The 'AK-47' (short for ) is an
assault rifle used in most
Eastern bloc countries during the
Cold War.
Adopted and standardized in 1947, it was designed by
Mikhail Kalashnikov and originally produced by
Soviet manufacturer
Izhevsk Mechanical Works.
[3] Compared with most auto-loading
rifles of
World War II, the AK-47 is compact, of comparative range, moderate power, and capable of
selective fire. It was one of the first true assault rifles and, due to its durability and ease of use, remains the most widely used assault rifle. More AK-type rifles have been produced than any other assault rifle type.
History
Design background
During
the Second World War, the
Germans developed the
assault rifle concept, based upon knowledge that most firefights happen at close range, within 300
meters. The power and range of contemporary rifle cartridges was excessive for most small arms firefights. As a result, armies sought a cartridge and rifle combining
submachine gun features (large-capacity magazine, selective-fire) with an intermediate-power cartridge effective to 300 meters. To reduce manufacturing costs, the
7.92×57mm Mauser cartridge case was shortened, the result of which was the lighter
7.92 x 33 mm ''Kurz'' (German: Short).
The resultant rifle, the
Sturmgewehr 44 (StG44) was not the first with these features; its predecessors were the
Italian Cei-Rigotti and the
Russian
Fedorov Avtomat design rifles. The Germans, however, were the first to produce and field sufficient numbers of this assault rifle to properly evaluate its combat utility. Towards the end of the war, they fielded the weapon against the Russians; the experience deeply influenced Russian military doctrine in the post-war years.
Mikhail Kalashnikov began imagining his assault rifle while in hospital after being wounded in the
Battle of Bryansk.
[4] A frequent topic of conversation among the patients was the lack of an automatic rifle to match those of the Germans. After tinkering with designs, he entered a competition that had been launched for a new weapon that would take the 7.62 x 41 mm cartridge developed by Elisarov and Semin in 1943. (The 7.62 x 41 mm cartridge predated the current 7.62 x 39 mm.) A particular requirement of the competition was the reliability of the firearm in the muddy, wet, and frozen conditions of the Soviet frontline. Influenced by the simplicity of the design of
Aleksei Sudaev's
PPS-43 submachine gun, Kalashnikov produced his "Mikhtim" (derived from his first name and
patronymic) and won the competition after it was dragged through mud, sand, and dust and was still able to fire without jamming. The "Mikhtim" was the prototype for the development of a family of firearms which culminated in the AK47 in 1947.
[5]
Design concept
Despite
circumstantial evidence, Mikhail Kalashnikov denies his assault rifle was ''based'' on the German StG44 assault rifle. The AK47 is best described as a hybrid of previous rifle technology innovations: the
M1 Garand rifle's double locking lugs, unlocking raceway, and trigger mechanism,
[6] and the safety mechanism of the
John Browning designed
Remington Model 8 rifle.
[7] The main advantages of the Kalashnikov rifle is simple design and adaptation to
mass production; it is a fusion of the best Browning design, the M1 Garand and the
StG44.
[8]
Receiver development history
AKS-47 on a Type 4B receiver (top), with a Type 2A.
There were many difficulties during the initial phase of production. The first production models had stamped sheet metal
receivers. Difficulties were encountered in welding the guide and ejector rails, causing high rejection rates.
[9] Instead of halting production, a heavy machined receiver was substituted for the sheet metal receiver.
[10] This was a more costly process, but the use of machined receivers accelerated production as tooling and labor for the earlier
Mosin-Nagant rifle's machined receiver were easily adapted. Partly because of these problems, the Soviets were not able to distribute large numbers of the new rifle to soldiers until 1956. During this time, production of the interim
SKS rifle continued.
[10]
Once manufacturing difficulties had been overcome, a redesigned version designated the AKM (''M'' for ''modernized'' or ''upgraded''—in Russian: Автомат Калашникова Модернизированный) was introduced in 1959.
[12] This new model used a stamped sheet metal receiver and featured a slanted
muzzle brake on the end of the
barrel to compensate for
muzzle rise under recoil. In addition, a hammer retarder was added to prevent the weapon from firing out of battery (without the bolt being fully closed), during rapid or automatic fire.
[13] This is also sometimes referred to as a "cyclic rate reducer", or simply "rate reducer", as it also has the effect of reducing the number of rounds fired per minute during automatic fire. It was also lighter than the previous model, roughly two-thirds of the weight.
