Kalashnikov

AKM
general information
Civil name:	z. B. ВПО-136
Military designation:	AKM
Country of operation:	Soviet Union; and others
Developer / Manufacturer:	Mikhail Kalashnikov
Development year:	1959
Manufacturer country:	Soviet Union
Model variants:	AKM, AKMS, AKMN, AKMSN, AKMP, AKMSP, AKML, AKMSL
Weapon Category:	Assault rifle
Furnishing
Overall length:	AKM 880; AKMS 920/655 mm
Weight: (unloaded)	AKM 3.1 kg; AKMS 3.3 kg
Sight length :	378 mm
Barrel length :	415 mm
Technical specifications
Caliber :	7.62 × 39 mm
Possible magazine fillings :	10, 20, 25, 30, 40 curves ; 75 and 100 drum cartridges
Ammunition supply :	Cam and drum magazine
Cadence :	590 rounds / min
Fire types:	Single , continuous fire
Number of trains :	4th
Twist :	1: 9.45
Visor :	Blade rear sight and front sight
Mounting system:	Side assembly (AKMN, AKMSN, AKML, AKMSL)
Closure :	Rotary head lock; with 2 lugs ; "hammer head"
Charging principle:	; Long stroke gas pressure charger
Lists on the subject

AK-47
	AK-47 type II
general information
Military designation:	AK-47
Country of operation:	Soviet Union; and others
Developer / Manufacturer:	Mikhail Kalashnikov
Development year:	1946
Manufacturer country:	Soviet Union
Model variants:	AK-47, AKS-47 ; in type I, II and III
Weapon Category:	Assault rifle
Furnishing
Overall length:	AK-47 880 mm; AKS-47 875/645 mm
Weight: (unloaded)	Type I 4.3 kg; Type II 3.8 kg ; Type III 3.5 kg ; Type III AKS-47 3 kg
Sight length :	378 mm
Barrel length :	415 mm
Technical specifications
Caliber :	7.62 × 39 mm
Possible magazine fillings :	10, 20, 25, 30, 40 and 75, 100 cartridges
Ammunition supply :	Cam and drum magazine
Cadence :	600 rounds / min
Fire types:	Single , continuous fire
Number of trains :	4th
Twist :	1: 9.45
Visor :	Blade rear sight and front sight
Closure :	Swivel head lock; 2 lugs
Charging principle:	Direct ; gas pressure charger
Lists on the subject

Kalashnikov
	AK-47 type II
general information
Civil name:	Kalashnikov
Military designation:	Kalashnikov machine
Country of operation:	Soviet Union; and others
Developer / Manufacturer:	Mikhail Kalashnikov
Development year:	1946
Manufacturer country:	Soviet Union
Model variants:	AK-47, AKM, AK-74M and others
Weapon Category:	Assault rifle
Technical specifications
Fire types:	Single , continuous fire
Closure :	Turret lock
Charging principle:	Gas pressure charger
Lists on the subject

Kalashnikov ( Russian Кала́шников ) is the common name for a number of Soviet - Russian assault and machine guns , which are based on the original AK (Russian Автомат Калашникова, German Automat Kalashnikov) and are named after its developer, Mikhail Timofejewitsch Kalashnikov . A rare spelling is Kalashnikov .

The original model developed for the 7,62 × 39 mm cartridge presented in 1943 was taken over into the armament of the Red Army in 1949 and, after the year of the first prototypes, is also AK-47 for Awtomat Kalaschnikowa, obrasza 47 ( Russian Автомат Калашникова образца 47 , образца = "type", "model") called. In the English-speaking world, this name was adopted for the entire family of weapons.

The weapon, which can be classified between conventional submachine guns in pistol calibers and rapid-fire rifles for strong rifle ammunition, was referred to as submachine gun ("MPi-K") in the terminology of many states of the former Warsaw Treaty . According to the western definition, this conception with a medium cartridge is again counted among the assault rifles . The NVA also called the Kalashnikov a submachine gun, while assault rifles were not in use in the GDR . In Russia these weapons are simply called Автомат (trans. Awtomat), in German about automat.

It is estimated that 80 to 100 million copies of the various models and replicas of this series were produced. In addition to the Soviet Union, around 60 countries equipped their armies with the models of the Kalashnikov series. The rifles are manufactured by the Ismash in Izhevsk and the Tula weapons works in Tula . There are also a large number of licensed builds and copies in other countries, to which the simple manufacture of the weapon and its robustness even under difficult terrain and climatic conditions contributed.

history

precursor

Avtomat Fyodorova

Impressed by the firepower of the machine guns, which were first used in large numbers in the Russo-Japanese War from 1904 to 1905, the Russian Lieutenant General Vladimir Grigoryevich Fyodorov decided to create a new weapon. This weapon should allow the normal soldier to deliver this firepower with his rifle if necessary . Around 1913, the Awtomat Fjodorowa was developed, a rifle that could be used for single or continuous fire and that was set up for a specially developed cartridge . The weapon worked as a recoil loader with a briefly sliding back barrel. Although the Fyodorov automaton was heavy and expensive to manufacture, the tsarist military leadership expressed interest in the weapon, but not in the introduction of the new cartridge. Fyodorov reworked his model for the Japanese cartridge 6.5 × 50 mm HR , which was being produced in Russia at the time. This cartridge was not yet a modern medium cartridge , but its recoil made it possible to hold the weapon stable during short bursts of fire. When the First World War broke out, several thousand units of the Awtomat Fyodorova were used on the Eastern Front. However, since the army command did not understand the concept of rapid fire for normal soldiers, the avtomat Fjodorowa available were used in the role of a light machine gun. Later, with the Awtomat Fjodorowa Tokarewa, a version optimized for this role with a bipod and a cooling jacket for the barrel was created. It was not until the Russian civil war, with its unclear fronts and flexible warfare, that the Bolsheviks , on whose side Fyodorov had sided, recognized the value of the concept of continuous fire from an infantry rifle. Under the Bolsheviks 3200 copies of the Avtomat Fyodorova were made and used. After the end of the Russian Civil War, however, the military leadership of the Red Army decided that the 6.5 × 50 mm HR cartridge should be removed from logistics in order to use the 7.62 × 54 mm R cartridge as a single cartridge for infantry rifles and To have machine guns. Attempts were made to convert the Awtomat Fjodorowa to 7.62 × 54 mm R, but the greater power of the cartridge made the rifle uncontrollable during continuous fire. While working as a developer, Fyodorov wrote two books: Avtomatitscheskowo Oruschie and Evoljuzija Strelkowo Oruschija. In the latter, he describes, among other things, the concept of a light infantry weapon for delivering long bursts of fire.

Simonow AWS-36

During the Finnish winter war , the Soviet leadership remained unaffected by the successful use of the remaining Awtomat Fjodorowa, especially in the Finnish forests. Instead, they focused on the rapid development of submachine guns, as they were more impressed with the performance of the Finnish Suomi M-31 . A future interaction between submachine gun and self-loading rifle was planned. The first promising candidate for the new self-loading rifle, the AWS-36 by Sergei Gawrilowitsch Simonow, offered an optional fully automatic fire mode, which, however, was also uncontrollable because of the 7.62 × 54 mm R cartridge, despite the specially developed muzzle brake . The SWT-38 and SWT-40 self-loading rifles, which were later introduced in large numbers, were also available in smaller numbers as the AWT-38 and AWT-40 with optional sustained fire, which, however, was even more difficult to control than with the AWS-38, as there was no corresponding muzzle brake .

Mkb.42 Haenel / MP43A

Only when the Soviet army in the Second World War in April 1942 in the Battle of Chelm on the Eastern Front on the German Maschinenkarabiner 42 in Haenel construction, short Mkb.42 (h), met, the development was recorded similar Soviet weapons again. The MkB.42 (h) was a light infantry weapon with which single and continuous fire could be fired from a 30-round magazine, the weapon could be held well in the target even with long bursts, the weapon was set up for the German short cartridge 7.92 × 33 mm . In order to allow the development of a similar weapon, the Soviet military leadership allowed work on a new cartridge, which was developed in strict secrecy. It is only known, among other things, that the two engineers NM Jelisarow (Russian: Н.М. Елизаров) and PW Ryazanov (Russian П.В. Рязанов) were in charge. In 1942, the first Soviet short cartridge 7.62 × 41 mm was presented internally and a competition for a suitable automatic weapon was called, in which several well-known and unknown Soviet designers took part. Among other things:

AS-44 Awtomat Sudajewa by Alexei Iwanowitsch Sudajew (Russian Алексей Иванович Судаев)

AT-44 Awtomat Tokarewa by Fjodor Wassiljewitsch Tokarew (Russian Фёдор Васильевич Токарев)

AK-44 Awtomat Korowina by Sergei Alexandrowitsch Korowin (Russian Сергей Александрович Коровин)

AB-44 Awtomat Bulkina by Alexei Grassilowitsch Bulkin (Russian Алексей Грасылович Булкин)

ASch-44 Awtomat Schpagina by Georgi Semjonowitsch Schpagin (Russian Георгий Семёнович Шпагин)

Mikhail Timofejewitsch Kalashnikov

Mikhail Kalashnikov's contribution consisted of a self-loading carbine and not yet the required rapid-fire rifle. For unknown reasons, the case of the 7.62 × 41 mm cartridge was shortened by 2 mm in 1943 and the 7.62 × 39 mm M43 cartridge was created , for which a competition was also called in which the Kalashnikov with his model AK- 46 participated and eventually won. His model contained many features of Bulkins AB-44, as he had died shortly before and Kalashnikov had received the plans from his widow. As the winner of the competition, Kalashnikov was assigned its own design office with qualified employees and began its work. This was carried out under the strictest of secrecy and led to the early series production of the AK-47 Type 1 in 1948.

Relationship to the SKS-45

AK-47 Type II and SKS-45

In the specialist literature and historical sources there are contradicting statements about the relationship between AK-47 and SKS-45 . Some sources state that it was planned to use both models side by side. According to the old concept of the submachine gun and self-loading rifle, which grew out of World War II, the SKS-45 was to be assigned the role of the self-loading rifle and the AK-47 the role of the submachine gun. However, when it was noticed that the AK-47 was only marginally inferior to the SKS-45 in terms of precision and range, the SKS-45 would have largely been retired and a continuous introduction of the AK-47 would have been preferred. According to other sources, however, the SKS-45 was introduced to bridge the time that the AK-47 needed to go into final series production.

Tactical conception

In the military doctrine of the Soviet Army, the AK-47 played a major role in attack. For example, armored personnel carriers should bring infantry close enough to the enemy on a broad front so that the enemy was within range for undirected cover fire by the infantry. After dismounting, the individual shooters were supposed to hold down the enemy as they continued to advance with long, untimely bursts of fire from the hip and only switch to targeted individual shots when individual targets were recognizable and the shooters were able to take cover. For this reason, the original one AK-47 (Type 1-3) has been ergonomically optimized for single shots and is difficult to keep under control in targeted continuous fire. In contrast, the German machine carbines from 1942 were designed in such a way that they could be used to deliver significantly longer, targeted bursts of fire. The shooter should fight the enemy with single fire until he was close enough that he could be targeted with short bursts of fire.

AK-47

The actual or original Russian AK-47 is divided into three groups of two models each.

Type I : The first mass-produced model was the AK-47 Type I. Its weapon housing was partly made of sheet steel and is also formed by a massive trunnion in which the locking lugs engaged. The Type I was produced from 1948 to 1949. The Type I can be easily recognized by two horizontally arranged rivets above the magazine well and the rounded pistol grip.

There is a version of the AK-47 Type I with a shoulder rest that can be folded under the weapon, the AKS-47 (Russian Автомат Калашникова складной образца 1947 года, transkr .: Avtomat Kalašnikova skladnoj obrazowt 1947 model is called Kalašnikova skladnoj obrazowt klappbar gasch47 year 1947 automatic machine) , more rarely AK-47s. However, the shoulder rest made it difficult to operate the fire selector lever when folded. In the English-speaking world, the AK-47 type I weapon housing with a fixed buttstock type 1A and the one with a folding buttstock type 1B is called.

AK bayonet 6Ch2 ( Russian 6Х2 )

The Type I had a side gun, the 6H2. This was attached under the barrel and planted with a ring over the muzzle, the side rifle locked on two teeth under the front sight. A grenade device in the form of a shooting cup exists for Type I, but this device was not widely used. Only a few copies of the Type I were produced.

With the AK-47 Type I, there were massive problems with the sheet metal stamping process, the number of housings that still had to be sorted out in the factory was up to 50%, and the life expectancy of the weapons in use did not meet the expectations. The magazine issued with the Type I was made of sheet steel that was flat on the sides. The magazine had a capacity of 30 cartridges.

Type II : The second model was the AK-47 Type II. This was no longer produced using the sheet metal stamping process , but rather using the milling process . In the case of a Type II, the entire housing including the trunnion consists of a solid block. The Type II was produced from 1949 to 1953 and can be easily recognized by a rectangular recess above the magazine well that runs parallel to the barrel. The pistol grip and fixed shaft no longer lead directly to the housing, but each have a metal shoe as a transition. There is also a version of Type II with a shoulder rest that can be folded under the weapon, this is also called the AKS-47. In the English-speaking world, the housing of type II with fixed shaft is referred to as type 2A and that of the version with folding shaft as type 2B . Because of its housing milled from a single block of steel, this model is considered to be more robust, precise and durable than the models with a pressed steel housing. With the Type II, an improved form of the sheet steel magazine was introduced, this was reinforced by ribs and thus more robust; this type of magazine is still in use today. With the help of an adapter, these magazines can be loaded with loading strips when they are not in the weapon. The Type II was the first to produce larger numbers. The Type II was used for the first time during the suppression of the Hungarian uprising in 1956 . It was there that the AK-47 first caught the eye of the world.

AK-47 type III

Type III : The third model received mostly minor changes; Probably the biggest was that a new attachment for the fixed shoulder rest was found. Type III was produced from 1953 to 1959 and differs from Type II in that it has no shoe on the fixed shoulder rest and the recess above the magazine well that now runs parallel to the housing. Type III is also available in a version with a shoulder rest that can be folded under the housing; this retains the name AKS-47. In the English-speaking world, the type III housing with fixed shaft is called type 3A and that with shoulder rest is called type 3B . There was a version of the Type III with a dovetail mounting, which was attached to the rear left side of the housing, this enabled the attachment of night vision aiming aids . This version is called AK-47N in some sources (Russian Автомат Калашникова образца 1947 года ночь, transkr .: Avtomat Kalašnikova obrazca 1974 goda nočʹ, German automat Kalashnikov model 1947th year night). The Type III is the most common version of the original AK-47 and the first model to be produced under license by other countries. The licensees included Bulgaria (AKK, AKKS), the People's Republic of China (Type 56, Type 56), North Korea (Type-58), the GDR (MPi-K, MPi-KS), Hungary (AK-55), Poland ( KbK AK, KbK AKS), Yugoslavia (M64, M64B).

RPK (Russian Ручной Пулемёт Калашникова, transkr .: Ručnoj Pulemët Kalašnikova, German hand machine gun Kalashnikov), more rarely RPK-47. It is the light machine gun variant of the AK-47. The light machine gun RPD in caliber 7.62 × 39 mm M43, produced from 1945 onwards , had good experience. However, after the introduction of the AK-47, a light support weapon was wanted. For this purpose, a longer and heavier barrel was attached and a bipod was issued, a large fish-belly shaped stop stock and a sliding visor with additional crosswind setting were also attached. The weapon is otherwise largely identical to the AK-47 Type III and only a few additional spare parts are required in logistics. The RPK can also be loaded with the 30-round magazines of the AK-47. If the machine gunner runs out of ammunition, he can be supplied by regular AK-47 shooters. The RPK shooter himself received either 75-round drum magazines or 40-round curve magazines. The latter are considered more reliable. The RPK magazines can also be used on the AK-47.

AKM

"Bakelite" magazines

Since the production of the AK-47 Type III was too costly in the long term, the company reverted to an improved sheet metal stamping process in 1959 and created the AKM (Russian Автома́т Кала́шникова модернизи́рованный, transkr .: Avtomát Kalášnikannyjasch modernizovannyjaschova modernizova). The changeover saved time, material and weight. Compared to the AK-47 Type III, the AKM weighs only 3.1 kg, i.e. 1.2 kg less. In addition to the lighter housing, this was also achieved through a lighter run. In addition, the AKM received a few other improvements. Since the concept of mass attack had slowly been abandoned, the AKM was optimized for delivering short bursts of fire compared to the AK-47. You can see this mainly on the shoulder rest, which forms a straight line with the barrel so that there is no upward rotation when the shot is fired. A simple beveled muzzle compensator was also issued as standard from 1960 , which diverts parts of the powder gases upwards and pushes the weapon downwards in continuous fire. A retarder has also been integrated into the trigger group, which acts on the hammer. This minimally reduces the rate of fire and prevents bolt cracks. The sliding visor was also extended from a maximum of 800 meters to 1000 meters. The AKM can be recognized by its straight shaft and an oval embossment above the magazine well, reinforcement ribs on the housing cover and a new plastic pistol grip. The version with the shaft that can be folded under the housing is called AKMS , and its shoulder rest also runs straight to the barrel. In the English-speaking world, the housing of the AKM with a fixed shaft is called Type 4A and that with a folding shaft is called Type 4B . The sheet steel magazines are interchangeable with that of the AK-47, but experiments have been made with aluminum magazines. These were lighter and had a waffle pattern ; but they turned out to be not robust enough. As a replacement, magazines made of a glass fiber reinforced plastic , which is often incorrectly referred to as Bakelite , were developed. These lightweight magazines are bright orange and have steel reinforced magazine lips. Along with the AKM, a new side gun was introduced with a shorter but wider blade that locks to the rifle's gas block. A silencer with the designation PBS-1 was also introduced for the AKM , which, in conjunction with subsonic ammunition, greatly reduced the shooting noise. There are also versions of the AKM with dovetail mounting for optics on the left side of the housing; they are called AKMN and AKMSN. The AKMSN has a folding shaft which, however, blocks the rail when folded; the optics must be removed before folding. There are also some special versions, as "P" (AKMP / AKMSP) with tritium gas light sources in the sights, as "L" (AKML / AKMSL) with a flash hider . This should increase the combat value at night.

