General AK-47 Information 7.62x39 mm Caliber 7.62x39 Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt with 2 lugs Overall length: 870 length: 870 mm Barrel length: 415 length: 415 mm Weight: 4,300 Weight: 4,300 g with empty magazine, 4,876 g loaded Magazine capacity 30 capacity 30 rds (40 rds box magazines and 75 rds drums) Sighting range, range , m: 800 Cyclic rate of fire 600 fire 600 rds/min Practical rate of fire , single shots 90-100 rds/min; bursts 400 rds/min Muzzle velocity: 780 velocity: 780 m/s The following extract comes from US Army Field Manual 100-2-3 - The Soviet Army; Troops Troops Organization Organization and Equipment Equipment published published in June June 1991. The publication publication was approved approved for for public release with with unlimited unlimited distribution distribution (ie may may be freely used). The entry provided covered the AK-47, AKS, AKM and the AKMS military assault rifles. Our new A K47 version chart is being developed, c h e c k i t o u t , w r i t e a re re v i e w o f y o u r f a v o r i t e A K 4 7 o r A K 7 4 B u y i n g w e a p o n s t o d a y i s c h e a p . In In f a c t , f o r m o d e r n a r m i e s w h o b u y l a r g e s u m s , m o s t o p t i c a l s i g h t s c o s t m u c h m o r e t h e n a s s a u l t r i f l es es p e r u n i t .
Description: Some AK Variants The original AK was also known as the AK-47. It was a gas-operated, AKS-47 selective-fire weapon. Like all 7.62-mm Kalashnikov assault rifles, it fired Folding Stock the Soviet 7.62 x 39-mm M1943 round and used a standard 30-round curved box magazine. The AK came in two versions: one with a fixed AKM-47 wooden stock, and another, the AKS, with a folding metal stock issued primarily to parachutist and armor troops. Except for the differences in the RPK stock and the lack of a tool kit with the AKS, the two version were identical. SVD The early AKs had no bayonet, but the version with the fixed wooden stock later mounted a detachable knife bayonet. SAR-1 The improved model, known as the AKM, AKM, is easier to produce and operate. It weighs about one kilogram less than the AK. The reduced weight results from using thinner, stamped sheet metal parts rather than machined, forged steel; laminated wood rather than solid wood in the hand guard, forearm, pistol grip, and buttstock; and new lightweight aluminum and plastic magazines. Other improvements include a straighter stock for better control; an improved gas cylinder; a rate-of-fire control alongside the trigger; a rear sight graduated to 1,000 meters rather than 800 meters; and a greatly improved, detachable bayonet. The AKM also has a folding-stock version, designated AKMS, intended for use by riflemen in armored infantry combat vehicles such as the BMP.
WASR-10 MAK-90 MAADI AKS-74 GP-30 Galil (Israeli) Polish Variants
Except for its T-shaped, stamped-metal, folding buttstock, the AKMS is AKM. The folding-stock model can reduce its length from identical to the AKM. 868 to 699 millimeters.
Indian Variants Russian VEPR
serves two functions when in the upper or "safe" position. First, it blocks dirt The safety lever serves from entering the action by covering the slot the bolt carrier lever moves through when the weapon is fired. This also prevents the weapon from being cocked while on "safe". Second, an extension on the pin holding the lever through the receiver blocks the rear of the trigger, preventing the trigger from being pulled. When the safety lever is moved to "fire, the action may be cycled, and the trigger is the only thing holding the hammer from falling. When the trigger is pulled, pulled , the hammer falls, hits the rear of the firing pin, and the round detonates. Note that the AK-47 bolt is locked closed by rotating when the bolt carrier is moved forward (there is a cam on the top of the bolt that engages a slot in the bolt carrier to accomplish the rotation). The firing pin is free-floating -- there is no spring to hold it retracted until the hammer falls. Consequently, if one manually cycles live rounds through the AK-47, one will observe light indentations on the primers where the firing pit hit against them as the action closed. Consequently, it is inadvisable to chamber live rounds unless you are prepared for the possibility of the weapon firing when you do so. Slam-fires do Slam-fires do not seem to be as common as with the SKS, and it is hard to get enough dirt into the action to cause it to malfunction for that reason. I recall one report of flawless functioning even when the rifle was so covered in mud as to be hardly recognizable as a firearm. The action is gas-operated: gas-operated : when a round detonates, some gas from the explosion is vented out of a small hole at the top of the barrel near the muzzle. This gas pushes against the front of the piston in the gas tube, which is connected to the bolt carrier. As the bolt carrier is pushed rearward by the gas, the bolt rotates to unlock and moves rearward, and the round in the chamber is extracted and pulled back. The round is ejected when it hits against a small protrusion on the left side of the receiver as the bolt moves rearward. Simultaneously, the back of the bolt pushes the hammer back and cocks it. The hammer is held back by the disconnect or (the trigger is almost certainly still pulled, since the action cycles much faster than the operator can release the trigger). The bolt and bolt carrier recoil against the recoil spring and guide rod, and come back forward. As the bolt comes forward, it grabs the top round from the magazine and puts it in the chamber. There is no feature to hold the bolt open after the last round is fired from the magazine. When the operator releases the trigger, the disconnect or moves rearward and releases the hammer to move about 1/8", at which point it is stopped by the (now released) relea sed) trigger until the operator pulls pu lls the trigger a second time. In 1990 the Army was equipped with the modernized Kalashnikov submachine gun AK-74M, having folding plastic butt with the accessory placed in it and a plate for mounting optical and night sights. In 1991 the same modernization was carried out with a light machine gun. And so the modernized
Except for its T-shaped, stamped-metal, folding buttstock, the AKMS is AKM. The folding-stock model can reduce its length from identical to the AKM. 868 to 699 millimeters.
