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AK-47

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AK-47 (Data is for AK-47 with Type 1 Receiver)
A "second model" AK-47. This was the first machined receiver variation.
A Type 2 AK-47. This was the first machined receiver variation.
TypeAssault rifle
Service history
In service1951—
Production history
No. builtOver 100 million[1]
Specifications
Mass4.3 kg
Length870 mm

The AK-47 ([Автомат Калашникова образца 1947 года, Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947] Error: {{Lang-xx}}: text has italic markup (help)) is a gas-operated assault rifle designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, produced by Russian manufacturer IZH and used in many Eastern bloc nations during the Cold War. It was adopted and standardized in 1947[2]. Compared with the auto-loading rifles used in World War II, the AK-47 was generally more compact, with a shorter range, a smaller 7.62 × 39 mm cartridge, and was capable of selective fire. It was one of the first true assault rifles and remains the most widely used. The AK-47 and its numerous variants and descendants have been produced in greater numbers than any other assault rifle and are in production to this day.[3]

History

Design background

During World War II, Germany was the first nation to develop weapons that embodied the characteristics of the modern assault rifle. The impetus for the adoption of the assault rifle as the primary individual infantry weapon was the knowledge that, in modern warfare, dismounted troops typically exchange small arms fire at ranges of fewer than 300 meters; in most firefights, combatants are within 100 meters of each other. The power and range of most contemporary service rifle cartridges was not necessary for the vast majority of engagements with small arms. As a result, military authorities saw the need to develop a cartridge and firearm combining the features of a submachine gun (high-capacity magazine and fully-automatic fire capability) with an intermediate-power cartridge that would be effective to a range of 300 meters. For the sake of reducing manufacturing costs, this was done by shortening the 8 mm Mauser cartridge to 33 mm and using a lighter bullet.

The resulting Sturmgewehr 44 (StG44) was not the first rifle to use these features; it was preceded by earlier Italian and Russian designs, such as the Cei-Rigotti and the Federov Avtomat. The Germans were, however, the first to produce and field a sufficient number of the type to properly evaluate its utility. They fielded the weapon in large numbers against the Russians towards the end of the war. This experience deeply influenced Russian doctrine in the years following the war.[4][5]

File:Young kalashnikov.jpg
Mikhail Kalashnikov in the late 1940s

Mikhail Kalashnikov began studying automatic weapons design while still in the hospital[6], after being wounded in the battle of Bryansk[7]. As he convalesced, he began working at the Matai Arms Depot where he continued his design work. He had been informed that a new weapon was required for the 7.62 × 41 mm cartridge developed in 1943. His initial attempt at designing a new submachine gun offered no significant innovations or advantage over other designs[8], and A.I. Sudayev's PPS43 submachine gun was preferred to Kalashnikov's design[9]. Kalashnikov redesigned his losing design after examining a German StG44 in 1946. Following Soviet practice in other industries, Kalashnikov was possibly chosen to lead a team of designers more for propaganda value due to his war-hero status rather than for his expertise.

Design concept

Despite circumstantial evidence, Mikhail Kalashnikov denies that his rifle was based on the German assault rifle. It is best described as a hybrid of several previous innovations. To support his position, the AK-47 owes more to the M1 Garand Rifle than any German design. The double locking lugs, unlocking raceway, and trigger mechanism are clearly derived from the earlier American design.[10] This is not surprising as millions of Garand rifles had operated reliably in combat around the globe. Though mechanically similar to the Garand, the AK-47 borrows its cartridge concept, weapon layout, gas system, and construction methods from the StG44.[11] Further, the safety is surprisingly similar[12] to the Browning designed Remington Model 8 rifle.

The genius in the design of the Kalashnikov rifle is in the simplification of those contributing designs and adaptation to mass production. The AK-47 can be seen as a fusion of the best that the M1 Garand offered combined with the best aspects of the StG44 made by the best processes available in the Soviet Union at the time.