The AKM is the most widespread version of the Kalashnikov alongside the Chinese Type 56 and was produced under license in many Warsaw Pact countries , including Bulgaria (AKKM), North Korea (Type 68), Egypt (Maadi AMR), GDR (MPi -KM), Hungary (AKM-63, AK-63F), Iran (KLS), Poland (KbK AKM), Romania (PM md. 63) and Vietnam (AKM-47). The AKM was the main orderly weapon of the Soviet Army from 1959 to 1974 and is still in the arsenal of the Russian armed forces today . Their better man-stopping effect and their better soundproofing are particularly valued.

AKMSU This greatly shortened version of the AKM is similar to the AKS-74U . It is still unclear which of the two short models was developed first. Like the AKS-74U, it has a barrel shortened to the handguard together with the shortened gas system. In contrast to the AKS-74U, the AKMSU uses the 7.62 × 39 mm M43 cartridge, a larger expansion chamber on the muzzle and the shoulder rest that can be folded under the housing, which is typical of the AKMS. It was used only to a limited extent, has no GRAU index number and was not produced under license in any other country. With the AKS-47S, Bulgaria produces a version of the AKMSU, but with a milled housing. The Yugoslav M92 looks similar to it, but does not have the shortened gas system and a longer barrel.

RPK less often RPKM. Since the RPK did not change its name when it was converted from milling to sheet steel, the two models are often differentiated as RPK-47 and RPKM in specialist literature. The RPKM is the light machine gun form of the AKM. It offers a longer, heavy barrel, bipod, sliding visor with crosswind adjustment and a more massive fish-belly-shaped shaft. Like the AKM, the RPKM is made of sheet steel, but the developers increased the sheet thickness from 1 mm (AKM) to 1.5 mm. Sheet steel RPK housings can be recognized by a small protruding plate above the magazine housing. Later RPKMs were issued with light orange 40-round curve magazines made from fiberglass.

RPKS, more rarely RPKMS. Is the version of the light machine gun RPK with a folding stock. This is identical in shape and material to the RPK, but can be folded onto the left side of the case. For RPK and RPKS, there is also a version with side mounting, these are called RPKN and RPKSN. With the RPKSN, the optics must be removed if the shaft is to be folded in.

AK-74

The small medium cartridge 5.56 × 45 mm M193 , which was first used by the Americans in the Vietnam War , made a strong impression on the Soviets and so it was decided in a hurry to work on their own small medium cartridge. To save costs, the general case length of 39 mm was retained, the caliber was reduced from 7.62 mm to 5.45 mm and the taper of the case was reduced. In 1974 the new 5,45 × 39 mm cartridge was introduced as the M74 cartridge, despite resistance from Mikhail Kalashnikov, who had favored a revision of the old M43 cartridge. The almost unchanged case length made it possible to set up the AKM for the new cartridge with just a few changes. Only the gas extraction block had to be modified so that it no longer extracts the gas at a 45 °, but at a 90 ° angle. In order to further expand the advantages of the new low-recoil cartridge, a new muzzle brake was also developed, which temporarily absorbs the powder gases, distributes them to the sides and thus further reduces recoil. In order to be able to distinguish an AK-74 from an AKM in the dark, a hollow is embedded in the solid wooden shaft of the AK-74. The AK-74 is also loaded with magazines of 30 rounds, but instead of steel magazines, which were only briefly experimented with, fiberglass-reinforced plastic magazines were used. These had a less curved shape because of the smaller taper of the M74 cartridge. The magazines were light orange in color, which was strongly criticized by many soldiers during the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan . The AK-74 is also available in a version with a folding stock, the AKS-74 . However, its shoulder rest is not folded under the housing as with the AK-47 / AKM, but on the left side of the housing. The shoulder rest is a triangular skeletal support made of steel; To get a comfortable cheek rest, many Russian soldiers wrapped the shaft with medical tubes . Side guns from AKM and AK74 are interchangeable, but with the AK-74 they are slipped over the muzzle brake and locked on the front sight carrier. Nevertheless, new side guns with a more angular grip shape were issued with the AK-74 (GRAU index number 6X4). In 1978 a new grenade device was introduced for the AK74, the GP-25 Kostjor . This was attached under the barrel of the weapon and loaded from the front as a muzzle loader with 40 mm grenades , the sight was adjustable from 100 to 400 meters. A new silencer was issued for the AK-74, this was given the designation PBS-4 and, together with subsonic ammunition , was intended to reduce the shooting noise. However, the ammunition turned out to be insufficient, as the thickness of 5.45 × 39 mm was in their speed. This had to be reduced in order to reach subsonic speed. Many Soviet special forces therefore preferred to carry a separate AKMS with PBS-1 with them during the Soviet-Afghan war. The AK-74 and AKS-74 have versions with the same side mounting as the AKM, these are called AK-74N and AKS-74N . Simple optics such as reflex sights can be exchanged with the AKM, optics with magnification can only be exchanged to a small extent due to the different trajectories of the M43 and M74 cartridges. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, attempts were made to modernize the AK-74 and so the wood on the handguard and shaft and the light orange fiberglass of the magazines were replaced with dark plastic . Depending on the ambient light, this had a black to dark purple color, which is usually called plum. Officially, it is claimed that this color is less visible in IR night vision devices. However, it is believed that something went wrong in the black plastic mixing process. Later modernized AK-74s have a purely black stock. In the specialist literature, AK-74s with plum or black shafts are called "AK-74 Late" (AK-74 late), the name has not been officially changed. The AK-74 was the main orderly weapon of the Soviet armed forces from 1974 to 1991, but is still in service in large numbers in the Army of the Russian Federation. The AK-74 was built under license by only a few countries, including the GDR (MPi-AK-74, MPi-AK-74S) and Romania (Ak47). Many foreign Kalashnikov models in caliber 5.45 × 39 mm do not have an official AK-74 license, but are their own adaptations of the M74 cartridge based on AKM.

Ukrainian Navy with AKS-74U

AKS-74U (Russian Автомат Калашникова Складной бразца 1974 года Укороченный, transkr .: Avtomat Kalašnikova skladnoj obrazca 1974 goda Ukoročennyj, dt. Year abbreviated Automat Kalaschnikowte 1974). In this weapon, not only the barrel was shortened to 200 mm, but also the gas system. This resulted in a weapon that has the dimensions of a submachine gun, but uses the stronger central cartridge 5.45 × 39 mm. Experts are therefore divided on the categorization. In some works it appears as a submachine gun, in others as an assault rifle. In terms of construction, the AKS-74U differs from the AK-74 in that it has a short barrel and the housing cover, which is not removed, but flipped up. The AKS-74U also does not have a sliding visor at the end of the upper hand guard, but has a hinged rear sight that sits on the housing deck to provide a longer line of sight. The folding rear sight has a setting for close combat marked with "П" (transcr .: P) and one for 400 to 500 meters, marked with "4–5". However, the effective range is a maximum of 200 meters. In order to cope with the enormous muzzle flash and to guarantee the functional safety despite the short gas system, the AKS-74U has an expansion chamber as a muzzle attachment, the removal of which is strongly advised in the manual. The weapon was issued to the crews of vehicles and was laterusedby special forces ,especially in the Soviet-Afghan war. For covert operations, the BPS-4 silencer was used, and a special grenade device called the BS-1 Beschina could be used. The grenade device was silenced and fired 30 mm grenades using separate propellant cartridges that were housed in a magazine. The device was loaded from the front. There were other versions of the AKS-74U optimized for special forces. The AKS-74UN has a side mount. Inaddition to side mounting , the AKS-74UB has a sliding visor instead of a folding rear sight, on which the trajectory of subsonic ammunition can be better adjusted. Licenses for the AKS-74U rarely went abroad. For this reason, most of the Eastern Bloc countries created their own, mostly somewhat less abbreviated, versions of a short Kalashnikov. Currently there are still many AKS-74U in use by the Russian federal armed forces, but these are to be gradually replaced by the AK-105.

OZ-14 Grosa (Russian ОЦ-14 Гроза, Ger. OTz-14 Donner) is a bullpup version of the AKS-74U for the cartridges 7.62 × 39 mm as OZ-14-1A "Grosa-1" and 9 × 39 mm OZ-14-4A "Grosa-4". The OZ-14 was developed by ZKIB SOO around 1990. It is a compact, low rate of fire weapon that has been optimized for use by special forces. In the regular configuration, an assault grip is used to prevent the shooter's hand from getting too close to the muzzle. Both versions can be equipped with a GP-30 grenade device. The OZ-14-4A can also be equipped with a silencer. The weapon isin use in small numbersby the armed forces of the Russian Interior Ministry .

RPK-74 Is the light machine gun version of the AK-74. It is largely identical to the RPKM, but fires the new 5,45 × 39 mm M74 cartridges. The RPK-74 got a new, slotted muzzle brake and was mostly issued with orange fiberglass-reinforced plastic magazines with a capacity of 40 rounds. The RPKS-74 is the version of the RPK-74 with a folding stock.

APS A weapon for use under water. With its gas system and the approximate arrangement of the assembly, this weapon is sometimes included in the Kalashnikov family for the 5,66 × 39 mm MPS cartridge. It fires very long projectiles that also show good speed underwater. At a depth of 5 meters, it has a range of around 30 meters. It uses a 26-round magazine and was used by amphibious units inthe Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc countries.

ASM-DT A further development of the APS concept, but with more elements of the AK-74 and the possibility of firing regular 5.45 × 39 mm M74 cartridges in addition to underwater ammunition (5.45 × 39 mm MGTS) that are loaded from the AK-74's regular 30-round magazines. When using underwater ammunition, special 26-round magazines are used. Although it was developed in 1969, it was rarely produced and rarely issued until the early 2000s. The ASM-DT is currently in the arsenal of some amphibious units in the Russian Federation.

SW Dragunov

SW Dragunow The SWD (Russian: Сна́йперская Винто́вка Драгуно́ва, German sniper rifle Dragunow) is often incorrectly counted as part of the Kalashnikov family because it has a similar structure. It takes over the tub construction, but uses a different gas system. The SWD works as a gas pressure loader with a short stroke similar to the self-loading rifle SWT-40; the locking spring is attached in the cover and does not sit like a bridge in a shoe in the housing trough.

AEK Is a series of assault rifles that only belong to the Kalashnikov family in the broadest sense, as they have a similar structure, but were not developed in Izhevsk, but by KMZ. The basis for the development, which began in 1970, was the BARS system developed with the AL-7. This tries to improve the stability of the weapon by having a counterweight in a second gas piston, which is thrown forward when the shot is fired. This is intended to cancel the impulse caused by the retracting shutter. It is reported by experts that although the weapon does not tend to flip up, it bounces back and forth very restlessly when it is in position. The AEK family includes the models AEK-971 (5.45 × 39 mm M74), AEK-972 (5.56 × 45 mm NATO) and AEK-973 (7.62 × 39 mm M43). AEK-971 and AEK-973 were and are used in small numbers by Soviet and Russian special forces.

AK-74M

Russian paratroopers with AK-74M

AK-74M (Russian: автомат Калашникова образца 1974 года модернизированный, German machine Kalashnikov model 1974th year modernized). In search of a modern, but inexpensive weapon for the newly established Russian Federation , the AK-74 was modernized in 1991 and the AK-74M was created. This rifle only differs in a few details from the AK-74 in the late version. The muzzle brake was further improved. This can be distinguished from the fact that from the halfway point it has a larger circumference. In addition, the shoulder rest was renewed and replaced by a black folding stock made of glass fiber reinforced plastic . Like the skeleton shoulder support of the AKS-74, this is also folded onto the left side of the housing and locked there. To prevent the housing cover from coming off when grenade devices are fired, the locking lug is secured with an additional button. The housing cover of the AK-74M is also ribbed. In addition, the AK-74M always has the side mounting of the AK-74N. As a result of these changes, AK-74, AK-74S, AK-74N, AK-74SN were combined into one model. The new shaft still blocks the side assembly when it is folded in, which is why you have to remove the optics before you fold the shaft. The AK-74M is currently the main orderly weapon of the Russian armed forces, but is to be gradually replaced by the AK-12 .

Contrary to some opinions, there is no AKS-74MU or AK-74MU. The heavily shortened models with the new polymer folding stock are the AKS-74U , to which the stock of the AK-74M was attached without authorization. The folding shafts of the AKS-74 and AK-74M are interchangeable.

RPK-74M is the light machine gun form of the AK-74M. It has the typical characteristics of an RPK such as a longer, heavier barrel, a bipod, a sliding visor with crosswind adjustment and a more massive piston. This is now made of polymer plastic, but retains its beefy fish belly shape. The handguard of the RPK-74M is also made of polymer, but differs from that of the AK-74M in that it has a large number of ribs that are designed to prevent slipping. The RPK-74M is of Molot (Russian Молот) in vyatskiye polyany (Russian, Вятские Поляны) in oblast Kirov in manufactured.

AN-94 "Abakan" (Russian: автомат Никонова образца 1994 года "Абака́н", German machine Nikonow model of the 1994 year "Abakan"). Actually not a Kalashnikov in the true sense of the word, as only the rough structure and the arrangement of the controls have been adopted. The AN-94 is the result of the "Abakan" project, which was supposed to increase the effectiveness of the individual soldier. This was achieved with the AN-94 in such a way that it has a 2-shot burst, in which two cartridges are fired in quick succession. In this way, two projectiles leave the barrel before the recoil pulse can reach the shooter. In order to make this "hyperburst" possible, some changes had to be made from the AK-74M. This not only made the AN-94 considerably more complicated, but in the opinion of most experts it only belongs to the Kalashnikov family in a broader sense. In addition to the cartridge in the cartridge chamber, another cartridge is always kept ready on a loading spoon. In addition, the barrel runs back on a rail. In addition to the 2-shot burst, the weapon can also be fired in single fire and fully automatic. With fully automatic, the first two shots are always fired in a hyperburst. After that the weapon regulates the rate of fire down to 600 rounds per minute. The grenade devices GP-25 and GP-30 can be mounted. The main difference between the AN-94 and the AK-74M is the rail under the barrel. In addition, the large expansion chamber with its two round chambers is very noticeable. The AN-94 was officially the new orderly weapon of the Russian armed forces from 2012 to 2013, but was only procured in insignificant numbers. Currently it is only used in small numbers by special forces.

AK-100 series

AK-101 In the mid-1990s, the Russian Federation urgently needed foreign currency and was therefore looking for new sales markets for its own arms industry. Since the market had already been flooded with old AKM after the collapse of the Soviet Union, new products urgently had to be offered. The AK-74M did not want to and could not be sold because the caliber 5.45 × 39 mm was not widely used outside of it. With the AK-101, a weapon was created for the NATO cartridge 5.56 × 45 mm. This weapon was largely identical to the AK-74M, but offered a muzzle brake adapted to the new caliber. The AK-101 can be easily distinguished from the AK-74M by the smooth housing cover. The model had little commercial success. Only Indonesia bought large numbers.

AK-102 In order to expand the range, a weapon with a shortened barrel was offered together with the AK-101. The AK-102 also fired the 5.56 × 45 mm NATO cartridges and was largely identical to the AK-74M. Only the barrel of the gun was shortened from 415 mm to 314 mm. The grain carrier and gas sampling block were combined into one unit. This resulted in a weapon that was compact and maneuverable in tight spaces, but not as limited in range as the AKS-74U and AKSMU. In order to function reliably despite the shortened barrel, the AK-102 received an expansion chamber as a muzzle attachment, similar to that of the AKS-74U. The model was largely unsuccessful.

AK-103 with GP-34 and AK-104

AK-103 Since the AK-101 had failed commercially, but one remained dependent on sales markets, the AK-103 was created as a model for the 7.62 × 39 mm M43 cartridge, which is widely used in the world, and thus returned to the original Caliber. The model remains largely identical to the AK-101, except for the muzzle brake that has been adapted to the other caliber. This offered a modern weapon for the time, for the caliber that was widespread around the world. With the AK-103-2 there is a version with a 3-shot burst . The model had little success and was introduced by some special forces and the Venezuelan army .

AK-104 The shortened version of the AK-103 has the same barrel length and gas block as the Ak-102. Unlike most of the models in the AK-100 series, this model is widely used in the Russian homeland. The established during the late 1990s and in the fight against terror dismantled Russian special forces , such as the FSB , put the AK-104 increased one. They appreciate the compactness of the weapon together with the more powerful man-stopping effect of 7.62 × 39 mm M43.

AK-105 Due to the great popularity of the AK-104, a compact version of the Kalashnikov of the same length was created for the 5.45 × 39 mm cartridge that is mainly used in their own country. Like the AK-104, it is particularly popular with special police and military units. Special forces often use a Kobra reflex sight above the side mount. The original handguard is also often exchanged for a modern one with 1913-MiL-STD rails. The shooter receives an accessory rail at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock on which he can attach lasers, lamps and assault handles of his choice. In the early 2000s, most members of special units still had to resort to accessories of western origin. However, since the 2010s, for example Zenico, rails and accessories of Russian origin have been available. A similar increase in combat value can now also be observed with the AK-74M.

AK-107 to AK-200

AK-107 Towards the end of the 1990s, attempts were made to gain a foothold on the international arms market with a new handgun. In the search for a new sales argument, two known systems were combined. On the one hand, these were the general structure of the Kalashnikov system and, on the other, the Balanced Automatics Recoil System (BARS) of the AL-7 prototype from the 1970s, on which the AEK-971 is based. Since the development was not taken over by Mikhail Kalashnikov himself, but by Juriy Kchman Alexandrow (Russian: Юурйи Кхман Александров), the AK on the AK-107 does not stand for Awtomat Kalashnikova, but for Alexandrow Kalashnikova. Due to the built-in BARS system, the AK-107 differs in that not a single long gas piston with the bolt carrier is thrown backwards, but an additional gas piston is thrown forward. This counter-impulse improves the stability, especially with long continuous fire. The typical pulling up of a rapid-fire weapon is replaced by a linear jumping back and forth. However, the complexity of the weapon also increases with the new system. The AK-107 is easy to recognize by its gas system reaching up to the grain carrier and a 45 ° edge in the case ejection window. The gun did not have any commercial success.

