While iconic, the AK-47 has changed little for decades. Companies have tinkered with this classic, but little has really changed. SHOT Show 2026 revealed a true game-changer, however. Say hello to the SAK-21 from Stenzel Industries.
SAK-21 – Modernizing The AK
The SAK-21 semi-automatic tactical rifle is an all-American, modernized, and seriously improved take on the classic Kalashnikov AKM design. The SAK-21 is a modular, purpose-built firearm, developed to meet the demands of special operations forces and professional shooters. It is an American-made variant of the AK-47, based upon the Kalashnikov design, integrating its reliable, time-tested internal mechanics with modernized, performance-enhancing features.
Short Stroke Piston
Designed with a short-stroke piston system optimized for suppressor use, it delivers a distinctive felt-recoil experience. As a multi-caliber platform, it allows users to swap barrel assemblies for different lengths and calibers—7.62×39, 5.56 NATO, 300 BLKOUT—ensuring adaptability to specific missions or tasks. Additional next-gen enhancements include a last-round bolt hold-open (LRBHO) mechanism for faster reloads, an empty magazine indication, and fully ambidextrous, intuitive controls for seamless operation.
Serious Features
Other improvements include a vertical Picatinny rail on the rear trunnion, allowing the installation of any Picatinny-compatible buttstock or arm brace. It features a return-to-zero hinged top cover, a full-length Picatinny optics rail, an extended magazine release, an oversized takedown button, and an extruded aluminum free-floated handguard.
Range Tested
I had the opportunity to run the SAK-21 at the NSSF Media Day at the Range just prior to the SHOT Show. While I won’t turn into a fanboy, I can say this rifle is everything they claim it is. Everything from the gun’s fit and finish to its unique, mild recoil makes this rifle intriguing. My plan is to get one in and test drive it in more depth. In the end, the rifle is worth a serious look if you are interested in the AK world
SAK-21 Features
| Interchangeable free float barrel assemblies for better accuracy |
| Interchangeable Calibers for mission optimization |
| Billet Aluminum Construction |
| Lightweight |
| Corrosion Resistant |
| Ambidextrous Crossbolt Safety |
| Last Round Bolt Hold Open with ambidextrous bolt release |
| Adjustable Short Stroke Piston System |
| Optimized for suppressor use |
| Softer felt recoil |
| Modular receiver design adaptable to multiple magazine types |
| 1913 Rail for stock and pistol brace mounting options |
| Bolt catch and release with integrated ejector |
| Manual bolt hold-open feature |
| Return to zero-hinged top cover |
| Extended magazine release |
| 5/8-24 tapered muzzle device |
| Oversized takedown button |
| Extruded aluminum free floated handguard |
Specs
| CALIBER | 7.62mm X 39mm | MULTI-CALIBER |
| OPERATING PRINCIPLE | INDIRECT GAS-OPERATED |
| BOLT LOCKING MECHANISM | AK47 STYLE TWO LUG ROTATING BOLT |
| FEED MECHANISM | MAGAZINE |
| MODES OF FIRE | SEMI-AUTO |
| TRIGGER | MILITARY TWO-STAGE |
| BARREL | 1:10 TWIST .308 BORE |
| EFFECTIVE COMBAT RANGE | 600 YARDS |
| MAGAZINE | AK47/AKM |
| LENGTH | 31.50 in |
| FOLDED LENGTH | 23.25 in |
| WIDTH | 2.75 in |
| FOLDED WIDTH | 4.75 in |
| HEIGHT | 7.75 in |
| BARREL LENGTH | 12.50 in |
| WEIGHT | 8.25 lbs EMPTY |
| MSRP | $3999.00 |
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