The operating mechanism of the Kalashnikov family of weapons is basically very similar to that of the US M1 and M14 rifles and M1/M2 carbines. In fact, as is often the case in a successful weapon design, there is little new about the individual elements of Kalashnikov’s design; the inventor’s accomplishment was in the recombination of known elements into a compact, reliable and durable package. —Ed Ezell

Receiver development history

Type 3 AK-47, with its predecessor, the SKS
AKS-47 on a Type 4B receiver (top), with a Type 2A.

There were many difficulties during the initial phase of production. The first production models had stamped sheet metal receivers. Difficulties were encountered welding the guide and ejector rails causing high rejection rates.[13] Instead of halting production, a heavy machined receiver was substituted for the sheet metal receiver.[14] This was a more costly process, but the use of machined receivers accelerated production as tooling and labor for the earlier Mosin-Nagant rifle's machined receiver were easily adapted. Partly because of these problems, the Soviets were not able to distribute large numbers of the new rifle to soldiers until 1956. During this time, production of the interim SKS rifle continued.[15]

Once manufacturing difficulties had been overcome, a redesigned version designated the AKM (M for modernized or upgraded—in Russian: Автомат Калашникова Модернизированный) was introduced in 1959[16]. This new model used a stamped sheet metal receiver and featured a slanted muzzle brake on the end of the barrel to compensate for muzzle rise under recoil. In addition, a hammer retarder was added in order to prevent the weapon from firing out of battery (without the bolt being fully closed) during rapid or automatic fire.[17] This is also sometimes referred to as a "cyclic rate reducer", or simply "rate reducer", as it also has the effect of reducing the number of rounds fired per minute during automatic fire.[18] It was also lighter than the previous, roughly two-thirds of the weight[19]. Both licensed and unlicensed production of the Kalashnikov weapons abroad were almost exclusively of the AKM, partially due to the much easier production of the stamped receiver. This model is the most commonly encountered, having been produced in much greater quantities. All rifles based on the Kalashnikov design are frequently referred to as AK-47s in the West, although this is only correct when applied to rifles based on the original 3 receiver types[20]. In most former Eastern Bloc countries, the weapon is known simply as the "Kalashnikov". The photo at right illustrates the differences between the Type 2 milled receiver and the Type 4 stamped, including the use of rivets rather than welds on the stamped receiver, as well as the placement of a small dimple above the magazine well for stabilization.

Receiver type Description
Type 1A/B Original stamped receiver for AK-47. -1B modified for folding stock. Namely, a large hole is present on each side to accommodate the hardware for the underfolding stock.

(this naming convention continues with all types)

Type 2A/B Milled from steel forging.
Type 3A/B "Final" version of the milled receiver, from steel bar stock. The most ubiquitous example of the milled-receiver AK-47.
Type 4A/B Stamped AKM receiver. Overall, the most-used design in the construction of the AK-series rifles.

Features

File:AK-components.jpg
A diagram showing the design of AKM.

The AK-47 is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and easy to clean and maintain. Its ruggedness and reliability are legendary.[21][22][23][24] The large gas piston, generous clearances between moving parts, and tapered cartridge case design allow the gun to endure large amounts of foreign matter and fouling without failing to cycle. This reliability comes without a cost of accuracy, as the looser tolerances still allow the precision and consistency that are required of accurate firearms. However it is important to bear in mind that accuracy was not the feature most desired of this design yet still present. Reflecting Soviet infantry doctrine of its time, the rifle is meant to be part of massed infantry fire, not long range engagements.

The notched rear tangent iron sight is adjustable, each setting denoting hundreds of meters. The front sight is a post adjustable for elevation in the field. Windage adjustment is done by the armory prior to issue. The battle setting places the round within a few centimeters above or below the point of aim out to approximately 250 meters. This "point-blank range" setting allows the shooter to fire the gun at any close target without adjusting the sights. Longer settings are intended for area suppression. These settings mirror the Mosin-Nagant and SKS rifles which the AK-47 replaced. This eased transition and simplified training.