AK-108 Largely identical to the AK-107, only set up for the NATO cartridge 5.56 × 45 mm. No commercial success either

AK-109 Developed later as AK-107 and AK-108, the AK-109 is set up for the 7.62 × 39 mm M43 cartridge, which cannot be corrected by the BARS system.

Saiga

The saiga (Russian: Сайга) named after the saiga antelope was made for the citizens of the Soviet Union in the early 1970s from the AK-74 for the caliber. 220 Russian (5.6 × 39 mm) developed but never really adopted. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, it was revived as an export product in order to be able to gain a foothold in the civilian sector in addition to the military market. The weapon was designed for sale to hunters and marksmen. Most Saiga shotguns and rifles lack the typical features of a military weapon. The barrel and handguard were lengthened, the muzzle brake was omitted, the pistol grip gave way to a rifle stock with a detached grip, the trigger guard and the trigger moved further back and the models were only set up for single fire. The fully automatic breaker fell away. Saigas were made in many different hunting and sporting calibers. In order to cope with the stronger cartridges, some Saiga models have reinforced housing pans, larger locking heads and extended gas systems. Most saigas are self-loading, but fore-end bolt action rifles are also available so that they can be exported to countries with special gun laws.

Saiga 12, self-loading shotgun in 12 gauge

Saiga 20, self-loading shotgun in 20 gauge

Saiga 410, self-loading shotgun in. 410 Bore

Saiga 223, self-loading rifle in. 223 Remington

Saiga 308, semi-automatic rifle in. 308 Winchester

Saiga 20k

Saiga12 The Saiga 12 has a special role because it is available in the Saiga 12k variant in a remilitarized form with pistol grip and folding stock. This is set up for the shotgun caliber 12 and is used in limited numbers by the Russian military . The weapon is used in the military with a 10-round box magazine, but there are also drum magazines with a capacity of 12, 20 and 30 rounds.

Since 2012, the Kalashnikov Group has been offering semi-automatic versions of most military Kalashnikov models for collectors under the name Saiga, in addition to designated weapons for hunters and marksmen. The Saiga SGL 31 is almost a semi-automatic AK-74 M. Even a semi-automatic version of the current AK-12 (AK-400) is offered as the Saiga-AK12.

Wepr-12

In addition to Izhevsk , other former Soviet arms factories are also trying to gain a foothold in the civilian market. Molot offers some weapons for hunters and sport shooters. Some of the models are identical to the Saigas from Izhevsk, currently the Kalashnikov group.

Wepr-12 (Russian: Вепрь-12, German Wildsau 12) largely identical to the Saiga 12, but based on the RPK housing instead of a reinforced AKM housing and another adjustable gas system for use with different types of shot. Current Wepr-12 are mostly sport-enhanced with several 1913-MiL-STD splints. Due to the name, it is often confused with the Ukrainian bullpup assault rifle Wepr.

PP-19 submachine guns

" PP-19 Bison " (Russian: ПП-19 "Бизон"). The PP-19 was developed in 1993 by Mikhail Kalashnikov's son Viktor Michailowitsch Kalashnikov . It is a submachine gun with a ground lock . After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the newly founded Russian Federation was looking for a suitable long weapon for police formations to replace the AKM that had been used by the police until then. The advantage of the Kalashnikov construction and the identical arrangement of the operating elements is that the police personnel only had to be retrained slightly for the new weapon. The PP-19 has a 195 mm long barrel and a conical, slotted flash hider. The screw magazine with high capacity under the barrel is striking. This has the advantage that police officers do not have to carry special carrying bags for replacement magazines. The PP-19 is offered in the following versions:

PP-19 2-01 in 9 × 19 mm Para with 52- round magazine

PP-19 2-02 in .380 ACP with 64- round magazine

PP-19 2-03 in 9 × 18 mm with 64- round magazine

PP-19 2-07 in 7.62 × 25 mm with 35- round magazine

The PP-19-01 " Vitjas " ( Russian ПП-19-01 "Витязь" PP-19-01 " Fencing sword " ) is a further development of the "Bison" developed in 2004 near Izhevsk. It is largely identical to this one, but with a rod magazine instead of a screw magazine and a modified handguard based on the AK-9 model. Since the screw magazines proved to be too susceptible to failure, conventional bar magazines with a capacity of 30 rounds are now used. So that police officers still do not need additional carrier bags, claws were developed with which two rod magazines can be attached to each other. The PP-19-01 also has a new muzzle brake with two chambers that is designed to reduce recoil. Since the Russian Federation has introduced 9 × 19 mm Parabellum as an orderly police cartridge, the PP-19-01 is only manufactured for this cartridge. It is used by the Russian police and special forces and is currently available in an upgraded version with 1913-MiL-STD rails.

AK9

After Russian special forces had good experiences with the integrally silenced rifles AS Wal and WSS Wintores in the second Chechnya war , a solution was sought that was more compatible with the existing AK-74M models. The AK9 uses subsonic ammunition of the type SP-6 caliber 9 × 39 mm and is equipped with an integrated silencer. Like the AKS-74U, it also uses a combined grain carrier gas block, but its gas system has not been shortened. The barrel length is 200 mm. With side mounting and folding full stock, it offers the same features as the AK-74M, but also has a 1913-MiL-STD rail below the handguard. The AK-9 is used on a very small scale by Russian special forces.

AK-200 (2010)

From the end of the 2000s, the demands of Russian special forces for a modular weapon became louder. Due to its construction, the AK-74M can only be equipped with accessories to a limited extent. Since the barrel is attached to the lower part of the housing, optics must also be attached to this assembly if they are to maintain their zero point. For this reason, optics must be attached to the lower part of the housing via the side mounting. This is not a problem as long as only individual optics are to be mounted. But since combined aiming systems such as reflex sights with magnifying glasses or jumping sights had become standard in the West, a long rail was required on the back of the case. However, since the upper weapon housing of the AK-74M is only a cover, no optics can easily be attached there. The AK-200 (2010) was presented to the public from 2010 in various stages of development. Mostly it was a direct further development of the AK-74M with a new adjustable shoulder rest, a handguard with four 1912-MiL-STD accessory rails and an assault handle that could also function as a bipod. In order to solve the problem with the lid, a special locking mechanism for the housing lid was developed. This enabled him to receive a long 1913-MiL-STD rail on which several optics could be attached. A four-row "Quadmag" with a capacity of 60 rounds was also presented together with the weapon.

AK-12

From 2012 onwards, various models with the names AK-12 were repeatedly presented to the public . In terms of their concept, these emerged almost seamlessly from the AK-200 (2010) and were intended to bring the Kalashnikov system up to date, especially in terms of modularity and recoil control. These various stages and models are repeatedly referred to differently in the specialist literature. However, it is customary to also state the respective year of the first performance.

AK-12 prototype from 2012

AK-12 (2012) The first model presented had a completely new angular smooth weapon housing. It offered an almost continuous rail on the housing, an adjustable shoulder rest, a locking lever that could be operated on both sides and a fire selector lever that could be reached with the thumb on the right side. The model had a muzzle brake with two chambers and a front sight at the barrel end. The rear sight sat on the rail at the rear end of the housing, which significantly increased the length of the sight. The model from 2012 had a 3-shot burst that fired at 1000 rounds per minute, in regular fully automatic operation the rate of fire was 600 rounds per minute. Curiously, the model not only had rails on the handguard and housing, but also on the gas block.

Ak-12 (2014) Two years later, a model with slight changes in design was presented. The strange rail on the gas block disappeared and the smooth housing now had reinforcing ribs. The 3-shot burst was eliminated, but the 1913-MiL-STD accessory rail on the back of the case became completely continuous.

AK-12 (2015) Another year later, the AK-12 was once again heavily revised. The housing is now very similar to that of the AEK-971 and a combined grain carrier gas block is used. The muzzle brake now has a chamber. The model can be easily recognized by the red markings for the respective fire mode.

AK-12 (AK-40k), current version, with trigger safety

AK-12 (Ak-400) The current version of the AK-12 is again heavily based on the AK-74M for cost reasons and uses its housing and lock. The lock and fire selector lever can no longer be operated from both sides. However, the lockable lid with the 1913-MiL-STD accessory rail, the combined grain carrier gas block and the muzzle brake, which reduces recoil, were adopted. New additions are a foldable and adjustable shoulder rest according to the western M16 / M4 standard and an adjustable gas system for easier use of silencers. The model has a rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute. This current stage is often referred to as the AK-400 series and thus delimited from the previous prototypes which are referred to as the AK-200 series. In January 2018, the current form of the AK-12 (AK-400) was officially introduced to the Russian armed forces with the GRAU index number 6P70, with special units being the first to be taken into account during the conversion.

AK-15 Largely identical to the current AK-12 (AK-400), but set up for the 7.62 × 39 mm M43 cartridge. The weapon thus meets the requirement for a weapon compatible with the new AK-12, which uses the old caliber. Special units in particular appreciate the higher man-stopping effect and the better soundproofing of the 7.62 × 39 mm M43.

AK-12k Short version of the AK-12 with a barrel length comparable to that of the AK-105. The weapon uses cartridges 5.45 × 39 mm and has its own muzzle brake.

AK-15k Short version of the AK-15 with a barrel length comparable to that of the AK-105. The weapon uses cartridges 7.62 × 39 mm and has its own muzzle brake.

RPK-16 is the light machine gun form of the AK-12. It is largely identical to the AK-12 (AK-400), but has a longer heavy barrel of 550 mm, a more massive buttstock and a new 96-round magazine. The rate of fire is 800 rounds per minute. The barrel can be changed when shot hot. There is even a shorter, interchangeable barrel, 370 mm long, so that the RPK-12 can be used in the role of an assault rifle.

AK-200 series (2018)

At the beginning of 2018, the Kalashnikov Group announced that it would revise the AK-100 export series. This should retain some of the properties of the AK-12 (AK-400). The models of the AK-200 series (not to be confused with the AK-200 model from 2010) get the new locked housing cover with 1913-MiL-STD accessory rail, the new foldable and adjustable shoulder rest, but not the new gas system and the new muzzle brake. In return, the export models receive their own new flash hider. The well-known models of the AK-100 series from AK-101 to AK-105 have their names added plus one in the hundreds; with the exception of the AK-74M, which becomes the AK-200. This can lead to confusion with the AK-200 from 2010, a predecessor of the AK-12. The AK-107, AK-108 and AK-109 models are not affected, but are now also offered in modern versions with 1931-MiL-STD rails, but without a name change.

AK-74M - AK-200 (5.45 × 39 mm M74)

AK-101 - AK-201 (5.56 × 45 mm NATO)

AK-102 - AK-202 (5.56 × 45 mm NATO)

AK-103 - AK-203 (7.62 × 39mm M43)

AK-104 - AK-204 (7.62 × 39 mm M43)

AK-105 - AK-205 (5.45 × 39 mm M74)

AK-308

AK-308 , composed of AK for Awtomat Kalaschnikowa and 308 for the caliber. 308 Winchester is a version of the AK-12 as a rapid fire rifle. Officially presented in 2018 and intended for export, it has all the important properties of the AK-12 (AK-400) and thus also the new muzzle brake and gas system as well as the 1913-MiL-STD accessory rail on the housing cover.

Other production countries

The Soviet Union only issued licenses to close allies and satellite states from the AK-47 Type III onwards . When the AKM was a reliable weapon that could be produced cheaply, the member countries of the Warsaw Pact were actively encouraged to manufacture an infantry weapon in the caliber 7.62 × 39 mm M43 in their own country. Although they thought of the AKM, the CSSR produced with the vz. 58 has its own infantry weapon in this caliber. In addition to the Soviet Union, the People's Republic of China also issued licenses for the production of the Type 56 and Yugoslavia for the M70B1.

Egypt

Egyptian soldier with Misr AR

Under the leadership of Gamal Abdel Nasser , the Arab Republic of Egypt received military support from the Soviet Union. Part of the support consisted of building a factory for the production of Soviet weapons, in which, among other things, the AKM is manufactured by the Maadi Company, later Factory No. 54.

Maadi ARM largely identical to AKM, was nicknamed "Misr", the Arabic self-designation for the country of Egypt. According to other sources, ARM is an abbreviation for "Assault Rifle Misr" (German assault rifle Egypt).

(Maadi) Misr AR Largely identical to the ARM, but with a folding stock from our own production. The new folding stock consists of a straight downward sloping steel wire that ends in a triangular sheet metal that holds the piston plate. Because of its triangular shape, this shaft is often referred to as a pyramid shaft. Like the loop shaft from GDR production, it is folded onto the right side of the case and does not interfere with the lock or fire selector lever. Since the shaft does not allow a good cheek rest, the Misr AR is not considered particularly stable, especially in continuous fire.

Albania

Albanian soldier with Ash-78 Tip 1

Before the country was isolated under Enver Hoxha , the Socialist People's Republic of Albania had only received the plans to manufacture the SKS-45, which was produced in the country as the Armë 10 Korriku (rifle of July 10th). In search of an automatic weapon, they turned to the People's Republic of China, which provided the country with the plans for the production of the Type 56. The Albanian version is produced by Uzina Mekanike Gramsh in the city of Gramsh . The Albanian models can easily be recognized by their smooth housings, the oval recess above the magazine well is missing.

ASh-78 Tip 1 Automatiku Shqiptar modeli 56 Tip 1 (German Albanian model with automatic 56 type 1) is a direct copy of the Chinese type 56. Early versions have a milled case, later a punched one.

ASh-78 Tip 2 Identical to Tip 1, only with a grenade device spike for firing rifle grenades. The idea was to issue a tip 2 to each rifle group in order to increase the firepower.

ASh-78 Tip 3 Largely identical to Tip 1, but with an extended barrel and a riflescope like the PSO-1. The Tip 3 was intended as a telescopic sight rifle .

Model-56 Tip 2 A Type 56 with a longer barrel and bipod, an attempt to create an equivalent to the RPK.

ASh-82 Largely identical to the ASh-78 Tip 1, only with the shoulder rest that can be folded down under the housing. The ASh models were not verifiably exported, but are still in use by the Albanian armed forces as before. Some ASh-78 Tip 1 and ASh-82 were upgraded with 1913-MiL-STD rails and are used by Albanian special forces such as the BOS.

Algeria

Type 98 Algeria produces a direct copy of the Chinese Type 56 with the Type 98 .

Type 98-1 Also a direct copy of the Chinese Type 56-1, with the barrel that can be folded under the case.

Bulgaria

Bulgarian AKK

Bulgaria was one of the first countries to produce a version of the AK-47 in Kazanluk from 1964 . This took place in a factory built by the Soviet Union called "Factory 10". The weapons produced there bear a “10” in two circles as a factory stamp. The models produced there are:

AKK an almost unchanged version of the AK-47 Type III. To be recognized by the red-brownish shaft.

AKKI an AKK with a 40 mm grenade device under the barrel.

AKKS the folding stock version of the AKK. Largely identical to the AK-47S.

AKKN is identical to AKK, only with an additional side mounting for night sights.

AKKM an almost unchanged version of the AKM.

AKKMS an almost unchanged version of the AKMS.

AKB an experimental AKKM in Bullpup design.

AK74 From late 1970 onwards, Bulgaria made an almost direct copy of the AK-74. Only the stock differs from the Soviet model. Bulgarian AK74 have a plastic stock made of dark brown plastic, the 30-round magazines are also often dark brown in color.

RKKS Largely identical to the RPK with a milled housing, only the stop shaft has a different shape.

ATK-47 training version of the AKKM in caliber .22lfb as a pure mass lock.

ATK-98 training version of the RKKS in caliber .22lfb as a pure mass lock.

After the end of communism in Bulgaria , the AKKMS continued to be produced in small numbers. To stimulate the country's economy and to find sales markets for the arms industry , Arsenal AD (Bulgarian: Арсенал АД) in Kazanlak created a number of new weapons based on the licenses obtained in Soviet times. These are based on the milled housing of the AK-47 Type III, which is considered to be more durable, together with features that were considered modern in the early 1990s.

AR Largely identical to the AK-47 Type III, but with a black polymer stock. However, the side mounting was attached according to the AKM model. The AR can accommodate the Bulgarian grenade devices UBGL and UBGL-1; these are similar to the Russian GP-25 and GP-30 grenade devices, which the AR can also accommodate. Black polymer magazines with a waffle pattern and a capacity of 30 rounds are offered as magazines.

AR-F Largely identical to the AR, but with the shaft that can be folded under the housing according to the pattern of the AKS-47, which protrudes downwards at an angle when folded out.

AR-1 Largely identical to the AR, only with a muzzle brake similar to that of the AK-74.

AR-1F Largely identical to the AR-F, only with a muzzle brake similar to that of the AK-74.

AR-M1 Largely identical to the AR-1, only with a straight shoulder rest. In addition to the 7.62 × 39 mm M43, the M1 is also available in 5.56 × 45 mm NATO, usually called the AR-M1A1 .

AR-M1F Largely identical to the AR-1F, but with a shaft that can be folded under the housing and which is unfolded straight to the barrel. In addition to the 7.62 × 39 mm M43, the M1F is also offered in 5.56 × 45 mm NATO, usually AR-M1A1F .

AKS-47S Largely identical to the AKMSU, but with a milled housing according to the AK-47 Type III pattern. The models have a hand guard made of light wood. In addition, most models carry a so-called Sound Hog, a muzzle attachment that emits muzzle gases and muzzle flash in a concentrated manner in the direction of fire in order to have a stun grenade-like effect on targets.

AR-M1 Largely identical to the AR, but in caliber 5.56 × 45 mm NATO and a muzzle brake of the AK-74 type. This model was mainly intended for export to western countries. The western-caliber models are also offered with black waffle-pattern magazines that have a capacity of 30 rounds.

