Kalashnikov rifle

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The Kalashnikov assault rifle 1974 model by Izhmash, Russia (AK-74)
The logo that is currently being used by Kalashnikov Concern to represent its series of AK-branded rifles.

Kalashnikov rifles (Russian: Автоматы Калашникова), also known as the AK platform, AK rifles, or simply the AK, are a family of assault rifles based on Mikhail Kalashnikov's original design. They are officially known in Russian as avtomat Kalashnikova (Russian: автомат Калашникова, lit. 'Kalashnikov's automatic [rifle]'), and informally as kalash in Russian.

Background

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AK rifles were originally manufactured in the Soviet Union by Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash). Rifles similar to the Kalashnikov and its Soviet variants were later produced in many countries friendly to the Soviet Bloc, with rifles based on its design such as the Galil ACE and the INSAS also being produced. The Kalashnikov is one of the most widely used firearms in the world, with an estimated 72 million rifles in global circulation.[1][2][3]

List of AK rifles

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The original Kalashnikov rifles and their derivatives, as produced in the Soviet Union and later the Russian Federation.[4][5]

Rifles derived directly from the original AK

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The rifle's simple design makes it easy to produce, and the Soviet Union readily leased plans of the firearm to friendly countries, where it could be produced locally at a low cost.[2] As a result, the Kalashnikov rifles and their variants have been manufactured in many countries, with and without licenses. Manufacturing countries in alphabetical order include:

Albania

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Main article: ASH-78

Aside from the ASH-78, the ASH-82, the Albanian AKS-47 copy, was in production.

Several other versions of the AKMS have been produced mainly with short barrels similar to Soviet AKS-74U for special forces, tank & armored crew and for helicopter pilots and police.

There have also been modified ASh-82 (AKMS) with SOPMOD accessories, mainly for Albania's special forces RENEA & exports.[6]

Armenia

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Main article: K-3 (rifle)

Azerbaijan

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The AK-74M is locally produced under license in Azerbaijan as the Khazri.[7]

Bulgaria

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Model Description
AKK/AKKS Type 3 AK-47/w. side-folding buttstock
AKKMS AKMS
AKKN-47 Fittings for NPSU night sights
AK-47M1 Type 3 with black polymer furniture
AK-47MA1/AR-M1 Same as -M1, but in 5.56×45mm NATO
AKS-74M1 AKMS in 5.56×45mm NATO
AKS-74S AK-74M1, short version, with East German folding stock, laser aiming device
AKS-74UF Short version of -M1, Russian folding stock
AR-SF Same as −74UF, but in 5.56×45mm NATO
AKS-93SM6 Similar to −74M1, cannot use grenade launcher
RKKS RPK
AKT-74 .22 rimfire training rifle

China

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Main article: Type 56 assault rifle

Croatia

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Main article: APS-95

Cuba

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The AKM is locally produced under license in Cuba.[8]

East Germany

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Model Description
MPi-K/MPi-KS AK/AKS[9]
MPi-KM AKM, wooden and plastic stock
MPi-KMS-72 AKM, side-folding stock
MPi-KMS-K Carbine
MPi-AK-74N AK-74
MPi-AKS-74N AK-74, side-folding stock
MPi-AKS-74NK AK-74, carbine
KK-MPi Mod.69 .22 LR select-fire trainer

Egypt

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Main article: Misr assault rifle

Ethiopia

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The Et-97/1 is a locally manufactured AK-103 variant at the State-run Gafat Armament Engineering Complex.[10]

Finland

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Main articles: RK 62 and RK 95 TP

Hungary

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Main articles: AMD-65 and AK-63
Model Description
AK-55 Domestic manufacture of the 2nd Model AK[11]
AKM-63 Also known as AMD-63 in the US; modernized AK-55
AMP-69 Rifle grenade launcher
NGM-81 5.56×45mm NATO; fixed and under-folding stock

