62x25mm Tokarev. This round is known for being a flat-shooting, accurate, and powerful pistol round for its time.

    Norinco and Zastava Tokarevs
    Our editor’s Chinese Norinco 213 Tokarev (9x19mm) and Yugoslavian M-57 Tokarev (7.62x25mm)

    While original Russian Tokarevs are rare these days, finding copies from companies such as Norinco and Zastava is relatively easy and not overly expensive. Zastava is still producing factory-new Tokarevs to this day.

    The only downside to these commercial imports is that they are required to be retrofitted with manual safeties (which may vary from batch to batch) in order to meet import restrictions. But safeties aside, they are attainable, fun pistols to shoot.

    3. Mosin-Nagant – Most Affordable Rifle

    Most Affordable Rifle
    $499
    at Guns.com

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    By far, the oldest gun on this list is the Mosin-Nagant, which pre-dates the 20th century. First produced in 1891, it has served in an untold amount of conflicts, including ones as recently as the Russian-Ukraine war.

    Though there have been some design changes along the way, many of the rifle’s original features have remained intact since its creation.

    Chambered in 7.62x54mmR, the Mosin is a powerhouse rifle for small bore. It was designed as a direct response to the Russian military being outgunned by Turkish soldiers in the Siege of Pleven.

    7.62x54R
    7.62x54mmR Cartridge

    In the not-so-distant past, Mosins were one of the cheapest centerfire rifles you could get your hands on. You could walk into nearly any gun store and grab one for $100 or less and find some cheap surplus ammo, too.

    But between many being surplus guns in less-than-ideal condition and the people modifying their then-cheap rifles to better fit their needs, it has gotten harder to find clean Mosin rifles in their original configuration for a reasonable price.

    Mosin-Nagant
    The Mosin-Nagant is the third most-produced rifle of all time. (Photo: Creative Commons)

    Even though both the rifle and ammo have gotten much more expensive, if you can buy, trade, or finagle your way into a Mosin for a decent price, you will have yourself a neat piece of history that packs a big punch.

    4. SKS – Best Do-All Rifle

    Best Do-All Rifle
    $589
    at Guns.com

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Of all the guns on this list, the SKS would be my first choice if I needed something in a pinch.

    This Russian military rifle was used until the development and adoption of the AK-47. Though it was removed from general infantry use, the SKS still saw deployment by Soviet border troops, some police forces, and many reserve units as late as the 1980s.

    Additionally, the SKS has been a favorite of light infantry in many guerrilla warfare groups around the globe.

    The two main SKS styles in the United States are the Yugoslavian (top) and Chinese Norinco (bottom) SKS
    The two main SKS styles in the United States are the Yugoslavian (top) and Chinese Norinco (bottom) SKS

    So why would this be my list fun of choice? First, the price is generally low. At the lowest, you could find an SKS for under $150, though those times have faded.

    One can still grab an SKS for around the price of a decent-quality AR-15. While the AR is hands-down going to be the better gun, the SKS beats it out in cool factor for most folks.

    Additionally, the SKS uses the same 7.62x39mm as the AK-47, giving you a bit more punch over an AR. Sure, 7.62x39mm isn’t as cheap as it used to be, the current prices are pretty comparable to that of 5.56.

    5.56 vs 7.62x39mm
    5.56 (left) vs 7.62x39mm (right)

    Finally, the SKS is a simple platform, so throwing it in the hands of an inexperienced shooter will often yield decent results. The gun’s weight allows for much of the recoil to be absorbed, while the ease of use allows newer shooters to get comfortable behind the gun.

    Put all of those together, and you have a reasonably well-rounded and cool gun for a relatively low investment.

    What do you think of the SKS? Rate it below!

    Readers’ Ratings

    5.00/5 (904)

    Your Rating?

    5. SVD – Most Accurate

    Most Accurate
    $8,999
    at BattleHawk Armory

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Seen in numerous video games and movies such as Call of Duty, Battlefield, Rambo 3, Mission Impossible, American Sniper, and more, few sniper rifles made outside of the U.S. have attracted as much attention as the SVD.

    SVD stands for “snayperskaya vintovka Dragunova”),” with the gun commonly referred to as the Dragunov.

    Designed in 1963 and the winner of a fairly cutthroat contest for a Russian military contract, the Dragunov was designed as a squad support weapon.

    At the time, the Russians felt that normal infantry armed with submachine guns or moderate-range select-fire rifles were not fit for longer-distance engagements.

    Dragunov-SVD
    The SVD is an early introduction to what we now call Designated Marksman Rifles, or DMRs. (Photo: Spec Ops Magazine)

    The Dragunov allowed squads to field designated marksmen, who were not as highly trained as specialized snipers, to apply shots out to roughly 800 meters.

    It was designed to allow the firing of both specialized precision ammo as well as armor-piercing, incendiary rounds. This was accomplished by increasing the twist rate of the barrel over those used in prototypes.

    While the outward appearance looks like that of an enlarged AK-47, the Dragunov uses a short-stroke piston design in lieu of the AK-style long-stroke piston.

    SVD Dragunov American Sniper
    Mustafa adjusts the scope on his SVD Dragunov in American Sniper. Did we mention these are pretty popular in movies?

    Since its inception, the Dragunov has seen use throughout Europe and Asia. Most members of the Warsaw Pact had at least one Dragunov marksman per squad.

    Real Russian Dragunovs are exceedingly expensive. A Tigr Dragunov will fetch well over $12,000 in most cases. The cheapest thing you can get to a real Dragunov (not a PSL) is the newly imported Hungarian FED HD-18 rifles.