AR-UR Largely identical to the AKS-47S, but with a black polymer shaft that can be exchanged for a hand guard with a built-in light module.

AR-SF Largely identical to the AKS-47S, but for the 5.56 × 45 mm NATO cartridge.

AR-M4UR Largely identical to the AR-UR, but with a new skeleton stock that can be folded down to the right side of the case and a rear sight on the case.

AR-M4SF Largely identical to the AR-M4UR, but in caliber 5.56 × 45 mm NATO.

AR-M2U An attempt to mimic the Russian AK-104, but for the 7.62 × 39 mm M43 cartridge. The barrel was shortened to 320 mm, and the rim support and gas block were combined into one unit. The folding stock of the M2U can be folded under the housing according to the AKM pattern, and a Soundhog based on the AR-UR pattern is used as a muzzle attachment.

AR-M2F Largely identical to the M2U, but for the 5.56 × 45 mm NATO cartridge.

AR-M7F An attempt to imitate the Russian AK-74M, but the M7F has a machined housing according to the AK-47 Type III pattern. Like the AK-74M, the M7F has a polymer shaft that can be folded onto the left side of the housing and a side mount that cannot be used when the shaft is folded in. However, it has a muzzle brake according to the Bulgarian model and is set up for the cartridge 7,62 × 39 mm M34.

LMG the Bulgarian version of the RPK with a stamped housing. The stem has a different shape and, like the handguard, is made of black polymer.

The LMG-F is largely identical to the LMG, except that the LMG-F has the AKMS shoulder rest that can be folded under the housing.

AK-74 After the collapse of communism, Bulgaria made an almost unchanged copy of the Russian AK-74 for the new AR line. The stock alone is different in some models, as the same black polymer stock was used in some cases as in the AR line. Some early models also received a dark brown polymer stock.

In contrast to other countries which tried unsuccessfully to gain a foothold in the international arms market after the collapse of communism, Bulgaria was quite successful. This was mainly due to the fact that the weapons were often exported to the USA as semi-automatic machines . Bulgaria was not placed under an embargo on “non-sporting weapons” like the Russian Federation.

Burma

Burma produces the Chinese Type 56 under the same name.

China

Chinese type 56-2

Type 56

Chinese type 56

The Chinese type 56 (56 式自動步槍, transkr .: 56 Shì zìdòng bùqiāng, German 56-type automatic rifle) has a special position in the series of Kalashnikov models . In the course of socialist cooperation, the People's Republic of China , like some other countries, received plans to produce the AK-47 Type III. The production of an unchanged version began in 1956 in factory number 66, this model was named Type 56 (56 式). This always leads to confusion, as the Chinese version of the SKS-45 was also introduced as Type 56 (56 式半自动步枪, tanskr .: 56 Shì bànzìdòng bùqiāng, German 56-type semi-automatic rifle). This is why one usually speaks of the Type 56 assault rifle and Type 56 carbine. A version with a shaft that could be folded under the housing was also given the designation Type 56. A little later, production was simplified and the weapon was adapted to the military doctrine of the People's Liberation Army . The Type 56 received a built-in, foldable needle bayonet that had already been used with the Type 56 carbine. In addition, the front sight was significantly modified, later Type 56 have a round, closed front end, which can be easily distinguished from the open front of the AK-47 and AKM. With the Sino-Soviet break in the late 1950s , China never received the plans to make the stamped AKM. However, since China was interested in the cheaper sheet metal stamping process, the AKM was redeveloped there, but with a sheet thickness of 1.5 mm instead of 1 mm. It is not known whether this was done to ensure better durability or because 1 mm sheet metal was unsuccessful. The Chinese designers created a weapon that, like the AKM, was produced using the sheet metal stamping process, but did not adopt any of the improvements introduced with the AKM. The new weapon retained the heavier barrel of the AK-47, has no retarder in the trigger group and the ergonomics of the AK-47 with its fixed and folding stock angled downwards was retained. The embossed sheet metal version of type 56 is also called type 56, but from this point onwards the version with foldable shoulder rest was called type 56-1. The Type 56-2 was later added with a skeleton shoulder rest with plastic cheek rest that can be folded onto the left side of the case. On this side, they do not interfere with the operation of the fire selector switch. Later Type 56 models came with handguards and pistol grips made of plastic, the plastic pistol grip is steeper than that of the AKM. Since Type 56 models were produced over a long period of time, there are always different combinations of features, but mostly the Type 56 has the folding bayonet, whereas Type 56-1 and Type 56-2 side guns based on the AK-47 ( 6H4). Some Type 56 have muzzle expansion joints based on the AKM model, others have no muzzle thread at all. The Type 56 can be loaded with the AK-47 and AKM magazines. The 30-round sheet steel magazines from Chinese production are largely identical to those of the AK-47 Type III, but their back is flat and there is no comb. You can also recognize them by only two horizontal reinforcement ribs instead of five. In addition, China produced a 75-round drum magazine. This was cylindrical, sits less steeply in the weapon and is considered more reliable than the Russian RPK magazine. The Type 56 forms the largest group of Kalashnikovs with an estimated 15 to 20 million copies produced, alongside the AKM with an estimated 10 million copies. The People's Republic of China has also issued licenses for the production of the Type 56, among others to Algeria (Model-89, Model-89-1), Albania (ASh-78 Tip 1, ASh-82), Burma (Type 56), Iran (KLS, KLF, KLP) and Sudan (MAZ).

In addition to Type 56 , Type 56-1 and Type 56-2, China also manufactured other models based on the Kalashnikov system.

Type 56C is a shortened version of Type 56. The barrel has been shortened so that the grain carrier and gas block are almost next to each other. The weapon also has a folding stock similar to Type 56-2, which can be folded down to the right side of the housing. The Type 56C also has an adjustable gas system and a special muzzle brake. In order to further improve the maneuverability of the compact weapon, Type 56C are mostly issued with 20-round magazines. However, they can also be loaded with 30-round sheet steel magazines.

Type-84S A variant of the Type 56 in caliber 5.56 × 45 mm NATO, which is intended for export. The weapon has a slotted flash hider and only slightly curved sheet steel magazines for the NATO cartridge.

Type-84S-1 Identical to Type-84S, but with a type 56-1 shaft that can be folded under the housing.

Type-86S This assault rifle in 7.62 × 39 mm M43 and bullpup design was intended for export around 1980. It is a shortened version of the Type 56, the pistol grip of which is in front of the magazine lock. The fire selector lever is above the pistol grip. An assault handle can be folded down for better handling, this is similar to that of the Steyr AUG, the line of sight has been raised and is located in a handle, the sight can be adjusted to 100, 200 and 300 meters. The clamping lever is located in this bracket and can be operated from both sides, it runs with the locking movement. The weapon was only exported in small numbers as it fell under the US Assault Weapons Ban.

Type 81 and Type 81-1

Type 81 Actually not part of the Kalashnikov family in the strict sense of the word, this weapon has the same structure, but an extended housing. As a result, the slide that slides backwards can use up all of its force on the longer path and there is no transfer of the residual return energy from the slide carrier to the shooter. This ensures better stability during continuous fire.

Type 81-2 The folding stock version of Type 81, the folding stock is folded onto the right side of the housing like the Type 56-2. The Type-81 and Type 81-2 have been in use by the Chinese People's Army since 1983, but are gradually being replaced by the QBZ-95 and QBZ-03 .

Type 81 lMG The light machine gun version of the Type 81 with a longer barrel, bipod and a more massive stock. Due to the longer travel of the breech, the IMG is more comfortable to shoot and easier to hold on to than the RPK.

GDR

NVA soldiers with MPi KM

The German Democratic Republic was one of the first countries in the Eastern Bloc to manufacture a version of the AK-47 Type III in its own country. This production took place mainly at VEB equipment and tool construction Wiesa in Wiesa . In order not to jeopardize the pacifist character of the GDR in terms of external effects, production was largely kept secret. Deliveries abroad were mostly handled by intermediaries such as ITA (engineer for technical foreign trade) or IMES Import-Export GmbH .

MPi K Since the word "assault rifle" as a propaganda term in the GDR Nazis was taken strictly, it translated the Russian "Awtomat Kalaschnikowa" easy "submachine gun Kalashnikov", abbreviated MPi K. This was identical to the AK-47 type III and the milled housing and the angular recess above the magazine slot. In contrast to the AK-47, the MPi K was not issued with a cleaning rod under the barrel, as it was feared that this could impair the precision. A cleaning rod that could be screwed together was included in the separately issued cleaning set. Small numbers of items were equipped with their own mounting rail and optics.

MPi KS The version of the MPi K with a folding stock, identical to that of the AKS-47 Type III.

MPi K, MPi KM, KK-MPi 69, MPi KS, MPi KMS-72, MPi AK-74, MPi AKS-74NK

MPi KM The GDR version of the AKM differs little from the original in the early version. However, later versions usually have one or more parts of the plastic shaft. At the beginning, the two parts of the handguard were made of plastic, but it was found that the upper handguard under the gas piston was not heat-resistant, so the material was changed. For this reason, the upper and lower handguards are often slightly different in color. The lower plastic handguard often has additional vertical grooves. A plastic stop piston was later added, which was provided with knobs to prevent the cheek from slipping off. Only very late MPi KM have the beveled mouth compensator of the AKM. The MPi KM was mainly delivered to the Middle East - Iraq, revolutionary Iran and to Palestinian organizations.

MPi KMS-72 Dissatisfied with the original folding stock of the AKMS, they developed their own. This consisted of a thick, bent steel wire in the shape of a loop. Unlike the later AK-74, this was not folded onto the left, but onto the right side of the housing. There it did not interfere with the lock or safety device and an optic on the left side did not have to be removed to fold the shaft. The loop support, however, is considered to be far less comfortable to use. It also has the advantage that it can be screwed into the device for the fixed shaft. MPi KM and MPi KMS-72 have the same rifle housing (type 4A) and a fixed stock can be exchanged for the hinged loop stock and vice versa.

MPi AK-74 often also MPi KM-74, is the GDR version of the Soviet AK-74. In 1982, the GDR was one of the few countries to receive the license to manufacture the new weapons for the 5.45 × 39 mm cartridge, which it produced without any further changes. Only the plastic stock was taken over by the MPi KM. All MPi AK-74s also have the side mounting of the AK-74N. The magazines are identical to the Soviet ones in form and function; The GDR production, however, is made of plastic and not fiberglass. Nevertheless, a light orange color was also chosen. The MPi AK-74 was supposed to be introduced to the NVA, but not to the border troops, as it was wrongly assumed that the 5.45 × 45 mm cartridge had a higher lethality. One wanted to possibly capture "republic-fugitives" alive. The MPi AK-74 was not exported.

MPi AK-74S, often also MPi KMS-74, is largely identical to the AK-74, except that it has a folding loop stock. This made the weapon lighter, more compact and, unlike the Soviet AKS-74N, the optics do not have to be removed when the weapon is folded.

MPi AKS-74NK is a short version of the MPi AK-74, but not as shortened as the AKS-74U. The barrel was shortened to the gas sampling block, with the gas block and grain carrier forming one unit; the gas system retains its length. The weapon is also equipped with the folding loop stock of the MPi KMS-72 and a side mount. In order to cope with the more powerful muzzle flash, it has a new flash hider. The MPi AKS-74NK was intended primarily for special units and crews with chain technology (including FRK 2K11 Krug).

KK-MPi 69 also MPi-KK. In order to reduce training costs, the VEB Fahrzeug- und Jagdwaffenwerk "Ernst Thälmann" in Suhl created a small-bore rifle for the .22lfb cartridge. This rifle had roughly the same ergonomics and controls as the MPi KM and worked according to the locking principle of the free locking mechanism. Your sight could be adjusted from 25 to 100 meters. Your magazines are not compatible with those of the MPi KM or MPi AK-74.

In the short period from 1989 until the reunification of Germany in 1990, the GDR tried to establish itself as an independent democratic state alongside the FRG . In order to boost the country's economy, it was decided to gain an international foothold in the arms industry with a new series of models, the Wieger 940 system . The name is made up of Wiesa , the production facility and Germany, the English word for Germany .

Wieger Stg.941 in the Military History Museum in Dresden

Wieger Stg. 941 This model was largely based on the MPi-AK-74, but was set up for the 5.56 × 45 mm NATO cartridge and, in addition to new magazines in the style of Israeli Galil, received a new black polymer stock and a combined gas block front sight, but the barrel was not shortened. By simultaneously maintaining the rear sight at the height of the trunnion, the theoretical precision decreased. The first customer to contact us was India , which wanted to replace its L1A1 rifles with modern weapons for the 5.56 × 45 mm NATO cartridge. However, the order could never be completed because of German reunification.

Wieger Stg.942 Identical to the Stg.941, only with a folding stock based on the MPi-KM model.

Wieger Stg.943 Identical to the Stg.942, only with the barrel shortened to 320 mm.

Wieger Stg.944 The lMG version of the Stg.941. The barrel was extended to 500 mm and a bipod was attached.

The Wieger systems were taken over by the FRG after reunification and later destroyed. A private company bought the rights and plans and for a short time produced a semi-automatic version with pink stocks for sport shooters and hunters.

Finland

After the Second World War Finland did not become part of the Eastern Bloc, but worked closely with the Soviet Union militarily and so the Finnish Army decided on the 7.62 × 39 mm M43 cartridge for the main orderly weapons. The model for an infantry rifle was based on the AK-47 Type III, but created its own housing with a narrower shape. Also, you did not take over the kimetrack block, but placed the gas piston on a base. The sights were also shifted and the front sight was placed on the gas block and the rear sight on the housing cover. So that the visor does not lose its zero position even after the cover has been removed and replaced, the rear edge of the housing cover has been reinforced accordingly. These housings can be recognized by the fact that the rectangular cut-outs above the magazine slot are "open" and have no continuous edge. In addition, a large sheet metal on the magazine lock is noticeable, which is intended to prevent the magazine from being accidentally released.

RK m / 54 Largely identical to the Soviet AK-47 Type III; only a few copies were made in Finland; most were procured from Poland and the Soviet Union .

RK m / 62

Valmet RK m / 62 also M62 , RK62 or RK / 62 . The first version of the RK / 62 had a perforated handguard that did not go over the gas cylinder. This is often referred to as a cheese grinder . The RK62 also has a round, ribbed pistol grip. This is often referred to as the Bicyclegrip ( bicycle handlebar grip). A tube with a rubber cover serves as a shoulder support , which, contrary to popular belief, cannot be folded down. The earliest versions also do not have a trigger guard to make it easier to use with mittens. Later RK / 62 either have a handguard without holes or one that encloses the gas piston; Even more ergonomic pistol grips were occasionally attached to the RK / 62. The RK / 62 has a flash hider with three teeth to which a side gun can be attached below. The early 30-round sheet steel magazines are identical to those of the AK-47 Type III, later black polymer magazines were produced with the same capacity and reinforcing beads. The weapon was produced in large numbers at Valmet and SAKO . She was introduced into the Finnish Armed Forces in 1965 and is still in service today.

Valmet RK m / 62-76 also M76 , RK76 or RK62 / 76 . Largely identical to the RK / 62, only produced using the sheet metal stamping process. However, the tapered shape of the housing was retained. RK62 / 76 can be recognized by two rivets above the magazine shaft instead of the open angular recess. RK / 76 is also available with three different types of hand protection. Usually RK / 76 have the more ergonomic pistol grip. The RK62 / 76 is still the main orderly weapon of the Finnish armed forces. The RK62 / 76 is set up for the 5.56 × 45 mm NATO cartridge and was exported to Indonesia and Qatar .

RK m / 62 dismantled

Valmet RK m / 62-76T also M76t . Largely identical to the RK m / 62-76, but with a shoulder rest that can be folded onto the left side of the case. This is of the same shape as that of the RK m / 62-76 and consists of a straight steel tube with a rubber cover and a sheet metal folded into a triangle as a butt plate.

Valmet M82 Largely a RK / 76 in bullpup design for the 5.56 × 45 mm cartridge. The breech with ejection window, fire selector lever and magazine lock is located behind the trigger, which creates a compact but awkward to use weapon. Since the moving bolt tension lever continues to form a unit with the bolt, the weapon cannot be safely operated by left-handed shooters. The weapon was mainly produced for export.

RK m / 95 Tp also M95 . Modernized version of the RK / 62 for the cartridge 7,62 × 39 mm M43 produced by SAKO. Compared to the RK / 62, the weapon has a shortened barrel and a longer hand guard, which also covers the gas piston. In addition, a shoulder rest that can be folded to the left was installed. Small numbers of RK / 95 Tp are used by Finnish special forces.

RK / 78 Largely identical to the RK63 / 76, but as a light machine gun with a longer and heavier barrel and bipod.

India

iNSAS-LMG

In order to have a replacement weapon for the Wieger 941 assault rifle after the failed business with the GDR and to replace the old L1A1 rifles, it was decided in 1998 to develop their own weapon. That happened at the Ordnance Factory Board in Ayudh Bhawan , Kolkata . The resulting weapon systems bear the abbreviation INSAS for Indian Small Arms System (dt. Indian handgun system) with the respective weapon class behind it e.g. B. Rifle (dt. Rifle).

iNSAS Rifle The rifle of the iNSAS spectrum combined features of all weapons that were successful at the time. The locking principle and the tub structure were adopted from the Kalashnikov system. The 5.56 × 45 mm NATO cartridge comes from the M16A1 . Some features of the magazine were taken from the Stg.941 . From the L1A1 ( FN FAL ) hand protection, carrying handle and sighting device, the rear sight of which sits on the back of the housing. As with the wz.88, the fire selector lever is on the left side of the case and the loading lever is above the barrel as with the German HK G3 . The INSAS rifle was produced in large numbers for the Indian army, but for some authors it is not part of the Kalashnikov family.

iNSAS LMG Largely identical to the iNSAS Rifle, but with a longer barrel and bipod for the role as a light machine gun.