Indian Variants Russian VEPR
serves two functions when in the upper or "safe" position. First, it blocks dirt The safety lever serves from entering the action by covering the slot the bolt carrier lever moves through when the weapon is fired. This also prevents the weapon from being cocked while on "safe". Second, an extension on the pin holding the lever through the receiver blocks the rear of the trigger, preventing the trigger from being pulled. When the safety lever is moved to "fire, the action may be cycled, and the trigger is the only thing holding the hammer from falling. When the trigger is pulled, pulled , the hammer falls, hits the rear of the firing pin, and the round detonates. Note that the AK-47 bolt is locked closed by rotating when the bolt carrier is moved forward (there is a cam on the top of the bolt that engages a slot in the bolt carrier to accomplish the rotation). The firing pin is free-floating -- there is no spring to hold it retracted until the hammer falls. Consequently, if one manually cycles live rounds through the AK-47, one will observe light indentations on the primers where the firing pit hit against them as the action closed. Consequently, it is inadvisable to chamber live rounds unless you are prepared for the possibility of the weapon firing when you do so. Slam-fires do Slam-fires do not seem to be as common as with the SKS, and it is hard to get enough dirt into the action to cause it to malfunction for that reason. I recall one report of flawless functioning even when the rifle was so covered in mud as to be hardly recognizable as a firearm. The action is gas-operated: gas-operated : when a round detonates, some gas from the explosion is vented out of a small hole at the top of the barrel near the muzzle. This gas pushes against the front of the piston in the gas tube, which is connected to the bolt carrier. As the bolt carrier is pushed rearward by the gas, the bolt rotates to unlock and moves rearward, and the round in the chamber is extracted and pulled back. The round is ejected when it hits against a small protrusion on the left side of the receiver as the bolt moves rearward. Simultaneously, the back of the bolt pushes the hammer back and cocks it. The hammer is held back by the disconnect or (the trigger is almost certainly still pulled, since the action cycles much faster than the operator can release the trigger). The bolt and bolt carrier recoil against the recoil spring and guide rod, and come back forward. As the bolt comes forward, it grabs the top round from the magazine and puts it in the chamber. There is no feature to hold the bolt open after the last round is fired from the magazine. When the operator releases the trigger, the disconnect or moves rearward and releases the hammer to move about 1/8", at which point it is stopped by the (now released) relea sed) trigger until the operator pulls pu lls the trigger a second time. In 1990 the Army was equipped with the modernized Kalashnikov submachine gun AK-74M, having folding plastic butt with the accessory placed in it and a plate for mounting optical and night sights. In 1991 the same modernization was carried out with a light machine gun. And so the modernized
Kalashnikov light machine guns RPK-74M (5.45 mm) was addopted in armament. It replaced four modification of light machine guns. Nowadays Kalashnikov submachine guns, the series 100, are developed with the purpose of expansion of their nomenclature for various types of cartridges and export. AK101 - the 5,56 mm Kalashnikov submachine gun for cartridge 5,56x45 NATO AK102 - the same but with a short barrel AK103 - the 7,62 mm Kalashnikov submachine gun for cartridge 7,62x39 AK104 - the same but with a short barrel AK105 - 5,45 mm Kalashnikov submachine gun with a short barrel for cartridge 5,45x39. In 1993 within the framework of conversion of a defensive industry of "IZHMASH" Open Joint Stock Company developed the self-loading hunting carbine "Saiga" on the basis of the Kalashnikov submachine guns.
Capabilities: All 7.62-mm Kalashnikov assault rifles fire in either semiautomatic or automatic mode and have an effective range of about 300 meters. At full cyclic rate, they can fire about 600 rounds per minute (up to 640 rounds per minute for the AKM) round s per minute fully AKM), with a practical rate of about 100 rounds automatic or 40 rounds per minute minu te semiautomatic. Both the AK and AKM can mount a grenade launcher. Both can have passive image intensifier night sights. Both can function normally after total immersion in mud and water. The fully chromed barrel ensures effective operation even at very low temperatures. The muzzle of either weapon fits into the swiveling firing points of the BMP. Thus, the infantryman can fire the weapon while the vehicle is moving. Limitations: The most serious drawback to the AK and AKM is the low muzzle velocity (710 meters per second) of the relatively heavy 7.62-mm round. This results in a looping trajectory that requires a clumsy adjustment for accuracy at ranges beyond 300 meters. The barrel overheats quickly when the weapon fires for extended periods, making the weapon hard to handle and occasionally causing a round to explode prematurely in the chamber. The exposed gas cylinder is easily dented, sometimes causing the weapon to malfunction. Remarks: Although they designed it in 1947 and thus referred to it as the AK-47, the Soviets actually adopted the AK in 1949. The AK entered en tered service in 1951. It was the basic individual infantry weapon of the Soviet Army until the introduction of the AKM. The Soviets developed the AKM in 1959. It entered service in 1961. All 7.62-mm Kalashnikov assault rifles are very dependable weapons. They produce a high volume of fire and are simple to maintain. However, the new 5.45-mm assault rife AK-74 is replacing the 7.62-mm weapons. Kalashnikov goal was to design a cheaply manufactured, automatic weapon that fired the new Soviet 7.62x39mm intermediate power round. This round was intended to be a compromise between the pistols rounds fired from submachine gu n, which were controllable but lacked power, and the rifle cartridges fired from heavier machine guns,
which were either too heavy to fire while on the move or, if lightened, uncontrollable during automatic fire. The conventional wisdom is that the Nazi's originated the concept of an assault rifle with their MP44 machine-pistol design, (which fired the 7.92x33 "8mm Kurz" round) and the Soviets copied them, but this is disputed by Ezell -- both sides may have developed such weapons concurrently. Furthermore, Kalashnikov was hardly the only _Soviet_ designer working toward this end at this time. Other designers looking at the 7.62x39 cartridge included Simonov (designer of the SKS) and Tokarev (designer of the weapons that bear his name). T h e f o l lo w i n g d a t a c o m e s f r o m Jam es Infantry Weapon s 1995 - 1996.
