7.62 mm Kalashnikov assault rifle (AK)- machine gun, adopted in the USSR in 1949; GRAU index - 56-A-212. It was designed in 1947 by Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov, prototypes of the assault rifle were called AK-47. In the same 1947, according to the results of comparative tests, the machine was recommended for adoption.
The AK and its modifications are the most widely used small arms in the world. According to available estimates, this type (including licensed and unlicensed copies, as well as third-party developments based on AK) includes up to 1/5 of all small arms firearms... More than 70 million Kalashnikov assault rifles have been produced in 60 years various modifications... They are in service with 50 foreign armies. Main competitor Kalashnikov assault rifles - American automatic rifle M16 - was produced in an amount of about 10 million units, and is in service with the 27 armies of the world. According to many experts, AK is the benchmark for reliability and ease of maintenance. On the basis of the 7.62-mm Kalashnikov assault rifle, a family of military and civilian small arms of various calibers has been created, including the AKM and AK74 assault rifles and their modifications, the Kalashnikov light machine gun, carbines and smooth-bore Saiga rifles and others, including those outside the USSR.

Alleged relationship with other specimens automatic weapons:
You can often come across the opinion that TKB-415 by designer Bulkin, ABC-31 by designer Simonov, StG-44 by German designer Schmeisser and some other small arms served as a prototype for full or partial copying in the development of AK. The veracity of opinions lies in the fact that the Kalashnikov assault rifle has absorbed best ideas from all the above (and other) developments, in particular, from StG-44 - the use of an intermediate cartridge, from TKB-415 - the receiver and the location of the gas outlet, etc.
For example, the similarities between the Kalashnikov assault rifle and the StG-44 are far from complete. So, they differ in the most important feature for automatic weapons - the method of locking the bolt: in the AK, the bolt is locked by turning around the longitudinal axis, in the StG-44 - by skewing in the vertical plane. Also, the layout and, as a result, the order of disassembly of these machines differ: in the StG-44, for disassembly, it is necessary to disconnect the butt, and the firing mechanism is also separated; in the AK, the firing mechanism is not detachable, and for disassembly it is not necessary to disconnect the butt, since the return mechanism is completely located in the receiver.

Design:
The principle of operation of the AK-47 automation:
The principle of operation of the AK-47 automation is based on the removal of a part of the powder gases through a special hole in the barrel walls and their special action on the piston. The cycle of work is carried out as follows: To fire a shot, you must press the trigger. The trigger goes out of the cordon with the front sear. And under the action of a shock spring hits the drummer. The capsule heats up and the powder projectile ignites. Under the influence of expanding powder gases, the bullet cuts into the rifling and moves along the bore. After the bullet passes the gas vents on the barrel walls, part of the powder gases enters the gas chamber. Acting on the piston, the gas gases throw the powder gases back. In the process of movement, the bolt carrier unlocks the barrel bore by turning the bolt and disengaging its lugs from the bearing surfaces of the receiver liner. After unlocking, the joint movement of the shutter frame and the shutter begins. A spent cartridge case is removed from the chamber, which is subsequently removed behind the aisles of the weapon. At the same time, the firing mechanism is cocked. Under the action of the return mechanism, the moving parts move forward from the extreme rear position. In this case, the next cartridge is loaded into the chamber, the barrel bore is locked. By the time the moving parts come to the extreme forward position, the firing mechanism is in the cocked position. The machine is ready to fire the next shot.


Weight, kg: first edition:
4.3 (AK without cartridges and bayonet), 0.43 (empty magazine),
late release:
3.8 (AK without cartridges and bayonet), 0.33 / 0.82 (empty / loaded magazine)
bayonet:
0.27 (without scabbard)
0.37 (with scabbard)
Length, mm: 870
1070 (with bayonet)
Barrel length, mm: 415
369 (threaded part)
Cartridge: 7.62 × 39 mm
Caliber, mm: 7,62
Work principles:
40 (combat singles)
100 (combat bursts)
~ 600 (technical)
715
Sighting range, m: 800
Maximum range, m: 400 (effective)
1000 (lethal)
3000 (bullet flight)
Ammunition type:
Aim: sector

AK family: AKM (modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle):

AKM (Modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle, GRAU index - 6P1)- modernization of the AK, put into service in 1959. In AKM sighting range increased to 1000 m, changes were made to improve reliability and ease of use .. The muzzle of the barrel of the weapon has a thread on which silencers can be installed PBS or PBS-1, for the use of which it is necessary to use cartridges 7.62US with subsonic muzzle velocity. Also on AKM it became possible to install an under-barrel grenade launcher GP-25 "Bonfire".

AKMS(GRAU index - 6P4) - AKM variant with a folding stock. The stock attachment system has been changed relatively AKC(folded down and forward, under the receiver). The modification is designed specifically for paratroopers.

AKMSU- a shortened version of the AKM with a folding stock, designed for special forces and airborne troops. It was released in very small quantities and did not receive wide distribution among the troops. It did not officially enter service.

AKMN(6P1N) - option with a night sight.

AKMSN(6P4N) - modification of the AKMN with a folding metal stock.

