What You Should Know About The Bulgarian AK-74
I became interested in the Bulgarian AK-74 Rifle, after reading about the 5.45×39 variants in Boston’s Gun Bible
While the AK-47
We do not have an endless supply of ammo nor will we be issued a resupply from HQ. Our goal should be one shot – one kill
Just about everyone has heard of the AK-47. With over 55 national armies and dozens of paramilitary groups using the weapon at some point in history and production estimated of over 90,000,000, yet most aren’t familiar with the later production AK-74 rifles.
This version of the venerable Kalashnikov design first saw service with Soviet forces in Afghanistan. Where the new 5.45×39 round was dubbed “devils round” or “poison bullet” by the Mujahideen.
From what I’ve read the 5.45×39 round has a hollow cavity in the nose and a steel core behind it destabilizing the bullet; thus, when it hits the flesh, it is quick to yaw inside the tissue causing massive wounds.
I’ve shot several groundhogs with this round and the on target performance has been impressive. A small entry hole, with an exit large enough to put a fist and internal organs blown to mush.
The 5.45×39 was designed by the Soviets in an attempt to duplicate the performance of the 5.56×45mm NATO round used by U.S. and allied forces. Both are lightweight, high velocity, low recoiling rounds and I think one is as effective as the other for military purposes.
I ordered my rifle through J&G Sales along with a case of military surplus ammo. On first inspection, I noticed fit and finish were far superior to the Romanian AK-47 WASR10, I’d ordered several months ago. With more of a Parkerized look than the painted black appearance of the typical WASR10.
At the range (in the woods about 125 yards from my place) I put up a target at the 50 yard line. Three shots from the bench, all went about 2 inches high, but center with a spread of just under three inches.
After making the needed adjustments to the iron sights, I mounted the scope
After firing half a case of ammo through the Bulgarian AK-74 NDS-2 – without a single stoppage. I went home and cleaned the rifle using Windex® (to neutralize the corrosive salts) followed by regular cleaning with Hoppe’s® No. 9 
The next day, I went back to the range for accuracy testing at 100 yards. I have to say for an AK type rifle I was impressed with the performance of both the rifle and the 5.45×39 round. Groups at this distance were consistent at 2-3 inches. Much better than groups shot with my Romanian WASR10 and other 7.62×39 variants, I’ve owned over the years.
So what’s the downside? The availability of ammo, or lack of is the only negative I’ve found. I checked every retail outlet in my area, and none carried 5.45×39. So I have to order it by the case – 1080 rounds in a sealed metal tin for $149 plus shipping.
If you decide to make the Bulgarian AK-74 NDS-2 Rifle, 5.45×39 your main defensive rifle, stock up with several thousand rounds of ammo. As far as I know, there is no domestic source at this time and any number of things could cut off supply.
Sign up for free updates from The Survivalist Blog for more tips on survival, preparedness, and self-reliance.Related posts:
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:00 AM
I agree with your assessment of the 5.45×39 round and the AK74 rifle. I have several, one of which I built myself. I don't consider the present Romanian AK's to be very good specimiens. I have a polish AK 7.62×39 rifle I had built for me. It will consistently keep 4-5 inch groups at 100 yds with decent optics. I have a couple of polytechs (both milled and stamped) and a couple of Yugos that will do about as well even though I don't have optics capability on any of these. The 5.45×39 round is more accurate for sure. The 7.62×39 lacks a bit in the accuracy dept., but I feel will do just find at the distances most likely to be encountered when defending the homestead. Again I don't consider current Romanian AK's to be suitable. I have an early model Romanian 5.45×39 weapon that was brought into the country in thumbhole configuration that performs as well as your Bulgarian. Good quality ammo is the key to satisfactory accuracy in a well made AK.
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:26 AM
MD or ?
Which hand gun would you recommend from these two:
The Glock 17 – 9mm or The Glock 22 – .40
My question deals primarily with (future) availability of ammo, heard that 9mm is more common but don't know.
