AK-47[1]
A Type 2 AK-47, the first machined receiver variation.
Type	Assault rifle
Place of origin	Soviet Union
Service history
In service	1949—
Used by	Post-Soviet states, many others
Production history
Designer	Mikhail Kalashnikov
Designed	1947
Number built	Over 100 million[2]
Variants	AK-47, AKS, AKM, AKMS, RPK, AK-74, AK-101, AK-102, AK-103, AK-107, AK-108 (See table below for national-production variants)
Specifications
Weight	3.8 kg (9.5 lb) empty, 4.3 kg loaded
Length	870 mm (34¼ in)
Barrel length	415 mm (16.3 in)
Cartridge	7.62 × 39 mm
Action	Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire	600 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity	710 m/s (~2,330 ft/s)
Effective range	300 m (330 yd)
Feed system	30-round detachable box; compatible w/ RPK 40-round box, 75-round drum magazine.
Sights	Adjustable iron sights, optional mount required for optical sights

The AK-47 (shortened from Russian: Автомат Калашникова образца 1947 года, Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947) is a gas-operated assault rifle that was used in many Eastern bloc nations during the Cold War. Adopted and standardized in 1947, it was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov and produced by Russian manufacturer Izhevsk Mechanical Works.^[3] Compared with the auto-loading rifles used in World War II (the StG-44 aside), 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 and known. More AK-47 rifles and variants have been produced than any other assault rifle; production continues to this day.^[4] Image File history File links Download high resolution version (2388x952, 619 KB) Summary Description Date 11 Jul 1988 Source http://www. ... The AK-47 is the worlds most common assault rifle. ... Year 1949 (MCMXLIX) was a common year starting on Saturday (the link is to a full 1949 calendar). ... Post-Soviet states in alphabetical order: 1. ... Mikhail Kalashnikov, circa 2000 Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov (Михаи́л Тимофе́евич Кала́шников, born November 10, 1919) is a famous Russian gun designer. ... Year 1947 (MCMXLVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1947 calendar). ... The RPK (Ruchnoy pulemyot Kalashnikova, Russian: Ручной пулемёт Калашникова) is the light machine gun that replaced the RPD in the role as squad automatic weapon for Soviet infantry. ... AK74 assault rifle The AK-74 assault rifle is the modernized version of the AK-47 developed in 1974, chambered in a smaller cartridge (5. ... The AK-101 is an assault rifle of the Kalashnikova series. ... AK-103 The AK-103 is a modern Russian built version of the famous AK-47 assault rifle, chambered for the 7. ... The AK-107 and AK-108 are variants of the AK-101 series. ... The AK-107 and AK-108 are variants of the AK-101 series. ... The U.S. National Prototype Kilogram, which currently serves as the primary standard for measuring mass in the U.S. It was assigned to the United States in 1889 and is periodically recertified and traceable to the primary international standard, The Kilogram, held at the Bureau International des Poids et... The pound (abbreviations: lb or, sometimes in the United States, #) is a unit of mass in a number of different systems, including various systems of units of mass that formed part of English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... An inch (plural: inches; symbol or abbreviation: in or, sometimes, ″ - a double prime) is the name of a unit of length in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Yugoslavian version of the 7. ... In firearms terminology, an action is the system of operation that the firearm employs to seal the breech (in a breech-loading firearm), and to load consecutive rounds. ... Gas-operated firearm. ... Rotating bolt of a Sig 550 rifle. ... The Rate of fire is the speed at which a specific firearm or artillery piece can operate. ... A guns muzzle velocity is the speed at which the projectile leaves the muzzle of the gun. ... Metre per second (U.S. spelling: meter per second) is an SI derived unit of both speed (scalar) and velocity (vector), defined by distance in metres divided by time in seconds. ... Feet per second is a unit of speed; it expressses the number of feet traveled in one second. ... The metre, or meter (U.S.), is a measure of length. ... A yard (abbreviation: yd) is the name of a unit of length in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... The RPK (Ruchnoy pulemyot Kalashnikova, Russian: Ручной пулемёт Калашникова) is the light machine gun that replaced the RPD in the role as squad automatic weapon for Soviet infantry. ... A drum magazine. ... Looking down the iron sight of an M15A4 Carbine (a civilian copy of the M4 carbine) The term iron sights refers to the open, unmagnified aiming system used to assist the aiming of a variety of devices, usually those intended to launch projectiles, such as firearms, airguns, and crossbows; they... Gas-operated firearm. ... The AK-47 is the worlds most common assault rifle. ... A map of the Eastern Bloc. ... For other uses, see Cold War (disambiguation). ... Mikhail Kalashnikov, circa 2000 Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov (Михаи́л Тимофе́евич Кала́шников, born November 10, 1919) is a famous Russian gun designer. ... Izhevsks corporate logo Izhevsk Mechanical Works (Russian: Ижевский Mашзавод) or IZhMASh (Russian: ИЖМАШ) is a weapon manufacturer, founded in 1807 at the decree of Tsar Alexander I, and is now one of the largest corporations in its field. ... It has been suggested that Break action be merged into this article or section. ... Combatants Allied Powers: United Kingdom France Soviet Union United States Republic of China and others Axis Powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Winston Churchill Charles de Gaulle Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Chiang Kai-Shek Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tojo Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33... Sturmgewehr 44 Nationality Germany Type Assault rifle Inventor Gustloff Date of design 1943 Service duration July 1944 - May 1945 Cartridge 7. ... Yugoslavian version of the 7. ... A selective fire weapon can be fired in either of at least two modes, depending on the position of the selector switch. ...