Shooting from the AKM is carried out with cartridges of the 1943 model of the year (7.62 × 39 mm) from the following types bullets: ordinary with steel core designed to defeat enemy personnel located openly or behind obstacles pierced by a bullet. The shell is steel covered with tombak, the core is steel, between the shell and the core is a lead jacket. Has no distinctive coloration.
tracer is intended for target designation and fire correction at distances of up to 800 m, as well as for the destruction of enemy manpower. The core consists of an alloy of lead with antimony, behind it is a glass with a pressed-in tracer composition. Bullet color - green.
armor-piercing incendiary designed to ignite flammable liquids, as well as defeat manpower located behind lightly armored shelters at ranges up to 300 m. Behind the core in the lead pallet is incendiary composition. The color of the head part is black with a red band.

Tactical and technical characteristics:

Weight, kg: 3.1 (AKM without a bayonet-knife with an empty magazine made of light alloy)
3.3 (AKMS without a bayonet-knife with an empty magazine made of light alloy)
3.6 (AKM without bayonet-knife with equipped magazine made of light alloy)
3.8 (AKMS without a bayonet-knife with an equipped magazine made of light alloy)
0.17 (light alloy magazine)
0.33 (steel magazine)
0.26 (bayonet without scabbard)
Length, mm: 1020 (with an attached bayonet-knife)
880 (without bayonet)
640 (AKMS with folded stock)
Barrel length, mm: 415
Cartridge: 7.62 × 39 mm
Caliber, mm: 7,62
Work principles: removal of powder gases, butterfly valve
Rate of fire shots / min: 40 (combat singles)
100 (combat bursts)
~ 600 (technical)
Bullet muzzle velocity, m / s: 715
Sighting range, m: 1000
350 (for the chest figure),
525 (on a running figure)
Concentrated fire is conducted at a distance, m: up to 800 (for ground targets),
up to 500 (for air targets)
Maximum range, m: 400 (effective)
3000 (bullet flight)
Destructive action, m: up to 1500
Muzzle energy of a bullet, J: 2030 J
Ammunition type: detachable box magazine for 30 rounds (it is possible to use magazines from the RPK for 40 rounds)
Aim: sector

AK74:

AK74 (GRAU index - 6P20, there are also the names AK-74 and AK 74)- Kalashnikov assault rifle of 5.45 mm caliber, developed in 1970 by designer M.T. Kalashnikov and put into service armed forces USSR in 1974. It is a further development of the AKM. The development of the AK74 is associated with the transition to a new low-impulse cartridge 5.45 × 39 mm.

AK74N- "night" version of AK74 with a side bar for mounting night sights.

AKS74(GRAU index - 6P21) - AK74 version with a pentagonal metal butt folding sideways. Designed for use in airborne troops(an assault rifle with a non-folding stock cannot be conveniently and safely positioned in suspension system parachute). Replaced by AK74M, which has a folding plastic stock.

A-60- a prototype of a modernized assault rifle developed by Izhmash designers in the mid-1980s. The main differences from the AK74: a barrel with a length of 460 mm with a reduced muzzle brake and a hinged receiver cover that folds upward when disassembled (like AKS74U). Weight (with an empty magazine) - 3.46 kg, starting speed bullets - 920 m / s. Later, the A-61 variant appeared, on the basis of which the AK74M was created.

Peculiarities:
The main differences from its predecessor:

  • a new cartridge of 5.45 × 39 mm caliber (instead of 7.62x39 mm), which has a more flat trajectory of the bullet, which led to an increase in the direct firing range by 100 meters, as well as lighter (weight saving 1.4 kg with a wearable ammunition load of 8 shops);
  • a new muzzle brake-compensator, which serves to increase the accuracy of the battle and reduce the recoil energy;
  • magazine made of lightweight and durable plastic.
    • Can be used with GP-25 or GP-30 or GP-34 underbarrel grenade launcher. Accuracy of automatic fire has improved in comparison with AKM almost 2 times (by linear dimensions). Accuracy of single fire - approximately 50%

    Tactical and technical characteristics:

    Weight, kg: 3.3 (AK74 without cartridges)
    3.2 (AKS74 without cartridges)
    3.6 (AK74 equipped)
    3.5 (AKS74 equipped)
    5.9 (AK74N equipped, with a night sight)
    5.8 (AKS74N equipped, with a night sight)
    3.4 (AK74M without magazine)
    5.6 (AK74M with NSPUM night sight, without magazine)
    5.5 (AK74M with NSPU-3 night sight, without magazine)
    0.23 (empty magazine)
    0.32 (bayonet 6x4 without scabbard)
    Length, mm: 1089 (with an attached bayonet-knife)
    940 (AK74)
    940/700 (AKS74 with unfolded / folded stock)
    943/704 (AK74M) with unfolded / folded stock
    Barrel length, mm: 415
    Cartridge: 5.45 x 39 mm
    Caliber, mm: 5,45
    Work principles: removal of powder gases, butterfly valve
    Rate of fire shots / min: 40 (combat singles)
    100 (combat bursts)
    ~ 600 (technical)
    Bullet muzzle velocity, m / s: 900
    Sighting range, m: 1000 (open sight)
    300 (night sight)
    Direct shot range, m: 440 (chest figure),
    625 (running figure)
    Maximum range, m: 3150
    Destructive action, m:: -------
    Muzzle energy of a bullet, J: 1377
    Ammunition type: box-type sector magazine for 30 rounds (it is possible to use magazines for 45 rounds from RPK-74)
    Aim: adjustable open, optical mount not provided (except for AK74M)