[12] Both licensed and unlicensed production of the Kalashnikov weapons abroad were almost exclusively of the AKM, partially due to the much easier production of the stamped receiver. This model is the most commonly encountered, having been produced in much greater quantities. All rifles based on the Kalashnikov design are frequently referred to as AK-47s in the West, although this is only correct when applied to rifles based on the original 3 receiver types.
[15] In most former Eastern Bloc countries, the weapon is known simply as the "Kalashnikov". The photo above at right illustrates the differences between the Type 2 milled receiver and the Type 4 stamped, including the use of rivets rather than welds on the stamped receiver, as well as the placement of a small dimple above the magazine well for stabilization of the magazine.
In 1978, the Soviet Union began replacing their AK-47 and AKM rifles with a newer design, the
AK-74. This new rifle and cartridge had only started being exported to eastern European nations when the Soviet Union collapsed, drastically slowing production of this and all other small arms.
| Receiver type | Description |
|---|
| Type 1A/B | Original stamped receiver for AK-47. -1B modified for folding stock. Namely, a large hole is present on each side to accommodate the hardware for the underfolding stock.(this naming convention continues with all types) |
|---|
| Type 2A/B | Milled from steel forging. |
|---|
| Type 3A/B | "Final" version of the milled receiver, from steel bar stock. The most ubiquitous example of the milled-receiver AK-47. |
|---|
| Type 4A/B | Stamped AKM receiver. Overall, the most-used design in the construction of the AK-series rifles. |
|---|
Features
The AK is simple, inexpensive to manufacture and easy to clean and maintain. Its ruggedness and reliability are legendary.
[16] The large gas piston, generous clearances between moving parts, and tapered cartridge case design allow the gun to endure large amounts of foreign matter and fouling without failing to cycle. This reliability comes at the cost of accuracy, as the looser tolerances do not allow the precision and consistency that are required of more accurate firearms. Reflecting Soviet infantry doctrine of its time, the rifle is meant to be part of massed infantry fire, not long range engagements.
The notched rear tangent iron sight is adjustable, each setting denoting hundreds of meters. The front sight is a post adjustable for elevation in the field.
Windage adjustment is done by the armory prior to issue. The battle setting places the round within a few
centimeters above or below the point of aim out to approximately 250 meters (275 yd). This "
point-blank range" setting allows the shooter to fire the gun at any close target without adjusting the sights. Longer settings are intended for area suppression. These settings mirror the
Mosin-Nagant and
SKS rifles which the AK-47 replaced. This eased transition and simplified training.
The
bore and
chamber, as well as the gas piston and the interior of the
gas cylinder, are generally
chromium-plated. This plating dramatically increases the life of these parts by resisting corrosion and wear. This is particularly important, as most military-production ammunition during the 20th century contained corrosive mercuric salts in the primers, which mandated frequent and thorough cleaning in order to prevent damage. Chrome plating of critical parts is now common on many modern military weapons.
Operating cycle
To fire, the operator inserts a loaded
magazine, moves the selector lever to the lowest position, pulls back and releases the charging handle, aims, and then pulls the
trigger. In this setting, the firearm fires only once (semi-automatic), requiring the trigger to be released and depressed again for the next shot. With the selector in the middle position (full-automatic), the rifle continues to fire, automatically cycling fresh rounds into the chamber, until the magazine is exhausted or pressure is released from the trigger. As each bullet travels through the barrel, a portion of the gases expanding behind it is diverted into the gas tube above the barrel, where it impacts the gas piston. The piston, in turn, is driven backward, pushing the bolt carrier, which causes the bolt to move backwards, ejecting the spent round, and chambering a new round when the recoil spring pushes it back.
[17]
Disassembly
Dismantling the rifle involves the operator depressing the magazine catch and removing the magazine. The charging handle is pulled to the rear and the operator inspects the chamber to verify the weapon is unloaded. The operator presses forward on the retainer button at the rear of the receiver cover while simultaneously lifting up on the rear of the cover to remove it. The operator then pushes the spring assembly forward and lifts it from its raceway, withdrawing it out of the bolt carrier and to the rear. The operator must then pull the carrier assembly all the way to the rear, lift it, and then pull it away. The operator removes the bolt by pushing it to the rear of the bolt carrier; rotating the bolt so the camming lug clears the raceway on the underside of the bolt carrier and then pulls it forward and free. When cleaning, the operator will pay special attention to the barrel, bolt face, and gas piston, then oil lightly and reassemble.
