[Top 5] Escape From Tarkov Best AK Rifles

Updated:

23 Jan 2020

They say that "the pen is mightier than the sword," but let's be honest here, can you think of a flag that has a pen on it?

A well-maintained rifle is a happy rifle and a happy rifle is a reliable rifle.

The Kalashnikov series has been the most influential family of rifles in the 20th and 21st centuries. The first version of this family would be the AK-47 being adopted by the Soviet Union in 1949. Eventually, they would adopt the AK-74 during the 70s as it addresses some of the problems the AKM had. In 1991, the Izhmash factory started full production of the modernized variant and is currently the standard-issue rifle for the Russian Armed Forces.

The AK is one of the most recognizable rifles in the world, it is being used by many nations and movements that it has become deeply ingrained in pop culture. The rifles that are in Escape From Tarkov are modeled after their real-life counterpart. Each rifle in this list has its strengths in-game and each is worth using throughout your progression.

5. Vepr KM/VPO-136

The Vepr KM/VPO-136 is the civilian version of the AK-47, very similar with one exception, it does not go full auto. Just because this rifle does not have this capability does not mean that this is a bad rifle. It is chambered in 7.62x39mm, the ability to be modified just like any AK, and incredibly cheap and easy obtain.

This rifle can be bought from Skier Level II or traded through Skier Level I with 2 Horse Figurines.

Vepr KM/VPO-136 details:

Caliber: 7.62x39mm
Muzzle Velocity: 716 m/s
Firing Modes: Single
Rate of Fire: 600 RPM
Ergonomics: 42
Vertical: 226
Horizontal: 468

Best ammunition details:

Penetration: 7.62x39 BP (47 Pen / 58 Dam)
Damage: 7.62x39 HP (15 Pen / 83 Dam)

All information above is the base stats when it is completely stripped.

4. AKM

Sometimes lining up a precise shot isn’t an option, especially when a foe likes to surprise you from around the corner. Having the ability to throw down a barrage of steel penetrators might be what it takes to keep you in the fight. The AKM is worth the price considering the ammo it uses, how cheap and easy it is to obtain.

This rifle can be bought through Prapor Level II or traded through Prapor Level I with 3 Cans of Beef Stew or through Mechanic Level I with 12 Weapon Parts, 4 WD-40 100ml, and 1 Phased Array Element.

AKM details:

Caliber: 7.62x39mm
Muzzle Velocity: 716 m/s
Firing Modes: Single / Full Auto
Rate of Fire: 600 RPM
Ergonomics: 38
Vertical: 225
Horizontal: 468

Best ammunition details:

Penetration: 7.62x39 BP (47 Pen / 58 Dam)
Damage: 7.62x39 HP (15 Pen / 83 Dam)

All information above is the base stats when it is completely stripped.

3. AK-74

Just like the rifle it replaced, the AK-74 has earned its place in the history books as one of the most influential rifles in the world. It first saw action in the Soviet-Afghan War and has reliably and valiantly fought through many conflicts thereafter until it was modernized in 1991. Prapor provides this rifle early on in a player’s progression, it’s cheap to purchase and versatile with customization.

This rifle can be bought through Prapor Level II or it can be traded through Prapor Level II with 2 tubes of toothpaste and two rolls of toilet paper.

AK-74 details:

Caliber: 5.45x39mm
Muzzle Velocity: 910 m/s
Firing Modes: Single / Full Auto
Rate of Fire: 650 RPM
Ergonomics: 43
Vertical: 154
Horizontal: 413

Best ammunition details:

Penetration: 5.45x39 7N39 "Igolnik" (62 Pen / 37 Dam)
Damage: 5.45x39 HP (11 Pen / 74 Dam)

All information above is the base stats when it is completely stripped.

2. AK-103

The AK-103 has the lowest base recoil for all AKs that fire the 7.62 Soviet in-game. Prapor provides this rifle with polymer furniture when fresh from the box so the ergo or recoil control can be changed to the player’s desire.

This rifle can be bought through Prapor Level III, it is not blocked by a quest or trade.

AK-103 details:

Caliber: 7.62x39mm
Muzzle Velocity: 746 m/s
Firing Modes: Single / Full Auto
Rate of Fire: 600
Ergonomics: 50
Vertical: 205
Horizontal: 442

Best ammunition details:

Penetration: 7.62x39 BP (47 Pen / 58 Dam)
Damage: 7.62x39 HP (15 Pen / 83 Dam)

All information above is the base stats when it is completely stripped.

1. RPK-16

Ever find yourself walking around the Ultra supermarket and realizing you ran out of oat flakes and milk? Goshan is only down the hall, would you try to refill your breakfast needs if you hear this masterpiece echoing through the stores? This light machine gun is the weapon of choice for Killa and it has claimed many hatchlings and kitted players alike.

The RPK-16 has the lowest base recoil on this list, it can also be further modded to either drop the recoil or improve its ergonomics. It can be bought from Prapor Level IV or traded through Prapor Level III with 2 Gunpowder “Kite” and 100 rounds of M61 or Mechanic Level III with 8 Capacitors and 2 Weapon Parts.

RPK-16 details: