Specifications
Kalashnikov AK-47
The most famous assault rifle in the world
Eastern Operated
Origins in Russia
Known Worldwide
Specifications
- Caliber 7.62x39mm
- Overall Length 880mm (35in)
- ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt
- Capacity 30+ rounds
- Barrel Length 415mm (16.3in)
- Rate of Fire 600~ rpm
- Weight (empty) 3.9kg (8.65lbs)
The rifle of all rifles. With over 100 million in use, the cost effective and reliable AK-47 is a staple in armies all over the world.
Overview
If you are a gun enthusiast, the AK-47 needs no introduction. Even if you are not into guns, you have seen this weapon before. This weapon is used all across the globe. It’s in constant movies and television shows. Many poorer nations use this gun as their standard military rifle because it is cheap yet reliable. It is the world’s most popular and used weapon – period.
The AK-47 was designed and developed by a Russian named Mikhail Kalashnikov just after World War II. Originally, the AK-47 was just called the AK. The 47 was added later once different version of the AK were produced to note the version differences.
AK stands for Avtomat Kalashnikova (Russian) – Automatic Kalashnikov
Kalashnikov based the design off of the best designs of the guns from World War II including the American M1 Garand and more notably, the German STG 44. He started development in 1946 and came into full inception in 1949 – the AK-47 was born.
Somalian Soldier holding an AK-47 (AKM)
AKM
The version of the AK that really gave it the name as the most used rifle in the world is the AKM. The AKM is a slightly modified version of the AK-47 and replaced it’s predecessor in 1959. The modifications put in place were to help this version of the AK to be mass-produced by various countries. Because of these manufacture modifications, the AKM is the most widespread of all the AK variants and remains so to this day.
The AKM’s angled muzzle-break
Soldiers firing AK-47s
Worldwide Usage
Kalashnikov made the weapon with 8 main moving pieces that were easy and cheap to manufacture. These limited components also made the rifle very reliable due to the simplistic nature of having so few parts. Because of these manufacture features, the AK (the AKM in particular) became extremely popular with many other nations around the world.
AK-47 Copies
The original AK-47 design became so popular that many other countries adopted it’s design and started manufacturing their own version of the weapon. Nations that produce their own version of the AK include Poland, Romania, North Korea, Sudan, and Yugoslavia/Serbia, and China. The Norinco Type 56 is the Chinese variant of the AK that is the most know AK variant that isn’t actually an official Kalashnikov variant.
Norinco Type 56
Russia Beyond’s Russian AK-47 from a Chinese copy
Chinese Version Differences
With the Type 56 being the most used variant of the AK (more so, the AKM), the Type 56 has some slight noticeable differences. Lets take a look:
- Muzzle Thread Removal – With the muzzle not having any threads, it is not possible to add an suppressor, compensator, muzzle break, or flash hider.
- Bayonet Permanent – The versions of the Type 56 that have a bayonet cannot be removed.
- Fully Hooded Front Sight – The front sight is connected fully in a complete circle unlike the original which is rounded to about 60%
- Cover is Smooth – The Type 56 top cover of the weapon is smooth unlike the AK which is ribbed.
- Ported Gas Tube – The firing gas tube has been ported with holes to let out air
Current Military versions
The Kalashnikov Concerns corporation is currently still making modern versions of the AK. Their latest AK-200 series is available for
Civilian Life
Since the 1990s, the AK has been somewhat of a treasured sporting rifle in America. Of course, the AK imports are not actual AKs but semi-auto replicas due to US laws against fully-auto firearms. These replicas are manufactured by various companies who mimic the original Kalashnikov design well without the fully-auto feature. Unless you are a gun collector with plenty of money who is able to acquire fully-auto weapons, buying one of these replicas is the closest thing to getting your hands on an AK of any version.
Weapon Variations
AKM
- Caliber 7.62x39mm
- Overall Length 880mm (35in)
- ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt
- Capacity 30+ rounds
- Barrel Length 415mm (16.3in)
- Rate of Fire 600~ rpm
- Weight (empty) 3.3kg (7.28 lb)
AK-74
- Caliber 5.45×39mm
- Overall Length 943mm (37.1in)
- ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt
- Capacity 30+ rounds
- Barrel Length 415mm (16.3in)
- Rate of Fire 600~ rpm
- Weight (empty) 3.07kg (6.8lb)
AK-101
- Caliber 5.56×45mm
- Overall Length 943mm (37.1in)
- Action Gas-Operated, rotating bolt
- Capacity 30+ rounds
- Barrel Length 415mm (16.3in)
- Rate of Fire 600~ rpm
- Weight (empty) 3.6kg (7.9lb)
AK-15
- Caliber 7.62×39mm
- Overall Length 945mm (37.2in)
- Action Gas operated, rotating bolt
- Capacity 30+ rounds
- Barrel Length 415mm (16.3in)
- Rate of Fire 600~ rpm
- Weight (empty) 3.3kg (7.28lb)
Weapon Accessories
EXCELLENT ELITE SPANKER Tactical AK Mag Pouch
These AK mag pouches come in single, double, and triple pouches. These quick release high-quality mag pouches can be adjustable for tension/retention, tightened, and hold the rifle magazines securely.
Case Club AK-47 Waterproof Rifle Case
Waterproof case comes with pre-cut foam to hold AK-47 Rifle which holds extra magazines, a pistol, optics, rifle attachments, and various accessories
Tacksport Red Dot Scope Mount
Great Lower priced option for mounting optics to AK variant rifle on Picatinny rails. Comes with a 12 months guarantee.