    Cartridges:
    Used cartridges:
  • 7N6 (1974, steel bullet, non-heat-strengthened core, not available) - steel core in a lead jacket, with a bimetal sheath.
  • 7N10 (1992, increased penetration, heat-strengthened stamped core). Armor penetration - 16 mm from a distance of 100 m.
  • 7U1 (subsonic bullet for silent shooting).
  • 7N22 (1998, pointed core, heat-strengthened, made of high-carbon steel U12A, by cutting with subsequent grinding of the ogival part). Armor penetration - 5 mm from a distance of 250 m (grade 2P), 1.9 times better than 7N6.
  • 7Н24 (increased manufacturing accuracy, heat-strengthened tungsten carbide core)

    • A bullet with a steel core of a 5.45 mm cartridge, when fired from an AK74, provides the following penetrating action:
  • Penetration with a probability of 50% on steel sheets with a thickness of:
    • 2 mm at a distance of 950 m;
    3 mm at a distance of 670 m;
    5 mm at a distance of 350 m.
  • Penetration with a probability of 80-90% of a steel helmet at a distance of 800 meters;
  • Penetration with a probability of 75-100% of body armor at a distance of 550 meters;
  • Penetration by 50-60 cm into the parapet from dense packed snow at a distance of 400 meters;
  • Penetration by 20-25 cm into the earthen barrier from the rammed loamy soil at a distance of 400 meters;
  • Penetration with a probability of 50% of a wall made of dry pine beams with a section of 20x20 cm at a distance of 650 meters;
  • Penetration of 10-12 cm into brickwork at a distance of 100 meters.

    • Modifications:

    AK-74M
    AK-74M - modernized AK74. Equipped with a side-folding plastic stock and a universal mount (dovetail bar) for mounting scopes, both optical and night, on the left side of the receiver. Thus, AK74M replaced four models at once: AK74, AKS74, AK74N and AKS74N. The forend and the barrel cover of the gas tube are made of shock-resistant glass-filled polyamide AG-4V. Changes also affected the muzzle brake, which received open chambers, which allows cleaning without removing it. To reduce the likelihood of mechanical damage to the receiver cover, the latter was significantly reinforced. A retainer has appeared in the design of the return spring guide rod, which allows you to shoot from the GP-25 or GP-30 under-barrel grenade launcher without using the additional receiver cover fastening, which is necessary in such cases for the AK74. With the new assault rifles, it is possible to use PK-A and PK-01 collimator sights. In 1991, the AK74M was put into service and its serial production began at the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant.
    AK-74M3 - modification of the AK-74M for the Permyachka-M large-scale complex. Changes include: target designator, reflex sight and night sight attachment. The GP-34 underbarrel grenade launcher is used. It is assumed that the data from the machine gun to the helmet monocular will be transmitted either via Bluetooth or by wire.

    Tactical and technical characteristics:

    Weight, kg: 3.4 (with loaded magazine)
    Length, mm: 1089 (with unfolded stock and bayonet)
    940 (with unfolded stock)
    700 (with stock folded)
    Barrel length, mm: 415
    Cartridge: 5.45x39
    Caliber, mm: 5,45
    Work principles: removal of powder gases, butterfly valve
    Rate of fire shots / min: 40 (combat singles)
    100 (combat bursts)
    ~ 650 (technical)
    Bullet muzzle velocity, m / s: 900
    Sighting range, m: 1000
    Direct shot range, m:: 440 (chest figure),
    625 (running figure)
    Maximum range, m: 3150
    Destructive action, m:: 1350
    Muzzle energy, J:: 1377
    Ammunition type: box sector magazine for 30 rounds
    Aim: adjustable open, optical mount provided

    AKS74U


    5.45-mm Kalashnikov assault rifle, folding, shortened, AKS74U (GRAU index - 6P26) - a shortened modification of the AK74 assault rifle, was developed in the late 1970s - early 1980s to arm the crews of combat vehicles, aircraft, gun crews, as well as paratroopers. It is also used in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and security structures due to its small size.

    Features of the machine:
    Differences from AKS-74:

  • trunk shortened by 2 times,
  • shortened gas piston rod,
  • a special muzzle is installed, which serves as an expansion chamber and a flame arrester,
  • the receiver cover is hinged to the front of the receiver,
  • installation of the rear sight at 200 and 400 meters.

    • From the point of view of all mechanisms, the AKS74U is completely similar to the AK-74.

    Advantages of AKS74U:

  • high mobility and the possibility of hidden wearing;
  • high bullet penetration.
    • Disadvantages:
  • small sighting range of fire;
  • low stopping effect of a bullet;
  • tendency to overheat quickly when firing.

    • Cartridges:
    Shooting from AKS74U is carried out with 5.45-mm cartridges with the following types of bullets:
    ordinary is designed to defeat enemy personnel located openly or behind obstacles pierced by a bullet. The shell is steel covered with tombak, the core is steel, between the shell and the core is a lead jacket. Has no distinctive coloration.
    the tracer is intended for target designation and fire correction, as well as for the destruction of enemy personnel. In the shell in the head part there is a core, and in the bottom part there is a block of the pressed-in tracer composition. The head color is green.

    A bullet with a steel core of a 5.45-mm cartridge when fired from the AKS-74U provides the following penetrating action:

  • Penetration with a probability of 50% at a 90 ° meeting angle of steel sheets with a thickness of:
    • 3 mm at a distance of 500 m;
    5 mm at a distance of 210 m.
  • Penetration with a probability of 100% of a steel helmet at a distance of 500 m;
  • Penetration with a probability of 50% of body armor at a distance of 320 m;
  • Penetration by 15-20 cm into the parapet from rammed loamy soil at a distance of 400 m;
  • Penetration with a probability of 50% of a wall of dry pine beams 20 cm thick at a distance of 400 m;
  • Penetration of 6-8 cm into brickwork at a distance of 100 m.