Ballistics
The standard AK-47 or AKM fires a
7.62 × 39 mm round with a muzzle velocity of 710
metres per second (2,329
ft/s). Muzzle energy is 2,010
joules (1,467
ft·lbf). Cartridge case length is 38.6 millimetres (1.5
in), weight is 18.21
grams (281.0 gr). Projectile weight is normally 8 grams (123
gr). The AK-47 and AKM, with the 7.62 × 39 mm cartridge, have a maximum effective range of around 300-400 meters.
Variants
Kalashnikov variants include:
1952 AK-47
★ 'AK-47 1948–51, 7.62 × 39 mm' — The very earliest models, with the Type 1 stamped sheet metal receiver, are now very rare.
★ 'AK-47 1952, 7.62 × 39 mm' — Has a milled receiver and wooden
buttstock and handguard. Barrel and chamber are chrome plated to resist corrosion. Rifle weight is 4.2 kg.
★ 'AKS-47' — Featured a downward-folding metal stock similar to that of the German
MP40, for use in the restricted space in the
BMP infantry combat vehicle.
★ '
RPK, 7.62 × 39 mm' — Squad automatic rifle version with longer barrel and
bipod.
★ 'AKM, 7.62 × 39 mm' — A simplified, lighter version of the AK-47; Type 4 receiver is made from stamped and riveted sheet metal (see schematic above). A slanted muzzle device was added to counter climb in automatic fire. Rifle weight is 3.61 kg, due to the lighter receiver.
★ 'AKMS, 7.62 × 39 mm' — Folding-stock version of the AKM intended for
airborne troops. Stock may be either side- or under-folding
★ '
AK-74 series,
5.45 × 39 mm' — See
main article for details.
★ '
AK-101' series
★ '
AK-103/
AK-104' series
★ '
AK-107/AK-108' series
In 1978, the Soviet Union began replacing their AK-47 and AKM rifles with a newer design, the
AK-74. This new rifle and cartridge had only started being exported to eastern European nations when the Soviet Union collapsed, drastically slowing production of this and all other small arms.
Production outside of Russia
Polish kbk AK/pmK with Type 3A receiver. Notice the red markings used by the
Polish army to mark weapons used for training purposes.
East German-made MPiKMS-72, a folding
stock variant of the AKM, in the hands of a
U.S. Marine.
Military variants only.| Country | Variant(s) |
|---|
| Albania | Unknown.Others |
|---|
| Tip C (Type C) Sniper Rifle |
| Bulgaria | AKK (Type 3 AK-47), AKKS (Type 3 with side-folding buttstock) |
|---|
| AKKMS (AKMS) AKKN-47 (fittings for NPSU night sights) |
| AK-47M1 (Type 3 with black polymer furniture) |
| AK-47MA1/AR-M1 (same as -M1, but in 5.56 mm NATO) |
| AKS-47M1 (AKMS in 5.56 mm NATO), AKS-47MA1 (same as AKS-47M1, but semi-automatic only) |
| AKS-47S (AK-47M1, short version, with East German folding stock, laser aiming device) |
| AKS-47UF (short version of -M1, Russian folding stock), AR-SF (same as -47UF, but 5.56 mm NATO) |
| AKS-93SM6 (similar to -47M1, cannot use grenade launcher) |
| RKKS, AKT-47 (.22 rimfire training rifle) |
| Finland | Rk-62 |
|---|
| German Democratic Republic | MPi-K (AK-47), MPi-KS (AKS), MPi-KM (AKM), MPi-KMS72 (AKMS); |
|---|
| Egypt | AK-47, MISR 7.62 (AKM), Maadi |
|---|
| Hungary | AKM-63, AMD-65, AMD-65M, AMMSZ, AMP, NGM 5.56 |
|---|
| Iraq | Tabuk (M70B1, and M70AB2) |
|---|
| Tabuk sniper rifle (M70B1 with 23.6-inch barrel, optics, different stock) |
| India | India's Ordnance Factory Board made a clone of the AK-47, known as the AK-7 |
|---|
| Iran | KLS (AK-47), KLF (AKS), KLT (AKMS) |
|---|
| Morocco | AK-47, MISR 7.62 (AKM), Maadi |
|---|
| North Korea | Type 58A (Type 3 AK-47), Type 58B (stamped steel folding stock), Type 68A (AKM-47) Type 68B (AKMS) |
|---|
| China | Type 56 Rifle (''not'' Carbine) |
|---|
| Pakistan | Reverse engineered by hand and machine in Pakistan's semi-autonomous tribal areas |
|---|
| Poland | kbk AK/pmK (AK-47), kbk AKS (AKS), kbk Ak PNG60, kbk AKM (AKM), kbK AKMS), kbk wz. 88 Tantal (AK-74 with special side-folding stock), kbk wz. 96 Beryl |
|---|
| Romania | AI (AK-47), AIS (AKS), AIM, AIMS (AKM, AKMS), AIR |
|---|
| Yugoslavia and Serbia | M64 (AK-47 with longer barrel), M64A (grenade launcher)M64B (M70 w/ folding stock), M70, M70A, M70B, M77,M21 |
|---|
Certainly more have been produced elsewhere; but the above list represents known producers and is limited to only military variants. An updated AKM design is still produced in Russia.