History

Design background

During the Second World War, Germany had developed the concept of the assault rifle. This concept was based on the knowledge that most military engagements in modern warfare were happening at fairly close range with the majority happening within 100 meters (110 yd). The power and range of contemporary rifle cartridges was simply overly powerful for a vast majority of engagements with small arms. As a result, a cartridge and firearm were sought 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 (330 yd). For the sake of reduced manufacturing costs, this was done by shortening the 7.92 × 57 mm Mauser cartridge case and substituting a lighter bullet to create the 7.92 x 33 mm Kurz. Combatants Allied Powers: United Kingdom France Soviet Union United States Republic of China and others Axis Powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Winston Churchill Charles de Gaulle Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Chiang Kai-Shek Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tojo Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33... The AK-47 is the worlds most common assault rifle. ... The metre, or meter (symbol: m) is the SI base unit of length. ... A yard (abbreviation: yd) is the name of a unit of length in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... The MP5, a famous submachine gun, sees widespread use amongst those that can afford it. ... REDIRECT 7,92x57_mm_(Mauser) ... 7. ...

The resulting Sturmgewehr 44 (StG44 or MP44) was not the first rifle to use these features; it was preceded by earlier Italian Cei-Rigotti and Russian Fedorov Avtomat designs. The Germans, however, were 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 and this experience deeply influenced Russian doctrine in the years following the war. The Maschinenpistole 43, Maschinenpistole 44 and Sturmgewehr 44 (MP43, MP44 and StG44, respectively) were selective-fire automatic rifles developed in Nazi Germany during World War II as part of the Maschinenkarabiner (machine carbine) program. ... Originally created by Amerigo Cei, an officer in the Italian army, in 1890, the Cei-Rigotti rifle was extensively modified by Rigotti in 1900, and is often regarded as the first assault rifle. ... Avtomat Fedorova model 1916 The Fedorov Avtomat was a light automatic rifle, designed by Vladimir Fedorov and made in Russia in 1916. ...

Mikhail Kalashnikov began imagining his weapon while still in the hospital, after being wounded in the battle of Bryansk. He had been informed that a new weapon was required for the 7.62 × 41 mm cartridge developed by Elisarov and Semin in 1943. Sudayev's PPS43 submachine gun was preferred to Kalashnikov's design. Mikhail Kalashnikov, circa 2000 Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov (Михаи́л Тимофе́евич Кала́шников, born November 10, 1919) is a famous Russian gun designer. ... Pistolet-pulemet (Пистоле́т-пулемёт) means submachine gun in Russian. ...

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.^[5] This is not surprising as millions of Garand rifles had operated reliably in combat around the globe. The safety is surprisingly similar^[6] to the Browning-designed Remington Model 8 rifle. Circumstantial evidence is lesbian sex with a huge glass dildo unrelated facts that, when considered together, can be used to infer a conclusion about something unknown. ... The M1 Garand (more formally the United States Rifle, Caliber . ... John Moses Browning (January 21, 1855 – November 26, 1926), born in Ogden, Utah, was an American firearms designer who developed myriad varieties of weapons, cartridges, and gun mechanics, many of which are used in the U.S. military and elsewhere to this day. ... Remington Arms is a major American manufacturer of rifles, shotguns, other firearms, and ammunition. ...

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. Mass production is the production of large amounts of standardised products on production lines. ...