    • The options are:
    AKS74UN2 ("night") - a variant characterized by the presence of a strap for mounting a night sight. For shooting in natural light at night, it is joined by a modernized universal night rifle sight (NSPUM).
    AKS74UB ("silent") - option for forces special purpose, characterized by replacing the standard muzzle attachment with a thread for attaching a silencer (usually PBS-4) and the ability to install a silent BS-1M under-barrel grenade launcher. In this form, the machine forms a noiseless 6S1 "Canary" rifle-grenade launcher.

    Tactical and technical characteristics:

    Weight, kg: 2.7 (empty)
    3 (equipped)
    0.215 (magazine)
    2.2 kg (NSPUM)
    Length, mm: 730/490 with unfolded / folded stock
    Barrel length, mm: 206,5
    Cartridge: 5.45 × 39 mm (with conventional and tracer bullets)
    Caliber, mm: 5,45
    Work principles: removal of powder gases, butterfly valve
    Rate of fire shots / min: 650-700
    Bullet muzzle velocity, m / s: 735
    Sighting range, m: 500
    Direct shot range, m: -------
    Maximum range, m: 2900
    Destructive action, m:: -------
    Muzzle energy of a bullet, J: 902
    Ammunition type: box magazine for 30 rounds
    Aim: open

    And finally, about the Kalashnikov assault rifle:



    By 1959, the AK was modified according to operating experience, and in 1959 the AKM assault rifle was adopted - the Kalashnikov assault rifle Modernized, which was distinguished primarily by a one-piece stamped receiver of a lower mass, a raised butt and a modified firing mechanism, in the design of which a retarder was introduced trigger actuation (sometimes mistakenly referred to as a rate of fire retarder). Together with the AKM, a new bayonet-knife was adopted, which had a hole in the blade, which made it possible to use it together with the scabbard as wire cutters. Another improvement that appeared in the AKM was the introduction of a muzzle compensator, which is screwed onto the thread on the muzzle of the barrel. Instead of a compensator, a PBS-1 silencer can be installed on the barrel, which requires the use of special US cartridges with a subsonic bullet velocity. AKM can be equipped with a 40 mm GP-25 grenade launcher. Sights AKM received markings up to 1000 meters instead of 800 meters on the AK-47 (in any case, firing from an AK / AKM at a distance of over 400 meters is almost a waste of cartridges).

    The AKM automation is based on a gas engine with a long gas piston stroke. The leading link of the automation is a massive bolt carrier, to which the gas piston rod is rigidly attached. The gas chamber is located above the barrel, the gas piston moves inside a removable gas tube with a barrel pad installed on it. The bolt carrier moves inside the receiver along two side guides, and the design provides for significant gaps between the moving parts of the automation and the stationary elements of the receiver, which ensures reliable operation even with strong internal contamination of the weapon. Another aspect that contributes to the reliable operation of the automation in difficult conditions is the obviously excessive power of the gas engine under normal conditions. This allows you to abandon the gas regulator, and thereby somewhat simplify the design of the weapon and its operation. The price of such a solution is the increased recoil and vibration of the weapon when firing, which reduces the accuracy and accuracy of fire. The barrel bore is locked by a rotary bolt on two massive lugs engaging the receiver elements. The rotation of the bolt is ensured by the interaction of the protrusion on its body with a figured groove on the inner surface of the bolt carrier. The recoil spring with a guide rod and its base are made in the form of a single assembly. The base of the return spring rod also serves as a latch for the receiver cover. The cocking handle is made completely with the bolt carrier, is located on the right of the weapon and moves when firing.

    Receiver AKM - stamped from steel sheet, with a riveted milled insert in the front of it. In the early AK-47 assault rifles, the receiver was a combination of stamped and milled elements, in the serial AK-47 it was solid-milled. At first glance, the milled receiver and the stamped receiver can be easily distinguished from each other by the shape of the notches above the magazine receiver. On the AK-47 with a milled box, these are rather long milled rectangular depressions; on the AKM, these are small oval punchings.

    The trigger mechanism (USM) AKM - trigger, provides single and automatic fire. The choice of fire modes and the inclusion of the fuse are carried out with a long stamped lever on the right side of the receiver. In the upper position - "Fuse" - it closes the slot in the receiver, protecting the mechanism from dirt and dust, blocks the movement of the bolt carrier back, and also locks the trigger. In the middle position, it blocks the single fire sear, providing automatic fire. In the lower position, the sear for single fire is released, providing fire with single shots. In the USM AKM, in contrast to the AK-47, a trigger retarder (sometimes mistakenly called a firing rate retarder) is introduced, which, with automatic fire, delays the trigger after the self-timer is triggered by a few milliseconds. This allows the bolt carrier to stabilize in the frontmost position after it comes forward and a possible rebound. This delay practically does not affect the rate of fire, but it improves the stability of the weapon.
    The muzzle of the AK and AKM table has a thread, usually covered with a protective sleeve. A device for silent firing PBS or PBS-1 can be installed on this thread, in common parlance - a silencer. Together with the PBS, special US cartridges are used with a reduced to subsonic muzzle velocity of a heavier bullet. For AKM, in addition, a muzzle compensator was introduced in the form of a spoon-shaped protrusion on the muzzle sleeve. This compensator is designed to reduce the barrel pulling up due to the fact that the powder gases escaping from the table press on the compensator projection, creating a force that counteracts the barrel pulling up due to the vertical recoil arm. It should be noted that when conducting aimed fire with single shots, such a compensator plays a purely opposite role, slightly worsening the accuracy of fire and increasing the dispersion of bullets due to the uneven effect of gases on the bullet at the time of its exit from the barrel. But, since according to the terms of reference for AKM, the main mode is automatic fire, this property of the compensator can be neglected, and if necessary, simply remove it from the barrel.


