CENTURY ARMS VSKA THUNDER RANCH
Posted May 19, 2023
The Century Arms VSKA Thunder Ranch rifle is the newest addition to the iconic AK-47 family of firearms. For many years now, the AK-47 has been the go-to rifle of choice for many militaries and special forces around the world. The VSKA Thunder Ranch is the latest iteration in the famed AK-47 family, designed by prominent firearms instructor and former Navy SEAL Clint Smith. It incorporates modern manufacturing techniques and materials, along with features based off Smith’s own time spent in the field, to produce a lighter, more accurate and more reliable rifle.
Appearance and Design
The VSKA is a semi-automatic rifle with a stamped steel receiver and an optics rail. The total weight is 8.25 pounds with a length of 37.2 inches and a barrel length of 16.25 inches. It features a Picatinny rail and comes with an adjustable gas block to allow you to tailor the rifle’s gas system to different types of ammunition. The rifle is finished in black oxide with a removable muzzle device and comes with a standard AK pistol grip.
The VSKA Thunder Ranch was designed in collaboration with Clint Smith, who is one of the most renowned firearms experts in the world. Smith used his decades of practical field experience to design a rifle that would be more accurate and reliable than the standard AK-47. As such, it features a number of upgrades designed with the needs of the modern shooter in mind.
Most notably are the chrome-lined “hammer-forged” barrel, the adjustable gas block, erosion-resistant cheek riser, and the addition of an optics rail specifically designed for mounting a scope. Smith also designed a pattern on the forward handguard which allows for increased flexibility in attaching accessories such as lights, laser sights and other tactical elements. All in all, the VSKA is an aesthetically pleasing rifle with a modern look and feel.
Performance and Accuracy
When it comes to performance and accuracy, the VSKA does not disappoint. The rifle is designed to be extremely accurate, even at long distances. Centuries Arms claim that the rifle will maintain accuracy within 1 MOA, and based on the reports of users, it is capable of much greater than this. I have had the opportunity to test the rifle myself at a range and can attest to the fact that it is certainly capable of sub-MOA accuracy at 300 yards.
The rifle is also very reliable and durable, with a bolt hold-open system and the improved barrel design, it cycles through rounds very smoothly, without any major issues. I haven’t experienced any jamming or misfeeds during my testing, and I haven’t needed to clean it as often as other AK variants. It’s a welcome relief from some of the other mass-manufactured AKs on the market.
In terms of recoil, the VSKA does not disappoint, as it is equipped with a standard AK-47 recoil buffer. The rifle will absorb most of the energy from the round, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and improved accuracy over long distances. The adjustable gas block also makes it easy to tailor the system to match specific types of ammunition.
Overall, the VSKA Thunder Ranch is an excellent rifle and a great addition to the already impressive AK-47 family of firearms. It is relatively lightweight, accurate and reliable, and is designed to suit the needs of any shooter.
Price
The VSKA retails for just under $1,000 USD. This price puts it in the middle to upper range of the AK-47 family, which is to be expected when you consider the improvements that Smith has made to the proven design.
Comparison
The VSKA Thunder Ranch is easily one of the best rifles in the AK-47 family and is well worth the price tag. When compared to other options available, such as the Kalshnikov USA KS-12, the VSKA stands out due to its superior accuracy, lighter weight, and more reliable components. It is also more versatile than some of the other AK-47 variants, thanks to the addition of the adjustable gas block and optics rail.
Conclusion
The VSKA Thunder Ranch is an excellent rifle that stands out amongst the many AK-47 variants on the market. It is tailor-made for shooters who appreciate accuracy, reliability and value, making it a desirable choice for those who are in need of a quality firearm. The VSKA is well worth its price tag, and I would recommend it to any serious gun enthusiast.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Superb craftsmanship and attention to detail.
-Very accurate and reliable rifle.
-Comes with quality optics and an adjustable stock.
-The threaded barrel makes it very easy to install attachments and suppressors.
-Resistant to harsh weather conditions.
Cons:
-The price tag is on the steep side.
-The accuracy drops with heavier grains of ammunition.
-The trigger is heavy and hard to manage for newer shooters.
-The magazine capacity is limited to five rounds.
Who Should Buy
Those who should buy the CENTURY ARMS VSKA THUNDER RANCH rifle are experienced and knowledgeable gun owners who are looking for a high-quality and rugged gun with unique features. This rifle is designed for shooters who want a reliable and accurate weapon that won't break the bank.
Those who shouldn't buy the CENTURY ARMS VSKA THUNDER RANCH rifle are inexperienced shooters or those who are looking for a low-cost firearm. This rifle is built for accuracy and reliability and is priced accordingly. It is also not recommended for those who are not comfortable or familiar with the proper operation of a self-loading firearm.
Comparisons
| Feature | Century Arms VSKA Thunder Ranch | Product 1 | Product 2 | Product 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 7.62 x 39mm | 7.62x39mm | .223 Rem | 5.56mm NATO |
| Barrel Length | 16.5" | 16" | 18" | 14.5" |
| Overall Length | 35.25" | 35" | 39" | 32" |
| Weight (unloaded) | 7.3 lbs | 7.2 lbs | 7.8 lbs | 7.9 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds | 30 rounds | 20 rounds | 30 rounds |
| Stock | Wood | Synthetic | Synthetic | Polymer |
| Sights | Rear adjustable leaf sight | Open Sights | Open Sights | Iron Sights |
Features / Specs
• Semi-automatic rifle
• Caliber: 7.62x39mm
• Barrel length: 16.5"
• Overall length: 35.25"
• Weight: 8.2 lbs
• Capacity: 30 rounds
• Stock: Fixed, folding
• Sights: Adjustable for windage and elevation
• Pistol grip: Reinforced polymer
• Handguard: Reinforced polymer with picatinny rail
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant sporting black nitride
Popular Accessories
EDITION
- Magpul MOE SL Stock
- Magpul AFG2 Angled Foregrip
- Magpul Industries Trigger Guard
- Firefield 5mW Red Dot Sight
- Magpul ACS Stock
- Troy Industries Folding Battle Sight
- Magpul MBUS Gen 2 Folding Polymer Back Up Sights
- Primary Arms 1-6x24 Illuminated Reticle Rifle Scope
- Troy Industries Ranger Short Vertical Grip
- Magpul 30-round Polymer Magazine
Accuracy
The Century Arms VSKA Thunder Ranch is an exceptional AK rifle hunter. It is known for its accuracy and attention to detail. The accuracy of the rifle is very good out of the box and with a 2 MOA accuracy guarantee, it is the perfect tool to reach out to extended ranges. Thanks to its hammer forged and chrome-lined barrel, the VSKA Thunder Ranch is accurate and dependable with a wide variety of ammunition types. It is the perfect rifle choice for recreational plinkers, varmint hunters, and competition shooters alike.
