Draco Pistol
Romanian semi-automatic pistol
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Draco is a series of Romanian-designed gas-operated semi-automatic pistols sold by Century International Arms.
| Draco | |
|---|---|
A standard Draco pistol | |
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol, Short-barreled rifle, Pistol-caliber carbine |
| Place of origin | Romania / United States |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Cugir Arms Factory |
| Manufacturer | Cugir Arms Factory, Century Arms |
| Specifications | |
| Cartridge | 7.62x39mm 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Action | Gas-operated |
| Feed system | AK rifle magazines |
| Sights | Adjustable iron sights |
Origin
Most Draco models available are built in Romania by Cugir Arms Factory and imported to the United States. Century Arms produces its own US-built variant using fully American components.[1]
Design
The Draco is chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge with its design taken heavily after the AK-47. Although mechanically a rifle, its stockless configuration allows it to be legally sold as a pistol/handgun, while holding a magazine of 30 rounds chambered in an intermediate rifle cartridge. 9×19mm Parabellum variants are also available[2]
The "micro," or "mini" Draco verions of the weapon, with only a 6" barrel have been noted by some for inaccuracy and an apparent lack of practical application,[3][4][5] though this could be explained to some extent by potential operator error stemming from the recoil of a rifle round being fired through a pistol length barrel, generally without a stock.[6]
Variants
- Draco: original version with 12.25" barrel and standard AK sights[7]
- VSKA Draco Pistol: US-made variant of the original. [7]
- Mini Draco: 7.75" barrel, standard AK sights.[7]
- Draco Tactical: 7.5" barrel, with linear compensator, Strike Industries Dual-Folding pistol brace, US Palm free-floating M-LOK handguard and rail system with Picatinny rail integrated rear sight. Also sold in a version with no brace included.[7]
- Micro Draco: 6.25" barrel, non-standard sights (non-adjustable rear sight, and adjustable front sight post).[7]
- Draco 9S: 9×19mm pistol-caliber carbine variant using Scorpion magazines, 11.14" barrel, blowback action, hinged dust cover and rail system[2]
- Draco NAK9: 9×19mm pistol-caliber carbine variant using Glock magazines, 11.14" barrel, blowback action, hinged dust cover and rail system[8]
Presence in the United States
The Draco is referenced or shown in several American rap songs and music videos. The online firearm retailer Gunsamerica discovered a direct correlation between Draco sales and its appearance in American rap songs in 2016 and 2017.[9]
The Draco has been criticized by Detroit law enforcement officials.[10][11][12] Detroit police chief James White has stated that he considers the Draco pistol an "assault rifle" and that it should not be sold in the city.[11][13] The Detroit Police seized around 50 Draco Pistols in 2021-2022.[11]