A Real AK-47 Trainer In .22LR?!

Introducing the Pioneer Arms .22 LR AK Trainer

The hosts open by joking that the AK they are shooting “feels like a .22,” then reveal that it actually is a .22 LR trainer. They introduce it as the Pioneer Arms .22 Long Rifle military‑style trainer rifle patterned after the AK‑47. One host, known for preferring 7.62x39, explains that this rifle is chambered in .22 LR but keeps the familiar AK layout. The segment sets up the central question: why someone who likes the traditional 7.62x39 AK platform would also want a .22 LR version. They note that the rifle is intended as a true trainer rather than a toy and that it mimics the look and handling of a standard AK.

Why Use a .22 LR AK for Training

The discussion turns to why a .22 LR AK trainer is useful. The hosts describe 7.62x39 as an excellent cartridge with more recoil than some shooters prefer, especially newer or smaller shooters or anyone unfamiliar with recoil and muzzle blast. A .22 LR trainer lets them learn basic firearm handling, iron sight use, and safety with much less recoil, less noise, and significantly cheaper ammunition. They reference how militaries, including the U.S., have historically used .22 Long Rifle training rifles based on service rifles like the K98, 1903, and M16 to acclimate new soldiers on the same basic platform they would later use in full‑power calibers.

Construction, Weight, and Furniture Compatibility

The hosts emphasize that the Pioneer Arms .22 LR AK trainer is not a lightweight plastic imitation. It uses essentially the same materials and dimensions as Pioneer’s 7.62x39 rifles, with necessary changes to the barrel, bolt carrier, fire control group, and magazines for the .22 LR chambering. They show a 7.62x39 version next to the .22 LR trainer and note that, from most angles, it is difficult to tell which is which. Weight is described as nearly identical, so the handling and balance closely match a standard AK. The sights are the same, and the rifle accepts standard Russian‑pattern AK furniture, including aftermarket options like Magpul, with the usual caveat that AK furniture sometimes requires fitting due to variations between countries and manufacturers.

Magazines and Setting Up a Trainer vs 7.62x39 AK

They highlight that the .22 LR magazines are purpose‑built rather than inserts in a 7.62x39 shell. These dedicated .22 LR AK magazines are described as custom made and expected to be readily available, so users should not struggle to source spares. The hosts reiterate that the trainer allows inexpensive practice with the same safety manipulation, charging, and general mechanics as a full‑power AK. They stress that this makes it suitable for both learning and ongoing training, including simple drills to build muscle memory. Beyond training, they point out that shooting .22 LR is simply enjoyable, making it a good option for plinking, reinforcing firearm safety, and giving younger or smaller shooters a more approachable way to practice on an AK‑style platform.

New Shooter Comparison: .22 LR Trainer vs 7.62x39

Downrange, the hosts bring in Juliana, who has limited experience with AK‑style rifles. After a brief review of firearm safety and basic operation, she loads and fires the Pioneer Arms .22 LR trainer. She reports feeling very little recoil and finds it easy to shoot. They then move her to the full‑power 7.62x39 AK, explaining that the controls and sight picture are essentially the same but that she should expect more recoil and hold the stock firmly in her shoulder. Juliana successfully hits with her first shots and notes that the 7.62x39 rifle feels more powerful with noticeably more recoil, yet is still fun. She says starting with the .22 LR trainer helped her understand how to aim and that she likely would not have done as well on the 7.62x39 rifle without warming up on the trainer.

Designing the .22 LR AK Competition

After Juliana’s comparison, the hosts decide to set up a friendly competition using the .22 LR AK trainers. They want to incorporate a shot timer and accuracy component. Each rifle uses a 25‑round magazine, so they design a course of fire with 50 total rounds: 25 rounds on a 50‑yard target, then a reload, followed by 25 rounds on a 100‑yard target. A shot timer will record overall time, and every miss will add one second to the shooter’s score. They clarify the rules on camera, emphasizing that misses are penalized, so accuracy matters as much as speed. One host, identified as the “AK guy,” prepares to shoot first under these conditions while the other plans to track hits and misses on both targets.

Timed Drill Results and Hit Counts

In the timed drill, the first shooter engages the 50‑yard target with 25 rounds, reloads, and then fires 25 rounds at the 100‑yard target. The observer counts four misses on the 50‑yard target, though he notes it might have been five and decides to stick with four for scoring. On the 100‑yard target, they later determine there were 13 hits and 12 misses. The .22 LR report proves quiet enough that the shot timer fails to capture all shots, stopping early at around 16 seconds while the shooter is still firing. To compensate, they review the video footage to estimate a raw time of 1 minute and 2 seconds. Adding the miss penalties yields a final score of approximately 1 minute and 19 seconds, illustrating how the .22 LR trainer can be used for structured drills that combine speed and accuracy.