    It will be a little difficult to answer the question of what speed a bullet fired from a machine gun has, since there is no exact data from which machine gun the bullet was fired and the caliber of the machine gun. But, despite this difficult question, we will try to give a detailed answer to it in this topic.

    SPEED OF FLIGHT OF A BULLET FROM AN AK-74 AUTOMATIC CALIBER 5.45X39


    SPEED OF FLIGHT OF A BULLET FROM AN AKS-74U AUTOMATIC CALIBER 5.45X39

    Since this model of an assault rifle has a shortened barrel length, the speed of a bullet fired from such an assault rifle will be much less than from an assault rifle with a normal barrel. In this case, the bullet speed of the AKS-74U assault rifle will be around 740 meters per second.

    BULLET SPEED OF AUTOMATIC 100 SERIES AK-101

    BULLET SPEED OF AUTOMATIC AK-47

    BULLET SPEED OF OTHER MACHINES

    In each case, the speed of the bullet machine will be different depending on the model of the machine and its caliber.

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    The Kalashnikov assault rifle is the most widespread automatic weapon in the world. Despite the fact that the first samples of this weapon were put into service in post-war years, AK 47 and its modifications are still used in the Russian army as the main weapon.

    How the first Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle appeared

    There are many legends about the Kalashnikov assault rifle, most of which say that the device of the Kalashnikov assault rifle was invented by its author with blank slate... Few know that the development of the AK 47 began after the capture of a rare model of the German MKb.42 (H) carbine.

    At the end of 1942, the Soviet command was preoccupied with the creation of automatic weapons capable of firing at a distance of about 400 meters. Shpagin's submachine guns (PPSh), popular at that time, did not allow effective fire at such distances. Captured German rifles MKb.42 (H) forced to urgently engage in their own development of weapons under the caliber 7.62. The second sample to study was the American M1 carbine.

    The development of the new model began with solving the problem of making new cartridges with a caliber of 7.62 × 39. Cartridges of this type were developed by Soviet designers Semin and Elizarov. As a result of research, it was decided to create cartridges of less power than rifle cartridges, since at a distance of about 400 meters, cartridges for carbines were too powerful, and their production was quite expensive. Although other calibers were announced during development, 7.62 × 39 was recognized optimal type cartridge for new weapons.

    Having created cartridges, the military command began work on the creation of new weapons. Development began in three directions:

    1. Machine;
    2. Automatic rifle;
    3. Manual reloadable carbine.

    The story says that the development was carried out for two years, after which it was decided to choose an automatic machine designed by Sudarev for further improvements. Despite the fact that this machine had quite impressive performance characteristics, its weight was too great, which made it difficult to conduct a dynamic battle. The modified machine gun was tested in 1945, but its weight was still too heavy. A year later, repeated tests were scheduled, where the first prototype of the machine appeared, which was developed by a young sergeant Kalashnikov.

    Diagram and purpose of parts of the AK-47 Kalashnikov assault rifle

    Before proceeding with an overview of the different AK models, you should disassemble the purpose of each part of the machine.

    1. Barrel - designed to set the direction of the bullet, equipped with a rifling (that's why the weapon is called rifled), the caliber depends on its diameter;
    2. Receiver box - serves to connect the mechanisms of the machine into one whole;
    3. Receiver cover - serves to protect against dirt and dust;
    4. Front sight and sight;
    5. Butt - its purpose is to ensure comfortable shooting;
    6. Bolt carrier;
    7. Gate;
    8. The mechanism is returnable;
    9. Forend - its purpose is to protect the shooter's hands from burns. It also provides a more comfortable grip of the weapon;
    10. Shop;
    11. Bayonet knife (not found on early AKs).

    All machines have a similar design, parts of different models may look different from each other.

    Kalashnikov assault rifle, model 1946

    Kalashnikov developed his first model of a submachine gun during treatment in a hospital, after which he decided to connect his life with the design of weapons. After being discharged from the hospital, the young designer was sent for further service to the small arms test range, where in 1944 he showed his new experimental model of an automatic carbine, the dimensions and main parts of which resembled American model carbine M1Garand.

    When the competition for the assault rifle was announced, Kalashnikov joined in with a draft of the AK 46 model. This project was approved and, along with other projects, was sent to the Kovrov plant for the manufacture of prototypes.

    Technical characteristics of AK 46

    Parts and mechanisms of the Kalashnikov assault rifle of the 1946 model had cardinal differences from all production models known at that time. Soviet weapons... It had a separate fire mode switch, a split receiver and a rotary bolt.

    In the competition for best machine, which took place in December 1946, the AK 46 lost to its competitors AB-46 and AB. The production of the Kalashnikov assault rifle was deemed impractical and was removed from testing.

    Despite the fact that later modifications of the Kalashnikov assault rifle are considered a model of reliability and ease of use, the AK 46 did not possess these characteristics and was a rather capricious and complex weapon.

