Mini Draco vs. Micro Draco: Battle of the AK Pistols

For enthusiasts of the AK-47 platform, the Draco line is a familiar name. This family of firearms encompasses a range of AK-47 pistols of varying sizes, essentially serving as the AK equivalent to the AR pistol, but a lot different. More character, more oomph. The Draco line is a family, a dysfunctional, loud, fire-breathing family of AK pistols. And within that glorious, deafening lineage, you got a couple of short kings: the Micro Draco and the Mini Draco.

Among the more popular models are the Micro Draco and the Mini Draco. While their names might suggest identical firearms, they are distinct. We’re gonna break down the Micro vs. Mini, and by the end of this, you’ll know exactly which pint-sized thunder-maker belongs in your greasy, freedom-loving hands.

Spec Comparison

Century Arms Mini Draco

• MSRP : $1,045.99

Country of Origin Romania

Caliber 7.62x39mm

Action Semi-automatic blowback

Capacity 30 +1

Barrel Length 7.75 in

Overall Length 17.50 in

Weight 5.65 lbs

Front Sight Adjustable

Rear Sight Distance adjustable

Receiver Stamped

Handguard Material Hardwood

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Century Arms Micro Draco

• MSRP : $1,059.99

Country of Origin Romania

Caliber 7.62x39mm

Action Semi-automatic blowback

Capacity 30 +1

Barrel Length 6.25 in

Overall Length 14.50 in

Weight 4.85 lbs

Front Sight Adjustable

Rear Sight Distance adjustable

Receiver Stamped

Handguard Material Hardwood

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The History Behind the Guns

Most gun owners are at least passingly familiar with Mikhail Kalashnikov and the AK-47. Kalashnikov designed the AK-47 platform in the early 1940s and it entered production around 1948. The gun is traditionally chambered in 7.62x39mm and is a gas-operated weapon with a rotating bolt. Although it’s often viewed as direct competition to the AR, the AK truly is a different gun. 

Trimming the AK to shorter and shorter lengths didn’t start with the Draco series. The Russians fielded the AKS-74U series of rifles. These were uber short AKs, but did chamber the tamer 5.45 cartridge. The AKS-74U is often called the Krinkov, and Krinkov has become a popular term to describe short AKs. Then Century started importing the Draco lineup, and the name Draco took over. 

It’s become rap’s favorite gun. Draco became a popular line to drop in your favorite rap, and they popped up in music video after music video. Ever since then, the Draco has become a part of mainstream American culture. 

The Draco is a pistol-sized AK-47, imported from Romania by Century Arms. The same factory that produces rifles for the Romanian military manufactures Dracos, which are renowned for their reliability.

One might anticipate a significant drop in velocity due to the shorter barrel; however, the 7.62x39mm cartridge performs effectively even from pistol-length barrels. Various Draco models feature different barrel lengths, but all retain the highly recognizable AK-47 controls and its signature curved magazine.

Micro Draco vs. Mini Draco

The most apparent distinction between the Micro Draco and the Mini Draco lies in their barrel lengths. The Micro Draco features a 6.25-inch barrel, while the Mini Draco extends to 7.75 inches. Although this difference is only 1.50 inches, it significantly impacts performance. For example, that extra length can notably improve the ballistic performance of 7.62x39mm ammunition.

As their names suggest, the Mini Draco is the larger of the two. The term “mini” denotes a smaller version of something larger, whereas “micro” refers to something exceptionally small. Therefore, while the Mini Draco isn’t substantially larger than the Micro Draco, it is indeed a bit bigger.

The Mini Draco also outweighs the Micro model by nearly a full pound. This difference significantly affects felt recoil and muzzle rise. Since the additional pound isn’t solely concentrated in the barrel’s extra 1.50 inches, it’s reasonable to infer that the firearm’s rearward portion carries more weight. For those familiar with firing AK pistols, this added weight can be a considerable advantage in managing the firearm. However, a heavier gun can also be more challenging to handle unsupported for extended periods.

Micro Draco vs. Mini Draco Use

Might there be different applications for the two compact Dracos? Yes, there could be. Having a highly maneuverable gun is a big plus if you’re concerned with home defense or other close quarters work. That means there are times the additional length of the Mini Draco could be a hindrance. After all, it’s not just 1.50 inches of barrel, it’s an overall difference in length of three inches. The Micro Draco has an overall length of 14.50 inches and the Mini Draco has an overall length of 17.50 inches. That’s a more significant difference than you might realize when you’re maneuvering a gun in close quarters.

Because of the three-inch gap in overall length, it’s entirely possible the Micro Draco could be preferable for close quarters battle and home defense scenarios while the Mini Draco is better suited to larger spaces. It might also mean the Micro Draco is best for use as a truck gun because it’ll fit in smaller spaces for storage and also be easier to use in a vehicle.

