From The American Rifleman:  http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2016/2/2/review-century-arms-ras47-ak-rifle/

by B. Gil Horman
Tuesday, February 2, 2016

While importation of some AK-based semi-automatics has been blocked by import bans and voluntary trade restraints, demand for the ubiquitous design by American shooters has not abated. These importation restrictions have inspired various manufacturers to set up shop here in the U.S. and use American-made components along with local labor forces to assemble their own domestic AK platforms.

One such company that has been working to provide its customers with 100-percent American-made AKs for a while now is Century Arms. Among these offerings is the affordably priced Red Army Standard RAS47, a name that gives a nod back to the Cold War-era Soviet Union. which made the AKs one of the most ubiquitous small arms in modern history. This version of the rifle is modeled after the original Kalashnikov design with an eye toward reliability and a fair price.

The RAS47 is a gas-operated semi-automatic rifle that employs a long-stroke gas piston system chambered for the 7.62×39 mm cartridge. This rifle’s receiver, made in Georgia, Vt., is stamped from 16-gauge (1/16″, 1.59 mm) 4140 sheet Steel and treated with a black nitride finish.  On the right side is an enhanced safety selector with a bolt safety cut out to hold the bolt in the open positions. On the left side is a 4″ long optics rail. The stamped receiver cover fits tightly into place on top of the receiver without rattling. The bolt carrier, front trunnion and gas block have the appearance of caste components instead of being machined.

The smooth-faced, steel bow trigger is part of Century’s new in-house RAK-1 Enhanced Trigger Group. Although the RAK-1 is described as a single-stage trigger, the unit installed in this rifle behaves like a two-stage trigger with a definite take-up and firm resistance before breaking half way through the trigger cycle. Nevertheless, with its smooth feel and trigger pull weight of 4 lbs. 14 oz. it’s definitely an improvement when compared to factory offerings. The sheet steel trigger guard supports a T-shaped magazine release lever just in front of the textured, finger groove black polymer grip.

Continue reading at:  http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2016/2/2/review-century-arms-ras47-ak-rifle/