Iraq

It is not known exactly when or why Iraq was enabled to manufacture its own small arms. However, it is obvious that the Kalashnikovs made in the country are not AKMs, but M70B1s of the Yugoslav design. These weapons are based on the housing of the RPKM, which is stamped from 1.5 mm sheet steel, making it easier to handle. The housing can be recognized by the wide latch above the magazine slot. In addition, the handguard of the M70B1 family has three instead of two ventilation holes.

Gold-plated tabuk khas carbine

M70B1 "Tabuk" (تبوك), this rifle is similar to the Yugoslav M70B1 and also has the same name, only it was nicknamed "Tabuk". Although it was produced in large numbers, the M70B1 formed only part of the armament of the Iraqi armed forces until the regime change in 2003.

Tabuk Khas Carbine (تبوك قاص كاربين, dt. Tabuk-Qas-Karabiner) is the unofficial name of an unnamed short assault rifle based on the M70B1 Tabuk. The barrel was shortened to 317 mm up to the gas block, similar to the East German MPi AKS-74NK. However, no combined gas block grain carrier was used, but a grain carrier screwed onto the regular gas block. In addition, a new flash hider was used and the shoulder rest, which can be folded under the weapon housing, based on the AKMS model. In contrast to other models based on the M70B1, the Tabuk Khas Carbine has two ventilation holes in the handguard. These weapons were issued to special forces by Ba'at Iraq. The model gained fame after the fall of Saddam Hussein , when US soldiers captured gilded Tabuk-Khas carbines from his palace.

Tabuk 5.56 Largely identical to the M70B1 Tabuk, but in caliber 5.56 × 45 mm NATO. Little is known about the weapons, whether they were intended for export or for the Iraqi army.

Iraqi policeman with tabuk sniper rifle

Tabuk Sniper Rifle is the unofficial name of an unnamed telescopic sight rifle made in Iraq. Outwardly, the weapon is similar to the Yugoslav M76, but is set up for the 7.62 × 39 mm caliber and therefore cannot be used as a sniper rifle. Like the M70B1 Tabuk, it is based on the Yugoslav M70B1, but has a longer barrel, a long slotted flash hider, a wooden skeleton stock and a mount for sights. It has also been used in reasonable numbers by the Ba'at Iraqi army and is currently used by Iraqi security forces.

al Quds (القدس, dt. the saint), from the Arabic name for Jerusalem, is largely identical to the RPK with embossed case (RPKM).

Al Kadeshiha (القادسيّة), is a pirated Iraqi copy of the Soviet sniper rifle SW Dragunow and therefore not part of the Kalashnikov family. During development, the SWD was reverse engineered and the Al-Kadeshiha was realized with parts from RPK, Romanian PLS and Yugoslav M70B1. It differs most noticeably from the SWD in that it has a different housing and a tapered housing cover. The reinforcement ribs on the magazines, which form the shape of a palm tree, are remarkable. The model was only produced in small numbers and was used by the Republican Guard of the Saddam regime. Al-Kadeshiha became known worldwide for the gold-plated versions that were captured by US forces from Saddam Hussein's palace after the Second Iraq War.

Iran

The Defense Industries Organization for short DIO has been manufacturing a version of the Chinese Type 56 for an unknown time.

DIO KLS Largely identical to Type 56, only the shaft is partially different. Plastic is often used instead of wood, resulting in a variation from black, smooth plastic, as in the newer Bulgarian ARM, to brown plastic with corrugations, as in the East German MPi-KM.

DIO KLF Largely identical to the KLS, but with a shoulder rest that can be folded under the housing.

DIO KLT Largely identical to the KLS, but with a shoulder rest that can be folded to the right. This is identical to the grinding shaft of the MPi-KMS-72.

BB Kalash Largely identical to the RPK with stamped housing (RPKM).

Israel

After major problems with the FN FAL “Romat” rifles produced in the country during the Six Day War , the decision was made to look for an inexpensive and, above all, quickly available alternative. From the start, guns from the Kalashnikov family had been looked at, as the captured Egyptian Maadi ARM and Soviet AKM worked better in desert conditions. A compact weapon was also sought from the start, as most units of the Israel Defense Forces were either motorized or mechanized . For political reasons, the Israeli government had only one source of such weapons - Finland . So they tested some Valmet RK62, which emerged victorious from the tests in which the M16A1 , Stoner 63 A and HK33 also participated. However, the test for the most suitable cartridge was won by the 5.56 × 45 mm M193, and so the development of an assault rifle based on the Finnish Valmet for the 5.56 × 45 mm M193 cartridge was started. The final execution of the project took place under the direction of Yisrael Galili (Hebrew: ישראל גלילי), whose name the finished weapon was to bear. According to some reports, the developer was originally called Yisrael Balashnikov, but changed its name to Yisrael Galili when the weapon was ready for production.

Galil AR

Galil AR (Hebrew: רובה גליל) This model is based on the milled Valmet RK62 case and it is reported that the first Galil assembled in Israel have cases made in Finland. In contrast to the Valmet, however, the Galil has a wooden hand guard, a plastic handle and a shoulder rest in the manner of the FN FAL Para 50.63. The tubular steel skeleton shaft can be folded onto the right side of the housing. Since the fire selector lever can be operated from both sides, its function is not disturbed by a folded shaft. In the Galil AR, the gas block carries the front sight while the rear sight sits on the housing cover. In order to maintain the zeroing of the visor, the housing cover is reinforced at the rear. An enlarged rear sight and an enlarged front sight can be folded up for night combat; the grain contained a radioactive light source. The bolt cocking lever on the Galil AR has been lengthened and curved upwards, making it easier for right-handed shooters to reach it with the left hand. The Galil AR is loaded with a 35-round aluminum magazine, which is similar in construction to that of the Stoner 63A. Early Galil AR had an accessory rail on the left side of the housing at the level of the magazine slot; however, optics were never manufactured for them in large numbers.

Galil ARM

Galil ARM Largely identical to the Galil AR, but optimized for an optional role as a light machine gun. The weapon has a more massive handguard and a bipod that can be folded into the handguard. In addition, a handle was attached to enable a quick change of position, with the shooter holding the weapon by the long arm. In addition, a bottle opener has been integrated into the new hand protection. This was to prevent soldiers from misusing the magazine lips of the 35-round magazines to open bottles and thereby damaging them. Curiously, Galil ARM were not issued to one rifleman per troop as an IMG, but to all regular infantrymen across the board, who often complained about the heavy weight of the Galil ARM. Galil AR and ARM formed the main orderly weapons of the Israeli army from 1972 to 2000 and were exported to some countries.

Galil ARM 7.62 Largely identical to the Galil AR, but for the 7.62 × 51 mm NATO cartridge with other magazines with 25 rounds capacity. The Gali AR 7.62 was built exclusively for export and is only used in small numbers by Israeli special forces.

Galil SAR Largely identical to the Galil AR, only with a barrel shortened to 400 mm. The gas system and hand protection remain unchanged. The Galil SAR was issued to vehicle crews and special forces, where it replaced the Uzi submachine gun . Early models have a handguard made of wood, later ones made of black polymer.

Galil MAR "Micro Galil" Largely identical to the Galil SAR, only with an even shorter barrel. This time the gas system was also shortened and a new handguard made of black polymer was used. This has a strong curve at the end to prevent the hand from slipping in front of the muzzle.

Galil Tzalafin "Galatz" (גליל צלפים גל"ץ). Largely identical to the Galil AR, but optimized as a sniper rifle at squad level (telescopic sight rifle) for the 7.62 × 51 mm NATO cartridge. It has a 584 mm barrel and one More massive stock with a foldable wooden shoulder rest with raised cheek rest, also a bipod and a mounting rail for optics. The attached target sights are offset to the left next to the mechanical sights, which is why both sights can be used. The Galatz is still used today by Israeli reserve forces , however, was replaced by M24 and M16 versions equipped with target optics for the regular forces .

SR-99 Largely identical to the Galatz, only with black polymer stocks, shoulder rest with adjustable support and flicker tape.

Galil ACE A modernized form of the Galil with modern elements such as a continuous 1913-MiL-STD rail, but also with elements of the FN FAL, such as a loading lever with a spring-loaded dust protection element that is moved to the left. Due to the many changes, the ACE series is often not part of the Kalashnikov family. The Galil-ACE system is only exported and used as the main orderly weapon by Colombia , Chile , Uganda and Vietnam, among others .

Ak Alfa This weapon from the Kalaschnikow Israel concern tries to accommodate the tried and tested locking system of the Kalashnikov family in a modern housing. This means that a continuous 1913-MiL-STD rail is available, among other things. However, the weapon is no longer so easy to disassemble. Because of the deviation from the tub construction, the Ak Alfa is not part of the nuclear family.

Yugoslavia

Politically, the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia remained largely independent and did not become a member of the Warsaw Pact, but initially maintained a good relationship with the Soviet Union and thus received the plans to produce the Kalashnikov. Yugoslavia began production of a nearly unchanged version of the AK-47 Type III in 1964; however, the model was quickly optimized for firing rifle grenades and the barrel was lengthened. In the 1970s, the names of the early models were changed.

M64 Largely identical to the AK-47 Type III, with an extended barrel.

M64A later M70 Largely identical to the AK-47 Type III, but with a special sight for firing rifle grenades. This is located on the gas block of the weapon. If it is set up, it automatically blocks the weapon from drawing off gas to prevent damage to the locking system from the more strongly charged propellant cartridges. M64A can be recognized by the lighter wood and the handguard with three cooling holes. Early models have a rear sight on the case cover.

M64B later M70A Identical to the M64A, but with a shaft that can be folded under the housing instead of a fixed shaft made of wood.

M70B1 In 1970 the production process was changed from milling to sheet metal stamping . However, the AKM with 1 mm thick sheet steel was not taken as a model, but the RPK with 1.5 mm thick sheet metal. This should achieve a longer shelf life. Like the RPK, the M70B1 housing can be clearly identified by the bolt above the magazine slot. In addition, M70 can be easily recognized by the light wood and the three cooling holes in the handguard. M70B1 also have a black plastic pistol grip with horizontal grooves. The shaft has a rubber shock absorber; To open the housing cover, an additional tab must be pressed in. Both are intended to further simplify the firing of rifle grenades. Due to a differently designed safety wing, a fully loaded cartridge can be removed from the cartridge chamber with the locking lever of the M70B1. As a special feature compared to the AKM, the M70B1 offers a slide catch, which is implemented via an extended feeder in the magazine, which prevents the slide from advancing. When the empty magazine is removed, the slide snaps forward. Other Kalashnikov models loaded with M70B1 magazines also receive a bolt stop in this way, but there is a risk of damaging the bolt head.

Yugoslav M70AB2

M70AB2 Largely identical to the M70B1, but with the AKM-style barrel that can be folded under the housing. The M70B1 and M70AB1 versions are M70B1n and M70AB1n, versions with mounting rails for night aiming aids. M70B1 and M70AB2 were the main orderly weapon of the Yugoslav army until the breakup of Yugoslavia and were the main armament of most warring parties in the Balkan war. M70AB1 and M70B1 were also exported to some countries and manufactured under license in Iraq as "Tabuk".

M70B3 Largely identical to M70B1, but with a 40 mm underflow grenade device BPG instead of the rifle grenade sight.

M70AB3 Largely identical to M70AB2, but with a 40 mm underflow grenade device BPG instead of the rifle grenade sight.

M77B1 Largely identical to the M70AB1, but set up for cartridges with dimensions of 7.62 × 51 mm. The cartridge used, however, was less loaded than the 7.62 × 51 mm NATO.

M80 Largely identical to the M70B1, but for the 5.56 × 45 mm NATO cartridge.

M80A Largely identical to the M80, but with the AKM-style shoulder rest that can be folded under the housing.

M90 Largely identical to the M80, but with a new flash hider and a different magazine.

M90A Largely identical to the M90, but with a foldable shoulder rest . In 1990 the Yugoslav People's Army planned to replace the old M70B1 and M70AB2 with M90 and M90A for the 5.56 × 45 mm cartridge, but the Yugoslav War prevented the takeover.

M84 carbine A shortened version of the M80 in caliber 5.56 × 45 mm NATO. In contrast to the AKS-74U , the gas system was not shortened, only the barrel length was reduced. The weapon has a combined gas extraction and grain block, an expansion chamber similar to the AKS-74U and a rim carrier on the housing cover. In contrast to the AKS-74U, it takes over the shoulder rest of the M80A, which can be folded under the housing. Originally developed for the Yugoslav People's Army, the model is currently mainly exported.

M92 carbine Largely identical to the M84, only set up for the 7.62 × 39 mm M43 cartridge. The M92 carbine was mainly exported to the Middle East.

M65A Largely identical to the RPK.

M65B later M72 Largely identical to the RPK, but with the option of changing the barrel if it was shot hot.

M72B1 The light machine gun form of the M70B1. The model is manufactured using the sheet metal stamping process and, in addition to the properties of the RPKM, has the option of changing the barrel.

M72AB1 Largely identical to the M72B1, but with an AKMS-style barrel that can be folded under the housing.

M77B1 LMG Largely identical to the M72B1, but set up for firing cartridges with the dimensions 7.62 × 51 mm. However, these cartridges were less loaded than the 7.62 × 51 mm NATO.

M76 telescopic rifle

M76: A sniper rifle based on the M70B1. It has a longer barrel, a different stock, a long flash hider and a side mount for a telescopic sight. This was a separate model and could only accommodate Yugoslav target aids. It was introduced by the Yugoslav Army for the 7.92 × 57 mm Mauser IS cartridge and used as a sniper rifle. Typically it was used with a ZRAK-ON-M76 target sight, the reticle of which is similar to that of the PSO-1 and is illuminated with tritium . Curiously, the M76 has a mount for a side gun. There are variants of the weapon for the cartridges 7.62 × 51 mm NATO and 7.62 × 54 mm R.

M77 Largely identical to the M76, but with an accessory rail based on the SW Dragunow model instead of the Yugoslav assembly. The M77 can accommodate the Russian PSO-1 and PSO-P visors. During the Yugoslav War , many M76s were converted to M77s in order to be able to use optics of Russian origin.

Cambodia

AKM Cambodia manufactures the AKM under the same name.

Cuba

After the July 26th Movement came to power, Cuba manufactured the AKM and AKMS under the designation AKM-47 in its own country in order not to be dependent on supplies from other countries that could be intercepted by the USA.

North Korea

The People's Republic of Korea has probably been making a direct copy of the AK-47 Type III as the Type-58 since 1958; the version with the shaft that can be folded under the housing is also called Type-58. Despite the similar designation to the Chinese Type 56, the Type 58 does not have the round, closed grain roof.

North Korean Type-58

Type-58 Largely identical to the Russian AK-47 Type III.

Type-68 In order to save production costs, the production of milled housings was switched to the embossing process in 1968, since the Type-68, in contrast to the Chinese Type-58, is very similar to the AKM, it is assumed that the North Korean government has the plans for the production of the AKM. In contrast to the AKM, the Type-68 does not have the retarder in the trigger group, since the Korean doctrine places firepower over precision. Due to the political situation and the isolation of the country, there is insufficient information about the later developments in the field of small arms. Type-58 and Type-68 are repeatedly sighted in conflict zones, which suggests that the country exports these weapons.

Type-88 This is said to be a North Korean version of the AK-74 in caliber 5.45 × 39 mm M74. However, it was not based on the plans of the AK-74, but it is assumed that, with the help of the Chinese, the Type-88 was developed on the basis of the Chinese Type-84S in the 1980s. The weapon uses the same slightly curved sheet steel magazines as the Type-84S. Only a few specimens of this weapon have so far made it abroad, and a few were recovered from a sunk spy ship by Japan.

Type-98 It is largely unknown whether this weapon is a separate model or a modernized version of the Type-88. The Type-98 resembles the AK-74 more than the Type-88; since it is unlikely that the People's Republic of Korea received the plans from the Soviet Union, it can be assumed that the Type-98 was redeveloped. The weapon has a flash hider similar to that of the AK-74. It has a plastic pistol grip and a black lacquered wood stock.

Type-98-1 Largely identical to the Type-98, but has a folding stock made in North Korea. It is similar to the shaft of the Galil and can be folded onto the right side of the case. It is not known whether it interferes with the lock or controls.

Unknown model from the “Day of the Sun” parade 2017 . This weapon has a weapon housing that is extended to the rear and to which a shoulder rest is attached which, like the PPS-43 submachine gun, can be folded onto the weapon housing. It is shortened to approximately the length of the AK-104 and has a combined gas discharge and Kimmentträgerblock. His hand guards are made of brown or black plastic. In addition, this rifle seems to be equipped with a new type of worm magazine of unknown capacity. Other sources claim the magazine can also hold equipment such as cleaning kits. The caliber of the weapons and the exact designation are unknown.

Pakistan

The Republic of Pakistan produces a direct copy of the AKM as PK10 .

Poland

Since 1960, the People's Republic of Poland has been using the PMK to produce a direct copy of the AK-47 Type III in the arms factory of the Lutskinz metal works in Radom. Poland changed the designation of most models from 1970, which is why these can often be found under different names in specialist literature.

PMK later KbK AK Largely identical to the AK-47 Type III.

PMKS later KbK AKS largely identical to the AKS-47 Type III.

PKM-DNG-60 later KbK AK-PNG60 also KbKg is a grenade rifle based on the KbK AK. It has a grenade device in the form of a shooting pin on which rifle grenades can be planted and fired. The PKM-DNG-60 differs from the KbK AK in that it has a recoil damper that can be folded onto the piston. It has a special visor for firing the grenades, which is located at the same height as the kimholder and which can be folded up, as well as the possibility of deactivating the gas system of the weapon so that the breechblock is not damaged. Special propellant charge cartridges are used to fire rifle grenades; these were issued in 15-round magazines in order to avoid confusion with regular ammunition. The F1 / n16 fragmentation grenade and the PGB shaped charge grenade were available as grenades.

PMKM later KbK AKM Often also Kbk AKM. Largely identical to the AKM.