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 in welding the guide and ejector rails, causing high rejection rates.^[7] Instead of halting production, a heavy machined receiver was substituted for the sheet metal receiver.^[8] 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.^[9] Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2820x1850, 2635 KB) Summary Description AK-47 and SKS Date 14 Nov 1984 Source http://www. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2820x1850, 2635 KB) Summary Description AK-47 and SKS Date 14 Nov 1984 Source http://www. ... The SKS is a Russian semi-automatic carbine, designed in 1945 by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov. ... -1... -1... In firearms terminology, the receiver is the part of the firearm that houses the operating parts of the gun. ... The Mosin-Nagant (Мосин-Наган) is a military rifle of Russia and later the Soviet Union, in service in various forms from 1891 until the 1960s, when it was finally replaced in its final function as a sniper rifle by the SVD... The SKS is a Russian semi-automatic carbine, designed in 1945 by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov. ...

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.^[10] 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.^[11] 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. It was also lighter than the previous model, roughly two-thirds of the weight.^[12] 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.^[13] 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 of the magazine. The muzzle brake of the 105 mm gun on an AMX 10 RC fighting vehicle. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ... The muzzle of a firearm is the end of the barrel from which the projectile will exit. ...

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.

Features

The AK-47 is simple, inexpensive to manufacture and easy to clean and maintain. Its ruggedness and reliability are legendary.^[14] 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 at the cost of accuracy, as the looser tolerances do not allow the precision and consistency that are required of more accurate firearms. 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 (275 yd). 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. Windage is a force created on an object by friction when there is relative movement between air and the object. ... This article is being considered for deletion in accordance with Wikipedias deletion policy. ... In external ballistics, point-blank range is the distance between a firearm and a target of a given size such that the bullet in flight is expected to strike the target at the point of aim without adjusting the elevation of the firearm (see also gun). ... The Mosin-Nagant (Мосин-Наган) is a military rifle of Russia and later the Soviet Union, in service in various forms from 1891 until the 1960s, when it was finally replaced in its final function as a sniper rifle by the SVD... The SKS is a Russian semi-automatic carbine, designed in 1945 by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov. ...

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. The word calibre (British English) or caliber (American English) designates the interior diameter of a tube or the exterior diameter of a wire or rod. ... In firearms, the chamber is the part of the barrel in which the cartridge is inserted prior to being fired. ... Air cylinder can also mean a gas cylinder used to store compressed air, often used for scuba diving. ... General Name, Symbol, Number chromium, Cr, 24 Chemical series transition metals Group, Period, Block 6, 4, d Appearance silvery metallic Atomic mass 51. ...

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, aims, 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 it is diverted into the gas tube above the barrel, where it impacts the gas piston. The piston, 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.^[15] A 30-round STANAG magazine. ... A US Army 45 Colt. ...

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. The operator 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. The operator 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.^[16]

Ballistics

The standard AK-47 or AKM fires a 7.62 × 39 mm round with a muzzle velocity of 710 metres per second (2,329 ft/s). Muzzle energy is 1,990 joules (1,467 ft·lbf). Cartridge case length is 38.6 millimetres (1.5 in), weight is 18.21 grams (281.0 gr). Projectile weight is normally 8 grams (123 gr). The AK-47 and AKM, with the 7.62 × 39 mm cartridge, have a maximum effective range of around 300 meters (330 yd). For comparison, the 7.62 × 54 mm R cartridge has a projectile of 9.6–12 grams (148–185 gr), depending on the weapon, at a velocity of 818 metres per second (2,683 ft/s) for approximately 4,000 joules (2,950 ft·lbf) of energy.^{[citation needed]} Yugoslavian version of the 7. ... Rimmed, centerfire . ... Metre per second (U.S. spelling: meter per second) is an SI derived unit of both speed (scalar) and velocity (vector), defined by distance in metres divided by time in seconds. ... Feet per second is a unit of speed; it expressses the number of feet traveled in one second. ... A joule is the work done or energy required to exert a force of one newton for a distance of one metre, so the same quantity may be referred to as a newton metre or newton-metre with the symbol N·m. ... The foot-pound force (symbol: ft·lbf) is an English unit of work or energy. ... An inch (plural: inches; symbol or abbreviation: in or, sometimes, ″ - a double prime) is the name of a unit of length in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... BIC pen cap, about 1 gram. ... A grain is a unit of mass equal to 0. ... The 7. ...

Variants

A Romanian soldier aids a U.S. Marine in clearing an RPK, a squad automatic weapon variant of the AK-47.

