You’ve seen them in music videos, all over Instagram, and maybe even at your local range—the stubby, loud, and undeniably cool AK-style pistols. But if you’re looking to actually pick one up, you've probably noticed that the price tag on a Draco is about as stable as a caffeinated squirrel. One day it’s a "deal," and the next, you’re looking at a four-figure investment for what is essentially a chopped-down rifle.
Honestly, the question of how much is a draco depends entirely on which "flavor" you’re after and whether you’re buying from a big-box retailer or a guy in a parking lot (please don't do that, by the way).
In early 2026, the market has settled into a weird groove. After the wild fluctuations of the mid-2020s, supply has finally caught up with the hype, but "cheap" is a relative term in the firearm world.
The Current Price Landscape for Dracos
If you walk into a shop today, you’re generally looking at a range between $750 and $1,100.
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That’s the "new in box" price for most standard imports. If you find one for $600, you’re either looking at a used model that’s seen some very heavy range days, or it’s a 9mm version—which is cool, but it’s not the "true" 7.62x39mm experience most people are looking for.
Breaking down the models
- The Standard Draco: This is the one with the 12.25-inch barrel. It’s the most "shootable" of the bunch. You can expect to pay around $800 to $900.
- Mini Draco: Shortening things down to a 7.75-inch barrel adds a "tax" on your wallet and your eardrums. These usually hover around $850 to $950.
- Micro Draco: The tiny 6.25-inch monster. These are the most sought-after for the "clout" factor. Because they’re harder to find in stock, prices often spike to $950 or even $1,050.
- Draco 9S: The 9mm version. These are much more affordable, often found for $550 to $700. They take CZ Scorpion mags and are way cheaper to feed at the range.
Why Do the Prices Change So Much?
It’s all about the "Made in Romania" stamp.
The "real" Dracos are manufactured by Cugir in Romania and imported by Century Arms. Because they are imports, their availability is tied to international trade, shipping costs, and whether or not the factory in Romania is busy fulfilling a military contract. When the imports dry up for a few months, the prices on the secondary market (like GunBroker) go absolutely nuclear.
Then you have the American-made versions, like the VSKA Draco or the BFT47 pistols. Purists will tell you to avoid these, but they usually sit about $100 cheaper than the Romanian imports. In 2026, the quality on American AKs has improved significantly, but the resale value still doesn't touch the Romanian ones.
The "Hidden" Costs of Ownership
Buying the gun is just the entry fee.
You’re going to want a brace. Or at least, you used to. With the legal back-and-forth regarding the ATF and stabilizing braces over the last few years, many people are now opting to Form 1 their Dracos into Short Barreled Rifles (SBRs). That’s a $200 tax stamp right there.
Then there’s the furniture. The "blonde" wood that comes on these guns is... fine. But most owners immediately swap it out for "Russian Red" wood or Magpul polymer. Budget at least $100 to $200 for basic upgrades if you want it to look like the ones on your feed.
Ammo is the real kicker
Feeding a Draco isn't as cheap as it was back in 2019. With 7.62x39mm prices hovering around 45 to 55 cents per round for steel case, a single afternoon at the range can easily cost you another $150.
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Is It Worth It?
If you want a practical home defense tool, there are better options. A Draco is loud, it has massive muzzle flash, and without a brace or a stock, it’s basically a flashbang that throws lead.
But that’s not why you buy one.
You buy it because it’s a tank. It’s a piece of machinery that will probably outlive you. It’s reliable in a way that most modern polymer pistols aren't. And honestly? It’s just fun. There is nothing quite like the thump of a 7.62 round coming out of a 6-inch barrel.
Where to Find the Best Deals Right Now
If you're hunting for the best price, stop looking at the local "boutique" gun stores that mark everything up 30%.
- Check the big online aggregators: Use sites like WikiArms or GunMade to see real-time pricing across a dozen retailers.
- The "Used" Rack: Many people buy a Micro Draco, realize it's way too much gun for them to handle comfortably, and trade it back in after 50 rounds. You can often snag these for under $750.
- Sign up for "In Stock" alerts: The Romanian shipments usually come in waves. If you catch the wave early, you get the MSRP. If you wait, you pay the "scarcity tax."
Making the Move
If you've decided to pull the trigger, make sure you're looking at the HG1916-N (Standard), HG2137-N (Mini), or HG2797-N (Micro) model numbers. Those are the Romanian imports that hold their value. Check the trunnion for the "Cugir" marking before you hand over your cash.
Before you buy, confirm your local state laws. Even in 2026, some states have tightened their grip on "large format pistols," and you don't want to spend a grand on something you can't legally pick up from your FFL. Verify the legality of stabilizing braces in your specific jurisdiction, as the "rules" seem to change every other Tuesday. Once you've cleared the legal hurdles, find a reputable dealer with a solid transfer policy to avoid any headache at the finish line.