PMKMS later KbK AKMS . Largely identical to the AKMS. PMKM and PMKMS were produced in large numbers and sold abroad.

wz. 88 “Tantal” with “Pallad” garnet device

wz.88 "Tantal" is a Polish rifle for the 5,45 × 39 mm M74 cartridge with most of the properties of the AK-74. However, these were reverse engineered because Poland had not received a license for the AK-74. A special feature is the muzzle brake of the wz.88, which can be used as a shooting pin for rifle grenades. The fire selector lever is located on the left side of the housing and offers a 3-shot mode in addition to single-shot and continuous fire. The wing on the right side of the housing only serves as a safety device and dust protection flap. The shoulder rest can be folded down on the right side of the housing, it is the grinding shaft of the MPi KMS-72. In addition to the shooting pin, a grenade device can be attached under the barrel, which is loaded with 40 mm grenades from behind. For export there is a version for the 5.56 × 45 mm NATO cartridge. The export version of the rifle is called "Tantal", the export version of the underflow grenade device is called "Pallad". The weapon was officially used by the Polish armed forces from 1988 to 1994; the weapon was not exported in large numbers. After the collapse of communism, the KbK AKM in 7.62 × 39 mm was preferred over the WZ.88 in 5.45 × 39 mm.

wz.89 This weapon is largely identical to the AK-74, it is unclear whether it is a license copy or a further development based on the KbK AKM. The main difference between the wz.89 and the AK-74 is the brown plastic stock. Like the wz.88, the wz.89 not only offers safe, single shot and fully automatic but also a 3-shot burst.

After the collapse of communism in Poland, the 5.45 × 39 mm caliber weapons were separated and the 7.62 × 39 mm M43 cartridge was reintroduced. In order to create a modern weapon for personal use and export, the wz.88 "Tantal" was reworked and the weapons of the "Beryl" series were obtained.

Kbs wz.96 "Beryl"

Kbs wz.96 "Beryl" The rifle is set up for the 5.56 × 45 mm NATO cartridge, has a dark polymer handguard and a tubular steel shoulder rest that can be folded down to the left side of the housing, as well as a new flash hider. In addition, as with the wz.88, the fire selector lever is on the left side of the case. The wz.96 is loaded with dark 30-round polymer magazines like the AK-74. The first models to be presented to the public had accessory rails on the case. However, these were not 1913 MiL-STD rails. This design was implemented by placing the rails over the housing from behind like a bridge. The wz.96 Beryl without this rail is the current main orderly weapon of the Polish armed forces.

Kbs wz.96 “Mini Beryl” Largely identical to wz.96, only with a greatly shortened barrel in the shape of the AKS-74U. Since there was no license for the AKS-74U, there are some differences. The rear sight does not sit on the housing cover, but rather protrudes from the rear end over the housing cover.

Kbs wz.96 “Onyks” Largely identical to the “Mini Beryl”, only with the grinding shaft that can be folded onto the left side of the case, based on the MPi-KMS-72 model.

Kbk wz.2004 “Beryl” Largely identical to wz.96, only with 1913-MiL-STD-rails instead of the own system. In addition, hand protection with four rails was attached. wz.96 can be converted to wz.2004.

Beryl M545 The export version of the wz.96 for cartridges 5.45 × 39 mm M74, often offered with 1913-MiL-STD rails. So far, the model has not had any export success.

Beryl M762 The export version of the wz.96 for cartridges 7.62 × 39 mm M43. Often offered with 1913-MiL-STD rails. Small numbers are in use by Polish special forces. Nigeria bought a medium number of M762s.

Kbk wz.2002 A Bullpup version of the wz.96. Almost the entire weapon is embedded in a shaft made of light wood. Only an accessory rail is available as a sight. An optical aiming aid must therefore be used. The fire selector lever is located on the right side of the housing behind the magazine lock. The shooter must put his cheek on the housing cover to the stop.

Romania

The People's Republic of Romania did not manufacture its first AK-47 and AKM itself, but had them manufactured in the Soviet Union. Only when, as part of the expanded Warsaw Pact, all countries were asked to manufacture their own infantry weapons in the 7.62 × 39 mm M43 caliber, did Romtehnica begin producing its own weapon in Romania .

Romanian soldier with PM md. 63

Pm md.63 (Romanian: Pistol Mitralieră model 1963, German submachine gun model 1963) is largely identical to the AKM, only the fore-end has a sweeping assault grip, which is often polemically referred to as German donkey power . This should increase the stability in continuous fire, but not hinder a steady attack in a single shot. Late Pm md. 63 have a beveled mouth compensator in the shape of the AKM, this is missing in early models. The Pm md.63 is still used by the Romanian armed forces today and has been exported to many countries since the 1960s.

Pm md.65 largely identical to the Pm md.63, only with a grinding shaft that can be folded to the right, identical in design to the German MPi KMS-72. Late Pm md. 65 have a beveled mouth compensator in the shape of the AKM, this is missing in early models.

Pm md.80 Often also PA md.80 (Romanian: Pușcă Automată model 1980, German automatic rifle model 1980). Since Romania did not receive the license for the production of the AK-74, but there was interest in a weapon for the 5,45 × 39 mm M74 cartridge, the characteristics of the AK-74 were reversed. The Pm md.80 has a flash hider that is similar in function to that of the AK-47, but has a slimmer design. The gas sampling block is identical to that of the Pm md.63 / AKM and at a 45-degree angle. The slightly upwardly curved bolt tension lever is noticeable, it makes it easier to load the Pm md.80 with the left hand when reaching over the weapon housing. The handguard with a wooden assault handle is identical to the Pm md.63. The Pm md.80 is loaded with slightly curved sheet steel magazines with a capacity of 30 rounds. The Pm md.80 was not officially introduced by the Romanian armed forces, as the decision was made to procure the Pm md.86 exclusively. In some publications the later Romanian AK-74 is also referred to as Pm md.80.

Pm md.86 often also PA md.86 largely identical to Pm md.80, but the wooden stock has been replaced by a grinding shaft that can be folded down to the right; its design is identical to that of the MPi KMS-72. The Pm md.86 can hold a 40mm underflow grenade device with the AG-40, which is rear-loaded and can hold various types of grenades. The Pm md.86 is still used by the Romanian armed forces today.

Pm md.90 largely identical to Pm md.65, but the wooden assault handle is missing. The weapon also has the MPi KMS-72 type of loop shaft that can be folded to the right side of the housing.

Pm md.80cu (Romanian: Pistol Mitralieră model 1980 cu țeavă scurtă, German pistol, military weapon model 1980 with short barrel) A version with a shortened barrel, as with the MPi AKS-74NK, the grain carrier and gas block form a unit. In contrast to the AKS-74U, the handguard was left in the usual AKM length. The PM md.80cu fires the cartridge 7.62 × 39 mm M43, has the assault handle of the Pm md.63 and its own folding shaft, which consists of a thin tube and can be folded down to the left side of the housing. It is not known whether it interferes with the controls because very few copies have been produced.

Pm md.86cu Largely identical to the Pm md.80cu, only for the 5.45 × 39 mm M74 cartridge. The handguard with assault grip was also exchanged for a handguard based on the AKM model and the loop shaft, which can be folded down to the right side of the housing, based on the MPi KMS-72 model. The Pm md.86cu received a slotted flash hider and is issued with slightly curved 30-round sheet steel magazines. It was mainly given to special units and is still in service with the Romanian army.

Pm md.90cu

Pm md.90cu Largely identical to the Pm md.86cu, but for the cartridge 7.62 × 39 mm M43. However, it lacks the muzzle brake and it has a barrel nut based on the AK-47 type III. It was issued with 20-round sheet steel magazines mainly to tank crews and special forces.

AK-74 It is not known exactly why, but it appears that Romania, after developing and adopting the Pm md.86, still received the plans to manufacture the AK-74. The early Romanian AK-74 nevertheless had the 45 ° gas extraction according to the AKM pattern. Later Romanian AK-74s have the correct 90 ° gas extraction of the Russian AK-74. Romanian AK-74s are easy to recognize by the matt gray finish of the housing and the reddish plastic shaft.

Pm md.64 Largely identical to the RPK with stamped housing (RPKM).

Pm md.91 Largely identical to the PA md.64, but with the loop shaft that can be folded down to the right side of the housing according to the MPi KMS-72 model.

Pm md.89 largely identical to the Pm md.64, but in caliber 5.45 × 39 mm. In addition to the less curved sheet steel magazines of the Pm md.86, 40-round magazines were issued.

Pm md.93 Largely identical to the Pm md.91, but with the loop shoulder support that can be folded down to the right-hand side, based on the design of the MPi KMS-72.

PSL (Pușcă semiautomată cu lunetă model 1974, German semi-automatic rifle with telescope model 1974). Since Romania did not receive a license to manufacture the SW Dragunow sniper rifle , but there was interest in a weapon of this type, a telescopic sniper rifle based on the RPK light machine gun was developed. The PSL uses the cartridge of the prototype with 7.62 × 54 mm R, but has a long-stroke gas piston and no separately locked housing cover. In contrast to the SWD, the PSL belongs to the Kalashnikov family. The weapon is considered to be a little less accurate than the SWD, but is considered suitable for medium distances. The magazine used is similar to that of the SWD, but not interchangeable. PLS magazines can be recognized by reinforcements in the form of two triangles ( hourglass ) placed one on top of the other . As an atypical feature of the Kalashnikov, the PSL has a slide catch that is activated by an empty magazine. The visor used is based on the Russian PSO-1, which is referred to as LPS 4 × 6 ° TIP2. The PLS is still used by the Romanian armed forces today and has been exported frequently. In the recipient countries it was often used as a replacement for SWD. The PLS is often confused with the SW Dragunow by laypeople.

Even before the Romanian Revolution in 1989 , Romania was selling large numbers of the weapons produced in the country abroad, the naming was simplified and various models were grouped under general names. These are often used in the specialist literature instead of the actual terms.

AI models like the AK-47 type III with milled housing.

AIM models like the AKM, mostly Pm with 63 with and without a wooden assault handle.

AIMS models like the AKMS, mostly Pm md.65 and Pm md.90.

FPK / PSL rifle

AIMR models according to the different types of carabiners Pm md.80, Pm md.86cu and Pm md.90cu.

AIMS-74 models like the AK-74, Romanian AK-74 as well as Pm md.80 and Pm md.86.

FPK variants of the PLS in different calibers.

Draco Pistol A particularly short AIMR without shoulder rest , so that it can be sold as a pistol according to the US gun law .

South Africa

In order to have a modern replacement for the R1 ( FN FAL ) like the Israelis , it was decided in South Africa to start looking for a modern rifle with a central cartridge. Since there was no money for a complete in-house development and because of the political situation in the country, one could only rely on a few suppliers, the choice fell on the Israeli Galil, which was manufactured in a modified form in Pretoria by the Armscor company .

R4 Largely identical to the Galil ARM. Early versions can only be distinguished from the Galil ARM by the lettering and the lack of a bayonet mount; later R4s show small differences. Later R4s have a larger grain roof. The R4 was exported from South Africa to other African countries such as the Central African Republic , Republic of the Congo , Rwanda and Swaziland, as well as Serbia .

R5 Largely identical to the Galil SAR. Early versions can only be distinguished from the Galil SAR by the lettering and the lack of a bayonet mount; later R5s show small differences. This weapon was primarily intended for vehicle crews, but also for infantry transported in armored personnel carriers.

R6 PDW Further shortened version of the R5 as a weapon for personal defense. In contrast to the R5, the gas system has also been shortened on this model.

CR-21 A bullpup version of the R4, touted as the "21st century assault rifle" around 1998, but not built in large numbers. The main problem was that most of the controls were still at the level of the magazine, making the weapon difficult to operate. The case ejection window was also unchanged above the magazine well, which meant that the weapon could hardly be used by left-handed shooters.

Sudan

The Sudan made a direct copy of the AKM as MAZ .

Czechoslovakia

From the end of the 1940s, the newly founded CSSR experimented with its own short cartridge with the dimensions 7.62 × 45 mm. However, this development was stopped under pressure from the Soviet Union, as one insisted on a uniform cartridge in the sphere of influence. This became the Soviet 7.62 × 39mm M43. For this cartridge, the CSSR developed the vz. 58 own infantry rifle. The vz. 58 looks similar to the AK-47 from the outside, but works on the principle of the tilting block lock with a short stroke, uses different magazines and no important functional parts are interchangeable. For this reason the vz. 58 not with the Kalashnikov family. However, in order to have a modern weapon for the army and for export after the Velvet Revolution , a new series was created in the 1990s, the CZ-2000 "Lada".

CZ-2000 series

The CZ-2000 "Lada" is based on the reinforced sheet steel housing of the RPK with a wall thickness of 1.5 mm. It uses NATO cartridges 5.56 × 45 mm and offers some of the then modern features. It has a hand guard made of bluish polymer and a foldable shoulder rest made of steel wire that folds onto the right side of the housing. At the end of the barrel there is a slotted flash hider according to the western pattern and a bipod can be attached under the barrel. The fire selector lever is located on the left side of the housing and can be set to safe, single fire and continuous fire with the thumb without removing the firing hand from the pistol grip. A 3-shot burst is also available. The rear sight of the weapon sits on the housing cover and is protected by two steel wires. In addition, optics can be attached to a side mounting so that both the optics and the mechanical visor can be seen. The weapon is offered with transparent 30-round polymer magazines, so the shooter can see the ammunition that is still available at any time. Although there are only a few parts interchangeable with AK-47 or AKM, the CZ-2000 is counted as part of the Kalashnikov family in the broader sense due to its structure. However, the development was completely stopped in 2007 and no weapons were delivered to the Czech army and no weapons were exported.

CZ-2000 Carbine Largely identical to the CZ-2000, but with a barrel shortened to 185 mm. A compromise between the AKS-74U and AK-105.

CZ-2000 LMG Largely identical to the CZ-2000, but optimized for the role as a light machine gun. For this, the barrel was lengthened to 577 mm and each model was delivered with a bipod.

Ukraine

After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the associated formal independence of Ukraine , the AK-74 was initially produced for their own needs. However, they experimented with a Bullpup version of the AK-74, which was brought to series production and called Wepr (German wild boar). This must not be confused with the Russian Wepr-12, a self-loading shotgun.

Hungary

Due to the distrust after the suppression of the Hungarian people's uprising, the first Hungarian Kalashnikovs, known as AK55, were not produced in Hungary, but in the Soviet Union for the Hungarian People's Army. It was not until 1963 that the first locally produced Kalashnikov versions were manufactured at the FÉG (Fegyver és Gázkészülékgyár, German factory for weapons and gas equipment) in Csepel, this was the AMD-65 based on the AKM.

AK55 Largely identical to the AK-47 Type III, only the pistol grip often has the old round shape of the AK-47 Type I.

AKM-63 Based on the plans of the AKM, the AKM-63 has some noticeable features. The lower hand guard has been replaced by a cage with cooling holes with a second handle. This assault grip is angled away from the shooter and provides better stability of the weapon when releasing continuous fire. However, this construction prevents a steady stop when firing a single shot when the weapon is hot. The upper hand protection is completely missing on the AKM-63. The pistol grip has a different shape. At the lower end there are two beads that are supposed to prevent slipping; the assault grip has the same shape as the pistol grip and is made of light wood. In contrast to the AKM, there is no beveled mouth compensator.

Afghan policewoman with AMD-65

AMD-65 A shortened form of the AKM-63, the barrel has been shortened to 414 mm so that the grain carrier sits almost directly on the gas sampling block. The gas system has been shortened slightly. Like the AKM-63, the AMD-65 has a ventilation cage with a storm handle, but made of black plastic instead of wood. The AMD-65 also has an easily foldable shoulder rest, consisting of a steel wire and a small support surface. In order to keep the strong muzzle flash better under control because of the shorter barrel, the AMD-65 has a muzzle brake with two chambers. The AMD-65 was intended for vehicle crews and was issued with more compact 20-round magazines. It is currently very popular with special forces with a limited budget.

AMP-69 grenade rifle There is a variant of the AMD-65, which is often incorrectly called the AMD-65. This version is optimized for the use of rifle grenades that are placed on a launching spike, which in this version is located on the barrel instead of the muzzle brake. In addition, the AMP-69 grenade rifle has a long handguard instead of the cage with an assault handle. This hand protection is sprung by a device which sits where the cleaning rod is otherwise housed. In addition, the AMP-69 grenade rifle has a different shoulder rest, which is equipped with a spring-loaded buffer. In addition, the grenade rifle has a modified gas system; The sight for firing the rifle grenades is on the gas sampling block, if this is folded up, the gas system is switched off at the same time. This will prevent the gas system of the AMP-69 from being damaged by the more strongly charged propellant cartridges. The AMP-69 grenade rifle can fire the PGK armor-piercing grenade and the PGR anti-personnel grenade.

AK-63F / AMM , the AK-63F was introduced in Hungary as (Automata Modernizált Magyarosított dt. Automat modernized Hungarian) as a Hungarian version of the AKM. Which is actually surprising, because the AMM is much more similar to the AKM than the AKM-63 with its assault grip. The AMM has a stock similar to the AKM with a two-part hand guard and straight stop stock. Only the pistol grip retains its shape with the two bulges that are supposed to prevent slipping. In addition, the AMM received the beveled mouth compensator of the AKM.

Hungarian AMMS

AK-63D / AMMS The AK-63D is largely identical to the AK-63F, except that it has the AKMS shaft that can be folded under the housing. The AK-63D was introduced as an AMMS. AMM and AMMS are still in use by the Hungarian armed forces today.

NGM-81 A version of the AMM set up for export for the 5.56 × 45 mm NATO cartridge. This model has a flash hider in the shape of the PKM and less strongly curved sheet steel magazines in the style of Galil.

AK-63MF Largely identical to the AMM, this model was equipped with a telescopic shaft and MIL-STD-1913 rails, so that it can be used as a version with enhanced combat capabilities in current special forces.

Vietnam

During the Vietnam War , the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam (Viet Cong) were supported with AK-47 and AKM from the Soviet Union and Type 56 from China. In order to be able to maintain and repair the delivered weapons, workshops were established in North Vietnam and in parts of the Ho Chi Ming path to produce spare parts for the three types of weapons. It remains unclear whether complete weapons were also manufactured. However, it is certain that some AK-47 Type III and Type 56 were converted to the IMG RPK-like weapons with long barrels and bipods, which were marked as TUL-1 .