    Creation of AK 47

    Kalashnikov, thanks to the support of some members of the commission with whom he served at the shooting range, managed to achieve a revision of the decision and obtain permission to carry out further modifications of his machine gun. As a result of further improvements, using the help of designer Zaitsev, and copying the most successful solutions from the design of its main competitor, the Bulkin assault rifle (AB), AK 47 was created, which was more structurally similar not to AK 46, but to AB.

    It is worth explaining that copying the solutions of other designers should not be considered plagiarism, since in order to make all these solutions work flawlessly in conjunction, a huge design work is needed. No one accuses the Japanese of plagiarism, although all Japanese technique the result of the same copying of the world's best developments, followed by their perfection.

    The history of the AK 47 begins in January 1947. It was at this time that the combat sample of the Kalashnikov assault rifle weapon won the competition and was selected for serial production... The first batch of AK 47 was assembled in the second half of 1948, and at the end of 1949, the AK 47 was adopted by the USSR army.

    Despite the simplicity of the design, the AK 47 had one big drawback - the Kalashnikov assault rifle shot did not have sufficient accuracy, although the caliber of the cartridge and its power had sufficient destructive power.

    Serial production of the first years was quite problematic. Due to problems in the assembly of the receiver (which was assembled from a stamped case and a milled insert), the percentage of scrap was huge. In order to eliminate this problem, the receiver had to be made one-piece, from one forging, using the milling method. Although this increased the price of the machine, but a sharp decline marriage allowed to save a fairly large amount. Already in 1951, all new machines were supplied with a one-piece receiver. Until 1959, significant changes were made to the AK 47 design, lightweight models were produced with various purposes. In 1959, the AK 47 was replaced by the modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle (AKM).

    The performance characteristics of the AK-47, how much does a Kalashnikov assault rifle weigh

    AK 47 has the following characteristics:

    • Caliber is 7.62 mm;
    • Length 870 mm, (with bayonet 1070 mm);
    • The AK 47 magazine holds 30 pieces of cartridges of the 7.62x39 type;
    • The total mass of the assault rifle with a bayonet and a full magazine is 5.09 kg;
    • The rate of fire is 660 rounds per minute;
    • Shot range - 525 meters.

    As for the weight of the AK 47 without a bayonet and with an empty magazine, it is 4.07 kg, with a full magazine - 4.7 kg.

    Modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle (AKM)

    In 1959, instead of AK 47, new ones began to be produced. modernized machines... The number of innovations was so significant that it made it possible to speak not about the next revision, but about the creation of a new model of the machine. The AKM even outwardly differs from the AK 47. The barrel of the machine was equipped with a muzzle compensator, and the surface of the magazine was ribbed. The butt of the machine gun was set at a lower angle.

    Many design innovations in the AKM were borrowed from the best world and Soviet models of those years. For example, the drummer and trigger are completely copied from the Czech Holek rifle, the safety lever in the form of a bolt window cover is from the Remington 8. Much has been borrowed from Soviet machine gun AC 44.

    Kalashnikov assault rifle bayonet AK-47

    Knife bayonet history goes back to rifle bayonets. Wanting to create a more perfect model of weapons, Kalashnikov once again used someone else's to create on its basis a knife that had a universal purpose, which could simultaneously act as a bayonet and serve as a household knife. He succeeded brilliantly, the bayonet knife was able to oust the HP 40. All bayonet knives can be divided into three groups:

    1. Bayonet knife 6X2, an early model, very similar to rifle bayonets and HP 40;
    2. Bayonet knife of the 1959 model, based on the knife of marine scuba divers;
    3. Bayonet knife sample 1974.

    The history of the development of bayonets is inextricably linked with the emergence of new models of the Kalashnikov assault rifle.

    1974 Kalashnikov assault rifle (AK 74)

    In 1974, a 5.45 mm rifle complex was adopted, which consisted of the new AK 74 and RPK 74. The USSR began to use small-caliber cartridges following the example of the United States, which had long switched to this caliber. Such a reduction in caliber made it possible to reduce the mass of cartridges by one and a half times. The overall accuracy of fire increased, since the bullet now flew with a higher initial speed, the flight range increased by 100 meters. Drawings of the new Kalashnikov assault rifle were developed by the best designers at Izhmash, TsNIItochmash, and the Kovrov Mechanical Plant.

    The new model of the machine used the following cartridges:

    • 7N6 (1974, the bullet of which had a steel core in a lead shirt);
    • 7N10 (1992, enhanced penetration bullet);
    • 7U1 (silent bullet);
    • 7N22 (armored bullet of 1998);
    • 7N24 (bullet with increased accuracy).

    The AK 74 was originally produced in four versions, later the AK-74M was added to it. The latter version could replace all four versions of the AK 74, and could be equipped with an underbarrel grenade launcher.

    Common misconceptions about Kalashnikov assault rifles

    Kalashnikov assault rifles, despite the huge variety of automatic weapons in the world, are the most popular. Undoubtedly, this glory is deserved by them by right, but at the same time there are many legends that circulate even among professional military men.