Price is not a concern for me and I want uncomplicated & reliable. I own shot guns, Mosins, .22 but no hand guns. My research has lead me to Glocks.
Thoughts/opinions?
[Reply]
DonM Reply:
April 10th, 2010 at 11:45 PM
Before buying a Glock, I’d go a nearby store to hold one in person. To me, Glocks feel like a plastic block in your hands. Check out some other guns before narrowing your choice strictly to a Glock. I’d recommend a Springfield XD.
[Reply]
1sgt.dw Reply:
May 18th, 2010 at 10:22 PM
buy a fnh 5.7. it is great for self defense and is dead accurate out to 200 meters. down side is the weapon ranges from 800-1400 dollars. it has a 20 round magazine and comes with 3 of them, you can but a 10 round extension for around 20 bucks to make it a 30 rd ass stomper.
[Reply]
Rick Reply:
June 18th, 2010 at 2:18 PM
I know this seems late but you cant go wrong with a H & K they are few hundred more but are excellent shooters. I have 2 45cal and they shoot like no other gun. My friend loved my gun so much he bought it in 9mm version for easy ammo situation. His shoots excellent also. We can nail targets 70-80 yards out with no problem.
[Reply]
Roy Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 11:43 PM
I would recommend a pistol in 9mm because it’s relatively cheap, easy to obtain, common and very effective if you do your job with good shot placement. As far as a pistol, why not look at something like a Steyr Mannlicher M9? Unlike the Glock, it has steel rails inside the polymer frame, unlike the Glock. The Steyr also has a fully supported chamber, unlike the Glock, is more ergonomic, cheaper, and lastly has better sights. Next time you’re at a gun show or a dealer, hold one in your hand and see what I’m talking about. I’ve shot a LOT of weapons in my day, and this is one of the best 9mm hand guns for the money. You can get one new for about $430. You can also find magazines on http://www.Gunbroker.com.
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:08 AM
Anonymous 10:26 PM,
I'd choose the Glock 17 and load it with 115-124 grain JHP +P such as that made by Corbon or Remington for defensive use and cheaper FMJ for practice.
The main reason I would choose the 9mm over the .40 is cost of ammo, recoil and magazine capacity.
Have you considered the Smaller framed Glock 19? The Glock 19 is a reduced-size Glock 17 with 15 round magazine.
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:28 AM
MD,
Thank you for the advice.
I tried the smaller Glock but my hand is big and hangs over the bottom. Does the 15 round mag increase the length? And can I get the 15 round mag in Ca???
Out of curiosity, what do you like for your a go to, reliable self defense weapon?
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:58 AM
Anonymous 11:28 PM,
If limited to a full size handgun the Springfield XD9 is would be my top choice.
At home the Mossberg 590 loaded with #4 buck.
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:49 AM
Great review I have always been a fan of the Ak-47 and all it's varients. I've never fired one that used the older soviet era ammo. Is there much or any difference when firing one that uses 5.56 to 5.45
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:22 AM
I own 2 milled Bulgarian SLR95's & I get 2" groups at 100 yds.Love EM
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:41 AM
One thing that I would like to bring up about 5.45×39mm weapons is ammo availability. There's plenty of cheap Russian ammo out there right now but what about the future. Those of us that are old enough can remember all of the cheap Norinco ammo that was on the market in the 1990's. Clinton did away with that. Who can say whether or not Obama might do the same with Bear, Wolf and Tula?
There is a lot of US manufacturers that make 5.56×45mm, .223, .308 and even 7.62×39mm. I may be wrong but I don't believe that there are a lot (any?) of US manufacturers that produce 5.45×39mm. You could face a serious ammo drought if Obama throws a hissy fit and stops the flow of Russian ammo.
