Kalashnikov rifles (Russian: Автоматы Калашникова), also known as the AK platform, AK rifles or simply the AK, are a family of assault rifles based on Mikhail Kalashnikov's original design. They are officially known in Russian as avtomat Kalashnikova (Russian: автомат Калашникова, lit. 'Kalashnikov's Automatic Gun'), and informally as "kalash" in Russian. They were originally manufactured in the Soviet Union, by Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash). Rifles similar to the Kalashnikov and its Soviet variants were later produced in many countries friendly to the Soviet Bloc, with rifles based on its design such as the Galil ACE and the INSAS also being produced. The Kalashnikov is one of the most widely used firearms in the world, with an estimated 72 million rifles in global circulation.
List of AK rifles
The original Kalashnikov rifles and their derivatives, as produced in the Soviet Union and later the Russian Federation.
Rifles derived directly from the original AK
The rifle's simple design makes it easy to produce, and the Soviet Union readily leased plans of the firearm to friendly countries, where it could be produced locally at a low cost. As a result, the Kalashnikov rifles and their variants have been manufactured in many countries, with and without licenses. Manufacturing countries in alphabetical order include:
| Country | Variant(s) |
|---|---|
| Albania | Automatiku Shqiptar 1978 model 56 (ASH-78 Tip-1) copy of Type 56 based on AK-47 rifle; Tipi 1982 model (ASH-82) copy of AKS-47; model 56 Tip-2, copy of RPK; and model 56 Tip-3. Several other versions of the AKMS have been produced mainly with short barrels similar to Soviet AKS-74U for special forces, tank & armored crew and for helicopter pilots and police. There have also been modified ASh-82 (AKMS) with SOPMOD accessories, mainly for Albania's special forces RENEA & exports. |
| Armenia | K-3 (bullpup, 5.45×39mm) |
| Azerbaijan | Khazri (AK-74M) |
| Bangladesh | Chinese Type 56 |
| Bulgaria | AKK/AKKS (Type 3 AK-47/w. side-folding buttstock); AKKMS (AKMS), AKKN-47 (fittings for NPSU night sights); AK-47M1 (Type 3 with black polymer furniture); AK-47MA1/AR-M1 (same as -M1, but in 5.56mm NATO); AKS-74M1 (AKMS in 5.56×45mm NATO); AKS-74S (AK-74M1, short version, with East German folding stock, laser aiming device); AKS-74UF (short version of -M1, Russian folding stock), AR-SF (same as −74UF, but 5.56mm NATO); AKS-93SM6 (similar to −74M1, cannot use grenade launcher); RKKS (RPK), AKT-74 (.22 rimfire training rifle) |
| Cambodia | Chinese Type 56, Soviet AK, and AKM |
| China | Type 56 |
| Croatia | APS-95 |
| Cuba | AKM |
| East Germany | MPi-K/MPi-KS (AK/AKS); MPi-KM (AKM, wooden and plastic stock); MPi-KMS-72 (side-folding stock); MPi-KMS-K (carbine); MPi-AK-74N (AK-74); MPi-AKS-74N (side-folding stock); MPi-AKS-74NK (carbine); KK-MPi Mod.69 (.22 LR select-fire trainer) |
| Egypt | AK, Misr assault rifle (AKM), Maadi |
| Ethiopia | AK, AK-103 (manufactured locally at the State-run Gafat Armament Engineering Complex as the Et-97/1) |
| Finland | RK 62, (7.62×39mm)
RK 95 TP, (7.62×39mm) improvements including a fire control selector and a muzzle device that enabled the firing of rifle grenades, the attachment of a silencer, or bayonet |
| Hungary | AK-55 (domestic manufacture of the 2nd Model AK); AKM-63 (also known as AMD-63 in the US; modernized AK-55), AMD-65M (modernized AKM-63, shorter barrel and side-folding stock), AMP-69 (rifle grenade launcher); AK-63F/D (other name AMM/AMMSz), AK-63MF (modernized); NGM-81 (5.56×45mm NATO; fixed and under-folding stock) |
| Iran | KLS/KLF (AK-47/AKS), KLT (AKMS) |
| Iraq | Tabuk Sniper Rifle, Tabuk Assault Rifle (with fixed or underfolding stock, outright clones of Yugoslavian M70 rifles series), Tabuk Short Assault Rifle |
| Nigeria | Produced by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria as OBJ-006 |