Iraq

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Main article: Tabuk Sniper Rifle
Model Description
Tabuk Assault Rifle With fixed or underfolding stock, outright clones of Yugoslavian M70 rifles series
Tabuk Short Assault Rifle Shortened Tabuk Assault Rifle variant

Nigeria

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The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria has been producing AK rifles as the OBJ-006.[12][13]

North Korea

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Main articles: Type 58 assault rifle, Type 68 assault rifle, and Type 88 assault rifle

North Korea has been producing AK rifles as its standard issue weapons.[14][15]

Pakistan

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Aside from Khyber Pass copies (near the border of Afghanistan), Pakistan has been producing AK rifles as the PK-10.[16]

Poland

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Main articles: kbkg wz. 1960, kbk wz. 1988 Tantal, skbk wz. 1989 Onyks, and kbs wz. 1996 Beryl
Model Description
pmK (kbk AK) The name has changed from pmK (Polish: pistolet maszynowy Kałasznikowa, lit. 'Kalashnikov SMG') to the kbk AK (Polish: karabinek AK, lit. 'Kalashnikov Carbine') in mid-1960s; copies of the AK/AKS[17]
pmKS (kbk AKS)
kbkg wz. 1960/72 Modernised variant
kbk AKM / kbk AKMS AKM/AKMS

Romania

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Main articles: Pistol Mitralieră model 1963/1965, Pușcă Automată model 1986, PSL (rifle), and WASR-series rifles

Sudan

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The MAZ is the Sudanese licensed copy of the Chinese Type 56 made by Military Industry Corporation.[18]

Turkey

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The SAR 15T/308(V2) is a locally produced and modernized version of the AK platform by defense contractor Sarsilmaz (Sarsılmaz Silah Sanayi A.Ş.).[19][20]

Ukraine

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Main articles: Vepr and Malyuk

United States

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Model Manufacturer Calibre Reference
PSAK-47 GF3 rifle Palmetto State Armory 7.62×39mm [21]
PSAK-47 GF4 rifle
PSAK-47 GF5 rifle
Soviet Arms Krink rifle 5.56x45mm
PSA AK-556 rifle
PSAK-74 rifle 5.45x39mm
PSA AK Type 56 rifle 7.62×39mm
US132 rifle Kalashnikov USA [22][23][24]
US132Z
US109L 12 gauge
US109T

Vietnam

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Main article: STV rifle
  • AKM-1
  • AKM-VN (AKM) assault rifle
  • TUL-1 (RPK) light machine gun

Venezuela

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The AK-103 is locally manufactured in Venezuela.[25][26]

Yugoslavia/Serbia

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Main articles: Zastava M70 assault rifle, Zastava M72, Zastava M76, Zastava M80, and Zastava M85
Main articles: Zastava M90, Zastava M91, Zastava M92, and Zastava M21

Similar rifles

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The following rifles were either based on the Kalashnikov design, or have a different design but are superficially similar in appearance:

Argentina

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Main article: FARA 83

Bulgaria

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Main article: AR-M1

China

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Main article: Type 81 assault rifle

Czechoslovakia

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Main article: Vz. 58

India

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Main article: INSAS rifle

Israel

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Main articles: IWI Galil, IWI Galil ACE, and AK Alfa

South Africa

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Main articles: Vektor R4 and Truvelo Raptor

Accessories

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Sights

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Silencer

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Bayonets

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Grenade launcher

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Comparative characteristics of AK rifles