Derivatives
The basic design of the AK-47 has been used as the basis for other successful rifle designs such as the
Finnish Valmet 62/76 and
Sako Rk 95 TP, the
Israeli
Galil, the
Indian
INSAS and the Yugoslav
Zastava M76 and M77/82 (not to be confused with the
Barrett M82) rifles. Several
bullpup designs have surfaced such as the Chinese
Norinco Type 86S, although none have been produced in quantity. Bullpup conversions are also available commercially. For a complete list, see the
List of weapons influenced by the Kalashnikov design.
Licensing
Russia has repeatedly claimed that the majority of these manufacturers produce AK-47 without a proper
license from
IZH.
[18][19] The
Izhevsk Machine Tool Factory acquired a patent in 1999, illegalising manufacture of the Kalashnikov rifle system by anyone other than themselves.
[15] However, nearly one million AK-47 assault rifles are manufactured illegally each year.
[21]
Illicit trade
Throughout the world, the AK and variants are among the plethora of commonly-smuggled small arms that are sold to governments, rebels, criminals, and civilians alike, with little international oversight. This trade ensures a ready supply of inexpensive weapons to a number of conflicts, including (but certainly not limited to) the
Balkans,
Iraq,
Afghanistan, and
Somalia. In some countries that are recovering from war or that are at war, prices for AKs are very low. In
Somalia,
Rwanda,
Mozambique,
Congo and
Ethiopia, among others, prices are between $30–$125.
[22]
After the Soviet retreat from
Afghanistan, the Soviet Army left huge quantities of weapons including AK's which were used in its civil war between
Taliban and
Northern Alliance and were also exported to
Pakistan. It is now also made in
Pakistan's semi-autonomous areas. It is widely used by tribes in Africa like the
Hamar, amongst others.
Legal status
Main articles: AK-47 legal status
Cultural influence
During the
Cold War, the Soviet Union, Communist China and the United States supplied arms and technical knowledge to numerous client-state countries and rebel forces to promote their interests. This period saw the proliferation, sometimes free of charge, of AK-47s by the Soviet Union and Communist China to pro-communist countries and groups such as the
Nicaraguan
Sandinistas and
Vietcong. The AK design was spread to over 55 national armies.
The proliferation of this weapon is reflected by more than just numbers. The AK is included in the
flag of Mozambique and its
coat of arms. It is also found in the coat of arms of
Zimbabwe and
East Timor, the revolution era
coat of arms of Burkina Faso, the
flag of Hezbollah, and the logo of the
Iranian
Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. "Kalash", a shortened form of "Kalashnikov", is used as a name for boys in some African countries.
In the U.S., movie makers often arm criminals, gang members and terrorist characters with AK's. However, not all influences of the AK have been violent. In 2006, Colombian musician and peace activist
César López devised the ''
escopetarra'', an AK converted into a guitar. One sold for US$17,000 in a fundraiser held to benefit the victims of
anti-personnel mines, while another was exhibited at the United Nations'
Conference on Disarmament.