The bore and chamber, as well as the gas piston and the interior of the gas cylinder, are generally chromium plated. This plating dramatically increases the life of these parts by resisting corrosion and wear. This is particularly important, as most military-production ammunition during the 20th century contained corrosive mercuric salts in the primers, which mandated frequent and thorough cleaning in order to prevent damage. Chrome plating of critical parts is now common on many modern military weapons.[25]

Operating cycle

File:AKAnimation.gif
Animation demonstrating the AK-47's operating cycle

To fire, the operator inserts a loaded magazine, moves the selector lever to the lowest position, pulls back and releases the charging handle, and then pulls the trigger. In this setting, the gun fires only once (semi-automatic), requiring the trigger to be released and depressed again for the next shot. With the selector in the middle position (full-automatic), the rifle continues to fire, automatically cycling fresh rounds into the chamber, until the magazine is exhausted or pressure is released from the trigger. As each bullet travels through the barrel, a portion of the gases expanding behind them are diverted into the gas tube above the barrel, where they impact the gas piston. This in turn is driven backward, pushing the bolt carrier, which causes the bolt to move backwards, ejecting the spent round, and chambering a new round when the recoil spring pushes it back.[26]

Disassembly

Dismantling the rifle involves the operator depressing the magazine catch and removing the magazine. The charging handle is pulled to the rear and the operator inspects the chamber to verify the gun is unloaded. The operator presses forward on the retainer button at the rear of the receiver cover while simultaneously lifting up on the rear of the cover to remove it. He then pushes the spring assembly forward and lifts it from its raceway, withdrawing it out of the bolt carrier and to the rear. The operator must then pull the carrier assembly all the way to the rear, lift it, and then pull it away. He removes the bolt by pushing it to the rear of the bolt carrier; rotating the bolt so the camming lug clears the raceway on the underside of the bolt carrier and then pulls it forward and free. When cleaning, the operator will pay special attention to the barrel, bolt face, and gas piston, then oil lightly and reassemble.[27]

Ballistics

The standard AK-47 or AKM fires a 7.62 × 39 mm round with a muzzle velocity of 710 m/s (2,329 ft/s). Muzzle energy is 1,990 joules (1,467 ft•lb). Cartridge case length is 38.6 mm, weight is 18.21 g. Projectile weight is normally 8 g (123 gr). The AK-47 and AKM, with the 7.62 × 39 mm cartridge, have a maximum effective range of around 300 meters. For comparison, the 7.62 × 54 mm R cartridge has a projectile of 9.6-12 g (148-185 gr [depending on the weapon]) at a velocity of 818 m/s (2,683 ft/s) for approximately 4,000 joules (2,950 ft•lb) of energy.

In the United States

Arms captured in Fallujah by U.S. Marines, including two AKMs (first and third rifles from the left)

Private ownership of fully-automatic AK-47 rifles is tightly regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934. The Gun Control Act of 1968 ceased importing of foreign-manufactured fully-automatic firearms for civilian sales and possession, effectively halting further importation of civilian accessible AK-47 rifles. In 1986, an amendment to the Firearm Owners Protection Act stopped all future domestic manufacture of fully-automatic weapons for civilian use.

However, machine guns manufactured domestically prior to 1986 and imported prior to 1968 may be transferred between civilians in accordance with federal and state law. Several Soviet and Chinese rifles made it into the U.S. during the mid-1960s, when returning Vietnam veterans brought them home after capture from enemy troops. Many of these were properly registered during the 1968 NFA amnesty. In addition, several states have laws on their books outlawing private possession of fully-automatic firearms even with NFA approval.

Certain semi-automatic AK-47 models were banned by the now-expired Assault Weapons Ban of 1994–2004.