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Name Country Type Cartridge Length extended/folded (mm) Barrel length (mm) Weight (kg) (empty) Cyclic rate of fire (rounds per minute) Maximum sighting range (m) Muzzle velocity (m/s)
AK-47 Soviet Union Assault rifle 7.62×39mm M43 870 415 3.47 600 800 715
AKM Soviet Union Assault rifle 7.62×39mm M43 880 415 3.1 600 1,000 715
RPK(s) Soviet Union Light machine gun 7.62×39mm M43 1040/820 590 4.80/5.6 600 1,000 745
AK-74 Soviet Union Assault rifle 5.45×39mm M74 943 415 3.07 600 1,000 900
AKS-74 Soviet Union Assault rifle 5.45×39mm M74 933/690 415 2.97 600 1,000 900
AK-74M Soviet Union Assault rifle 5.45×39mm M74 943/705 415 3.4 650 1,000 900
RPK-74 Soviet Union Light machine gun 5.45×39mm M74 1060 590 4.7 600 1,000 960
AKS-74U Soviet Union Carbine assault rifle 5.45×39mm M74 730/490 207 2.7 700 500 735
AK-101 Russia Assault rifle 5.56×45mm NATO 943/700 415 3.6 600 1,000 910
AK-102 Russia Carbine assault rifle 5.56×45mm NATO 824/586 314 3.0 600 500 850
AK-103 Russia Assault rifle 7.62×39mm M43 943/705 415 3.4 600 1,000 715
AK-104 Russia Carbine assault rifle 7.62×39mm M43 824/586 314 3.0 600 500 670
AK-105 Russia Carbine assault rifle 5.45×39mm M74 824/586 314 3.2 600 500 840
AK-107 Russia Assault rifle 5.45×39mm M74 943/700 415 3.8 850 1,000 900
AK-108 Russia Assault rifle 5.56×45mm NATO 943/700 415 3.8 900 1,000 910
AK-109 Russia Assault rifle 7.62×39mm M43 943/700 415 3.8 900 1,000 750
AK-9 Russia Assault rifle 9×39mm 705/465 200 3.1/3.8 (with suppressor) 600 400 290 (СП-5) / 305 (СП-6)
AK-12 Russia Assault rifle 5.45×39mm M74 940/730 415 3.3 700 1,000 900
AK-15 Russia Assault rifle 7.62×39mm M43 922/862 415 3.5 700 1,000 715
AK-19 Russia Assault rifle 5.56×45mm NATO 935/725 415 3.35 700 1,000 910
AK-308 Russia Battle rifle 7.62×51mm NATO 885-945/695 415 4.3 700 760

In the United States

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The Kalashnikov weapon design has become increasingly more popular in the American firearms industry. There are specific competitive shooting matches that require the use of its weapon variants like the Red Oktober match held just outside of St. George, Utah. It is a match designed for the use of ComBloc style weapons, but the Kalashnikov design is extremely heavy within the participants' arsenals.[27]

Due to sanctions to Russia preventing the import of arms, a number of companies started producing clones of the Kalashnikov family of weapons. In particular, the company Kalashnikov USA was created specifically for this purpose.[28] Companies such as Palmetto State Armory and Century Arms also produce Kalashnikov clones.[29][30]