| North Korea | Type 58A/B (Type 3 AK/w. stamped steel folding stock), Type 68A/B (AKM/AKMS), Type 88 (AKS-74) |
| Pakistan | Khyber Pass copies (near the border of Afghanistan); PK-10; |
| Poland | pmK (kbk AK) / pmKS (kbk AKS) (name has changed from pmK – "pistolet maszynowy Kałasznikowa", Kalashnikov SMG to the kbk AK – "karabinek AK", Kalashnikov Carbine in mid-1960s) (AK/AKS); kbkg wz. 1960 (rifle grenade launcher), kbkg wz. 1960/72 (modernized); kbk AKM / kbk AKMS (AKM/AKMS); kbk wz. 1988 Tantal (5.45×39mm), skbk wz. 1989 Onyks (compact carbine); kbs wz. 1996 Beryl (5.56×45mm), kbk wz. 1996 Mini-Beryl (compact carbine) |
| Romania | PM md. 63/65 (AKM/AKMS), PM md. 80, PM md. 90, collectively exported under the umbrella name AIM or AIMS; PA md. 86 (AK-74), exported as the AIMS-74; PM md. 90 short barrel, PA md. 86 short barrel, exported as the AIMR; PSL (designated marksman rifle; other names PSL-54C, Romak III, FPK and SSG-97) |
| Sudan | MAZ (based on the Type 56) |
| Turkey | SAR 15T is a locally produced and modernized version of the platform. |
| Ukraine | Vepr (bullpup, 5.45×39mm), Malyuk (bullpup) |
| United States | PSAK-47 GF3 rifle(7.62×39mm), PSAK-47 GF4 rifle(7.62×39mm), PSAK-47 GF5 rifle(7.62×39mm),Soviet Arms Krink rifle(5.56x45mm), PSA AK-556 rifle(5.56x45mm), PSAK-74 rifle(5.45x39mm), PSA AK Type 56 rifle(7.62×39mm).Produced by Palmetto State Armory.
US132 rifle (7.62×39mm), US132Z assault rifle (7.62×39mm), US109L shotgun (12 gauge) & US109T shotgun (12 gauge). Produced by Kalashnikov USA. |
| Vietnam | AKM-1, AKM-VN (AKM) assault rifle, TUL-1 (RPK) light machine gun, Galil ACE 31/32 assault rifle, STV series |
| Venezuela | AK-103 / License granted to Venezuela |
| Yugoslavia/Serbia | M64, M70, M72, M76, M77, M80, M82, M85, M90, M91, M92, M99, M21 |
Similar rifles
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The following rifles were either based on the Kalashnikov design, or have a different design but are superficially similar in appearance:
- FARA 83 (Argentina)
- BD-08 (Bangladesh)
- AR-M1 (Bulgaria)
- Type 56, Type 81 (China)
- Vz. 58 (Czechoslovakia)
- RK 62 (also called Valmet M76, Rk 62 76 or M62/76), Valmet M78 (light machine gun), RK 95 TP (Finland)
- AK-63, AMD-65 (Hungary)
- INSAS rifle (India)
- IMI Galil, IWI ACE (Israel)
- Bernardelli VB-STD/VB-SR (Italy)
- FB Beryl, FB Tantal (Poland)
- Pistol Mitralieră model 1963/1965 (Romania)
- Zastava M70 (Serbia, Yugoslavia)
- Zastava M21 (Serbia)
- Vektor R4, Truvelo Raptor (South Africa)
- MPi-KM (East Germany)
- MPi-KMS-72 (East Germany)
Comparative characteristics of AK rifles
| Name | Country | Type | Cartridge | Length extended/folded (mm) | Barrel length (mm) | Weight (kg) (empty) | Cyclic rate of fire (rounds per minute) | Maximum sighting range (m) | Muzzle velocity (m/s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AK-47 | Soviet Union | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm M43 | 870 | 415 | 3.47 | 600 | 800 | 715 |
| AKM | Soviet Union | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm M43 | 880 | 415 | 3.1 | 600 | 1,000 | 715 |
| RPK(s) | Soviet Union | Light machine gun | 7.62×39mm M43 | 1040/820 | 590 | 4.80/5.6 | 600 | 1,000 | 745 |
| PK(M) | Soviet Union | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×54mmR | 1173 | 605 | 9.0/7.5 | 650 | 1,500 | 825 |
| AK-74 | Soviet Union | Assault rifle | 5.45×39mm M74 | 943 | 415 | 3.07 | 600 | 1,000 | 900 |
| AKS-74 | Soviet Union | Assault rifle | 5.45×39mm M74 | 933/690 | 415 | 2.97 | 600 | 1,000 | 900 |
| AK-74M | Soviet Union | Assault rifle | 5.45×39mm M74 | 943/705 | 415 | 3.4 | 650 | 1,000 | 900 |
| RPK-74 | Soviet Union | Light machine gun | 5.45×39mm M74 | 1060 | 590 | 4.7 | 600 | 1,000 | 960 |
| AKS-74U | Soviet Union | Carbine assault rifle | 5.45×39mm M74 | 730/490 | 207 | 2.7 | 700 | 500 | 735 |