Cartridge: 7.62 x 39 mm Operation: gas, selective fire Locking: rotating bolt Feed: 30-round detachable box magazine Weight: 4.3 kg Length: 869 mm Barrel: 414 mm Rifling: 4 grooves, rh, 1 turn in 235 mm Sights: fore, post, adjustable; rear, U-notch, tangent Muzzle velocity: 710 m/s Rate of fire: cyclic, 600 rds/min Effective range: 300 m Links: Jane's Information Group - provides the Jane's series of military reference books. Official Kalashnikov home page - provides comprehensive information on Kalashnikov arms. Military Parade - the latest information from the Russian defense industry. Sources: Headquarters, Department of the Army. FM 100-2-3 - The Soviet Army: Troops, Organization and Equipment. Washington D.C.: Department of the Army, June 1991. Nedelin, A. Kalashnikov Arms. Moscow: Military Parade, 1997. Jane's Information Group Limited (edited by Gander, T. J. and Hogg, I. V.). Jane's Infantry Weapons: 1995-96. London: Biddles, 1995. ISBN: 0 7106 1241 9.
Automat Kalashnikova, Model 1947 (AK47) The AK47 is the worlds first widely used and sucessful assault rifle. AK stands for Avtomat Kalashnikova, or in english "Kalashnikov automatic rifle". Kalashnikov is the name of the designer. The AK, is the most prolific small arm of the 20th century. The total number of the AK-type rifles made worldwide during the last 50 years is estimated to be over 90 million. It has been and still is manufactured in dozens of countries with little modification to the original design. The AK has been used in hundreds of countries and conflicts since its introduction. This is a true legendary weapon, known for its extreme ruggedness, simplicity of operation and maintenance, and unsurpassed reliability even in worst conditions possible.
Caliber 7.62x39 mm Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt with 2 lugs Overall length: 870 mm Barrel length: 415 mm Weight: 4,300 g with empty magazine, 4,876 g loaded Magazine capacity 30 rds (40 rds box magazines and 75 rds drums) Sighting range, m: 800 Cyclic rate of fire 600 rds/min Practical rate of fire , single shots 90-100 rds/min; bursts 400 rds/min Muzzle velocity: 780 m/s AK-47 stands for "Avtomat Kalashnikova, model of 1947". AK-47 was designed by M.T.Kalashnikov in the 2nd half of the 1940s, and was adopted by Soviet Army in 1947 as AK. It was manufactured in huge numbers, for both internal use and export. Many countries, such as Romania, Bulgaria, East Germany, PR China and others also manufactured clones of the AK. Main production facility of the AKs was IzhMash - Izhevsk machine building Plant, Izhevsk, Russia. Technically, AK is select-fire, gas-powered, magazine fed assault rifle. Gas system of the AK uses long stroke gas piston, attached to bolt carrier. AK features rotating bolt with two massive lugs that locks securely into slots, cut in the inner walls of the receiver. The receiver itself was machined from the solid steel bar, receiver cover was stamped from sheet metal. Barrel is attached into receiver permanently, and bore and the chamber are chrome lined. AK is hammer-fired, select-fire weapon. The fire selector/safety switch is located at the right side of the receiver, and has three positions: "Safe" (upper position), "Auto" (middle), "Single shots" (lower position). The safety switch is somewhat uncomfortable to operate. AK features open iron sights, with front sight adjustable for windage and rear sight adjustable for elevation and marked in 100s of meters, from 100 to 800 meters. Sight radius is too short, when compared to other assault rifles, such as M16. The stock and grip are made of wood. Shortened variant of original AK, called AKS, was intended for paratroopers and featured folding down metal buttstock. Original AK was improved in 1959. Original milled receiver was replaced by stamped one, new receiver cover with stamped grooves for greater strength replaced the old plain one, barrel was equipped with screwed-on muzzle flip compensator, that could be replaced by silencer. Special subsonic ammunition with heavier (12 grams) bullet was developed to be used with the silencer. This modified gun was adopted as AKM, and served as a general issue small arm for the Soviet Army until 1974, when small-bore variant of the AKM, AK-74, was adopted. But until now, many AKMs are still in limited service in Russian Army. Legendary reliability of the AK comes from simple design and overpowered gas drive. When operating in normal condition, the bolt carrier/bolt group moves at high speed and strikes hard against the rear wall of the receiver and against the front wall of the receiver on the way back to close the breech. This somewhat decreases the full-auto fire accuracy, but gives to the system the power needed to operate with seriously fouled and dirty receiver. Thus, usually, AK require less cleaning under the battle conditions, and less sensitive to powder quality, than other assault rifles, especially ones such as M16, designed with relatively light bolt
carrier/bolt groups and direct gas actions without gas pistons. In general, AKs are extremely rugged and reliable guns, simple to operate and field strip, without any small parts that may be lost in field conditions. They are of average accuracy and not too comfortable to carry and fire, but they do the job they designed to, and do it excellent. AK is most copied assault rifle in the world. Leaving aside many ex-East-block countries, officially licensed clone of the AK is still manufactured in Finland, as Sako/Valmet. An improved copy of the Valmet is built in Israel as Galil, and the copy of Galil is built in the South Africa as R-4 and R-5. Many other assault rifles, such as FN FNC, bear the marks of the AK design.