Then there is SHTF. As this is a survivalist site it's worth talking about ammo availablity post SHTF. Yes, you should have mountains of ammo stockpiled. If you don't or if you lose your cache then where are you going to find more 5.45×39mm? Every police station, military base and sporting goods store in the country has 5.56×45mm and .308. Eventually a barter system would be set up and it's likely that someone would trade these calibers. There's even a lot of 7.62×39mm out there. I don't think there is much 5.45×39mm in circulation compared to the 5.56/.223 and .308.
Ah….then there's reloading. There is a lot of brass out there for 5.56 and .308. Post SHTF someone will be reloading even if it's not you and I. Months after SHTF it's likely that someone will trade these calibers even if it's for a huge price.
Most (all?) of the 5.45×39mm out there is steel cased. Most of the reloaders say that you cannot reload steel cased ammo. Those that say that you can admit that it is a pain in the ass and few bother with it.
AK 74's seem like a decent weapon but I wouldn't invest in that caliber of weapon for SHTF unless you can sit on a mountain of ammo and eventually reload your own.
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:01 PM
Will 6:41 AM,
From the post:
"So what's the downside? The availability of ammo, or lack of is the only negative I've found. I checked every retail outlet in my area, and none carried 5.45×39. So I have to order it by the case – 1080 rounds in a sealed metal tin for $149 plus shipping.
If you decide to make the Bulgarian AK-74 NDS-2 Rifle, 5.45×39 your main defensive rifle, stock up with several thousand rounds of ammo. As far as I know, there is no domestic source at this time and any number of things could cut off supply."
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:28 PM
Cool beans, thank you for the review. I agree with you on assessment of AK accuracy, but it still stays – there are some occassion when 'paint can at 50 yard' accuracy will do, especially at night when ranges are much shorter. I just want to make sure the gun goes off, and the AKs excel at that. I have a MAK 90 and WASR-10 and am satisfied with both. I don't think I will buy a new 5.45 though – ammunition is expensive as it now, and I already have a pretty decent stash of 7.62×39.
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:13 PM
MD, how does the price of this weapon compare to that of an AR and the 223 ammo?
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:47 PM
Hope you don't consider this a dumb question but does ammo have a shelf life & is there a special way to store it for a long term?
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:01 PM
Where did you order the 5.45×39 ammo??? Your sponsor link's price is $295!
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:51 PM
Anonymous 10:01 AM,
J&G Sales 5.45×39 Russian Military Surplus 1080 rd sealed tin, AK-74 ammo.
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:56 PM
M.D.,
My Saiga 7.62×39 AK will obtain better than 4 inches at 100 yards, especially with a cold barrel. The Saigas are very high quality AKs, after they are converted back to a normal AK configuration.
But I agree with your assessment of the 5.45×39 round, and have decided to focus on this round for stock-up and practice purposes. Besides the advantages you listed, my wife finds the recoil very mild/manageable and likes shooting hers.
Don't forget to clean the gas system after using the corrosive ammo!
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:48 PM
Anonymous 2010 9:47 AM,
How to store ammunition
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:52 PM
Patriot Farmer,
You could buy the Bulgarian AK-74 NDS-2 and several thousand rounds of 5.45×39 ammo for the price of one AR.
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:20 PM
The Sportsman's Guide in Minnesota(www.sportsmansguide.com) carries 5.45×39mm ammo at reasonable prices, check the website for availability. Also check Cheaper Than Dirt in Texas, they carry 5.45×39mm from time-to-time as well. Keep in mind, that if enough people buy an AK-74 style rifle; then, the ammo companies will produce the needed ammo.
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:42 PM
I am also a fan of the Saiga. I have one in .223 so I consider it to be the best of both worlds. The only drawback I see to the Saiga is accessories and magazines can be costly.
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:04 PM
Anonymous at 9:47 AM,
Surplus 5.45 ammo comes stored in airtight "spam" cans. There's little you need to do to keep the ammo good. Maybe avoid storing it where there are extreme temperature swings. Even if my house were flooded, I'd expect the ammo to be fine after the waters receded.
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:15 PM
GO TO http://WWW.AIMSURPLUS.COM.
