Draco Pistol

The Draco Pistol, or more commonly known as simply a Draco, is a series of Romanian-designed gas-operated semi-automatic pistols sold by Century International Arms. The weapon is chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge with its design taken heavily after the AK-47. Its stockless outfit has led to its classification as a pistol, while holding a magazine of 30 rounds.

The Draco's presence in the US has grown in recent years, frequently serving as an icon in gang and or trap and hip hop/rap scenes. It is a popular choice among criminals and gangs – Its increased usage in violent crimes and discovery through investigations and criminal seizures has led to a noted uptake of the Draco in the US as of 2023.

Origin
Three of the four 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.

Presence in the United States
The Draco is frequently portrayed in rap songs and music videos. The online firearm retailer Gunsamerica discovered a direct correlation between Draco sales and its appearance in rap songs in 2016 and 2017. In recent years, its rising use in the commission of deadly crimes, including some against police officers, has caused a stir among authorities, with many decrying its lethality obscured under the guise of a pistol classification. The weapon has been noted by some for inaccuracy and an apparent lack of practical application,  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. It has been criticized by several police officials for its apparent lack of practical civilian application, being instead a tool of intimidation and violence. The Detroit Police seized around 50 in the 12 months to July 2022, noting its spread.