AK47, named after its designer Mikhail T. Kalashnikov, was developed during the WWII, and in 1947 the production started on the Izhmash plant in the city of Izhevsk, one of the most important Soviet military production centers (this plant, in order to hide its military nature, was also producing motorcycles "Izh", used by Soviet teams in international competitions, and world-famous sporting and hunting rifles). M.T. Kalashnikov still lives in Izhevsk and is among the most honored citizens of the city. The first AK47s had a receiver that was part machined steel and part stampings with rivets holding everything together. This design proved to be less than robust in the field and was modified several times to gradually create a much tougher firearm. In 1959 a tough, well-thought-out model of the gun was introduced which again used steel stampings which were riveted together. This proved to be a superior design and is the key variant seen in all modern versions of this rifle manufactured in Russia, as well as China, Finland, and most of the former Eastern Block countries. This model was designated the AKM (Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizirovannyi) though many times it, too, is referred to as an "AK47" (as are the semi auto versions of the gun exported into the US). The AK47 and AKM are usually chambered for the M43 7.62x39mm cartridge which originally developed for the SKS carbine. If kept clean, the AK47 and its variants are very reliable and many of the variants are blessed with a chromed bore (since most communist or formerly communist countries until recently used corrosive ammunition) which aids in cleaning and extends barrel life. Most AK47s with quality ammunition are quite accurate - if the sights on these guns can be overcome. On the down side, the AKs are heavy and the basic AK design is flawed from a "human engineering" standpoint in several ways:
the rear sight has been placed forward so that the rifle has a very short sighting radius (with the rear sight being a rather crude open "V" tangent sight); there is no bolt hold-open device; the safety/selector is located rather inconveniently on the right side of the rifle and makes a distinctive "clack" when moved (which has lead to the death of many a would-be ambusher from Vietnam to South Africa). During the so-called "drug war" of the 1980s, even semi auto versions of the AK47 were banned from import into the US since the guns were often used by criminals - though only in
fictional TV shows for the most part. Often heavier semi auto"RPK" and/or sniper versions of these rifles are also seen. These have the longer barrels designed for military use on SAW (Squad automatic weapons - light machine guns) or sniper rifles. Generally these guns do offer a little extra velocity to bullets leaving their barrels along with less report and muzzle flash. But the weight of these guns (over 9 pounds when the guns are empty) makes them unsuitable for most shooter's needs. The AK-style rifles aren't pretty nor is their safety easy to operate. But the guns are robust and magazines, parts, and accessories inexpensive making them a good choice for those wanting a hunting rifle that can also serve as a fighting weapon. (For a more detailed look at the AK47 and its variants including the RPK and various machine gun versions and the Galil rifles as well as accessories for these firearms, see Duncan Long's book, AK47: The Complete Kalashnikov Family of Assault Rifles)
AKS-47
The following extract comes from US Arm y Field Manual 100-2-3 - The Soviet Army; Troops Organisation and Equipment published in June 1991. The publication was approved for public release with unlimited distribution (ie may be freely used). The entry provided covered the AK-47, AKS, AKM and the AKMS military assault rifles.
Description: The original AK was also known as the AK-47. It was a gas-operated, selective-fire weapon. Like all 7.62-mm Kalashnikov assault rifles, it fired the Soviet 7.62 x 39-mm M1943 round and used a standard 30-round curved box magazine. The AK came in two versions: one with a fixed wooden stock, and another, the AKS, with a folding metal stock issued primarily to parachutist and armor troops. Except for the differences in the stock and the lack of a tool kit with the AKS, the two version
were identical. The early AKS had no bayonet, but the version with the fixed wooden stock later mounted a detachable knife bayonet. The improved model, known as the AKM, is easier to produce and operate. It weighs about one kilogram less than the AK. The reduced weight results from using thinner, stamped sheetmetal parts rather than machined, forged steel; laminated wood rather than solid wood in the handguard, forearm, pistol grip, and buttstock; and new lightweight aluminum and plastic magazines. Other improvements include a straighter stock for better control; an improved gas cylinder; a rate-of-fire control alongside the trigger; a rear sight graduated to 1,000 meters rather than 800 meters; and a greatly improved, detachable bayonet. The AKM also has a folding-stock version, designated AKMS , intended for use by riflemen in armored infantry combat vechicles such as the BMP. Except for its T-shaped, stamped-metal, folding buttstock, the AKMS is identical to the AKM. The folding-stock model can reduce its length from 868 to 699 millimeters.
Capabilities: All 7.62-mm Kalashnikov assault rifles fire in either semiautomatic or automatic mode and have an effective range of about 300 meters. At full cyclic rate, they can fire about 600 rounds per minute (upto 640 rounds per minute for the AKM), with a practical rate of about 100 rounds per minute fully automatic or 40 rounds per minute semiautomatic. Both the AK and AKM can mount a grenade launcher. Both can have passive image intensifier night sights. Both can function normally after total immersion in mud and water. The fully chromed barrel ensures effective operation even at very low temperatures. The muzzle of either weapon fits into the swiveling firing points of the BMP. Thus, the infantryman can fire the weapon while the vechicle is moving.
Limitations: The most serious drawback to the AK and AKM is the low muzzle velocity (710 meters per second) of the relatively heavy 7.62-mm round. This results in a looping trajectory that requires a clumsy adjustment for accuracy at ranges beyond 300 meters. The barrel overheats quickly when the weapon fires for extended periods, making the weapon hard to handle and occasionally causing a round to explode prematurely in the chamber. The exposed gas cylinder is easily dented, sometimes causing the weapon to malfunction.
Remarks: Although they designed it in 1947 and thus referred to it as the AK-47, the Soviets actually adopted the AK in 1949. The AK entered service in 1951. It was the basic individual infantry weapon of the Soviet Army until the introduction of the AKM. The Soviets developed the AKM in 1959. It entered service in 1961. All 7.62-mm Kalashnikov assualt rifles are very dependable weapons. They produce a high volume of fire and are simple to maintain. However, the new 5.45-mm assault rife AK-74 is replacing the 7.62-mm weapons.