[23]
See also
★
Civilian "cousins" of the AK-47
★
Comparison of the AK-47 and M16
★
List of Russian Weaponry
★
List of weapons influenced by the Kalashnikov design
Notes
1. Table data are for AK-47 with Type 2/3 receiver.
2. Gorshkov, Nikolai. "Russian producer wins Kalashnikov rights." BBC News — World Edition. Internet, available from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2021173.stm. Accessed 07/19/2006.
3. Poyer, Joe. The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations (Paperback). North Cape Publications. 2004. pp1.
4. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,288456,00.html AK-47 Inventor Doesn't Lose Sleep Over Havoc Wrought With His Invention
5. Kalashnikov, Mikhail, "How and Why I Produced My Submachine Gun", in ''Sputnik: A Digest of Soviet Press'', Novosti Press Agency, Moscow, June 1983, pp 70-75.
6. www.ak-47.net/ak47/galil.html
7. www.remington.com/library/history/firearm_models/centerfire/model_8.asp
8. Ezell, Edward Clinton (1986). The AK-47 Story: Evolution of the Kalashnikov Weapons. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books. ISBN 0-8117-0916-7.
9. Poyer, 8
10. Poyer, 9
11. Poyer, 9
12. Ezell, 36
13. Poyer, 11
14. Ezell, 36
15. Poyer, 2
16. www.strategypage.com/dls/articles/20030423.asp
17. Department of the Army. Operators Manual for AK-47 Assault Rifle. 203d Military Intelligence Battalion
18. "Восточная Европа захватила рынок продаж автоматов Калашникова". Lenta.Ru. Internet, available from http://www.lenta.ru/news/2006/06/13/rifles/. Accessed 07/19/2006.
19.
"'Ижмаш' подсчитал контрафактные автоматы Калашникова". Lenta.Ru. Internet, available from http://lenta.ru/news/2006/04/15/fake. Accessed 07/19/2006.
20. Poyer, 2
21. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,288456,00.html AK-47 Inventor Doesn't Lose Sleep Over Havoc Wrought With His Invention
22. "The AK-47: The World's Favourite Killing Machine." ControlArms Briefing Note. Internet, available from http://www.controlarms.org/find_out_more/reports/AK_47.pdf, accessed 07/28/2006.
23. Escopetarras: disparando música Héctor Latorre
References and further reading
★ Cutshaw, Charlie; Shilin, Valery. ''Legends and Reality of the AK: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the History, Design, and Impact of the Kalashnikov Family of Weapons''. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press, 2000 (paperback, ISBN 1-58160-069-0).
★
The AK-47 Story: Evolution of the Kalashnikov Weapons, , Edward Clinton, Ezell, Stackpole Books, 1986, ISBN 0-8117-0916-7 (Prior to his death, Ezell was the curator of military history at the
Smithsonian Museum.)
★
Kalashnikov: The Arms and the Man, , Edward Clinton, Ezell, Collector Grade Publications, 2001, ISBN 0-88935-267-4
★
Guinness World Records 2005, , , , , , ISBN 1-892051-22-2
★ Hodges, Michael. ''AK47: the Story of the People's Gun''. London: Sceptre, 2007 (hardcover, ISBN 0340921048).
★ Kahaner, Larry. ''AK-47: The Weapon that Changed the Face of War''. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2006 (hardcover, ISBN 0-471-72641-9).
★ Kalashnikov, Mikhail. ''The Gun that Changed the World''. Cambridge: Polity Press, 2006 (hardcover, ISBN 0-7456-3691-8; paperback, ISBN 0-7456-3692-6).
★ Long, Duncan. ''AK47: The Complete Kalashnikov Family Of Assault Rifles''. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press, 1888 (paperback, ISBN 0-87364-477-8).
★
The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations (Paperback), , Joe, Poyer, North Cape Publications, 2004, ISBN 1-882391-33-0
★
Small Arms of the World, , , , , , ISBN 0-88029-601-1
★ Walter, John. ''Kalashnikov (Greenhill Military Manuals)''. London: Greenhill Books, 1999 (Hardcover, ISBN 1-85367-364-1).
External links
★
Manufacturer's official site
★
AK Site — Kalashnikov Home Page
★
Animation of an AK-47 action in operation
Manual
★
Nazarian's Gun's Recognition Guide (MANUAL) AK 47 Manual (.pdf)
★
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