U.S. soldier firing an RPK with bipod collapsed.

Kalashnikov variants include: Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1728x1152, 791 KB)Hello peple of the world you r all dumb frieking idiots thank you very mutch and have a nice day proffesor shit. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1728x1152, 791 KB)Hello peple of the world you r all dumb frieking idiots thank you very mutch and have a nice day proffesor shit. ... The RPK (Ruchnoy pulemyot Kalashnikova, Russian: Ручной пулемёт Калашникова) is the light machine gun that replaced the RPD in the role as squad automatic weapon for Soviet infantry. ... A squad automatic weapon (SAW) is a light or general-purpose machine gun, usually equipped with a bipod and firing a 7. ... This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ...

• 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
• AKMSU, 7.62 × 39 mm — Folding-stock and shortened version of the AKM intended for airborne troops. Stock is under-folding and barrel is 35 cm long
• 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. A stock or buttstock is present in many firearms and some crossbows to transfer the recoil from firing the weapon into the shooters shoulder. ... The MP40 (Maschinenpistole 40, literally, Machine pistol 40) was a submachine gun developed for and used extensively by Nazi Germany during World War II. The MP40 was a very well made weapon. ... The BMP-1 is a Soviet infantry fighting vehicle which was first introduced in the early 1960s. ... The RPK (Ruchnoy pulemyot Kalashnikova, Russian: Ручной пулемёт Калашникова) is the light machine gun that replaced the RPD in the role as squad automatic weapon for Soviet infantry. ... A bipod is a support device that is similar to a tripod or monopod, but with only two legs. ... Look up airborne in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Look up airborne in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... AK74 assault rifle The AK-74 assault rifle is the modernized version of the AK-47 developed in 1974, chambered in a smaller cartridge (5. ... Image:5,45x39 ammo cutaway. ... AK74 assault rifle The AK-74 assault rifle is the modernized version of the AK-47 developed in 1974, chambered in a smaller cartridge (5. ... The AK-101 is an assault rifle of the Kalashnikova series. ... AK-103 The AK-103 is a modern Russian built version of the famous AK-47 assault rifle, chambered for the 7. ... The AK-107 and AK-108 are variants of the AK-101 series. ... AK74 assault rifle The AK-74 assault rifle is the modernized version of the AK-47 developed in 1974, chambered in a smaller cartridge (5. ...

Production outside of Russia

Polish kbk AK/pmK with Type 3A receiver. Notice the red markings used by the Polish army to mark weapons used for training purposes.

Polish kbk AKS with Type 3B receiver.

Polish kbk Ak PNG60 variant, with grenade launcher and special-purpose magazine for grenade launching blank cartridges. Type 3A receiver.

Hungarian AMD-65 with 14-inch barrel, side-folding stock and muzzle brake.

East German-made MPiKMS-72, a folding stock variant of the AKM, in the hands of a U.S. Marine.

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. Image File history File links Rifle_AK_MON.jpg‎ Assault rifle AK Source: http://www. ... Image File history File links Rifle_AK_MON.jpg‎ Assault rifle AK Source: http://www. ... Polish Army (Polish Wojsko Polskie) is the name applied to the military forces of Poland. ... Image File history File links Rifle_AKS_MON.jpg‎ Assault rifle AKS Source: http://www. ... Image File history File links Rifle_AKS_MON.jpg‎ Assault rifle AKS Source: http://www. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (848x211, 51 KB) Karabinek-granatnik wz. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (848x211, 51 KB) Karabinek-granatnik wz. ... Karabinek-granatnik wzór 1960 - (pl. ... Image File history File links AMD_PE.jpg Opis Hungarian AMD carbine Source: http://212. ... Image File history File links AMD_PE.jpg Opis Hungarian AMD carbine Source: http://212. ... AMD-65 (Hungarian: Automata Módosított Deszant[fegyver] 1965; Automatic Modified Descent [weapon] ) is the name given to a variant of the venerable AKM rifle, and was manufactured in Hungary for use by that nations armored infantry and even by paratrooper/descent units. ... ImageMetadata File history File links Download high resolution version (1260x945, 239 KB) Summary Source: http://www. ... ImageMetadata File history File links Download high resolution version (1260x945, 239 KB) Summary Source: http://www. ... A stock or buttstock is present in many firearms and some crossbows to transfer the recoil from firing the weapon into the shooters shoulder. ... The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the U.S. military responsible for providing power projection from the sea,[1] utilizing the mobility of the U.S. Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces to global crises. ...