Rare preban AKS 47 7.62x39mm powerful pistol by B-West. In excellent condition Pictured with 40rd mag. Only 200 of these were made. PAK03 is their serial number when they were made into pistol before the ban thus very low serial number (price was $2500-3000 back in 1993) T h e f o l lo w i n g d a t a c o m e s f r o m
Janes Infantry Weapons 1995 - 1996 Cartridge: 7.62 x 39 mm Operation: gas, selective fire Locking: rotating bolt Feed: 30-round detachable box magazine Weight: 4.3 kg Length: 869 mm butt extended, 699 mm butt folded Barrel: 414 mm Rifling: 4 grooves, rh, 1 turn in 235 mm Sights: fore, post, adjustable; rear, U-notch, tangent Muzzle velocity: 710 m/s Rate of fire: cyclic, 600 rds/min Effective range: 300 m Books: Legends and Reality of the AK Val Shilin and Charlie Cutshaw Sources: Headquaters, Department of the Army. FM 100-2-3 - The Soviet Army: Troops, Organization and Equipment. Washington D.C.: Department of the Army, June 1991. Nedelin, A. Kalashnikov Arms. Moscow: Military Parade, 1997. Jane's Information Group Limited (edited by Gander, T. J. and Hogg, I. V.). Jane's Infantry Weapons: 1995-96. London: Biddles, 1995. ISBN: 0 7106 1241 9.
AKM-47 The Soviets produced the AKM47s (the "M" stands for modern) which were made after the first A K 4 7s which had machined receivers. AKM is the Russian term of: Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizya , which means modernized AK47, referring to the stamped AKM of 1968, versus the milled AK-47 of 1947.
Warsaw-Pact AKM's include: Soviet/Russian mfg.,F.E.G. of Hungary (SA-85's, etc.), and Romanian W.U.M.-1's, W.U.M.-2's, S.A.R.1, S.A.R.2, S.A.R. 3's, as well as Maadi AK M's, RML, RPM, and the MISR.
The Soviets found that stampings were not only more efficient to produce but resulted in longer receiver life and better accuracy than the milled receivers.
Genuine Chinese red fiber / bakelite furniture. AKM-47s Norinco in 56-2 configuration. Sandblasted and reblued by gunsmith. Some very light pits here and there under the reblue. Hardly noticable. High quality 1989 Preban.
RPK The RPK entered service in 1959 as a more powerful firearm, developed from the AKM. The RPK differs from the AKM in a number of design improvements: the barrel is lengthened to increase muzzle velocity; the capacity of the sector magazine is increased to improve the combat rate of fire; the machine gun is outfitted with folding bipod to stabilize it during fire; the sight is outfitted with sliding windage mechanism to improve fire accuracy; the machine gun butt is identical to the Degtyarev RPD 44 machine gun butt. The machine gun intended for airborne troops had a folding butt.
RPK Parks Kit Review One of our sponsors, Arms of America recently gave us the opportunity to review some of their parts kits. Here we review two RPK parts kits. One is a Romanian RPK the other is a Yugoslavian RPK. Both started life as military rifles, each were at some point removed from service and eventually chopped into parts, then shipped to the US and now are being sold by the guys at Arms of America for only $499.99 each for either flavor. These are cool and big, Heavy duty and strengthened all around. I've shot these before so I can already see how nice these rifles will be to shoot. Enjoy the pictures as we help illustrate these kits and the differences between them.
Arsenal, Inc Booth 5297 - 2005 SHOT Show Arsenal Inc, exclusive US Manufacturers of the finest and most authentic examples of the time proven AK design, utilize the latest technology and materials to sustain the legendary Arsenal of Bulgaria reputation for quality
The RPK was designed as a squad automatic weapon. The RPK could also be fired in either semi or fully-automatic modes. Squad automatic weapons, as deployed, are more frequently fired in the fully automatic mode. For this reason, one usually sees the RPK pictured with an ultra-high capacity magazine such as a 75 round drum or 40 round box magazine instead of the standard 30 round magazine typically used with the AK.
CHINA RPK NHM
To handle the sustained automatic fire, the RPK was designed to be much stronger. First, the sheet metal of the receiver of the RPK is 50% thicker than that of the AKM47 . Next, the trunion of the RPK is larger and stronger than that of the AK47 or AKM47 . The trunion is the part to which the barrel is connected and into which the bolt locks. Because the trunion is larger, the receiver must be bulged out to accept the larger trunion . Hence the above mentioned bulges on the RPK receiver. Often heavier semiauto "RPK" and/or sniper versions of these rifles are also seen. These have the longer barrels designed for military use on SAW (Squad automatic weapons - light machine guns) or sniper rifles. Generally these guns do offer a little extra velocity to bullets leaving their barrels along with less report and muzzle flash. But the weight of these guns (over 9 pounds when the guns are empty) makes them unsuitable for most shooter's needs.