| AK-101 | Russia | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | 943/700 | 415 | 3.6 | 600 | 1,000 | 910 |
| AK-102 | Russia | Carbine assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | 824/586 | 314 | 3.0 | 600 | 500 | 850 |
| AK-103 | Russia | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm M43 | 943/705 | 415 | 3.4 | 600 | 1,000 | 715 |
| AK-104 | Russia | Carbine assault rifle | 7.62×39mm M43 | 824/586 | 314 | 3.0 | 600 | 500 | 670 |
| AK-105 | Russia | Carbine assault rifle | 5.45×39mm M74 | 824/586 | 314 | 3.2 | 600 | 500 | 840 |
| AK-107 | Russia | Assault rifle | 5.45×39mm M74 | 943/700 | 415 | 3.8 | 850 | 1,000 | 900 |
| AK-108 | Russia | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | 943/700 | 415 | 3.8 | 900 | 1,000 | 910 |
| AK-109 | Russia | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm M43 | 943/700 | 415 | 3.8 | 900 | 1,000 | 750 |
| AK-9 | Russia | Assault rifle | 9×39mm | 705/465 | 200 | 3.1/3.8 (with suppressor) | 600 | 400 | 290 (СП-5) / 305 (СП-6) |
| AK-12 | Russia | Assault rifle | 5.45×39mm M74 | 940/730 | 415 | 3.3 | 700 | 1,000 | 900 |
| AK-15 | Russia | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm M43 | 922/862 | 415 | 3.5 | 700 | 1,000 | 715 |
| AK-19 | Russia | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | 935/725 | 415 | 3.35 | 700 | 1,000 | 910 |
| AK-308 | Russia | Assault rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | 885-945/695 | 415 | 4.3 | 700 | 800 |
In the United States
The Kalashnikov weapon design has become increasingly more popular in the American firearms industry. There are specific competitive shooting matches that require the use of its weapon variants like the Red Oktober match held just outside of St. George, Utah. It is a match designed for the use of ComBloc style weapons, but the Kalashnikov design is extremely heavy within the participants' arsenals.
See also
References
Citations
- Blair, David (2015-07-02). "AK-47 Kalashnikov: The firearm which has killed more people than any other". Daily Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 2022-01-12. Retrieved 2019-09-26.
- ^ Franko, Blake (2017-05-08). "The Gun That Is in Almost 100 Countries: Why the AK-47 Dominates". The National Interest. Archived from the original on June 3, 2023. Retrieved 2019-09-26.
- McCarthy, Niall. "The Cost Of An AK-47 On The Black Market Around The World [Infographic]". Forbes. Archived from the original on May 9, 2023. Retrieved 2019-09-26.
- "Концерн Калашников -- Официальный сайт". kalashnikov.com.
- "200 series Kalashnikov assault rifle: AK-200, AK-201, AK-202, AK-203, AK-204, AK-205 (Russia)". modernfirearms.net. 7 June 2018.
- "Albanian Small Arms". Aftermath Gun Club. 20 April 2015. Archived from the original on 2017-10-14.
- Азербайджан приступил к серийному производству автоматов АК-74М по российской лицензии [Azerbaijan began serial production of AK-74M assault rifles under Russian license]. ЦАМТО (in Russian). Moscow: Centre for Analysis of World Arms Trade. 8 July 2011. Archived from the original on April 22, 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2011.
- Dimov, Roman. "Kalashnikov Arms Versions". The AK Site. Archived from the original on 29 September 2007.
- "MPi-K / MPi-AK Assault Rifle Series". Энциклопедия оружия и боеприпасов (in Russian). Archived from the original on April 27, 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
- "Advertisement flyer for manufacturing capabilities of the GAEC – Gafat Armament Engineering Complex". Archived from the original on July 10, 2011. Retrieved 2014-01-23. Retrieved on 8 October 2010.
- "Hungary. Assault Rifles". Энциклопедия оружия и боеприпасов (in Russian). Archived from the original on April 27, 2023. Retrieved 24 February 2013.
- "Nigeria to mass-produce Nigerian version of AK-47 rifles". Archived from the original on 14 January 2009. Retrieved 5 October 2008.
