The Century Arms Draco 9S Pistol

Overview of the Draco 9S 9mm AK Pistol

The video focuses on the Century Arms Draco 9S, a 9mm AK-pattern pistol caliber carbine. It comes from the Draco line and is relatively compact, weighing about 6.27 pounds according to factory specs. Two main variants are discussed: a braced version and a non-braced version, with the braced model shown on screen. The pistol uses a magazine with a capacity in the mid-30s, specifically a 36-round EV9 Scorpion magazine, which is noted for reliability. The gun is chambered in 9mm and uses a stamped receiver. It is manufactured in Romania and presented as a straightforward AK-style 9mm platform with options for either a rear sling mount or brace attachment, depending on the chosen configuration.

Tip-to-butt features and AK-style controls

The review moves into a tip-to-butt walkthrough of the Draco 9S. At the front, it has a standard AK-style muzzle device that functions as a threaded protector, retained by a push-button detent and removed with a push-and-twist motion similar to a typical AK. The front sight is adjustable and integrated with the gas block, again mirroring standard AK design. A polished wood handguard provides a solid, flex-free grip and maintains a traditional AK appearance. The rear sight is also adjustable. On top, there is a polymer Picatinny rail mounted over the metal receiver cover, suitable for mounting a red dot or other optics. The overall length is listed as 1913 units in the specs, with an 11.14-inch barrel, and this particular model is equipped with an SB Tactical SOB 47 brace that feels sturdy in use.

Dust cover hinge, magwell, and trigger feel

The Draco 9S uses a hinged dust cover, allowing it to swing open while staying attached to the receiver. This design makes it easier to access the internals without disturbing the mounted sights or optic, as the cover stops against the front sight block. Internally and in operation, it remains very close to a standard AK layout. The magwell has a slightly chamfered opening that offers mild assistance for magazine insertion without adding much width. Unlike traditional rock-and-lock AK magazines, the EV9 Scorpion magazine inserts straight in, though the magazine release remains in a familiar AK-style position. The trigger guard is metal and generously sized. The metal trigger has a bit of takeup before a defined wall, then a clean break. Reset is described as tactile and easy to feel, giving a crisp overall trigger impression. A black polymer AK-style grip complements the gun’s overall look, and the SB Tactical brace at the rear feels solid in use.

Trigger pull testing and results

Trigger pull is tested with a gauge to verify the factory specifications. After confirming the pistol is clear and removing the magazine, three measurements are taken. The first reading shows approximately 6.149 pounds. A second pull reads 7.7 pounds, but that result is dismissed due to noticeable movement and wobble during the test. A third pull comes in at about 6.2 pounds. From these readings, the trigger pull is concluded to be in the 6.1 to 6.3 pound range, aligning with expectations for this type of 9mm AK-pattern pistol. The trigger behavior observed during dry fire—moderate takeup, a distinct wall, and a clear, tactile reset—matches the measured pull weight and supports the impression of a predictable, serviceable trigger for a pistol caliber carbine platform.

Length and height measurements

The video then verifies the Draco 9S dimensions using a measuring tape. Measuring from the tip of the muzzle device to the rear, the overall length comes out to about 27.5 inches in the configuration shown. Another measurement notes roughly 19 inches, which is used to support the listed 1913 overall length specification. Height is measured from the bottom of the pistol to the top of the Picatinny rail, coming in at around 7 inches. With the EV9 Scorpion magazine inserted, overall height increases to roughly 10.5 inches. These measurements confirm that the Draco 9S remains relatively compact, even with the brace and magazine installed, while still offering a full-length 11.14-inch barrel and usable sight radius with both iron sights and the top rail available for optics.

Weight, pricing, and final thoughts

To confirm weight, the Draco 9S is placed on a scale. The reading shows about 7.19 pounds without a magazine, with another figure of 6.91 pounds mentioned, placing the pistol right around the 7-pound mark in practical terms. This aligns closely with the earlier 6.27-pound factory spec once configuration differences are considered. The non-braced version carries an MSRP of $739.99, with the price increasing for the braced model shown in the video. The review closes by emphasizing that the Draco 9S is a distinctive 9mm AK-pattern pistol caliber carbine, not commonly seen in this chambering, using EV9 Scorpion magazines, traditional AK-style sights and controls, a hinged dust cover, and an SB Tactical SOB 47 brace on the featured configuration.