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 and Sako Rk 95 TP, 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. Rk 62 (Rynnäkkökivääri 62 or M-62) is an assault rifle manufactured by Valmet and Sako. ... Sako M95 The Rk 95 TP (Rynnäkkökivääri 95 Taittoperä, Assault rifle 95, Folding stock) is an assault rifle that was produced by the Sako company based in Finland. ... The Galil is one of the standard assault rifles used by the Israel Defense Forces. ... INSAS weapons INSAS stands for Indian Small Arms System. ... The M76 is a Yugoslav semi-automatic sniping adaptation of the AK-47 assault rifle. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Steyr AUG is one of the most successful bullpup rifles Bullpup is a firearm configuration in which the action (or mechanism) and magazine are located behind the trigger. ... This is a list of assault rifles influenced by the design principles of the Kalashnikov weapons system, first used in the venerable AK-47. ...

Licensing

Russia has repeatedly claimed that the majority of these manufacturers produce AK-47 without a proper license from IZH.^[17][18] The Izhevsk Machine Tool Factory acquired a patent in 1999, preventing (in theory) the unauthorized manufacture of the Kalashnikov rifle system by anyone.^[19] It has been suggested that Licensing (strategic alliance) be merged into this article or section. ... IZH (ИЖ) is a weapons manufacturer in Izhevsk, Russia that makes the well known AK-47 Kalashnikov but also have a civilian production of automobiles and motorcycles. ... The city coat of arms Izhevsk (Иже́вск, from 1985 to 1987 Ustinov, after Dmitri Ustinov [Усти́нов]) is the capital and culture center of Udmurtia within the Russian Federation. ...

Legal status

In the United States

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. The National Firearms Act (NFA), cited as the Act of June 26, 1934, Ch. ... The Gun Control Act of 1968, Pub. ... The Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) is a United States federal law that revised many statutes in the Gun Control Act of 1968. ...

However, machine guns manufactured domestically prior to 1986 or imported prior to 1968 may be transferred between civilians in accordance with federal and state law. Several Soviet and Communist 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. For the Chinese civilization, see China. ...

Nevertheless, 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. Walther P99, a semiautomatic pistol from the late 1990s A semi-automatic firearm is a gun that requires only a trigger pull for each round that is fired, unlike a single-action revolver, a pump-action firearm, a bolt-action firearm, or a lever-action firearm, which require the shooter... The Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB) was a provision of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, a federal law of the United States that included a prohibition on the sale of semi-automatic assault weapons manufactured after the date of the bans enactment. ...

In Canada

In Canada on January 1 1995, a new class of prohibited weapons was created (class 12.5)^[20] that included the AK-47 and its variants. This classification makes the AK-47 and its variants ordinarily illegal for purchase, acquisition, or import. Exceptions to this are the Valmet Hunter, the Valmet Hunter Auto, and the Valmet M78 rifles which are based on the AK-47 action.^[21] Individuals in Canada who possessed firearms in the 12.5 class prior to January 1 1995 were "grandfathered" into this class and thus can continue to acquire and possess the AK-47 and its variants. 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... In the United States, a grandfather clause is an exception which allows something pre-existing to remain as it is, despite a change to the contrary in the rules applied to newer situations. ...

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). A common understanding of Western Europe in modern times. ... Gun politics in the United Kingdom, in similarity with gun politics in Australia, places its main considerations on how best to ensure public safety and how deaths involving firearms can most effectively be prevented. ...

In Norway it is forbidden for civilians to possess any form of fully automatic firearm unless a special permit is issued.^[22] 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.

In Australia

In Australia, the purchase of semi-automatic centerfire rifles has been effectively banned since 1996 (See Gun politics in Australia for more information), and therefore AK-47 rifles, even in semi-automatic form, are not allowed. However, as the 1996 laws covered only high-capacity magazines, shotguns and semi-automatic rifles, AK-47s in pistol configurations, as well as modified straight-pull versions, remain legal for purchase in and importation to Australia. Another way for an individual in Australia to legally own a Kalashnikov rifle is to have a Firearm Collector's Licence and the firearm deactivated by having the rifle's action welded up and the barrel plugged up. In Australia, conflict over gun politics is related to cultural tensions. ...