A TIN OF 5.45 X 39 IS $130 AND TWO OR MORE TINS ARE $120 EACH. THEY ARE LOCATED IN OHIO AND DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE, I'M NOT SURE HOW MUCH SHIPPING WILL BE…
THE MORE WEAPONS AND AMMO OUT THERE, THE BETTER!
[Reply]
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:29 PM
Thanks for the review. I have been on the fence about getting yet another caliber, but your review has convinced me that a 74 variant is in my future.
[Reply]
February 24th, 2010 at 2:58 AM
M.D. or anyone who cares to answer;
The post compares the 5.45 to 7.62, but how does the AK-74 compare to an AR-15 overall?
Seems like one could buy enough AK-74 ammo for a lifetime at today's prices.
[Reply]
February 24th, 2010 at 5:49 AM
Do the sealed tins prevent corrosion??
[Reply]
February 24th, 2010 at 6:48 AM
M.D. you said the availablity of ammo is hard. Do you not reload for it? Or is the brass hard to find to reload?
I do not know as I do not own a AK and prefer my AR.
upinak
[Reply]
February 24th, 2010 at 1:09 PM
Is any of the 5.45 ammo sold in the U.S. steel-cored?
I know .30-'06 and 5.56 have surplus exemptions, but given the number of "Krink"-clone handguns on the market, I'd think that AP 5.45 would be a no-go.
[Reply]
February 24th, 2010 at 2:12 PM
Anonymous said… February 23, 2010 9:47 AM
Yes Ammo has a shelf life, but if kept in sealed containers and at a relatively constant temp. it will keep for many years without loss of effectiveness. If in doubt, buy sealed tins. I store my ammo that is not in sealed tins in ammo cans with a cotton screw bag filled with desicant (sp?). It will keep a long time this way if the ammo is of fairly recent manufacture. Hope this helps.
[Reply]
February 24th, 2010 at 2:14 PM
"Do the sealed tins prevent corrosion??"
Quite well. I've been shooting ammo from 1976. The ammo looks like it was packed yesterday.
[Reply]
February 24th, 2010 at 2:15 PM
Anonymous said… February 24, 2010 12:49 AM
Yes, the tins do prevent corrosion and moisture damage if they were sealed properly when dry.
[Reply]
February 24th, 2010 at 2:16 PM
"Is any of the 5.45 ammo sold in the U.S. steel-cored?"
The 7N6 surplus ammo is steel-cored. It is also more lethal than the commercial ammo.
'I know .30-'06 and 5.56 have surplus exemptions, but given the number of "Krink"-clone handguns on the market, I'd think that AP 5.45 would be a no-go.'
Give it time; the jerks producing those handguns may attract the interest of Congress or the ATF and screw things up for us.
[Reply]
February 24th, 2010 at 2:27 PM
M.D. or anyone who cares to answer;
If you get a well made AK, you will find it to be less accurate than an AR15, bur much more reliable in unsanitary conditions, such as in the woods, etc. The AR15 should be expected to maintain 1" to 2" groups or better with AK's maintaining 2" to 6" groups at 100 yards. Milled AK's tend to be more accurate, but heavier than their stamped receivered brothers. Generally the AR is lighter than the AK and can mount more auxillary equipment, if that is what you are interested in. The new piston AR's are capable of running cooler and cleaner than the direct impengment AR's erasing a major advantage of the AK. Of course these piston rifles are new and unproven so keep that in mind along with their much higher price. Decisions, decisions…Hope this helps.
[Reply]
February 24th, 2010 at 2:29 PM
Anonymous said… February 23, 2010 3:42 PM
The Saiga can be modified to take std AK mags.
[Reply]
February 24th, 2010 at 3:47 PM
Anonymous 12:49 AM,
As several readers have said (thanks guys) the tins do prevent corrosion and moisture damage. They were packed this way by the Soviets for just that purpose.
No need to repack or buy ammo cans for storage.