A rare Russian 4 Cell Magazine Pouch made to hold four 40 round RPK or AK-47 magazines. This original Russian pouch was made for issue during the Vietnam War. The dark green canvis material has brown leather pieces on the front and a lighter green set of canvis belt loops plus a carring strap
on the backside. Our canvis pouch is in mint un-issued condition. Any RPK pouch is quite rare let along one in this condition A pair of US made RPK from a Private collection
90 deg curved barrel N.F. Makarov designed a curved barrel assembly and K.T. Kurenkov developed a ball-shaped mount. Consequently, they performed all the work required to create a curved barrel machinegun with a 90 deg. barrel curvature. The machine gun was intended to arm tanks, more precisely to protect them in the "dead zone" that cannot be engaged by conventional straight-line machinegun fire. To resolve the problems of disabled or trapped tanks it was decided to mount such machineguns on the turret hatch.The tankmen were not very enthusiastic about it, to say the least. Consequently, the idea to protect tanks by curved barrel machineguns was abandoned and all activity to this effect came to an end. - http://kalashnikov.guns.ru/models/ka174.html
7.62mm SVD & SVDS Dragunov sniping rifles
Romanian Dragonov
SVD Dragonov - Russian
Brand new, fully operational, factory-deactivated rifles from the biggest supplier of the AKs to the world market IZHMASH ZAVOD. The SVD features synthetic fixed buttstock & pistol grip assembly and handguards, while the Paratrooper version SVDS has black fiberglass-reinforced polyamide handguards, pistol grip, buttstock-end. The original factory package was completed by FSU and includes: PSO-1M2 sniping scope with pouch, ten-round magazine, cleaning rod, cleaning kit, canvas sling, belt pouch, oil bottle and deactivation certificate.The original SVD Inert 7.62X54 ammunition & additional SVD magazines are available
SVD Dragunov Sniper Rifle 23"x35" At GunArt.net DEACTIVATED 7.62mm SVD & SVDS Dragunov sniping rifles Brand new, fully operational, factory-deactivated rifles from the biggest supplier of the AKs to the world market IZHMASH ZAVOD. The SVD features synthetic fixed buttstock & pistol grip assembly and handguards, while the
SVD
$17.95
SVDS
Paratrooper version SVDS has black fiberglass-reinforced polyamide handguards, pistol grip, buttstock-end. The original factory package was completed by FSU and includes: PSO-1M2 sniping scope with pouch, ten-round magazine, cleaning rod, cleaning kit, canvas sling, belt pouch, oil bottle and deactivation certificate.The original SVD Inert 7.62X54 ammunition & additional SVD magazines are available
SPECIFICATIONS Calibre, mm 7.62 7.62 Muzzle velocity, m/s 830 810 Max effective shooting range, m 3,800 (4,158) 3,800 (4,158) Sighting range with PSO-1, m/y 1,300 (1,422) 1,300 (1,422) Magazine capacity, rds 10 10 Weight with PSO-1, kg 4.3 4.7 Overall length, mm 1,220 (49.8") 1,135 (44.7") 875 (34.5") Barrel length, mm 620 (24.4") 565 (22.3") Catridge type 7.62 x 54R 7.62 x 54R Other differencies include: SVDS' top cover on the receiver is made from 1mm thick steel (instead of 0.7mm on SVD); gas piston diameter is 9.5mm (instead of 10.5mm on SVD); outer barrel diameter is 1mm wider, which makes SVDS' barrel a bit heavier; SVDS' muzzle brake is 65mm shorter
SAR-1
Romanian AKM (SAR-1) have slightly better wood, better metal workmanship and bluing but is otherwise unchanged from the basic AKM. Chambered in 7.62x39mm
AKM is the Russian term of: Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizya , which means modernized AK-47, referring to the stamped AKM of 1968, versus the milled AK-47 of 1947. Warsaw-Pact AKM's include: Soviet/Russian mfg.,F.E.G. of Hungary (SA-85's, etc.), and Romanian W.U.M.-1's, W.U.M.-2's, S.A.R.1, S.A.R.2, S.A.R. 3's, as well as Maadi AKM's, RML, RPM, and the MISR.
SAR1 Romanian AK47 7.62x39 High Capacity Rifle, featuring a Laminated Wood Stock Set. This rifle legally accepts all AK47 mags, including 75 round and 100 round drums.
These Romanian Laminated AK47 rifles feature a Hard Chrome Lined Bore, Traditional Pistol Grip & Buttstock, PLUS an AK47 Siderail Base to mount your favorite optics.
WASR-10
Romanian WASR-10 AK-47. They accept all hi-cap double stack magazines. The barrel is 16", chrome lined. Semi automatic in economical 7.62x39 caliber. This rifle is the same as the SAR-1 Romanian AK's, except that it a cap attached to the muzzle. It looks as though the Romanians were going to thread the barrel and then realized that it was illegal. It has a neat Russian style scope mount attached to the left side of the receiver. The pistol grip stock is legal under the ATF rules.
WASR-10 High Cap Model 2
WASR-10 High Cap Model 2
WASR-10 High Cap Model 1
WASR-10 Low Cap Model 2
WASR-10 Low Cap Model 1
WASR-2 Semi-Auto
WASR-3 With
Rifles Cal. 5.45x39mm
Dragunov Style Stock, Cal. .223
MAK-90
AKMs made in China by NORINCO. Semiauto copy of Chinese model 56. 16" barrel, chromed bore, stamped receiver and trigger. Receiver appears to be blued, bolt carrier and bolt appear to be
chromed. These are slightly better finished AKM's and the original AKM's came with a folding "pig sticker" bayonet. Chambered in 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm
MAK90s, WUMs, Maddis, MISR, etc. are semi-automatic sporting rifles based on the AKM47. Norinco Chinese modified AK-47 or MAK-90 rifle with a stamped receiver in 7.62 X 39mm
Norinco Mak-90 sporter with all factory acces. (cleaning kit.oiler,sling,and 3/5round mags) . Pictured with 3 additional Hungarian 20 round steel mags and a Brand new norinco spare parts kit (firing pin pak,5pc hammer/trigger pak,op rod and spring set as pictured ) Also pictured with a ak muzzle brake and a leapers 3-9x40 scope with complete mount. Pictured with the A.G.I. Mak90/AK armorers video
Norinco Mak-90
MADDI
Maadi Egypt AK-47 in excelent condition Maddi is a good AK varient. The orginals (pre-ban in 1982) were imported by Styer-Daimler-Puch of New Jersey and had the full auto bolt carriers in them. The ATF quickly stopped that, but an estimated 1500 made it in. They were later imported with semi auto carriers both by Steyr and later by another importer who didn't use the same high standards. They are stamped receivers and it is said, they are as close to a Russian AKM as you can get. They are made in Cairo on actual Russian equipment. The correct finish should be black enamel with reddish laminated furniture & either a black or red plastic grip.
