The Draco is a series of Romanian-designed gas-operated semi-automatic pistols sold by Century International Arms.
The Draco is a series of Romanian-designed gas-operated semi-automatic pistols sold by Century International Arms.
Most Draco models available are built in Romania by Cugir Arms Factory and imported to the United States. Century Arms produces its own US-built variant using fully American components. [1]
The Draco is chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge with its design taken heavily after the AK-47. Although mechanically a rifle, its stockless configuration allows it to be legally sold as a pistol/handgun, while holding a magazine of 30 rounds chambered in an intermediate rifle cartridge. 9×19mm Parabellum variants are also available. [2]
The weapon has been noted by some for inaccuracy and an apparent lack of practical application, [3] [4] [5] though to some extent this could be explained by the large potential for operator error due to high recoil of a 6-inch barrel firing a rifle round without a stock. [6]
The Draco is referenced or shown in several American rap songs and music videos. The online firearm retailer Gunsamerica discovered a direct correlation between Draco sales and its appearance in American rap songs in 2016 and 2017. [9]
The Draco has been criticized by Detroit law enforcement officials. [10] [11] [12] Detroit police chief James White has stated that he considers the Draco pistol an "assault rifle" and that it should not be sold in the city. [11] [13] The Detroit Police seized around 50 Draco Pistols in 2021-2022. [11]