[Reply]
February 24th, 2010 at 4:05 PM
Tam,
The Soviet 5.45×39mm has an unhardened steel core, not sure about the others on the market.
Here's another great source of 5.45×39mm ammo that I found from the sports mans guide.
[Reply]
February 24th, 2010 at 4:36 PM
Check out Massad Ayoob. He prefers the SKS over the AK47 for for the poor man's survival armory. Twice the gun at half the price. Much more accurate with the same cheap 7.62×39 round.
[Reply]
February 24th, 2010 at 6:05 PM
For 5.45×39 brown bear ammo check out ammunitiontogo.com, best prices around and always reliable.
[Reply]
March 18th, 2010 at 3:05 PM
[...] see themselves walking into town AK-47 in hand shooting down anyone who dares look their way. It’s an armchair survivalist [...]
May 4th, 2010 at 8:57 AM
wolf makes several different types of ammo for this rifle. also hornady will be coming out with a 5.45×39 round to compliment there new 7.62×39 round.
[Reply]
May 14th, 2010 at 9:15 PM
The ATF regs state,(and I’m paraphrazing) any gun considered to be a hand gun must be able to shoot effectively from one hand. Having only a pistol grip. No front grips. You can shoot a “krink” with one hand-good luck with that! Hell, you can shoot a full sized ak with one hand. Good luck with that too! Even though it sells as a hand gun, its not considered to be one by the feds. So, unless some jerkface out there actually constructs a real hand gun that shoots the 5.45×39, they shouldn’t try to take it from us. At least not by that means.
God bless the venerable ak. God bless America.
[Reply]
May 17th, 2010 at 5:03 PM
I have a 5.45×39 AK74. shoots great. I have a mag that shows it holds 5.56 nato variant. The bullets fit the mag and seem like they would feed. does anyone know if this would misfeed. I am asking since I want to take the AK74 hunting, but all I have is 30 round clips for 5.45×39. Has anyone tried this?
[Reply]
1sgt.dw Reply:
May 18th, 2010 at 10:34 PM
well i have a in-range built,very high quality,Bulgarian with all new Bulgarian parts. i am not sure if it will feed in the akm74 or not, but i as well have Smith and Wesson m&p15R ar15, that shoots 5.45×39 and i know that it will not feed properly if you use a regular AR magazine that is designed for 5.56×45, it will only accept mags made for the round. now it will fit in the magazine weld but will not feed properly. i hoped it helped. also look into a hellfire trigger system so when the time comes you will be able to use auto-fire for suppression and don’t worry it is all legal my friend.
[Reply]
May 19th, 2010 at 7:43 PM
In a few months Hornady is going to introduce its own 5.45X39mm round with an expanding bullet and oddly enough, a steel case.
[Reply]
June 11th, 2010 at 6:16 AM
I too, am the satisfied owner of a Bulgarian/US 74. A lot of the parts (trigger,etc) are Tapco. I don’t know if I got lucky but, the rifle itself is quite good fit and finish wise. The sights are typical AK so I mounted the Tactedge 4×32 with great results. If I do my part, I can squeeze out 1.5″/100m groups with pretty good regularity thanks to the glass and a surprisingly decent trigger. The rifle doesn’t seem to prefer any particular brand of ammo or bullet weight. Wolf, Silver Bear, 7N6, unidentified surplus all fed and functioned perfectly-0 stoppages. I even tried to make it malfunction. Sideways, upside down, crooked rounds in mag. Didn’t happen. It’s true. If you’re given a choice of one firearm in an emergency situation, you’d be well off with an Avtomat Kalashnikova. PS- Does Windex really neutralize corrosive salts? Thanks.
[Reply]
mdcreekmore Reply:
June 11th, 2010 at 6:25 AM
Gunner the ammonia in Windex is what neutralizes the corrosive salts. When shooting corrosive ammo I spray down the barrel until it (windex) runs out the other end, gas tube, piston and bolt. Then clean as usual with Hoppe’s #9.