- "DICON – Defence Industry Corp. of Nigeria". Archived from the original on 2013-12-27. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
- US Department of Defense, North Korea Country Handbook 1997, Appendix A: Equipment Recognition, PPSH 1943 SUBMACHINEGUN (TYPE-50 CHINA/MODEL-49 DPRK), p. A-79.
- US Department of Defense, North Korea Country Handbook 1997, Appendix A: Equipment Recognition, TYPE-68 (AKM) ASSAULT RIFLE, p. A-77.
- Russia confronts Pakistan, China over copied weapons, 2009-11-16, archived from the original on 2011-07-17, retrieved 2011-10-16
- "Poland. Assault Rifles". Энциклопедия оружия и боеприпасов (in Russian). Archived from the original on April 26, 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
- "MAZ". Military Industry Corporation. Archived from the original on 27 December 2008. Retrieved 8 February 2009.
- bilgi@sirius.com.tr, Sirius Digital. "SAR 15T". www.sarsilmaz.com. Retrieved 2024-12-02.
- Raigorodetsky, Aleksandr (6 October 2011). Автомат "Малюк" ("Малыш") (Украина) ["Malyuk" Assault Rifle (Ukraine)]. Оружейная экзотика (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2015-09-03. Retrieved 1 Dec 2012.
- "Palmetto State Armory's Website".
- "Kalashnikov USA Website". 27 October 2022.
- Smith, Aaron (30 June 2015). "The first American-made Kalashnikovs are now for sale". CNN.com. Archived from the original on July 1, 2023.
- Slowik, Max (August 10, 2015). "Kalashnikov USA prices out first wave of American AKs". Guns.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2016.
- "Primeros 3,000: Cavim inicia entrega de fusiles de asalto Kalashnikov AK-103 a la Fuerza Armada de Venezuela". infodefensa.com. 3 June 2013. Archived from the original on November 23, 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2015. (in spanish)
- Sieff, Martin (15 August 2007). "Defense Focus: Venezuela's Kalashnikovs". UPI.com. Archived from the original on 2008-06-04. Retrieved 19 October 2008.
- Reeder, David (6 October 2018). "Breach Bang Clear". Archived from the original on October 17, 2018.
General and cited references
- Gulevich, I. D., ed. (1967). НСД. 7,62-мм автомат АК [7.62 mm AK] (in Russian) (3rd ed.). Moscow: Voenizdat.
- Monetchikov, Sergei Borisovich (2005). История русского автомата [The History of Russian Assault Rifle]. Entsiklopediya Russkoi Armii (in Russian). Izdatel'stvo "Atlant 44". ISBN 5-98655-006-4. Archived from the original on 16 May 2013.
- Vilchinsky, I. K., ed. (1983). НСД. 7,62-мм автомат АКМ (АКМС) [7.62 mm AKM (AKMS)] (PDF) (in Russian) (3rd ed.). Moscow: Voenizdat. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 May 2023.
Further reading
- Brayley, Martin J. (2013). Kalashnikov AK47 Series: The 7.62×39mm Assault Rifle in Detail. Ramsbury, Marlborough, Wiltshire, UK: Crowood Press. ISBN 978-1-84797-526-3. OCLC 824183278.
- Chivers, C. J. (2010). The Gun. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 9780743270762. OCLC 535493119. At the Internet Archive (registration required)
- Ezell, Edward Clinton (1986). The AK-47 Story: Evolution of the Kalashnikov Weapons. Harrisburg, PA: Stackpole Books. ISBN 0811709167. OCLC 12549027.
- Hodges, Michael (2007). AK47: The Story of a Gun. San Francisco: MacAdam/Cage Pub. ISBN 978-1-59692-286-0. OCLC 245302609.
- Long, Duncan (1 September 1988). AK47: The Complete Kalashnikov Family of Assault Rifles. Boulder, Col.: Paladin Press. ISBN 978-0-87364-477-8. OCLC 430510761.
- Poyer, Joe (2006). The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations: A Shooter's and Collector's Guide. Tustin, Cal.: North Cape Publications. ISBN 978-1-882391-41-7. OCLC 867174693.
- Rottman, Gordon L. (2011). The AK-47: Kalashnikov-series Assault Rifles. Oxford: Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84908-835-0. OCLC 651902408.
- Vorobiev, Marco (2016). Gun Digest Shooter's Guide to AKs. Iola, WI: Gun Digest Book. ISBN 978-1-4402-4647-0. OCLC 954541182.
External links
Media related to AK family at Wikimedia Commons
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