    The HD-18s are excellent rifles with full parts interchangeability with the original Dragunov. It only has a few minor changes to the original design. Unfortunately, these are also extremely expensive at around $9,000. But damn, are they one of the coolest non-NFA guns you can own.

    6. AS Val & VSS Vintorez

    VSS Vintorez (top) and an AS Val (bottom) (Photo: Creative Commons)

    The AS Val and VSS Vintorez are probably the oddest and, in our opinion, most badass guns on this list.

    These guns were designed from the ground up as integrally suppressed rifles primarily intended for special operations use.

    Both of these guns fire the 9x39mm cartridge. This is actually just a regular 7.62x39mm case that has been necked up to accept a larger diameter 9.2mm bullet. Development of this round began in the 1940s and finished in the 1980s.

    9x39mm 7N9 armor-piercing ammunition. (Photo: Creative Commons)

    The heavier bullet makes for a very capable and heavy-hitting subsonic round with reasonable ballistics that uses a common parent case. If that sounds like .300 Blackout, that is because it is pretty much the same approach. However, 9x39mm did it much sooner.

    Both the AS Val and VSS are integrally suppressed, select-fire, magazine-fed, long-stroke piston, striker-fired rifles — a weird combination for sure.

    Functionally, the AS Val and the VSS are identical. The primary differences are that the VSS is equipped with a fixed wooden stock, and comes standard with a 10-round magazine and a PSO-1 optic. The AS Val has a pistol grip, folding skeleton stock, and comes standard with a 20-round magazine. Both guns can accept up to 30-round magazines.

    A look at the internal workings of the suppressor and ported barrel of a VSS. (Photo: Dr. Phillip K. Dater)

    However, these have a reputation for being near “Hollywood quiet” with subsonic ammo while remaining very lethal. Most media and video games that feature these guns will showcase them as the quietest rifles of the bunch.

    While there have been rumors parts kits and potential clones being available in the US, nothing has come to fruition in the last ten or so years. Only a few very rare examples exist in the States, and it seems doomed to remain that way for the time being. A shame because this is one of the most interesting special operation weapons to come out of Russia.

    Final Thoughts

    As you can see, it wasn’t just AK platform guns coming out of the Soviet Union. Keep in mind that this is just a small sampling of Russian guns. Many wild and crazy designs have come out of Russia in the last 60 or so years.

    Each rifle takes the same ammunition type and can easily eat through steel cased bi-metal bullets. SKS

    But if you ever get a chance to shoot any of these, do not hesitate. They are some truly awesome guns to fire, and experiencing another nation’s entirely different approach and design philosophies is always beneficial – and usually fun.

    What’s your favorite gun from our list? Let us know in the comments below. Really want to live that AK life? Check out our guide to all things AK-47.

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    7 Leave a Reply

    • mnsmorgans

      I bought my son an Ishmash single shot 22LR Target rifle many years ago. That gun came with adjustable stock, and peep sights. It shoots as good as any 22 target rifle of today. The government saw fit to outlaw the importation of that dangerous rifle.

      October 2, 2024 9:55 am
    • LazrBeam

      I gave $89 each for two SKS’s in ‘92. The last one I purchased 2-3 years ago was $300. All three were cosmo’d up at time of purchase. I’d say the first two have definitely increased in value. The third one will in time.

      September 30, 2024 10:50 pm
    • Jack Toffmore

      Dragunov is the coolest with the SKS following a close second and the tokarev coming in at a respectable 3rd.

      That's my $.02

      September 30, 2024 3:07 pm
    • Michael Wagner

      I got my SKS before they became popular, scarce and higher on price. Mine cost me only $275. It came slathered in cosmoline and wrapped in brown wax paper.The finish seemed to be as fresh as the day it was applied with no wear or scratches.The stock was free of dents,dings,scratches or cracks.As long as I keep it clean and oiled and use quality ammunition it is as reliable ad my Ruger 10/22. Mine is the paratrooper model with a short barrel so in a pinch I can even utilize it for home defense. I love this little rifle!

      June 16, 2022 6:11 pm
    • Aaron Short

      I think all of those are great alternatives to other Russian platforms then a AK-47, but most definitely antiquated, overrated, over priced. Collectors may enjoy them at those prices nobody else will, especially the Mosin Nagant and the SKS. In my opinion it would be a cold day in hell, before I would spend that kind of money on any one of those platforms listed in the article, especially over a modern platform that you can actually get for lessvof a price. Once again in my opinion none of my firearms are safe queens. if they don't get used then I have no use for them. Unfortunately I am a useless, loser, nobody that doesn't have but a couple of firearms, that I am scared to shoot because I never know when I am going to be able to get ammo, to replace the ammo that I shot up, but I am constantly dry fire training with them and using snap caps, to keep in practice. I have probably fired my guns as much as the pro's without an actual live round being shot. anyways no way in hell would I pay that for an SKS, even if I were not a useless, loser, nobody and actually had the money to purchase any of them, especially considering they have had most likely thousand of round put through them. I love all of those platforms don't get me wrong. just those prices are highway robbery, for a firearm that you can get at the local swap meet/flea market for way less, probably in better shape then you can get from a dealer.

      June 15, 2022 2:36 am
    • The ivanator

      I was hoping someone already gave you a hard time about blowback tokarevs and 9x19 Makarov's.

      June 14, 2022 10:31 am
    • Dug

      Tok isn’t blowback

      June 13, 2022 1:25 pm
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