[Reply]
130gunner Reply:
June 11th, 2010 at 7:58 AM
Thanks for the clarification MD. I don’t know if it’s still made but, there was a product called Sweet’s 7.62 that was LOADED with ammonia. I used it on my M1A years ago. The story went that it removed copper fouling-not a word about corrosives. Regardless, I’m stocking up on the Windex and Hoppe’s if I want to continue shooting cheap surplus. Thanks again my brother.
[Reply]
June 12th, 2010 at 10:25 AM
If one has a couple extra bucks, buy up the 1080rd tins and sit on them. Practice and have fun with individual, odd boxes of Wolf, Bear or whatever as they come along. Keep networking people. We may need each other someday. I saw it in Somalia.
[Reply]
June 17th, 2010 at 9:38 PM
Hornady is now making 5.45×39mm. Of course it’s about $25 per box and it’s steel cased. I’m still trying to figure that out. It’s probably great ammo but why the steel case?
[Reply]
June 20th, 2010 at 5:57 AM
are bulgarian copies of russian rifles any good,
came across a 77mm automatic rifle made in bulgaria, dont know what they call it here in the u.k,looks like an ak47, fixed butt, just an inch or 2 longer, its a copy of some russian rifle,
does anyone know what this would be or how i cud find out the name?
[Reply]
July 30th, 2010 at 5:44 AM
I am in search of a quality ak74. I do not know the good manufacturers or model designations. I would also like to find a website that sells weapons by owners not gun dealers. I do not want trans paperwork. Any suggestions?
[Reply]
August 20th, 2010 at 10:35 PM
AK 47 is designed to take a life on 100 yards. The caliber 7.62 is able to penetrate a concrete block, and steel core round can go through 0.5 inch steel plate. A full jacket round can go through 1/8 inch steel plate. This is not the case for caliber 5.45. The round stuck inside a concrete block and smashed in front of 1/8 inch steel plate. This caliber is deadly against people dressed in pajamas, but 7.62×39 hollow point makes a lot of damage, same as 5.45 caliber.
I bought a Yugoslavian AK 47 with parts of Military Zastava, and receiver produced by Century and assembled in USA. Under folded stock is a must. The slaint muzzle brake is for amateurs, and worsens the accuracy. I replaced it with a Bulgarian with 4 side windows; the flash can’t obscure the sight. Added a recoil buffer, and replaced the steel wire with a steel plate at the trigger system. With open sight, front sight at 1, distance 100 yards I group 20 rounds at 4 inches. You have to know how to support the stock, on your shoulder, how to handle your body by bones, not by muscles and more. A have 26 years experience in army with AK 47 and now, I can use the Yugo one, with the same accuracy. No mater, that is only semi auto, the strength of recoil system is for auto, and if you are fast, can fire up to 8 rounds in a second. Tula or Wolf rounds are cheap, but one in 100 rounds misfire. It is a good idea to load the magazine with 3 first rounds to fire, with Winchester 7.62×39. AK 47 is not for haunting. AK 47 is a self-defense weapon, to take a life on 3 to 100 yards in self-defense. I hope never to use it, but I prefer to die with my AK 47 in my hands.
[Reply]
August 29th, 2010 at 7:04 AM
Wooooooooooooooo Ak-74 lover…………………i agree with u……
Ak-74 with 5.45×39mm ammo is the great choice bro…….
In the real battle sutuation, we not fire the gun comfortable…..coz we have to move from one position to other position….
our adrenalin is so fast absolutly, we need low recoil gun……
we can carry much more extra ammo with Ak-74 rifle and its ammo…..
my favorit equipment that if im in the real battle situatin is :
1. AK-74 with 1000 rounds +…
2. stechkin pistol with 400 rounds ammo
3. military ration for 30 days
4 And 20 rounds gp 30mm grenade
it seems heavy, but i think we really need it,…..for defend and for offen….
;-)
[Reply]