In Mexico

In Mexico, the possession of the AK-47 and its variants by civilians is outlawed; its lawful use is restricted to the Mexican National Army. The Federal Law of Firearms and Explosives prohibits the civilian possession of this category of weapon, a military-style firearm using a military round, in its Article 11.^[23] However, the AK-47, known by some in the country as the cuerno de chivo (Spanish for "goat's horn"), is widely used by criminal organizations.^[24][25][26]

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 AKs are very low. In Somalia, Rwanda, Mozambique, Congo and Ethiopia, among others, prices are between $30–$125.^[27] Balkan peninsula with northwest border Isonzo-Krka-Sava The Balkans is the historic and geographic name used to describe a region of southeastern Europe. ...

Cultural influence

Coat of arms of Mozambique, showing an AK-47.

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union, Communist 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 Communist 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. Image File history File links Coat_of_arms_of_Mozambique. ... Image File history File links Coat_of_arms_of_Mozambique. ... Coat of arms of Mozambique The coat of arms of Mozambique, which was adopted in 1990, clearly recalls the former socialist government of the country. ... For other uses, see Cold War (disambiguation). ... Sandinista! is also the name of a popular music album by The Clash. ... A Viet Cong soldier, heavily guarded, awaits interrogation following capture in the attacks on Saigon during the festive Tet holiday period of 1968. ...

The proliferation of this weapon is reflected by more than just numbers. The AK-47 is included in the flag of Mozambique and its coat of arms. It is also found in the revolution era coat of arms of Burkina Faso, the flag of Hezbollah, and logo of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. "Kalash", a shortened form of "Kalashnikov", is used as a name for boys in some African countries. Flag ratio: 2:3 The flag of Mozambique was adopted on May 1, 1983. ... A modern coat of arms is derived from the medi val practice of painting designs onto the shield and outer clothing of knights to enable them to be identified in battle, and later in tournaments. ... The coat of arms of Burkina Faso contains a shield based on the national flag. ... Flag ratio: 2:3 The flag of Hezbollah, while sometimes found in different colours, is usually composed of the green logo of the Shia militant organization Hezbollah, upon a yellow background with text above and below the logo in red (or sometimes green). ... Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (Persian: سپاه پاسداران انقلاب اسلامی - Sepah-e Pasdaran-e Enghelab-e Islami), often shortened to Revolutionary Guards, or called by its Persian name Sepah or Pasdaran, is a military organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran. ... Look up Kalashnikov in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

In the U.S., movie makers often arm criminals, gang members and terrorist characters with AK-47s (e.g. films like Boyz N The Hood). Numerous video games and rap songs feature AK-47s. Toy makers and the airsoft industry make millions of replica AK-47s. However, not all influences of the AK-47 have been violent. In 2006, Colombian musician and peace activist César López devised the escopetarra, an AK-47 converted into a guitar. One sold for US$17,000 in a fundraiser held to benefit the victims of anti-personnel mines, while another was exhibited at the United Nations' Conference on Disarmament.^[28] This page is a candidate for speedy deletion. ... [[Otheruses4|the sport|the guns it uses|Airsoft guns}}air soft rocks This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ... An escopetarra is a guitar made from a modified AK-47 rifle. ... Italian Valmara 69 bounding type Anti-personnel mine. ... Conference on Disarmament (CD) is a multilateral disarmament negotiating forum. ...

See also

• Civilian "cousins" of the AK-47
• Comparison of the AK-47 and M16
• List of Russian Weaponry
• List of weapons influenced by the Kalashnikov design

To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... The two most common assault rifle families in the world are the Colt AR-15 (designated the M16 by the United States military) and its variants, and the Avtomat Kalashnikova Model 1947 (AK-47). ... // A A-91 (Compact Assault Rifle - 5. ... This is a list of assault rifles influenced by the design principles of the Kalashnikov weapons system, first used in the venerable AK-47. ...

Notes

This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... January 31 is the 31st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

References

The Smithsonian castle, as seen through the garden gate. ... Suresh Joachim, minutes away from breaking the ironing world record at 55 hours and 5 minutes, at Shoppers World, Brampton. ...

External links

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:

AK-47

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

AK-47

• Manufacturer's official site
• AK Site — Kalashnikov Home Page
• Home of the AK-47 on the Internet.
• AK-47 Assault rifle
• Animation of an AK-47 action in operation

Image File history File links Wikiquote-logo-en. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Image File history File links Commons-logo. ... Wikimedia Commons logo by Reid Beels The Wikimedia Commons (also called Commons or Wikicommons) is a repository of free content images, sound and other multimedia files. ...

Manual

• Nazarian's Gun's Recognition Guide (MANUAL) AK 47 Manual (.pdf)
• US Army Operator's Manual for the AK-47 Assault Rifle