The Kalashnikov platform refuses to fade quietly into history. More than 75 years after the original design first appeared, the AK continues to evolve. Blending old-world reliability with modern materials, optics-ready setups and suppressor-friendly features. At SHOT Show 2026, manufacturers from around the world rolled out a new wave of AK variants that push the platform far beyond its Cold War roots. This year’s show floor proved the AK is still very much in its innovation era. Here are 12 of the most interesting new SHOT Show AKs that caught our attention.
Top 12 SHOT Show AKs
IWI GAP 1339 SB
The GAP (Galil Ace Pistol) 1339SB from IWI is considered to be a rare gem. This run is limited, based on the Gen 1 Galil Ace, and has never been produced for US Markets before with a 13” barrel and chambered in 7.62×39. Check these out while they are still available!
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IWI GAR (Galil Ace Rifle) 27
IWI is known for taking existing weapons and making them better, as well as developing some of the best weapons out there. When your nation is in a constant state of war, you either get good with weapons, or you fade into history. IWI has proven itself time and time again, and now with the GAR 27, chambered in 5.56, with a 16” chrome lined, cold hammer forged barrel with a. 1:7 twist. No “rock n lock” here, the magazine inserts and ejects just like an AR-15.
Black Rain Ordinance Freedom Fighter
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The BRO Freedom Fighter is a new offering from BRO and promises big! Made in Neosho, MO, USA, from a steel milled receiver, hammer foraged bolt and bolt carrier, with a 16” 4150 chromoly nitride barrel, a crisp CMC AK 2.0 Elite Trigger, and skeletonized folding stock make this rifle a serious contender.
Soviet Arms (PSA) Krink
A Krink (AKS-74U) in the true fashion, as this model is chambered in 5.54×39 and features an original style folder, reminiscent of the Krinks of old, and utilizes the standard AK push button for folding the “brace.” Containing an 8.4” barrel with a twist rate of 1:6.5, a ALG AKT Enhanced Trigger with Lighting Bow, a JMAC Custom stock adapter for the brace, and so many more features to list. Folded, this little beast comes in at 17.5” long while unleashing a ton of fun for shooters.
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Wolfpack Armory WP-47 Hybrid
The WP-47 Rifle is a hybrid firearm that features the reliability of an AK-47 with the modularity of an AR15. Featuring a 16” chrome lined barrel, MK5 rail system with M-LOK slots at 7 positions. The gas block is adjustable for shooting suppressed. Everything about this rifle is 110% American Made! The Wolfpack Armory WP-47 Hybrid promises big things, and by looks of it, it should deliver big. The WP47 Rifle comes with a lifetime warranty.
ZASTAVA M84 PKM Light Machine Gun
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Zastava Arms USA is set to begin importing belt fed PKM’s into the USA. We used to say in the Infantry that “Happiness is a belt-fed weapon.” Unfortunately, this one will be neutered for single shot use only in order to comply with existing US import laws. Chambered in 7.62×54(R) this is an awesome weapon that should be properly respected.
Arsenal SAM7K-28
Arsenal has released their SAM7K-28 in an SBR with an 8.5” cold hammer forged, chrome lines barrel, chambered in 7.62×39 (R) and made from a milled receiver. Reminiscent of the old stamped SLR 107UR, this is one serious fire breathing, hard hitting AK. It’s suppressor ready for a great time. Wear good hearing protection with this one, as it’s sure to put a smile on your face.
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Stenzel Ind. SAK-21 Operator SBR
Stenzel Ind. has created the SAK-21 to compete in the AK world of firearms. WOW, does this one look nice! The SAK-21 is 100% Made in the USA and based upon the Kalashnikov design. At its heart is a short stroke piston and it’s designed as a multi-caliber platform allowing users to swap between 7.62×39, 5.56 for starters. It contains 12.5” barrel, a last round bolt hold open, and fully ambidextrous controls. The SAK-21 from Stenzel Ind. shows exactly what American ingenuity can do.
Century Arms Draco Tactical Pistol
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Chambered in 7.62×39, and featuring a 7.5” barrel with a linear compensator, this model comes factory with a Strike Ind. Bi-Folding Pistol Brace, free floating US Palm M-LOK Handguard and integrated rear sight with an enhanced safety bolt hold open. Weight is a mere 6.9lbs for a ton of fun!
Century Arms MB47 Sharps
Century Arms absolutely nailed this one! The MB47 Sharps Bros is a milled receiver variant of the BFT-47 from Century Arms and it’s amazing. I have the original stamped MB-47, and it will not quit, no matter what I throw at it. Comes with a US Palm Free Float (non-magnetized) M-Lok Rail, new designed RAK-1 flat faced trigger, and the Century Arms US Chevron Compensator. Check this rifle out for sure!
WBP USA AK47 762SC JACK CLASSIC RIFLE
Made in Poland by WBP, the 762SC Jack Classic Rifle looks reminiscent of the old Soviet Block AK’s that Poland was famous for building during the Cold War. The Poles were always knowns for building top quality AK-47’s. Today is no different, only the left side of the rear sight assembly is stamped with the Polish Crest, denoting a free Polish nation built the WBP Jack Classic AK-47 Rifle. Comes with all Polish parts, a FB Radom Hammer Forged Chrome lines barrel, a bayonet lug, and Polish laminated stock set.
JTS M12AK SEMI-AUTO 12 GA SHOTGUN
From JTS comes their M12AK, a Russian Saiga type semi-auto shotgun with an 18” barrel, and 4 position gas system for adjustments based upon the users loads. Utilizes Remington Chokes, and shoots both 2-3/4″ and 3” shells. This model accepts standard AK pistol grips and trigger assemblies and is compatible with Saiga, as well as SGM Tactical magazines.
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