Currently, the only federal law regulating the assembly or possession of semi-automatic AK-47-type weapons in the United States is 18 USC 922r. Commonly known as "922r", this section prohibits the domestic assembly of any firearm which would be ineligible for importation. The effect of this is that no more than 10 of the parts from the following list may be imported (manufactured outside the U.S.):

File:Iraqwarimage.jpg
Iraqi soldier, shown holding an AKM
  1. Receiver
  2. Barrel
  3. Trunnion
  4. Muzzle attachments (flash suppressors, brakes, barrel extensions, barrel nuts)
  5. Bolt
  6. Bolt carrier
  7. Gas piston
  8. Trigger
  9. Hammer (firearm)
  10. Disconnector
  11. Buttstock
  12. Pistol grip
  13. Forearm/hand guard
  14. Magazine body
  15. Magazine follower
  16. Magazine floorplate

In Canada

In Canada, the AK-47 and variants are illegal for purchase, acquisition, or import, the sole exceptions being the Valmet Hunter, the Valmet Hunter Auto and the Valmet M78 rifles which are based on the AK-47 action.[28] However, as with many gun issues in Canada presently, the particular issue of "grandfathered" AK-47 rifles remains unclear.

In Europe

Much of Western Europe has enacted comprehensive national firearms laws which prevent the lawful ownership of AK-47s or variants thereof. The United Kingdom, for instance, has outlawed, through the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988, semi-automatic centerfire rifles (See Gun politics in the United Kingdom for more complete information). It is possible to own AK derivatives in the UK provided they have been produced as "Manual Straight Pull" rifles which need to be manually cocked after each shot. This involves a modification to the weapon to essentially remove the gas system by permanently closing the gas port above the barrel (may also involve the removal of the gas piston).

In Norway it is forbidden[29] for civilians to possess any form of fully automatic firearm unless a special permit is issued. Similar laws are in force throughout most of Europe. Fully automatic weapons are either explicitly or effectively outlawed in almost all of North America and Europe, as well as Russia, Japan, and Australia.

Illicit trade

Throughout the world, the AK-47 and variants are among the plethora of commonly smuggled small arms that are sold to governments, rebels, criminals and civilians alike, with little international oversight. This trade ensures a ready supply of inexpensive weapons to a number of conflicts, including (but certainly not limited to) the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia. In some countries that are recovering from war or that are at war, prices for AK's are very low. In Somalia, Rwanda, Mozambique, Congo, Ethiopia, ... prices are between 30$-125$.[30]

Cultural influence

File:Coat of arms of Mozambique.png
Coat of arms of Mozambique

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union, China and the United States supplied arms and technical knowledge to numerous client-state countries and rebel forces to promote their interests. This period saw the proliferation, sometimes free of charge, of AK-47s by the Soviet Union and China to pro-communist countries and groups such as the Nicaraguan Sandinistas and Viet-Cong. The AK-47 design was spread to a total of 55 national armies.[31]

The proliferation of this weapon is reflected by more than just numbers. The AK-47 is included in the flag of Mozambique and coat of arms (formerly also in Burkina Faso coat of arms) and the Hezbollah flag. "Kalash", a shortened form of "Kalashnikov", is used as a name for boys in some African countries.

In the U.S., movie makers often arm criminals, gang member and terrorist characters in AK-47s (e.g. films like Boyz N The Hood). Numerous computer games, video games, and rap songs feature AK-47s. Toy makers and the airsoft industry make millions of replica AK-47's.

The sheer ubiquity of the AK-47, its iconography and the fact that it possesses easily the most distinguishable profile ensures a significant and conspicuous impact on society.

Variants

East Germany-made MPiKMS-72, folding stock variant of AKM in the hands of a U.S. Marine
File:000715-F-2829R-001.jpg
A Romanian soldier aids a U.S. Marine in clearing an RPK, a squad automatic weapon variant of the AK-47

Kalashnikov variants include:

  • AK-47 1948–51, 7.62 × 39 mm — The very earliest models with the Type 1 stamped sheet metal receiver are now very rare.
  • AK-47 1952, 7.62 × 39 mm — Has a milled receiver and wooden buttstock and handguard. Barrel and chamber are chrome plated to resist corrosion. Rifle weight is 4.2 kg.
  • AKS-47 — Featured a downward-folding metal stock similar to that of the German MP40, for use in the restricted space in the BMP infantry combat vehicle.
  • RPK, 7.62 × 39 mm — Squad automatic rifle version with longer barrel and bipod.
  • AKM, 7.62 × 39 mm — A simplified, lighter version of the AK-47; Type 4 receiver is made from stamped and riveted sheet metal (see schematic above). A slanted muzzle device was added to counter climb in automatic fire. Rifle weight is 3.61 kg, due to the lighter receiver.
  • AKMS, 7.62 × 39 mm — Folding-stock version of the AKM intended for airborne troops. Stock may be either side- or under-folding
  • AK-74 series, 5.45 × 39 mm — See main article for details.
  • AK-101 series
  • AK-103 series
  • AK-107/108 series

In 1978, the Soviet Union began replacing their AK-47 and AKM rifles with a newer design, the AK-74. This new rifle and cartridge had only started being exported to eastern European nations when the Soviet Union collapsed, drastically slowing production of this and all other small arms.

Production outside of Russia

Romanian AIM variant of AKM. Type 4A receiver
Polish KbK AK/PMK with Type 3A receiver
Polish Kbk AKS/PKMS with Type 3B receiver
Polish Kbk Ak PNG60 variant, with grenade launcher and special-purpose magazine for launching grenades. Type 3A receiver
Military variants only. If no link is provided, the difference is in name only, and all features and functions are identical to the Soviet equivalent model in parentheses. Summary of information presented in Poyer's The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations.
Country Variant(s)
Albania Unknown.
Bulgaria AKK (Type 3 AK-47), AKKS (Type 3 with side-folding buttstock)
AKKMS (AKMS) AKKN-47 (fittings for NPSU night sights)
AK-47M1 (Type 3 with black polymer furniture)
AK-47MA1/AR-M1 (same as M1, but in 5.56 mm NATO)
AKS-47M1 (AKMS in 5.56 mm NATO), AKS-47MA1 (same as AKS-47M1, but semi-automatic version)
AKS-47S (AK-47M1, short version, with East German folding stock, laser aiming device)
AKS-47UF (short version of -M1, Russian folding stock), AR-SF (same as -47UF, but 5.56 mm NATO)
AKS-93SM6 (similar to -47M1, cannot use grenade launcher)
RKKS, AKT-47 (.22 rimfire training rifle)
East Germany MPi-K (AK-47), MPi-KS (AKS), MPi-KM (AKM), MPi-KMS72 (AKMS);
Egypt AK-47, MISR 7.62 (AKM)
Hungary AKM-63, AMD-65, AMD-65M, NGM 5.56
Iraq Tabuk (AKM, AKMS versions)
Tabuk sniper rifle (AKM with 23.6-inch barrel, optics)
Myanmar MA1, MA4 (These are based on Chinese design firing NATO-caliber ammunition)
North Korea Type 58A (Type 3 AK-47), Type 58B (stamped steel folding stock), Type 68A (AKM-47) Type 68B (AKMS)
People's Republic of China Type 56 Rifle (not Carbine), Type 81, Type 87
Poland Kbk AK/PMK (AK-47), Kbk AKS/PKMS (AKS), Kbk Ak PNG60, Kbk AKM/PMKM (AKM), KbK AKMS/PMKMS)
Romania AI (AK-47), AIS (AKS), AIM, AIMS (AKM, AKMS), AIR
Yugoslavia M70, M70A, M70AB2 M64 (AK-47 with longer barrel), M64A (grenade launcher)

M64B(M70 w/ folding stock)

Certainly more have been produced elsewhere, but the above list represents major producers and variants. An updated AKM design is still produced in Russia.

The basic design of the AK-47 has been used as the basis for other successful rifle designs such as the Finnish Valmet 62/76, the Israeli Galil, the Indian INSAS and the Yugoslav Zastava M76 and M77/82 (not to be confused with the Barrett M82) rifles. Several bullpup designs have surfaced, although none have been produced in quantity. Bullpup conversions are also available commercially. For a complete list, see the List of weapons influenced by the Kalashnikov design.

