Description
The Century Arms BFT556 is an American-made AK-pattern rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, built around a bulged, forged front trunnion and a 1.5mm stamped steel receiver. This version (Century Arms RI5042N, UPC 787450894044) pairs a 16.25 inch chrome lined barrel with matte red wood furniture, a black polymer US Palm grip and a 30-round magazine.
Century Arms BFT556 Overview
Century designed the BFT series to fix the weak points that show up in many budget AKs. The front trunnion is forged from 4140 steel and bulged for extra support, which is the same approach used on the BFT47 in 7.62×39. The receiver is optics ready with a side mount, and the manganese phosphate finish meets Mil-DTL-16232 standards. The result is a rugged, classic-looking rifle that runs on the ammunition most American shooters already keep on the shelf.
Forged Trunnion and Receiver
The trunnion is the heart of an AK. It locks the bolt, holds the barrel and takes the full force of every shot. A forged trunnion has a tighter grain structure than a cast part, so it resists cracking and wear over a long service life. Bulging the trunnion adds extra material around the locking lugs for strength, and the 1.5mm stamped receiver is the traditional thickness that gives the AK its durable, flexible frame.
Chrome Lined 4150 Barrel
The 16.25 inch barrel is made of chrome-moly 4150 steel and lined with chrome. Chrome lining resists heat, corrosion and fouling, so the bore holds up well to high round counts and to the steel-cased practice ammunition that many AK owners shoot. It also makes cleaning quick and easy after a range day.
RAK-1 Enhanced Trigger
Century fits the rifle with its RAK-1 enhanced trigger group. Compared with a standard AK trigger, the RAK-1 trigger offers a smoother take-up, a cleaner break and a shorter reset, which makes accurate follow-up shots easier for new and experienced shooters alike.
Sights and Optics
Adjustable front and rear iron sights come standard, and the side rail lets you add a quick-detach optic mount. A low-power variable scope or a red dot on a lower-third side mount is a popular setup that keeps the irons usable.
Why Choose a 5.56 AK Rifle
A 5.56 AK combines the simple, reliable long-stroke piston action with a cartridge that is affordable, widely available and flat shooting. If you already own an AR-15, you can share ammunition between both rifles. Recoil is mild, which makes this a great rifle for newer shooters and for longer training sessions.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Field strip by removing the dust cover, recoil spring, bolt carrier and gas tube. Wipe carbon from the piston, bolt face and carrier, run a few patches through the bore, then apply a light coat of oil to the rails and bolt. The AK is famously tolerant of neglect, but regular cleaning keeps the action smooth and protects the finish.
Safe Storage at Home
Store the rifle unloaded in a locked safe or cabinet, keep ammunition separate, and teach everyone in the household basic safety rules. A cable lock is an inexpensive extra layer for travel.
Range Day Checklist
Bring eye and ear protection, several loaded magazines, a small cleaning kit and some oil. Confirm the sights are zeroed at 50 yards before stretching out to longer distances, and take short breaks to let the barrel cool during long strings of fire.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Century Arms
- Model: BFT 556 (RI5042N)
- UPC: 787450894044
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
- Action: Semi-auto, long-stroke gas piston
- Barrel: 16.25 in. chrome lined chrome-moly 4150 steel
- Front trunnion: Forged and bulged 4140 steel
- Receiver: 1.5mm stamped steel, optics-ready side mount
- Trigger: RAK-1 enhanced
- Sights: Adjustable front and rear
- Furniture: Matte red wood stock and handguard, black polymer US Palm grip
- Finish: Manganese phosphate per Mil-DTL-16232
- Capacity: 30+1
Before You Buy
This rifle uses 5.56 AK-pattern magazines, not AR-15 magazines, so plan spare magazines accordingly. Magazine capacity and feature rules vary by state; please check your local laws before ordering. The rifle ships to your local FFL dealer, where the transfer is completed with a background check.
Who It Is For
The Century Arms BFT556 is a great fit for shooters who love the look and feel of a classic AK but want to run affordable 5.56 ammunition. It also makes a strong companion to an AR-15 for anyone who wants to stock a single caliber.
Buy the Century Arms BFT556 at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the Century Arms BFT556 online and ship it to your local FFL dealer, or browse our full selection of firearms for more AK rifles. For factory details, visit Century Arms.
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