    1. The first legend says that the AK 47 is a complete copy. german rifle Sturmgever. Although samples of German weapons were used in the development of the AK, the basis for the AK 47 was rather the Bulkin assault rifle. The first Kalashnikov assault rifle looked more like german weapons... The design genius of Kalashnikov lies precisely in the fact that he was able to combine the most successful technical solutions of different models in one machine. For decades, the designer has tracked all the improvements in various models of machines around the world, and refined his own, taking into account new trends;
    2. The second misconception is that the Kalashnikov assault rifle entered service with the army in 1947. Many models of weapons, having in their name the designation of the year of production of the first model, enter service only after a few years. After adopting a weapon for service, it must be produced in a large batch, before being sent to the army. This takes more than one month. Thus, two years have passed since the adoption of the AK 47 into service and before its appearance in the army. The first batch of Kalashnikov assault rifles was recorded in the army only in 1949. Some ordinary people are sure that the AK were already at the end of the war and took part in the hostilities of that time. In fact, for the first time Kalashnikov assault rifles took part in hostilities only in 1956. Ordinary citizens of the USSR saw these machines in the film "Maxim Perepelitsa", which was released a year earlier;
    3. The reliability of the design and ease of assembly of the AK really became a household name, but the machine began to possess these characteristics only from 1959, when it was already called the AKM. The AK 47 was expensive to manufacture and quite difficult to assemble. There was a huge amount of scrap during production. Only after numerous upgrades, the main of which was the creation of a new AKM model, the automatic machine really became the standard of reliability;
    4. AK was issued in huge batches. In fact, due to the complexity of AK 47 production, there was a huge shortage in the army. Many soldiers were armed with rifles. Only the modernization of the receiver made it possible to simplify the assembly and quickly saturate the army with machine guns;
    5. Each new AK model was superior in every way to the previous one. This is practically true, only in one AK 74 is it superior to the later AKM: a silencer is easily installed on the AK 74, therefore, in the Airborne Forces, it still serves as the main weapon for silent operations;
    6. The Kalashnikov assault rifle is a unique model that has no analogues. In fact, the USSR provided military aid to any state that agreed to take the "bright road to socialism" and generously shared weapons and blueprints for them with them, so only the most backward countries did not begin to produce their own copies of the AK. This circumstance, years later, significantly undermined the monopoly of the USSR. There was at least one machine gun, very similar to the AK, but made independently of it. This is the Chermak assault rifle CZ SA Vz.58, which was put into service in 1958;
    7. AKS74U is the best assault rifle as it is used by paratroopers. In fact, this model is designed for tankers, artillerymen and other similar parts that are not rifle infantry so using a short submachine gun is a great option for them.

    In 1982-83, a huge amount of AKS74U was transferred to the Airborne Forces, which were sent to Afghanistan. It was here that all the shortcomings of the weapon manifested itself, which was unable to conduct a long and many hours of battle. In 1989, when the war ended, AKS74U were decommissioned and later used only in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where they can be seen even now. By the way, there is an interesting fact about this model - the AKS74U was produced in Tula and was the only model of the Kalashnikov assault rifle that was not produced in Izhevsk.

    Currently any civilian having received a hunter's certificate and permission to purchase rifled weapons, he can purchase a hunting version of the AK, called "Saiga". A beginner hunter can purchase a smooth-bore saiga modification.

    AK has become the most popular machine shooting in all corners of the globe.

    If you have any questions - leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them.

    The table above shows the parameters of the AK103 assault rifle of 7.62x39 mm caliber with a magazine for 30 rounds, with a standard barrel, as standard.

    Kalashnikov assault rifles of the "hundredth" series - AK101, AK102, AK103, AK104, AK105 and modifications of these models.


    AK "hundredth" series were created at the same plant "IZHMASH", where all Kalashnikov assault rifles are produced, on the basis of models already mastered in production. The main "parent" of all "hundred parts" was AK74M. In fact, the developers of the "hundredth" series simply took the 5.45x39 mm AK74M as a basis and adapted it for two more calibers - 5.56x45 mm and 7.62x39 mm. They also made shortened modifications of the assault rifles for all three calibers - 5.45 mm, 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm.

    The progenitor of the "hundredth" series of Kalashnikov assault rifles - AK74M - has a polymer shock-resistant stock. All the fittings are made of one matte black material - the pistol grip, a folding hollow butt (inside the butt there is a pencil case with accessories for cleaning weapons), an overlay for the gas pipe and the forend. Stores for these weapons are made of high-strength plastic. The AK74M stock folds to the left, there is a groove on the stock, which, when folded, includes a side dovetail mount for mounting a variety of sights, from frame holography to optical thermal imagers. Provides for the installation of a standard army bayonet-knife and an under-barrel grenade launcher.

    The base for the entire "hundredth" series is the AK74M assault rifle



    All AK 100 series are only exported, with the exception of AK105.

    The only difference from the AK74M is the cartridge used - AK101 uses 5.56x45 mm ammunition used in NATO small arms. Other differences follow from this. On this machine, a different barrel with a chamber is installed (a different rifling pitch for a longer and heavier bullet of 5.56 mm caliber, the caliber of the barrel is slightly larger, the chamber is longer, since the cartridge case 5.56x45 is 6 mm longer than the domestic one and has a different shape), on the AK101 there is a different bolt (since the 5.56 mm cartridge has a different diameter of the bottom of the sleeve, the thickness of the bottom and the dimensions of the groove for the bolt hook are different). And also the gas venting mechanism has been changed, since the 5.56x45 mm ammunition has a significantly higher power, in comparison with the 5.45x39 cartridge, which is why the bolt carrier receives a greater impulse from the shot, all other things being equal. Therefore, for the stability of the weapon's battle and the rate of fire in bursts, the conditions were changed, and the frame rolls back with an impulse close in magnitude to the rollback impulse of the AK74M frame. The accuracy of the AK101 battle is noticeably higher than the accuracy of the AK74M, the reason for which is the 5.56x45 cartridge.