Licensing

Russia has repeatedly claimed that majority of these manufacturers produce AK-47 without a proper license from IZH. [32] [33] The Izhevsk Machine Tool Factory acquired a patent in 1999, preventing (in theory) the unauthorized manufacture of the Kalashnikov rifle system.[34][35]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Gorshkov, Nikolai. "Russian producer wins Kalashnikov rights." BBC News - World Edition. Internet, available from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2021173.stm. Accessed 07/19/2006.
  2. ^ Poyer, Joe. The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations (Paperback). North Cape Publications. 2004. pp1.
  3. ^ Ibid.
  4. ^ Infantry Discussion Board. "RE:7.62x39mm ammo to stay, 5.56mm to go." Internet, available from http://www.strategypage.com/messageboards/messages/1-8383.asp. Accessed 07/20/2006.
  5. ^ http://www.headsbunker.com/html/2005/04/firearm-feature-el-chopo-cetme-modelo.html
  6. ^ Poyer, 7
  7. ^ Ezell, Edward Clinton. Small Arms of the World. 12th Edition. Barnes & Noble. 1983. pp36.
  8. ^ Poyer, 7
  9. ^ Ezell, 37
  10. ^ http://www.ak-47.net/ak47/galil.html
  11. ^ http://www.efour4ever.com/stg44.htm
  12. ^ http://www.remington.com/library/history/firearm_models/centerfire/model_8.asp
  13. ^ Poyer, 8
  14. ^ Poyer, 9
  15. ^ Poyer, 9
  16. ^ Ezell, 36
  17. ^ Poyer, 11
  18. ^ Ezell, 36
  19. ^ Ibid.
  20. ^ Poyer, 2
  21. ^ http://www.strategypage.com/dls/articles/20030423.asp
  22. ^ http://kalashnikov.guns.ru/wwwboard/board4/messages/2114.html
  23. ^ http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/AK-47
  24. ^ http://www.booktrail.com/Video_Shooting/AKS,%20AK-47%20&%20MAK-90%20Type%20Armorer's%20Course.asp
  25. ^ "Chrome-lined or non chrome-lined barrel?." Internet, available from http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-6372.html. Accessed 07/19/2006
  26. ^ Department of the Army. Operators Manual for AK-47 Asssault Rifle. 203d Military Intelligence Batallion
  27. ^ Ibid
  28. ^ "List of Restricted and Prohibited Firearms." Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Internet, available from http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/info_for-renseignement/factsheets/r&p_e.asp. Accessed 07/19/2006.
  29. ^ Template:No iconForskrift om skytevåpen, våpendeler og ammunisjon, section 2-8
  30. ^ "The AK-47: The World's Favourite Killing Machine." ControlArms Briefing Note. Internet, available from http://www.controlarms.org/find_out_more/reports/AK_47.pdf, accessed 07/28/2006.
  31. ^ Gorshkov, Nikolai.
  32. ^ "Восточная Европа захватила рынок продаж автоматов Калашникова". Lenta.Ru. Internet, available from http://www.lenta.ru/news/2006/06/13/rifles/. Accessed 07/19/2006.
  33. ^ "'Ижмаш' подсчитал контрафактные автоматы Калашникова". Lenta.Ru. Internet, available from http://lenta.ru/news/2006/04/15/fake. Accessed 07/19/2006.
  34. ^ Gorshkov, Nikolai.
  35. ^ Poyer, 2

References

  • Ezell, Edward Clinton (1986). The AK-47 Story: Evolution of the Kalashnikov Weapons. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books. ISBN 0811709167. (Prior to his death, Ezell was the curator of military history at the Smithsonian Museum.)
  • Poyer, Joe (2004). The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations (Paperback). Tustin, CA: North Cape Publications. ISBN 1882391330.
  • Ezell, Edward Clinton (2001). Kalashnikov: The Arms and the Man. Cobourg, ON: Collector Grade Publications. ISBN 0889352674. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  • Guinness World Records 2005. ISBN 1892051222.
  • Small Arms of the World. ISBN 0880296011.
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