See also

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References

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Citations

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  1. ^ Blair, David (2015-07-02). "AK-47 Kalashnikov: The firearm which has killed more people than any other". Daily Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 2022-01-12. Retrieved 2019-09-26.
  2. ^ a b Franko, Blake (2017-05-08). "The Gun That Is in Almost 100 Countries: Why the AK-47 Dominates". The National Interest. Archived from the original on June 3, 2023. Retrieved 2019-09-26.
  3. ^ McCarthy, Niall. "The Cost Of An AK-47 On The Black Market Around The World [Infographic]". Forbes. Archived from the original on May 9, 2023. Retrieved 2019-09-26.
  4. ^ "Концерн Калашников -- Официальный сайт". kalashnikov.com.
  5. ^ "200 series Kalashnikov assault rifle: AK-200, AK-201, AK-202, AK-203, AK-204, AK-205 (Russia)". modernfirearms.net. 7 June 2018.
  6. ^ "Albanian Small Arms". Aftermath Gun Club. 20 April 2015. Archived from the original on 2017-10-14.
  7. ^ Азербайджан приступил к серийному производству автоматов АК-74М по российской лицензии [Azerbaijan began serial production of AK-74M assault rifles under Russian license]. ЦАМТО (in Russian). Moscow: Centre for Analysis of World Arms Trade. 8 July 2011. Archived from the original on April 22, 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2011.
  8. ^ Dimov, Roman. "Kalashnikov Arms Versions". The AK Site. Archived from the original on 29 September 2007.
  9. ^ "MPi-K / MPi-AK Assault Rifle Series". Энциклопедия оружия и боеприпасов (in Russian). Archived from the original on April 27, 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  10. ^ "Advertisement flyer for manufacturing capabilities of the GAEC – Gafat Armament Engineering Complex". Archived from the original on July 10, 2011. Retrieved 2014-01-23. Retrieved on 8 October 2010.
  11. ^ "Hungary. Assault Rifles". Энциклопедия оружия и боеприпасов (in Russian). Archived from the original on April 27, 2023. Retrieved 24 February 2013.
  12. ^ "Nigeria to mass-produce Nigerian version of AK-47 rifles". Archived from the original on 14 January 2009. Retrieved 5 October 2008.
  13. ^ "DICON – Defence Industry Corp. of Nigeria". Archived from the original on 2013-12-27. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  14. ^ US Department of Defense, North Korea Country Handbook 1997, Appendix A: Equipment Recognition, PPSH 1943 SUBMACHINEGUN [sic] (TYPE-50 CHINA/MODEL-49 DPRK), p. A-79.
  15. ^ US Department of Defense, North Korea Country Handbook 1997, Appendix A: Equipment Recognition, TYPE-68 (AKM) ASSAULT RIFLE, p. A-77.
  16. ^ Russia confronts Pakistan, China over copied weapons, 2009-11-16, archived from the original on 2011-07-17, retrieved 2011-10-16
  17. ^ "Poland. Assault Rifles". Энциклопедия оружия и боеприпасов (in Russian). Archived from the original on April 26, 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  18. ^ "MAZ". Military Industry Corporation. Archived from the original on 27 December 2008. Retrieved 8 February 2009.
  19. ^ "SAR 15T". www.sarsilmaz.com. Retrieved 2024-12-02.
  20. ^ Abdul, Kazim (2024-11-24). "Sudan Army fields Turkish-made SAR 308 assault rifle". Military Africa - Insight. Retrieved 2025-01-08.
  21. ^ "Palmetto State Armory's Website".
  22. ^ "Kalashnikov USA Website". 27 October 2022.
  23. ^ Smith, Aaron (30 June 2015). "The first American-made Kalashnikovs are now for sale". CNN.com. Archived from the original on July 1, 2023.
  24. ^ Slowik, Max (August 10, 2015). "Kalashnikov USA prices out first wave of American AKs". Guns.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2016.
  25. ^ "Primeros 3,000: Cavim inicia entrega de fusiles de asalto Kalashnikov AK-103 a la Fuerza Armada de Venezuela". infodefensa.com. 3 June 2013. Archived from the original on November 23, 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2015. (in spanish)
  26. ^ Sieff, Martin (15 August 2007). "Defense Focus: Venezuela's Kalashnikovs". UPI.com. Archived from the original on 2008-06-04. Retrieved 19 October 2008.
  27. ^ Reeder, David (6 October 2018). "Breach Bang Clear". Archived from the original on October 17, 2018.
  28. ^ "This Florida Warehouse Is Producing 'Made in America' Kalashnikovs". Bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on 2025-09-03. Retrieved 2025-10-19.
  29. ^ Borisenko, Adam (2023-07-19). "PSA AK-74 Review: American-Made Russian Thunder". Gun Digest. Retrieved 2025-10-19.
  30. ^ E, Matt (2024-12-19). "TFB Review: Century Arms BFT556 Core AK". thefirearmblog.com. Retrieved 2025-10-19.

General and cited references

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Further reading

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  • Media related to AK family at Wikimedia Commons