    The total length of the assault rifle with the stock unfolded is 934 mm, and if the stock is folded, the length of the weapon is 705 mm. The AK101 weighs 3.6 kg with an empty magazine, and 4 kg when fully loaded. The barrel length of the AK101 is the same as on the base version - 415 mm. A bullet of 5.56 mm caliber flies out of the AK101 barrel at a speed of 910 m / s. The automatic retarder provides a rate of fire of no more than 600 rounds per minute. Whole this machine adjustable, like in the AK74M, the fixed positions of the rear sight in height go from 1 to 10 in increments of one, which corresponds to values ​​from 100 to 1000 meters in increments of 100 meters.

    AK101, next to a bayonet-knife with a scabbard from AK74M



    AK101 with modern night vision scope



    The main visual difference between AK101 and AK74M is the shape of the store. The bend of the AK101 magazine is significantly less than the bend of the magazine for the AK74M.

    This modification repeats the AK101, but has a barrel shortened to 314 mm. The front sight is located at the junction of the gas outlet tube with the barrel, on the barrel, immediately after the front sight, a muzzle with a bell is installed, similar to the muzzle of the AKS74U submachine gun. Due to the decrease in the length of the barrel, the total length of the weapon also decreased: with the stock unfolded, the AK102 has a length of 824 mm, and with the stock folded, it is 586 mm. The weight has also changed somewhat - the AK102 with an empty magazine weighs 3.2 kg, which is 400 grams less than the mass of an unloaded AK101. The muzzle velocity of the bullet emitted from the shortened barrel of the AK102 also decreased - the bullet velocity was initially 820 m / s. Another difference is that in the AK102 the adjustable rear sight with fixed positions is graduated from 100 to 500 meters (from 1 to 5), with a step of 100 m, and not up to 1000 m, like the AK101 rear sight. The technical rate of fire of the AK102 is the same as that of the AK101 - 600 rounds per minute.

    This sample, by its appearance, fully confirms the proverb: "Everything new is a well-forgotten old." Not that old though. AK103 completely repeats the basic automatic machine for the "hundredth" series - AK74M, but the cartridge it uses is M43, better known as 7.62x39.

    This cartridge was used by the first Kalashs - AK47 and AKM, as well as Simonov carbines of the 1945 model (SKS), light machine guns PKK, hunting carbines family "Saiga" and other samples of military and civilian weapons. This cartridge was then and is now an excellent ammunition specifically for mass combat weapons army, for war. The cartridge 7.62x39 in this regard is an order of magnitude better than the domestic 5.45x39, which practically all of today's army weapon... Also, this cartridge, as the main army ammunition, surpasses the NATO cartridge 5,56x45.

    There are several reasons for this:

    1. The bullet of the M43 cartridge is much more stable in flight, even after passing minor obstacles, stability is maintained, which cannot be said about five-millimeter bullets with a center of gravity shifted to the rear. That is, a bullet with a caliber of 7.62x39 mm does not care about shrubs, tree foliage, branches, thin doors and walls, car bodies, glass, etc. She will go through all this practically without changing the trajectory.

    2. An automatic bullet of 7.62 mm caliber, when it enters the human body, leaves an even wound channel and usually passes right through. For combat operations, this is a plus, since the enemy has many chances to survive, even if defeated. chest... But the stopping action, deformation of the bullet in the body and the strongest blow from a temporary pulsating cavity - this does not apply to this ammunition. These passions make just 5.56 and 5.45 mm bullets, which is not required in war. After all, you just need to incapacitate the enemy, it is not necessary to deprive him of limbs, severely maim and kill.

    3. In modern war the fighters are protected by body armor, with which the 7.62 mm caliber will cope much better than the 5.45 or 5.56 mm, with the same bullet designs.

    4. The bullet of the 7.62x39 cartridge retains its momentum much longer than the 5.45 and 5.56 mm bullets, because it has a large mass. This bullet pierces the breastworks and the enemy behind these breastworks, while small-caliber automatic bullets will get stuck in exactly the same breastwork.

    5. Minus low flatness and bullet velocity.

    AK103 in 7.62 mm caliber is the most demanded export assault rifle of domestic production precisely because of the cartridge used in it.






    There are other versions of the basic variants of the "hundredth" series:

    All modifications having the number "1" at the end of the name (for example, AK104-1) are semi-automatic, they do not fire in bursts. Designed for police and security units, but it's unclear why. The police also have normal submachine guns, and for security, a smooth-bore semi-automatic for close range is much more adequate.

    Really necessary modifications- these are machines with the number "2" at the end of the name (for example, AK101-2). This weapon provides a cut-off for 3 shots and a fuse - the fire translator has 4 positions: top position (fuse), A (full automatic), 3 (cut-off for a three-shot queue) and the lowest position - 1 (single mode).

    Stands apart latest model The "hundredth" series - AK103-3, which is, in fact, the beginning of the "two hundredth" series of AK.

    Caliber - 7.62x39 mm, metric parameters are similar to AK103, the weight is slightly higher. The shape of the pistol grip has been changed to a more convenient one, the fuse is duplicated with a button. A Picatinny rail is mounted on the top of the receiver cover of a different type of fixation (for attaching various sights), there are also "rails" on the forend (for flashlights, LCC, front handles, etc.). It is completed with folding bipods installed on the forearm.