AK-47
Summary
| Country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Assault rifle |
| Manufacturer | Kalachnikov |
Technical specifications
| AK-47 | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 600 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 7.62 x 39 mm |
| Magazine | 30 rounds |
| Length | 870 mm (34.3 in) |
| Weight | 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) |
| Range | 400 m (1312 ft) |
Description
Work on the Avtomat Kalashnikova, or AK-47, began in 1945 by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the Soviet Union, chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge. After military trials in 1947, a version entered service with selected Soviet units in 1948 and was officially accepted by the Soviet Armed Forces and most Warsaw Pact states in 1949. Initial production faced difficulties with stamped receivers, leading to the use of machined receivers (Type 2 and 3) before the successful stamped receiver AKM was introduced in 1959, which became the most widespread variant. Development of the rifle was influenced by the German Sturmgewehr 44. The design's reliability under harsh conditions, low cost, and ease of use contributed to its global proliferation. The AK-47 and AKM were later replaced in Soviet service by the AK-74.
The AK-47 is a simple, reliable automatic rifle designed for mass production, utilizing a long-stroke gas piston system and firing the 7.62x39mm cartridge. Its operation involves expanding gases cycling the action to unlock the bolt and eject spent cases, and its barrel is chrome-lined.
Iron sights include a rear tangent sight and adjustable front post, typically set for a 300m battle zero. A large lever on the right side serves as the fire selector and dust cover, controlling safe, full-auto, and semi-auto modes. Furniture materials include wood, plywood, and later plastic, with folding metal stocks for AKS and AKMS variants. Standard curved magazines hold 30 rounds, and are constructed from materials such as steel or polymer/ABS. Various other magazine capacities exist. Accessories can include a bayonet and capability to mount under-barrel grenade launchers like the GP-25. The rifle's accuracy is generally considered sufficient for torso-sized targets out to approximately 300 meters.
Principal 7.62x39mm variants include:
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The early Type 1 with a stamped receiver
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The Type 2 with a milled receiver
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The Type 3 with a lightened milled receiver
AKS variants feature a downward-folding metal stock, while AKN variants incorporate a night sight rail. The modernized AKM, the most common variant, introduced a stamped and riveted receiver and a slanted muzzle brake. The AKMS is the under-folding stock version of the AKM. The RPK is a light machine gun derivative based on the design. Foreign manufacturing has resulted in variants such as the Chinese Type 56, based on the AK-47 Type 3.
The AK-47 and its variants have been widely deployed in military conflicts and other hostilities since the mid-20th century. Notable conflicts where the firearm has seen use include the Vietnam War, Soviet–Afghan War, Iran–Iraq War, Yugoslav Wars, Iraq War, Syrian civil war, and the Russo-Ukrainian War. The rifle has served on multiple sides in conflicts globally.
Users encompass state military forces, non-state groups, criminals, and civilians worldwide. Former users include state entities like East Germany and the Soviet Union, and non-state groups such as the Afghan mujahideen, Viet Cong, and Provisional Irish Republican Army. The weapon is significantly present in the illicit arms trade, sometimes available for very low prices in certain regions. Global estimates suggest approximately 100 million firearms of the Kalashnikov family exist, with roughly 75 million being AK-47s, manufactured in many countries frequently without official licensing.