The WASR-22 or AK-22 Trainer is a
.22 Long Rifle,
semi-automatic cadet rifle
file:Springfield1922.jpg, Springfield Model 1922 cadet rifle
file:Cz452 tangent sight.jpg, A tangent sight on a CZ 452 rifle, with calibrated markings for ranges out to 300 meters
file:Australian Air Force Cadets using the Trainer variant of the CZ ...
loosely based upon the
AK-47
The AK-47, officially known as the Avtomat Kalashnikova (; also known as the Kalashnikov or just AK), is an assault rifle that is chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge. Developed in the Soviet Union by Russian small-arms designer Mikhail Kala ...
and manufactured in Romania by
Nova Modul.
Unlike the AK-47, it uses a
simple blowback
Blowback is a system of operation for Semi-automatic firearm, self-loading firearms that obtains energy from the motion of the cartridge case as it is pushed to the rear by expanding gas created by the ignition of the propellant charge.
Several bl ...
method of operation. As such, it has no gas system and the internal components have been modified accordingly.
Background
The use of
.22 LR cadet rifles replicating standard service rifles in its dimensions and features is used by many countries for training military, paramilitary and police "
cadets
A cadet is a student or trainee within various organisations, primarily in military contexts where individuals undergo training to become commissioned officers. However, several civilian organisations, including civil aviation groups, maritime o ...
" in basic firearms handling and marksmanship. While the WASR-22 was designed to be a cadet rifle for the Romanian Army, it was never used as such. The Romanians abandoned the use of cadet rifles for training army recruits, due to the enormous availability of standard service rifles and ammunition already in stock.
The WASR-22 was sold on the civilian market, primarily in the United States through
Century International Arms
Century International Arms is an importer and manufacturer of firearms based in the United States. The company was founded in 1961 in St. Albans (city), Vermont, St. Albans, Vermont,
with offices in Montreal. In 1995, the company headquarters and ...
, and as the RAK-22 through
Chiappa Firearms
Chiappa Firearms, Armi Sport di Chiappa, is an Italian firearms manufacturing company based in Brescia. It was founded in 1958 by Ezechiele Chiappa as Armi Sport. Total unit production is around 60,000 per year. Its U.S. headquarters are in Day ...
sold in the United States and Europe.
[https://www.gunsweek.com/en/rifles/shot-show/chiappa-firearms-ak9-pistol-and-ak22-rifle Chiappa Firearms AK9 pistol and AK22 rifle] Because of its cheap ammo and low recoil, it is marketed as a "trainer AK".
It is usually shipped with two 10-round magazines.
See also
*
WASR-series rifles
Wassenaar Arrangement Semi-automatic Rifles (commonly referred to as WASR-series rifles) are a line of Romanian-designed gas-operated semi-automatic rifles sold in the United States by Century International Arms.
Namesake
The WASR series ta ...
*
Pistol Mitralieră model 1963/1965
The Pistol Mitralieră model 1963/1965 (abbreviated PM md. 63 or simply md. 63) is a Romanian 7.62×39mm assault rifle. Developed in the late 1950s, the PM md. 63 was a derivative of the Soviet Union, Soviet AKM produced under license. It was the ...
*
Pușcă Automată model 1986
The Pușcă Automată model 1986 (automatic rifle model 1986, abbreviated ''PA md. 86'' or simply ''md. 86'') is the standard assault rifle used by the Romanian Army, Romanian Military Forces. It is manufactured in Cugir, Romania by the ROMARM f ...
References
External links
YOUTUBE video: Romanian Chiappa RAK-22 Review: .22LR AK47 First Shots & Thoughts
Kalashnikov derivatives
.22 LR semi-automatic rifles
Rifles of Romania
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