The Mini Draco might be perfect for defensive situations in larger areas such as a much larger home or a home with land around it. In cases where a longer shots is likely to be taken, that extra barrel length is useful.

At the range, the Mini Draco maintains an edge thanks to its weight and barrel, making it a bit more accurate and somewhat easier to control. Conversely, if a shooter has less arm strength, supporting the Micro Draco is likely to be easier on them.

Overall, both guns are unwieldy, since they lack a stock to help stabilize the platform. The recoil of a rifle round can be tough to control without a stock. Also, the muzzle flash and concussion can be absolutely brutal indoors. While any weapon can be used for home defense, the Draco series is not well suited for that role.

Ultimately, these guns are a lot of fun. They are loud, the muzzle flash is massive, and the recoil makes it exciting. Some guns can just be fun guns and that’s completely fine.

Century Arms Micro Draco Features

1 Sights

Rear sight is moved to the dust cover vs the standard sight location.

2 Magazine

30 round US Palm magazine.

3 Barrel

A very short 6.25 inch barrel is one of the defining features of the Micro Draco.

4 Threaded Barrel

The threaded barrel allows you to attach your muzzle device of choice, but it comes with an A2 style muzzle device.

7.62x39mm Ballistics: Does barrel length really matter?

Of course, if we’re going to compare the Micro Draco and Mini Draco, we need to consider whether that barrel length truly matters. Here’s a simple barrel length comparison created by our friends over at Rifle Shooter for a rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm. Ammunition used was Russian Brown Bear 7.62x39mm 123 grain HP, and they took all measurements at the muzzle using a Magnetospeed V3 chronograph.

Unfortunately, this particular chart only goes down to a 16.5 inch barrel, but it does give us an idea how the ballistics of the 7.62x39mm change with barrel length. Even at 16.5 inches, there isn’t that much velocity lost from 24 inches. Meaning even if you did lose a couple hundred more feet per second with a pistol length barrel, it won’t be the end of the world. The Draco will still produce significant velocity and the 7.62x39mm will continue to get the job done. This also suggests that the ballistic difference between the two AK pistol lengths is negligible.

Not sold? There are other ballistic charts reporting a 7.5 inch barrel can move 7.62x39mm 123 grain HP down range with a muzzle velocity of 2066 fps. That is still plenty of speed for your average Mini or Micro Draco use.

Century Arms Mini Draco Features

1 Magazine

30 round US Palm magazine.

2 Sights

Standard AK rear sight system.

3 Barrel

A short 7.75 inch barrel is one of the biggest features of the Mini Draco.

4 Threaded Barrel

The threaded barrel allows you to attach your muzzle device of choice, but it comes with an A2 style muzzle device.

Micro Draco vs. Mini Draco: Our Take

Both the Micro Draco and Mini Draco are excellent AK pistols. They’re well made, reliable, and maintain the features you’d expect from an AK-47 platform gun. The difference in velocity between the two barrel lengths isn’t going to be much. The one pound weight gap will only matter to certain shooters in specific applications. What it’s going to come down to is which gun feels better in your hand and best suits the use. After all, there are times an extra compact AK pistol will be easier to stash in your truck or home, just like there are times you might want the additional size of the Mini Draco.

Personally, we prefer the Mini Draco. It delivers everything you could want in a compact AK-47 and is a little bulkier—just enough to feel balanced in the hand. And if we need to use it for predators, be they two or four legged, we’re confident the 7.62x39mm will perform on target.

Century Arms Mini Draco

Mini Draco vs Micro Draco

Winner

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The AK platform is not as customizable as the AR platform. You should stock up on magazine for your rifle or pistol and think about upgrading the pistol grip from the standard AK setup to improve ergonomics. Here are some US Palm and Magpul options for you.

Upgrades and Accessories for Draco

Magazine US Palm 30 Round Magazine 7.62×39		Stainless steel latch cage Polymer body Made in USA	Check Price
Magazine Magpul PMAG 30 AK/AKM MOE		30 round capacity Anti-tilt follower Polymer	Check Price
Pistol Grip US Palm AK Pistol Grip		More ergonomic than standard AK pistol grip Made in USA	Check Price
Pistol Grip Magpul MOE AK Grip AK47/AK74		Fits milled and stamped receivers One-piece reinforced polymer	Check Price

Important Links and Videos

If AK rifles are more of your thing, check out Gun University’s best AK-47 Rifles. Below are some helpful links to Century Arms website for the Dracos and manuals.

• Century Arms Mini Draco
• Century Arms Micro Draco
• Century Arms Manuals

Here is a video how to care for you AK style rifle or pistol.