The Pre-Ban variation comes complete with a pistol grip stock, bayonet, muzzle break, cleaning kit, sling, and a 30rnd mag. The Post-Ban variant comes with a Dragunov style stock, cleaning kit, sling and 5rd mag. Many people agree that the Maddi AK-47s have alot higher resale than the MAK90 and are more desireable. Many consider it to be one of the most reliable AK's available today making it the perfect
weapon for rugged country Beware! There are alot of fake "prebans" out there!! Make sure it has a threaded muzzle, bayonet lug, etc. The maddi's have been faked often due to the amount of post bans that are out there. AKM is the Russian term of: Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizya , which means modernized AK-47, referring to the stamped AKM of 1968, versus the milled AK-47 of 1947. Warsaw-Pact AKM's include: Soviet/Russian mfg.,F.E.G. of Hungary (SA-85's, etc.), and Romanian W.U.M.-1's, W.U.M.-2's, S.A.R.1, S.A.R.2, S.A.R. 3's, as well as Maadi AKM's, RML, RPM, and the MISR.
Operators manual for the AK type RPM rifle in 7.62X39, made by Maadi.
Egyptian MAADI MISR AK47. This has not been imported for years.
Older model AK47 imported from Egypt from Pars International-Louisville,KY.has pistol grip stock,16.5" barrel, 4power x 34mm scope with rubber eyepiece and see under removable mount, bipod and muzzlebreak (both not factory). Pictured with 5rd and 30rd mags, soft case with pouch and 75 rd. drum mag
Maadi Egyptian AK-47 in 7.62x39 mm. Excellent 4x scope and mounts with covers. Finished in tactical black finish. Made by Maadi Co in Egypt.
Eygyptian MISR
Hungarian SA-85
GP-30
40mm GP-30 underbarrel grenade launcher Factory deactivated model from the JSC TOZ (TULA ARMS PLANT). The original factory package includes: GP-30 launcher (barrel with mounting & sighting system / Pic.3 and trigger assembly unit /
Pic.2, one inert VOG-25P grenade (Pic. 4), the original Soviet canvas belt pouch / Pic.1 & Deactivation Certificate
http://www.rusmilitary.com/html/c-deact_gp30.htm USA MARKET: Unlike deactivated rifles, GP-30 technically does NOT have a receiver (which is treated by B.A.F.T. as a prohibited for importation gun part). So for the US-based customers it is possible at present to purchase GP-30 via our Mail Order service. Credit & debit card payments are welcome. Please use ORDER FORM for your convenience. Price: £295 + £20 for guaranted insured SwiftAir delivery
Israeli made AK47 Varieties Technical description. Basically, the Galil assault rifle can be described as a modified Kalashnikov AK-47 design. The key differences between the Galil and the AK-47 are;
the Galil featured a machined steel receivers of the original AK-47 rifles, but of slightly different shape. The AK-47-style safety - selector switch at the right side of the gun is complemented by the additional smaller switch at the left side of the receiver, above the pistol handle. The cocking handle is bent upward, so it can be operated with either hand. The sights of the Galil featured a front hooded post, mounted on the gas block, with the rear diopter sight, mounted on the receiver top cover. Rear sight is of the flip-up type, with settings for 300 and 500 meters. Additional folding night sights with luminous inserts can be raised into position, which allows to aim the gun in the low light conditions at the ranges of up to 100 meters. The barrel and the flash hider can be used to launch the rifle grenades from the barrel, using the blanc or live cartridges (depending on the rifle grenade type). The Galil ARM also features a folding detachable bipods and a carrying handle. The bipod base incorporates a bottle opener and a wire cutter. The standard folding buttstock is patterned after FN FAL Para, folds to the right to save the space. Some of the late production Micro-Galil (MAR) rifles also are fitted with the Picatinny-type rail,
which allows to mount various sighting devices. Standard AR and ARM rifles can be fitted with scope mounting rail on the left side of the receiver. All 5.56mm Galil rifles are fed using proprietary 35 or 50 rounds curved box magazines with AK-47 style locking. M16-type magazines can be used via the special adapter. 7.62mm Galil rifles are fed using proprietary 25 rounds box magazines. Civilian semi-automatic Galil variants sometimes are fitted with 10 rounds magazines to comply with local firearms laws.