AKM-47 After the Vietnam War and the Vietnamese-Chinese border conflict , the country received support from the Soviet Union and made a direct copy of the AKM as the AKM-47.

Other weapons by Mikhail Kalashnikov

In addition to the Awtomat Kalashnikov, Mikhail Kalashnikov has also developed other weapons, albeit quite unknown. This is mainly due to the Soviet policy, according to which only those weapons were consistently developed, in which one saw a certain potential. Most of the time, the second-placed models were no longer supported in a test that was held.

Kalashnikov submachine gun (1942) According to an anecdote, Mikhail Kalashnikov heard some wounded infantrymen talking about the German submachine guns in the hospital . The soldiers are said to have criticized the fact that such a weapon was not available to their own armed forces. At that time , the Red Army was already using large numbers of PPSch-41 submachine guns. Nevertheless, Mikhail Kalashnikov decided to develop a suitable weapon. The finished model was similar to the American Thompson . In accordance with the requirements of the tender for a new submachine gun that could be produced cheaply, the mechanism of the weapon was greatly simplified and designed as a pure spring-mass lock. However, the weapon was still far more complex to produce than the PPS-42 submitted by Schpagin , which won the competition for a new inexpensive submachine gun.

Kalashnikov self-loading rifle (1944) Although he wanted to continue developing a submachine gun, Mikhail Kalashnikov developed a self-loading rifle for the 7.62 × 41 mm cartridge after the MP1942 in order to take part in the 1944 competition for a new rifle. The Kalashnikov self-loading rifle shows some similarities to the US M1 Garand and the US M1 carbine . The model could not prevail in the test against the SKS-45 from Simonow .

Kalashnikov-IMG (1944) The Soviet armed forces had a light machine gun at their disposal with the DP-28 , but above all functional reliability and the difficult-to-transport plate magazines were criticized. Following the rough example of the US BAR , Mikhail Kalashnikov created a weapon with a box magazine with a 15 round capacity of the cartridge 7.6 × 54 mm R that can be attached to the bottom of the weapon. The 1944 Kalashnikov IMG was able to be packaged in a small pack size thanks to the folding shoulder rest and bipod but was never mass-produced.

Kalashnikov row fire pistol (1950) After the end of the Second World War, the Soviet armed forces were looking for a compact weapon that would enable vehicle crews in particular to defend themselves in an emergency. For this reason, a tender was issued for a series fire pistol for the cartridge 9 × 18 mm Makarov. Mikhail Kalashnikov took part in the tender with a specially developed weapon, but lost the competition to the Stechkin APS . The Kalashnikov in-line fire pistol hardly differs from the APS; both weapons are pure spring-mass locks for 9 × 18 mm Makarow cartridges.

Kalashnikov sniper rifle (1959) From 1959, the Soviet Army was looking for a replacement for the outdated Mosin-Nagant 1891/30 sniper rifles and the SWT-40, which were considered to be imprecise . The advertised weapon should use the cartridge 7,62 × 51 mm R and work as a self-loader. Kalashnikov based its design on the SWT-40 and adopted its gas system. The hull design and assembly arrangement are from the AK-47, but have been reinforced for firing the stronger cartridge. In contrast to the SW Dragunow , which won the competition, the Kalashnikov sniper rifle had a rifle stock with an indicated pistol grip and no thumbhole stock.

Kalashnikov Balance System (1964) In order to be able to compensate for the enormous force of the massive bolt carrier, experiments with a counterweight were made early on. In contrast to the later AEK-971 and AL-7, the Kalashnikov balance system has rotating disk weights above the barrel, which are housed in a round plate. The weapon did not get beyond the prototype stage.

function

Gas piston, bolt carrier and bolt

The AKM gas pressure system

The AK-47 is an air-cooled weapon with a fixed barrel . It locks firmly according to the principle of the rotary head lock and works as a gas pressure charger with a long stroke. If the shooter presses the trigger , a claw on the trigger releases the hammer within the trigger group, which strikes the firing pin , which protrudes at the rear end of the bolt head. This firing pin squeezes the primer and the shot breaks. The projectile is then driven through the barrel and passes through the gas extraction hole on the barrel. As a result, powder gases escape from the barrel into the gas extraction block and there press on the gas piston. This starts moving with a delay when the bullet has already left the barrel. Driven by the powder gases, the gas piston moves backwards through the gas cylinder. After passing the gas ventilation holes in the gas cylinder, excess powder gases are released to the outside, but the gas piston moves further backwards due to its momentum. Since the bolt carrier and gas piston form a unit, the bolt carrier is also moved backwards. A control nose on the bolt head engages in a control cam in the bolt carrier and forces the bolt head to rotate. During this rotation, the two locking lugs are turned out of indentations in the trunnion and the locking of the AK-47 is unlocked. In the unlocked state, the bolt head now moves with the bolt carrier. The extractor claw of the bolt head pulls the empty cartridge case out of the cartridge chamber . During the further return, the bolt head runs over an ejector , which is an integral part of the lower weapon housing of the AK-47. When this ejector reaches the cartridge case, it ejects it from the locking window of the weapon and the cartridge case is ejected. On its further way back, against the force of the recoil spring, the bolt carrier hits the rear end of the weapon housing and is thus stopped. As soon as its excess return energy is used up, the force of the recoil spring prevails and the bolt carrier moves forward again. The bolt head removes a new cartridge from the magazine and inserts it into the cartridge chamber. The extractor claw jumps over the edge of the cartridge case and holds it in place so that the cartridge can be pulled out later. On its way forward, the cam of the bolt carrier hits the control nose of the bolt head and forces the bolt head to rotate. The two locking lugs of the locking head lock in the trunnion of the AK-47. The breech of the weapon is locked. When it returned, the bolt carrier cocked the hammer within the trigger group. Because the shooter could not let go of the trigger so quickly that the claw on the trigger could catch the hammer, the semi-automatic breaker does this; this catches the hammer and holds it in place until the shooter lets go of the trigger. Then the semi-automatic breaker falls back and the hammer jumps into the claw of the trigger. The weapon can be fired again. If the AK-47 is switched from single fire to continuous fire, the semi-automatic interrupter is blocked and can no longer grip the hammer when the bolt carrier runs back. In this case, the hammer is held by the fully automatic interrupter, which holds the hammer in place until the bolt carrier has reached the foremost position and the bolt is locked. In order to know the position of the bolt carrier there is a wing on the fully automatic interrupter. This is activated every time the bolt carrier arrives in the foremost position. If the sash is moved forward by the bolt carrier, the fully automatic interrupter leaves the support level on the hammer and the hammer is released. In this way, the AK-47 fires until either the magazine is empty or the shooter releases the trigger and the claw on the trigger holds the hammer. The AK-47 does not have a slide catch; When the gun is empty, the slide will simply snap forward again and lock there.

The disadvantage of the system is that with the massive structure of bolt carrier, bolt head and gas piston, an enormous mass is moved within the weapon with each shot, with the center of gravity shifting. Also, because of the excessive gas pressure, this mass hits the rear end of the weapon housing with each shot. As a result, a large part of the excess return energy of the bolt carrier is transferred to the shooter via the weapon housing. As a result, the stability is severely impaired after each shot and the stability also suffers enormously during prolonged continuous fire.

The advantage of this system, in addition to its simple structure, is the fact that the gas piston is pulled through the weapon over a long distance with each shot. The gas system cleans itself to a large extent and powder residues in the gas system hardly affect the function of the weapon. The operation of the weapon is also guaranteed by the excessive gas pressure, even with light contamination or with inaccurately loaded ammunition. The gas system also does not have to be adjusted if you want to use ammunition with a different charge, for example subsonic ammunition and / or silencers.

construction

In contrast to other automatic weapons, the breech of the AK-47 does not run in a largely closed weapon housing, but on a kind of tub. This tub not only forms the lower weapon housing, but also the main component of the weapon. The most important functional parts such as the trigger group and the trunnion are housed in this tub. The ejector and magazine well are an integral part of this tub. The upper case is just a cover. The barrel is connected to the tub via the trunnion and runs through hand guards and what is known as the liner block. This carries the rear sight of the weapon. This consists of a rail sight that can be adjusted from 100 to 800 meters, and with П (transcr .: P) a close combat setting is available, which corresponds to about 200 meters. The rear sight is unusually far forward for a rifle. However, this is necessary because you cannot attach optics to the housing cover, as this is not firmly connected to the barrel. With the AK-47, optics must either be attached to the frame carrier block or via a side mounting on the tub. In order to have a good sight length despite the rear sight, a front sight is attached to the muzzle. The gas system of the weapon lies above the barrel; this is connected to the barrel through the gas sampling block over about half the length of the barrel. There the powder gases are removed from the barrel and transferred to the gas piston. The gas piston is part of the breechblock carrier, runs through the gas cylinder over the barrel to the rear through the chimney carrier block and opens into the breechblock carrier, which runs on the tub. The gas cylinder forms an assembly with the handguard above. A cleaning rod is attached under the barrel, which is inserted into the lower handguard through a hole on the gas sampling block and held by the front sight. The magazine is tilted with a recess in the tub and then held by a lock on the trigger guard. The trigger guard is large to make it easier to shoot with gloves on. Pistol grip and stock are free. A box with cleaning and dismantling utensils can be accommodated in the fixed shaft of the AK-47. The AK-47's magazines are strongly curved and typically have a capacity of 30 rounds. Its strong curvature is due to the conical shape of the 7.62 × 39 mm M43 cartridge. The curved shape also saves space downwards, which makes shooting lying down more comfortable.

Advantage: The AK-47 can be inspected quickly by the shooter thanks to the quickly removable cover, without losing important functional parts. In an emergency, the AK-47 can also be fired without the cover, but it is not advisable, as the bolt carrier would throw dirt and oil into the shooter's face. This structure also makes dismantling and cleaning easier than with other models.

Disadvantage: The tub construction turned out to be increasingly problematic when optics were used to a greater extent from the mid-1980s. Aiming aids cannot be easily mounted on the back of the AK-47 housing, as this only consists of a cover that can shift the zeroing of the optics when it is removed and re-attached. For this reason, the AK-47N and later the AKMN got a side mounting from which a bridge leads over the back of the case. Optics assembled in this way, however, have to be removed again before the weapon is disassembled and have problems with most folding stocks.

Disassemble

AKMS and M16 A1 disassembled

An AK-47 can be taken apart without tools. To disassemble an AK-47, the contactor presses a lock on the upper housing cover and can remove it. Because of the structure of the weapon, the shooter can now examine all important functional parts of the weapon and identify any sources of interference. With other models, a multiple number of manipulations are often necessary to get such an overview. If the shooter wants to dismantle the weapon further, he pushes the locking device of the weapon in the direction of the breech, lifts the locking device out of its base and removes it. This allows the shooter to pull the slide farther back than usual and lift it up at the end of the weapon housing. Since the gas piston is firmly connected to the bolt carrier, it is removed when the bolt is removed. In this way, the gas piston can be removed faster and cleaned more easily than with other models. The bolt head is also removed from the weapon with the bolt carrier and can be separated and cleaned from it with a slight twist. In order to clean the gas cylinder, the shooter has to loosen a wing lever on the cover carrier block and can then remove the gas cylinder including the upper hand guard. However, this is only possible if the bolt carrier including the gas piston has been removed beforehand. Further dismantling of the AK-47 is not common and difficult to carry out, since many functional parts are either firmly riveted or pinned.

Popular misjudgments

Due to various events, some prejudices and misjudgments about weapons of the Kalashnikov system have established themselves in the course of time, which persist to this day.

Vietcong with AK-47 Type III

cheap: In general, the AKM is a very cheap weapon. However, this has to do with the fact that the international arms market was flooded with various Kalashnikov models after the collapse of communism, which caused prices to drop significantly. In reality, for example, the AKM is only cheap to manufacture if you have a correspondingly large production facility and produce large quantities there. The FP-45 Liberator is considered to be the cheapest firearm to date , the Sten-MP as the cheapest submachine gun and the Leader Dynamics T2 Mk.5 as the cheapest assault rifle.

imprecise: Many sources assume that the Kalashnikov is not precise enough and give its effective range of less than 200 meters. This assumption is mainly due to the fact that most Kalashnikov models are not factory shot. Impeccable precision and accuracy require that the shooter himself or optimally appropriate qualified personnel shoot in the weapon with a special tool after receipt and adjust it accordingly. However, this is usually not done , especially by non-state fighters . Other reasons are poorly stored ammunition and weapons. Although the weapon is considered to be extremely robust, the fact that it still shoots after a fall or if there is rust does not mean that it does this with sufficient precision. In addition, there is often the case that the weapon is wielded by little or no trained fighters, who also tend to fire the weapon in fully automatic mode. These impressions together created a false impression of the actual performance of the weapon , especially at the time of the Vietnam War and later in the war on terror . In reality, a shot, undamaged Kalashnikov is quite capable of fighting targets up to 400 meters in a single fire. It is true, however, that the stability in sustained fire only allows targeted fighting of individual targets at less than 100 meters.

reliable: The Kalashnikov is widely considered to be largely immune to environmental influences such as water , sand or mud . However, this is only partially the case. The impression of indestructibility and constant readiness to fire developed especially during the Vietnam War , when the AK-47 was in stark contrast to the US Army's M16 rifle, which was perceived as vulnerable . However, it is often overlooked that the problems of the M16 were caused by poor communication with the soldiers and an unfavorable change in the propellant, as well as non- hard chrome-plated barrel inner walls and cartridge chambers. In reality, the Kalashnikov has, among other things, a serious problem with mud, which can easily penetrate the inside of the case when the weapon is unlocked. If one of the two large recesses in the trunnion is blocked by mud, the weapon will not be able to close and will have to be dismantled and cleaned, which is time-consuming. But weapons of the Kalashnikov system are less susceptible to fine and coarser sand and water than comparable models.

Alleged similarity to the 1944 assault rifle

Assault rifle 44 / MP44

Mainly because of the similarity of the outer silhouette of the two models to the uninformed eye, the thesis is often advocated that the AK-47 is either a further development or a copy of the German assault rifle 44 . The spectrum of this claim ranges from sheer ignorance to sophisticated theories according to which Hugo Schmeisser is the actual author of the AK-47. However, some important points are not taken into account or omitted. Both models work according to different principles on most important points:

Closure : The Stg.44 uses a tilting block closure with a rear support surface. The AK-47 uses a rotating head lock with two locking lugs.

Magazine slot: With the Stg.44 magazines are pushed straight into a deep slot. With the AK-47, they are tipped into the lower tub.

Magazine lock: With the Stg.44 magazines are held by cross bolts and can be released on the left side of the housing. With the AK-47 they are held by a tilt lock and can be released on both sides.

Loading lever : With the Stg.44 the locking mechanism is located on the left side of the housing. With the AK-47 this is located on the right side of the housing.

Fuse : The Stg.44 is secured on the left side of the housing with a switch lever. The AK-47 is secured on the right side of the housing with a wing lever.

Fire selection : The Stg.44 has a fire selection separated from the fuse by means of a cross bolt. The AK-47 has a combined safety and fire selection.

Interrupter : With the Stg.44 a changeover interrupter works as a semi or fully automatic interrupter depending on the fire mode. The AK-47 has two separate breakers, which are deactivated depending on the fire mode.

Ejector : The ejector of the Stg.44 is spring-loaded and movable in the bolt head. The ejector of the AK-47 is part of the weapon housing and is immobile.

Ignition pin protection : With the Stg.44, the hammer cannot reach the ignition pin when the position is not closed because the bolt head and carrier are separated. With the AK-47, the firing pin is protected by the fact that a lug on the bolt carrier slides over the end of the bolt head when the bolt is not locked.

Closing spring : is located in the shoulder rest of the Stg.44 and presses against the rearmost end of the bolt carrier. In the case of the AK-47, this sits in the upper weapon housing and protrudes telescopically into the bolt carrier.

Dust protection flap The Stg.44 has a dust protection flap which is tensioned by leg springs in front of the ejection window and which automatically jumps up when the bolt is moved backwards. The flap can then be closed again manually. On the AK-47, the fire selector lever in its uppermost position serves as a dust protection flap, which covers the sealing strip. When the fire selector lever is raised, the AK-47 cannot be fired or reloaded. The fire selector lever also serves as a safety lever.

The assemblies are also constructed differently, so the Stg.44 does not consist of a tub in which all important functional parts are housed, but is constructed as a kind of tube. This is quasi closed by the shoulder rest. If this is removed, the trigger housing can be folded down and removed. The main assembly of the Stg.44 is the upper housing and not the lower one like the AK-47. The gas piston alone, the arrangement of the sights and the way in which the muzzle attachments are attached are similar to the Stg.44. However, if you take a closer look at all weapons from the period of the development of the AK-47, it can be determined that above all older Russian and American weapons had a major influence on the development of the AK-47. The gas and lock system as well as the trigger group were strongly influenced by the American M1 Grand, with the magazine lock and dust cover coming from the Remington Model-8.

The theory of German authorship of the AK-47 is supposedly supported by the fact that Hugo Schmeisser, like many other German designers, was deported to the Soviet Union after the end of the Second World War and was employed there in the armaments industry. However, it is forgotten that the Soviet leadership was extremely dissatisfied with Schmeisser's collaboration and that the development of the AK-47 was carried out in strict secrecy. Also, before moving to Izhevsk , the Kalashnikov design office was in Kovrov , where most of the development of the AK-47 took place.

Role in the illegal arms trade

Seized Kalashnikovs: AKM, AK-47 Type III, M70B2, AKMS

After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the upheavals associated with the Yeltsin era, large amounts of military material came into circulation. Since something similar was happening in other countries of the former Eastern Bloc at the time, stored AKM and equivalents in particular found their way through detours to the battlefields of the 1990s. Parts of Africa were literally flooded with cheap handguns and the associated ammunition .

