From Surf Wiki (app.surf) — the open knowledge base
Kalashnikov rifle
Russian automatic rifle family
Russian automatic rifle family
Kalashnikov rifles (), 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 (), and informally as kalash in Russian.
Background
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.
List of AK rifles
The original Kalashnikov rifles and their derivatives, as produced in the Soviet Union and later the Russian Federation.
Rifles derived directly from the original AK
The rifle's simple design makes it easy to produce, and the Soviet Union readily leased plans of the firearm to friendly countries, where it could be produced locally at a low cost. As a result, the Kalashnikov rifles and their variants have been manufactured in many countries, with and without licenses. Manufacturing countries in alphabetical order include:
Albania
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 and 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 and exports.
Armenia
Main article: K-3 (rifle)
Azerbaijan
The AK-74M is locally produced under license in Azerbaijan as the Khazri.
Bulgaria
| 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
Main article: Type 56 assault rifle
Croatia
Main article: APS-95
Cuba
The AKM is locally produced under license in Cuba.
East Germany
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| MPi-K/MPi-KS | AK/AKS |
| 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
Main article: Misr assault rifle
Ethiopia
The Et-97/1 is a locally manufactured AK-103 variant at the State-run Gafat Armament Engineering Complex.
Finland
Main article: RK 62, RK 95 TP
Hungary
Main article: AMD-65, AK-63
| Model | Description | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AK-55 | title=Hungary. Assault Rifles | url=http://weapon.at.ua/load/312 | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427215235/https://shooting-iron.ru/load/312 | archive-date=April 27, 2023 | access-date=24 February 2013 | work=Энциклопедия оружия и боеприпасов | language=ru}} |
| 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
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
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria has been producing AK rifles as the OBJ-006.
North Korea
Main article: Type 58 assault rifle, Type 68 assault rifle, Type 88 assault rifle
North Korea has been producing AK rifles as its standard issue weapons.
Pakistan
Aside from Khyber Pass copies (near the border of Afghanistan), Pakistan has been producing AK rifles as the PK-10.
Poland
Main article: kbkg wz. 1960, kbk wz. 1988 Tantal, skbk wz. 1989 Onyks, kbs wz. 1996 Beryl
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| pmK (kbk AK) | The name has changed from pmK () to the kbk AK () in mid-1960s; copies of the AK/AKS |
| pmKS (kbk AKS) | |
| kbkg wz. 1960/72 | Modernised variant |
| kbk AKM / kbk AKMS | AKM/AKMS |
Romania
Main article: Pistol Mitralieră model 1963/1965, Pușcă Automată model 1986, PSL (rifle), WASR-series rifles
Sudan
The MAZ is the Sudanese licensed copy of the Chinese Type 56 made by Military Industry Corporation.
Turkey
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.).
Ukraine
Main article: Vepr, Malyuk
United States
| Model | Manufacturer | Calibre | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSAK-47 GF3 rifle | Palmetto State Armory | 7.62×39mm | |
| 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 | ||
| US132Z | |||
| US109L | 12 gauge | ||
| US109T |
Vietnam
Main article: STV rifle
- AKM-1
- AKM-VN (AKM) assault rifle
- TUL-1 (RPK) light machine gun
Venezuela
The AK-103 is locally manufactured in Venezuela.