After experience with the FN Fal during the Six-Day War in the year 1967, it seems that this standard rifle was a poor performer in high sand and dust environment. Israel Galili, designer for Israeli Militairy Industries (IMI) started with the developing of a new assault rifle, he took the useful parts from the AK-47 but Galil's most immediate predecessor was the Finnish Valmet M62 rifle infact the first prototypes were fabricated using M-62 receivers made in Finland, other parts were used from the FN FAL and the Hungarian version of the AK-47. Galil (Israel), argued by some to be AK-inspired but not a pure AK, it has aperture sights and uses a proprietary 35-round magazine for the 5.56 x 45 mm NATO cartridge. Most have an extremely rugged (and rather heavy) steel buttstock that folds to the side. Regarded as a good design but poor quality control when most were manufactured in the 1970s has given the Galil a poor reputation among Israeli troops, who are today mostly issued M16A1 rifles instead. A licensed copy of the Galil is made in South Africa, called the R4
Israeli made AK47 Varieties Here you can research AK47 types then rate and review each item. Let the rest of our visitors know your opinion
Galil AR / ARM
$$1350 $2550
Israel
7.28 / 60 10 votes
$
Israel
3.66 / 29 10 votes
AK47 Part Kit - Galil ARM
Browse AK-47 Types, Rate and Review them
Polish made AK47 Varieties
Radom has maintained the outstanding level of Quality which they established with the Radom VIS 35 before World War II. Today the modern Radom facility produces several lines of firearms design for different applications. When you inspect a Radom Firearm you will see the quality and attention to detail that Radom builds into each firearm they produce. Lots more information and pictures on Polish AK47 versions Page Two AKMS Cal. 7,62x39. AK automatic rifle family Polish AKMS Cal. 7.62x39 AK47 rifle family
This page helped alot, take a look
The purpose of this page is to provide information on the firearms designed and manufactured in Poland. With the exception of the Vis 35 pistol, Polish guns are virtually unknown outside Poland, a situation I hope to change. Currently this page contains information on 20 different guns.
Tantal
Tantal wz. 88 5.45 mm
Like the AK-74 the Tantal is a gas-operated automatic rif le. Its receiver is made from sheet metal stampings and houses an all-new trigger mechanism. The characteristic large safety/selector lever of the kalashnikov family has in this weapon a function of safety only. The selector switch has been moved to the left side of the receiver and has three positions: Ta - Tantalum Tantalum is a hard metal with reactivity lower even than platinium. Tantalum oxide was isolated by Anders G. Ekeberg in 1802 who then named the element because it tantalized his efforts to purify the metal. The pure metal was finally obtained, electrochemically, by Bolton in 1905.
Onyks
wz. 91 Onyks 5.56 mm NATO A limited number of Onyks were used by the Polish military Onyks - Onyx SiO2 - Silicon dioxide
Beryl BERYL Mod. 96 (KBS) Cal. 5.56x45. Automatic Rifle, capable of. Single fire, 3-shot burst, and fully automatic fire. Side folding stock, for compact use. Optional bipod and other accessories available. Outstanding muzzle brake that significantly reduces recoil. Compatible with .223 cal. (SS109) ammunition. BERYL COMMANDO MOD 96 (KBK)Cal 5.56x45. Automatic rifle. Shortbarrel weapon for compact use. Extremely reliable design capable of operating in virtually any environment. Compatible with .223 cal. (SS109) ammunition. Single fire mode, 3-shot bursts, or a continuous fire.
Beryllium Aluminum Silicate Be3 Al2(SiO3)6 one of the most important gem minerals. Emerald is the green variety and Aquamarine is the blue variety of beryl SPORTS KARBINE RADOM-SPORT cal. .223 Remington RADOM-HUNTER semi-automatic, civilain version of the military 7.62 AKM assault rifle. For sport and hunting. Cal. 7.62x39
Lucznik factory in Radom Weapon Factory “ŁUCZNIK” – Radom ( limited liability company) was
founded on 18th August 2000. It continues glorious traditions of small arms producers in Radom like: Weapon Factory (which was a part of State Armament Factory and “ŁUCZNIK” Metal Plant, respected on
world market. Nowadays, we produce modern small arms units like: submachine guns PM-98 GLAUBERYT cal. 9 mm PARA, carbines BERYL and MINI-BERYL cal. 5,56 mm NATO, sports carbines RADOM-SPORT cal. .223 REM and personal pistol P99 cal. 9 mm PARA. 26-600 Radom, 1905 Roku street 1/9 NIP: 948-21-82-612 REGON: 672021450 Website
Lots more information and pictures on Polish AK47 versions Page Two Here you can research AK47 types then rate and review each item. Let the rest of our visitors know your opinion Browse AK-47 Types, Rate and Review them Model 96 Beryl Model 96 Mini - Beryl Carbine Polish AKMS Random Hunter wz. 88 Tantal
$
Poland
0.19 / 434 10 votes
$
Poland
8.76 / 453 10 votes
$
Poland
$
Poland
$
Poland
$
Poland
8.04 / 178 10 votes
$
Poland
7.94 / 54 10 votes
$under $50 Poland
7.35 / 75 10 votes
$$200 - 250 Poland
0.06 / 48 10 votes
wz. 89 Onyks
AK-47 First Model Polish AKM Type II Polish
AKM Type II Polish Trainer AK47 Part Kit - PMKMS AK47 Part Kit - Tantal AK74
$$225 - 300 Poland $$250-
Poland
8.63 / 10 0.08 / 10 8.51 / 10
1086 votes 231 votes 201 votes
7.32 / 66 10 votes 7.79 / 62 10 votes
Sponsor our Websites
Indian made AK47 Varieties NSAS (India, 1988) This automatic rifle is developed from the AK-74. The operating handle is arranged to the left under the fore grip. It can fire single shots and automatic three-shot bursts. The magazine is made from light, transparent plastic material. The automatic rifle features a diopter sight calibrated from 200 to 400 meters and windage mechanism. The butt, fore grip and pistol are made from wood. The safety selector lever is arranged on the trigger guard, to the left. The barrel is outfilled with recoil compensator. There is a lug on the lower part of the barrel to mount a bayonet. http://kalashnikov.guns.ru/models/ka220.html
"Behind the garland-makers stands a row of gun shops where racks of Pakistani-made AK47 assault rifles await buyers at 9,000 rupees (about £85 or $195 ) a pop."
Will Pietersen's Ashes summer turn to dust? Richard Williams in Multan Saturday November 12, 2005 The Guardian
Indian made AK47 Varieties Here you can research AK47 types then rate and review each item. Let the rest of our visitors know your opinion Browse AK-47 Types, Rate and Review them INSAS India $
India
1.14 / 70 10 votes
