Century Arms C39 milled AK-47 clone – Brutal Review

June 23, 2014

Rob Ski

ak47, c39, centurion c39, century arms c39, milled ak

C39 enjoying "sand bath" — C39 enjoying “sand bath”

We didn’t have good luck with this rifle the first time around, so this time, we have decided to give it a hell, to see if C39 can recover in our eyes. Gloves were off and nothing was off limits. I took that rifle for “healthy” run up the hill on the rocky road, we took a plunge together in dirty creek and I couldn’t help myself and had to drop it few dozen times on the ground – just for fun. Of course we did shooting – tons shooting, to see if rifle continues to perform. But instead of me typing lengthy sentences, just watch how this adventure ended…
– Rob Ski

19 responses to “Century Arms C39 milled AK-47 clone – Brutal Review”

kevin burke

February 11, 2015

Hey im very interested in getting one of these rifles is it easy to modify and is the mag well reliable have you guys found any mags that woble or have feeding problems and im used to m4 platforms am I going to have a hard transition from that to this just looking for information if you could fire back it would be helpful

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1. Rob Ski
  
  February 11, 2015
  
  I would get Version 2 (C39V2) instead of V1. Much better rifle…Magazine wobble may exist, but it isn’t much. We had Zero problems with C39V2 – zero. It works perfectly.http://youtu.be/ADGovj4drwI
  
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Brock Landers

March 25, 2015

Hi Rob Ski,

Based on your review I purchased this rifle. It functions well and seem to be of good quality. I am now considering the RPK version. Have you had any experience with the C39 RPK? Is it on the version 1 receiver? Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks!

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1. Rob Ski
  
  March 26, 2015
  
  Sorry, but i have no experience with their RPKs…
  
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Terry Casey

January 29, 2016

I just purchased a V1. Thought I was getting a V2, but didn’t pay close enough attention to the receiver of the gun. Wasn’t until I got it home and realized it was a V1. That being said, from a basic user’s standpoint; is there that much difference? I know nothing about the AK, I have been a LEO for 22 years and have lots of time on the M4. But love the AKs I have shot. Other than the lack of windage adjustment on the front sight post are the differences that great. I’ve been pouring over your youtube channel for information. Thank you.

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1. Rob Ski
  
  January 29, 2016
  
  Big difference between V1 and V2 – V2 has different mounting for stock and handguardsm and different finish…so basically receiver was changed.
  
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  1. Rob Snowboard
    
    October 7, 2016
    
    Hi Rob-
    
    Can you provide details on the mounting for the stock and handguards between v1 & v2, as well as anything else I can look for to determine which version I have?
    
    Thank you!
    
    Reply
    1. Rob Ski
      
      October 12, 2016
      
      V1 has basically tang at the bottom. If you don’t have a tang, you have v2 and V2 has BIG V2 engraved on the side of the receiver
      
      Reply
Zayd Pulskamp

August 6, 2018

Hi Rob, I had some general questions about a video you did with the Daniel defense ddm4 v9. I was just wondering if it had good reliability in general. Could that Daniel defense rifle handle going underwater and still be fired? For example if I put it underwater like you did to the c39 in the video, could it still work? What about just going underwater but not dragged? Thank you so much.

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1. Rob Ski
  
  August 26, 2018
  
  Yes, Yes and Yes. DD rifle works well. The only issue was with FCG, which after my video on that rifle, they recalled that piece of hardware.
  
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Johnathan

January 16, 2019

Hello Rob Ski,
Love your videos and brutal honesty (hard to come by). I recently bought a C39v2 and put all new Magpul hardware in FDE on it. Should I be concerned or are you saying that this is an okay thing, as long as it’s not V1. I have about 1400 into it which is a lot right now as I pay my way through my masters degree. Should I stick with it or try and sell it off at a huge loss?

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1. Rob Ski
  
  January 17, 2019
  
  Well, if bolt isn’t deformed and rifle is still good to go on No Go gauge, i would keep monitoring it and keep using it at this point…just stay safe.
  
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  1. Mathew Pendergast
    
    September 18, 2019
    
    If I would like to up grade my gas piston and bolt the whole bolt system is there any thing I should be aware of or avoid? Can you point me in a good direction for replacing these as well?
    
    Reply
    1. Rob Ski
      
      September 25, 2019
      
      Check with Arms of America, they had bolt carriers with piston and bolts for C39V2 users. Still, watch out for headspacing. Make sure it is OK before shooting rifle with new parts in.
      
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Jim Kaufman

November 9, 2019

Love your videos!
Bought a C39V1, made in 2014, but only has about 1,500 rounds through it. No known issues to date, but is it a time bomb? I see lots of postings & videos about the V2 having safety problems. What about the V1? Is the V1 in the same boat? Should I ditch it?

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1. Rob Ski
  
  November 10, 2019
  
  Hi Jim, many problems with those. Watch closely for any signs of deformation on locking lugs and bolt.
  
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Scott Colgan

April 20, 2020

Great videos Rob. very informative.
I purchased several guns after watching your torture test and critiques.

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Mike

December 6, 2020

I have the v1 and the bolt does stick until you tap the side. Just like in your video. Should I get a new trigger group? What should I replace and with what? I got this as a starter ak. But after seeing your video I haven’t shot it lol. Is it safe?

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1. Rob Ski
  
  December 7, 2020
  
  This will go away after 300-500 rds – it shouldn’t stick when shooting tho. I would leave it as is. There is no point to keep dumping money in to this rifle.
  
  Reply