Cultural influence

Its ease of use and its relative robustness made the Kalashnikov an ideal weapon for the political guerrilla wars that became increasingly important from the mid-1950s . Thus, for many, the rifle became a symbol of revolution or national resistance. Some organizations and even states put it on their flags, coats of arms, or logos.

Flag of Mozambique

Flag of the
Queer Insurrection and Liberation Army

Flag of Mozambique : Shows an AK-47 crossed with a hoe over a book.

Coat of arms of Burkina Faso : From 1984 to 1997 showed an AK-47 also crossed with a hoe over a book.

Coat of arms of East Timor : Shows an AK-47 crossed with an arrow above a bow and under a book.

Flag of Hezbollah : Shows a raised fist with an AK-47 in hand in front of a globe.

Flag of the Syrian Council of Resistance : Shows two crossed AKM in front of a red star.

Flag of TIKKO : Shows two AKS-74s pointing upwards on a gold star.

Coat of arms of the FARC-EP : Shows two crossed AK-47s in the national borders of Colombia under a book.

Coat of arms of the New People's Army : Displays a reversed AKS-47 with spears in a triangle.

Flag of The Queer Insurrection and Liberation Army : Shows an AKM on a pink background under an anarchy symbol.

However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the associated arms smuggling, the Kalashnikov increasingly became a symbol of organized crime , especially in Mexico and the United States of America . In Mexico, the weapon is particularly popular with drug cartels . In the USA, the "AK-47" became primarily a synonym for the increased gang violence in districts such as LA South Central . For example, the rapper Tupac Shakur "2Pac" had an AKS-74 tattooed on his stomach with the words "Thug Life" (Eng. The life of a gangster).

The Kalashnikov appears in over 100 films in popular culture, and it got a special place in the film Lord of War with Nicolas Cage , whose character Jury Orlov describes the advantages of the weapon and its inglorious role in the illegal in an almost one-minute monologue Arms trade explained.

The AK-47 also plays a major role in most video games in the first-person shooter category . Kalashnikovs appear in parts of the Counter-Strike , Call of Duty and Battlefield series. There the weapons, which are mostly modeled after the AKM, are often incorrectly referred to in the screen text as AK-47.

literature

Edward Clinton Ezell: Kalashnikov. The genius and his life's work . 1st edition. dwj Verlags GmbH, Blaufelden 2011, ISBN 978-3-936632-70-5 .

John Walter: Arms and Device Volume 9 Kalashnikov. The assault rifle and its offshoots . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2002, ISBN 3-613-02102-1 .

Günter Wollert, Reiner Lidschun, Wilfried Copenhagen: Rifle weapons today (1945–1985) . 5th edition. tape 1 . Brandenburgisches Verlagshaus, Berlin 1998, ISBN 3-89488-057-0 .

Gary Paul Johnston, Thomas B. Nelson: The World's Assault Rifles . Ironside International Publishers inc., 2010, ISBN 978-0-935554-00-7 (English).

Edward Clinton Ezell: The AK47 Story, Evolution of the Kalashnikov Weapons . Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA 1986, ISBN 0-8117-0916-7 (English).

Joe Poyer: The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations . North Cape Publications inc., Tustin, California 2004, ISBN 1-882391-33-0 (English).

Nigel Bennet: AK47 Assault Rifle The real weapon of mass destruction . 1st edition. The History Press, Brimscombe Port 2011, ISBN 978-0-7524-5389-7 (English).

Martin J. Brayley: Kalashnikov AK47 Series The 7.62 × 39 mm Assault Rifles in detail . The Crowood Press, Ramsbury, Marlborough 2013, ISBN 978-1-84797-483-9 (English).

Duncan Long: AK47 The Complete Kalashnikov Family of Assault Rifles . Paladin Press, Boulder, Colorado 1988, ISBN 0-87364-477-8 (English).

Ian V. Hogg , John Weeks: Military Small Arms of the 20th century . 5th edition. Arms & Armor Predd, London 1985, ISBN 0-85368-708-0 (English).

Small Arms Survey Geneva: Small Arms Survey 2015 - weapons and the world . Cambridge University Press, New York 2015, ISBN 978-1-107-69067-7 (English).

Web links

Commons : AK-Waffenfamilie - Collection of images, videos and audio files

Wiktionary: Kalashnikov - explanations of meanings, word origins, synonyms, translations

Remarks

↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d Versions with folding stock
↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d models with folding stock

Individual evidence

↑ Alexei Makartsev: Mikhail Kalashnikov would have turned 100 - BNN editor met assault rifle inventors. In: Baden latest news. November 9, 2019, archived from the original on December 30, 2019 ; accessed on December 30, 2019 .

↑ Ulf Mauder: Russia celebrates. Kalashnikov, the inventor of the assault rifle, was born 100 years ago. In: Badische Zeitung. November 7, 2019, archived from the original on December 30, 2019 ; accessed on December 30, 2019 .

↑ David Naumovich Bolotin: История советского стрелкового оружия и патронов (History of Soviet Small Arms and Ammunition), St. Petersburg: Poligon 1995, ISBN 5-85503-072-5 . P. 129 (Russian, PDF online ).

↑ The Kalashnikov in the shadow of the tank battle. In: stern.de of May 24, 2002

^ ^A ^b Ed Tenner: Kalashnikov's Gun - The AK-47 and Russian engineering. MIT Technology Review March 1, 2006, accessed May 25, 2019.

↑ Günter Wollert, Reiner Lidschun, Wilfried Copenhagen: Illustrated Encyclopedia of small arms around the world. Volume 1: Rifles today (1945–1985). Military Publishing House of the GDR, Berlin 1988, ISBN 3-327-00512-5 , Volume 2, p. 404.

↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ Edward Clinton Ezell: The AK47 Story, Evolution of the Kalashnikov Weapons . Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA 1986, ISBN 0-8117-0916-7 , pp. 72 (English).

↑ Wolf-Christian Paes: Small arms - deadly effect. Wissenschaft-und-frieden.de

↑ ^a ^b Simone Schlindwein: Birthday of a death machine. In: one day

^ Gordon L. Rottman : The AK-47: Kalashnikov-series assault rifles . Osprey Publishing , Oxford 2011, ISBN 978-1-84908-461-1 , pp. 23 (English, limited preview in Google Book Search).

↑ ^a ^b F.WA Hobart: The machine gun. The story of a fully automatic weapon . 1st edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 1973, ISBN 3-87943-277-5 , p. 87 .

↑ Jonathan Ferguson, Lisa Traynor and Henry Yallop: Arms and Armor of the first world war . Royal Armories Museum, Leeds 2017, ISBN 978-0-948092-78-7 , pp. 110 (English).

↑ Reiner Lidschun, Günter Wollert: Infantry weapons Illustrated encyclopedia of infantry weapons from around the world until 1945 . Parragon Books, Königswinter, ISBN 978-1-4454-3816-0 , pp. 436 .

↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o Dieter hand Rich: assault rifle 44 predecessor, development and production of the most revolutionary infantry weapon . 2nd Edition. dwj Verlags GmbH, Blaufelden 2016, ISBN 978-3-946429-04-3 , p. 192 .

↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j Karl R. Pawlas: Waffen Revue No. 43 IV. Quertal 1981. The assault rifle 44 its forerunners and variants . Jornal Verlag Schwend GmbH, Schwäbisch Hall 1981, p. 6804 .

↑ Johann Althaus: 100 YEARS KALASCHNIKOW, His weapon is more deadly than bombs or rockets. In: Welt.de. November 10, 2019, archived from the original on December 30, 2019 ; accessed on December 30, 2019 .

↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s ^t ^u ^v ^w ^x ^y ^z ^aa ^ab ^ac ^ad ^ae Edward Clinton Ezell: Kalaschnikow. The genius and his life's work . 1st edition. dwj Verlags GmbH, Blaufelden 2011, ISBN 978-3-936632-70-5 , p. 243 .

^ F. Nathaniel: 9 Prototype Soviet Assault Rifles From WWII. In: The Firearms Blog. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ Johann Althaus: 100 YEARS KALASCHNIKOW, His weapon is more deadly than bombs or rockets. In: Welt.de. November 10, 2019, archived from the original on December 30, 2019 ; accessed on December 30, 2019 .

↑ Alexei Makartsev: Mikhail Kalashnikov would have turned 100 - BNN editor met assault rifle inventors. In: Baden latest news. November 9, 2019, archived from the original on December 30, 2019 ; accessed on December 30, 2019 .

↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r Joe Poyer: The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and their Variations . North Cape Publications inc., Tustin 2004, ISBN 1-882391-33-0 , pp. 7 (English).

↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m Günter Wollert, Reiner Lidschun, Wilfried Copenhagen: Rifle Weapons Today (1945–1985) Volume 1 . 5th edition. Brandenburgisches Verlagshaus, Berlin 1998, ISBN 3-89488-057-0 , p. 402 .

↑ Johann Althaus: 100 YEARS KALASCHNIKOW, His weapon is more deadly than bombs or rockets. In: Welt.de. November 10, 2019, archived from the original on December 30, 2019 ; accessed on December 30, 2019 .

↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h Nigel Bennet: AK47 Assault Rifle The real weapon of mass destruction . 1st edition. The History Press, Brimscombe Port 2011, ISBN 978-0-7524-5389-7 , pp. 69 (English).

↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h Günter Wollert, Reiner Lidschun, Wilfried Copenhagen: Schützenwaffen Today (1945–1985) Volume 2 . 5th edition. Brandenburgisches Verlagshaus, Berlin 1998, ISBN 3-89488-057-0 , p. 203 .

↑ Карабин ВПО-136 Вепрь-КМ. Молот-Оружие. In: molot.biz. Retrieved May 26, 2019 (Russian).

↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k Martin J. Brayley: Kalashnikov AK47 Series The 7.62 × 39 mm Assault Rifles in detail . The Crowood Press, Ramsbury, Marlborough 2013, ISBN 978-1-84797-483-9 , pp. 52 (English).

^ ^A ^b R. Blake Stevens & Edward C. Ezell: The Black Rifle, M16 Retrospective . 2nd Edition. Collector Grade Publications, Ontario, Canada 1992, ISBN 978-0-88935-115-8 , pp. 136 (English).

^ ^A ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j John Walter: Kalaschnikow The assault rifle and its offshoots (= weapons and equipment . Volume 9 ). 2nd Edition. Motorbuch, Stuttgart 2002, ISBN 978-3-613-02102-0 , p. 70 .

↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k Duncan Long: AK47 The Complete Kalashnikov Family of Assault Rifles . Paladin Press, Boulder, Colorado 1988, ISBN 0-87364-477-8 (English).

↑ Mark Galeotti: Elite Volume 206 Spetsnaz: Russia's Special Forces . Osprey Publishing, Oxford 2015, ISBN 978-1-4728-0722-9 , pp. 24 (English).

↑ Charlie Cutsha: The New World of Russian Small Arms & Ammo . Paladin Press, Boulder, Colorado 1998, ISBN 0-87364-993-1 , pp. 21-26 .

↑ David Miller: The Great Book of Hand Weapons . 1st edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2002, ISBN 3-7276-7138-6 , p. 121 .

↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h Gary Paul Johnston, Thomas B. Nelson: The World's Assault Rifles . Ironside International Publishers inc., 2010, ISBN 978-0-935554-00-7 , pp. 1107 (English).

^ F. Nathaniel: The Mind-Bending AN-94 Rifle: Yesterday's Rifle Of Tomorrow. In: The Firearms Blog. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ H. Hrachya: Kalashnikov Concern to Make Civilian AK-12s called SAIGA-AK12. In: The Firearms Blog. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ Вепрь ВПО-205 СП. In: manufacturer website. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

^ David Miller: Illustrated Directory of 20th Century Guns . 1st edition. Zenit Press, 2003, ISBN 0-7603-1560-4 (English).

↑ Maxim Popenker: PP-19-01 Vityaz. In: Modern Firearms. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ Mark Galeotti: Elite Volume 206 Spetsnaz: Russia's Special Forces . Osprey Publishing, Oxford 2015, ISBN 978-1-4728-0722-9 , pp. 49 (English).

↑ AK-200 rifle: The 21st Century AK. In: The Firearms Blog. Retrieved March 6, 2019 .

↑ Kalashnikov AK-12 Unveiled. In: The Firearms Blog. Retrieved March 6, 2019 .

↑ More Information On The AK-12. In: The Firearms Blog. Retrieved March 6, 2019 .

↑ Burst Selectors: Going the Way of the Dodo? In: The Firearms Blog. Retrieved on March 6, 2019 (English, note the picture).

↑ BREAKING: Kalashnikov Concern Discontinues AK-12, Replaces It with… The New AK-12! In: The Firearms Blog. Retrieved March 6, 2019 .

↑ BREAKING: Russian Army Adopts AK-12, AK-15, AEK-971, and AEK-973 Rifles for Military Service. In: The Firearms Blog. Retrieved March 6, 2019 .

↑ Russian Army Begins Testing RPK-16 Light Machine Gun. In: The Firearms Blog. Retrieved March 6, 2019 .

↑ Eric B .: Russia Starts Promoting the New Kalashnikov AK200 Series. In: the Firearms Blog. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ Vladimir Onokoy: Breaking news: Kalashnikov presents new assault rifle prototype - AK-308. In: the Firearms Blog. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ Arsenal: Arsenal Assaultrifles. In: company website. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ Chris MCNab: The AK-47 . 1st edition. MPE, 2001, ISBN 1-86227-116-X (English).

↑ Maxim Popenker: Valmet M82. In: Modern Firearms. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ ^a ^b Bob Cashner: Weapon . tape 27 : The FN FAL Battle Rifle . Osprey Publishing, Oxford 2013, ISBN 978-1-78096-903-9 , pp. 21 (English).

↑ Eric Carle: The Very Hungry Caterpillar . 3. Edition. Gerstenberg, Hildesheim 1991, ISBN 978-3-8369-4034-4 .

↑ Steve Johnson: Gold Plated Al Kadesih sniper rifle photo. In: The Firearms Blog. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ ISIRAN Institute: AK - 47 (Kl - 7.62mm) Assault Rifle. In: MiNDEX. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

^ ^A ^b David Campbell: Elite Volume 224 Israeli Paratroopers 1954–2016 . 1st edition. Osprey Publishing, Oxford 2018, ISBN 978-1-4728-2771-5 , pp. 28 (English).

↑ Maxim Popenker: Galil Sniper. In: Modern Firearms. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ Maxim Popenker: AK-Alfa assault rifle (CAA / Kalashnikov-Israel Kalashnikov-USA). In: Modern Firearms. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ F. Nathaniel: POTD: North Korean Helical Mags Aka "Grenade launcher". In: The Firearms Blog. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ Nigel Bennet: AK47 Assault Rifle The real weapon of mass destruction . 1st edition. The History Press, Brimscombe Port 2011, ISBN 978-0-7524-5389-7 , pp. 112 (English).

↑ Eric B .: Polish Beryl M762 Military Rifles to be made in Nigeria. In: The Firearms Blog. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ 5.56mm kbk wz.2002 (BIN). In: Security Arms. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ WeaponSystems.net: Pm md.86. In: WeaponSystems.net. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

^ AK Pistols. In: Century Arms. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ Maxim Popenker: Vector CR-21st In: Modern Firearms. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d Hrachya H .: Four Forgotten Firearms Designed by Michail Kalashnikov. In: the Firearms Blog. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ ^a ^b ^c Ian V. Hogg: Firearms and how they work . 1st edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 1986, ISBN 3-87943-788-2 , p. 154 .

↑ Reiner Lidschun, Günter Wollert: Infantry weapons Illustrated encyclopedia of infantry weapons from around the world until 1945 . Parragon Books, Königswinter, ISBN 978-1-4454-3816-0 , pp. 536 .

↑ Johann Althaus: 100 YEARS KALASCHNIKOW, His weapon is more deadly than bombs or rockets. In: Welt.de. November 10, 2019, archived from the original on December 30, 2019 ; accessed on December 30, 2019 .

↑ Pavel Lokshin: The crazy breakdown series by Russia's state sculptor. September 23, 2017, accessed on May 26, 2019 : "For decades there has been a rumor among gun freaks that Schmeisser and not Kalashnikov is the real creator of the AK-47"

↑ Alexei Makartsev: Mikhail Kalashnikov would have turned 100 - BNN editor met assault rifle inventors. In: Baden latest news. November 9, 2019, archived from the original on December 30, 2019 ; accessed on December 30, 2019 .

↑ Andrew Feinstein: Arms Trade - the Global Business with Death . 1st edition. Hoffmann and Campe, Hamburg 2012, ISBN 978-3-455-50245-9 , pp. 183 .

↑ Small Arms Survey Geneva: Small Arms Survey 2002 - counting the human cost . Cambridge University Press, New York 2002, ISBN 0-19-925172-X , pp. 76 (English).

↑ Various: iMFDB Counter-Strike. In: Internet Movie Firearme Database. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ Various: iMFDB Call of Duty. In: Internet Movie Firearme Database. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

↑ Various: iMFDB Battlefield. In: Internet Movie Firearme Database. Retrieved May 16, 2019 .

[Ver-26] Versions with folding stock

[Klapp-54] ↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d models with folding stock

[1] Alexei Makartsev: Mikhail Kalashnikov would have turned 100 - BNN editor met assault rifle inventors. In: Baden latest news. November 9, 2019, archived from the original on December 30, 2019 ; accessed on December 30, 2019 .

[2] Ulf Mauder: Russia celebrates. Kalashnikov, the inventor of the assault rifle, was born 100 years ago. In: Badische Zeitung. November 7, 2019, archived from the original on December 30, 2019 ; accessed on December 30, 2019 .

Kalashnikov
AK-47 type II
general information
Civil name:	Kalashnikov
Military designation:	Kalashnikov machine
Country of operation:	Soviet Union and others
Developer / Manufacturer:	Mikhail Kalashnikov
Development year:	1946
Manufacturer country:	Soviet Union
Model variants:	AK-47, AKM, AK-74M and others
Weapon Category:	Assault rifle
Technical specifications
Fire types:	Single , continuous fire
Closure :	Turret lock
Charging principle:	Gas pressure charger
Lists on the subject