Yugoslavia/Serbia
Main article: Zastava M70 assault rifle, Zastava M72, Zastava M76, Zastava M80, Zastava M85
Main article: Zastava M90, Zastava M91, Zastava M92, Zastava M21
Similar rifles
The following rifles were either based on the Kalashnikov design, or have a different design but are superficially similar in appearance:
Argentina
Main article: FARA 83
Bulgaria
Main article: AR-M1
China
Main article: Type 81 assault rifle
Czechoslovakia
Main article: Vz. 58
India
Main article: INSAS rifle
Israel
Main article: IWI Galil, IWI Galil ACE, AK Alfa
South Africa
Main article: Vektor R4, Truvelo Raptor
Accessories
Sights
- PSO-1
Silencer
- PBS-1 silencer
Bayonets
Grenade launcher
- GP-25
Comparative characteristics of AK rifles
| Name | Country | Type | Cartridge | Length extended/folded (mm) | Barrel length (mm) | Weight (kg) (empty) | Cyclic rate of fire (rounds per minute) | Maximum sighting range (m) | Muzzle velocity (m/s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AK-47 | Soviet Union | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm M43 | 870 | 415 | 3.47 | 600 | 800 | 715 | |
| AKM | Soviet Union | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm M43 | 880 | 415 | 3.1 | 600 | 1,000 | 715 | |
| RPK(s) | Soviet Union | Light machine gun | 7.62×39mm M43 | 1040/820 | 590 | 4.80/5.6 | 600 | 1,000 | 745 | |
| 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 | 800 | 760 |
In the United States
The Kalashnikov weapon design has become increasingly more popular in the American firearms industry. There are specific competitive shooting matches that require the use of its weapon variants like the Red Oktober match held just outside of St. George, Utah. It is a match designed for the use of ComBloc style weapons, but the Kalashnikov design is extremely heavy within the participants' arsenals.
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. Companies such as Palmetto State Armory and Century Arms also produce Kalashnikov clones.
References
Citations
General and cited references
References
- Blair, David. (2015-07-02). "AK-47 Kalashnikov: The firearm which has killed more people than any other". Daily Telegraph.
- Franko, Blake. (2017-05-08). "The Gun That Is in Almost 100 Countries: Why the AK-47 Dominates".
- McCarthy, Niall. "The Cost Of An AK-47 On The Black Market Around The World [Infographic]".
- "Концерн Калашников -- Официальный сайт".
- (7 June 2018). "200 series Kalashnikov assault rifle: AK-200, AK-201, AK-202, AK-203, AK-204, AK-205 (Russia)".
- (20 April 2015). "Albanian Small Arms". Aftermath Gun Club.
- (8 July 2011). link. ЦАМТО. Centre for Analysis of World Arms Trade
- Dimov, Roman. "Kalashnikov Arms Versions". The AK Site.
- "MPi-K / MPi-AK Assault Rifle Series". Энциклопедия оружия и боеприпасов.
- "Advertisement flyer for manufacturing capabilities of the GAEC – Gafat Armament Engineering Complex.".
- "Hungary. Assault Rifles". Энциклопедия оружия и боеприпасов.
- "Nigeria to mass-produce Nigerian version of AK-47 rifles".
- "DICON – Defence Industry Corp. of Nigeria".
- 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.
- US Department of Defense, North Korea Country Handbook 1997, Appendix A: Equipment Recognition, TYPE-68 (AKM) ASSAULT RIFLE, p. [[iarchive:1997NorthKoreaCountryHandbookinsigniaAndUniforms/page/n247/mode/2up. A-77]].
- (2009-11-16). "Russia confronts Pakistan, China over copied weapons".
- "Poland. Assault Rifles". Энциклопедия оружия и боеприпасов.
- "MAZ". [[Military Industry Corporation]].
- "SAR 15T".
- Abdul, Kazim. (2024-11-24). "Sudan Army fields Turkish-made SAR 308 assault rifle". Military Africa - Insight.
- "Palmetto State Armory's Website".
- (27 October 2022). "Kalashnikov USA Website".
- Smith, Aaron. (30 June 2015). "The first American-made Kalashnikovs are now for sale". CNN.com.
- Slowik, Max. (August 10, 2015). "Kalashnikov USA prices out first wave of American AKs". Guns.com.
- (3 June 2013). "Primeros 3,000: Cavim inicia entrega de fusiles de asalto Kalashnikov AK-103 a la Fuerza Armada de Venezuela". infodefensa.com.
- Sieff, Martin. (15 August 2007). "Defense Focus: Venezuela's Kalashnikovs". UPI.com.
- Reeder, David. (6 October 2018). "Breach Bang Clear".
- "This Florida Warehouse Is Producing 'Made in America' Kalashnikovs". Bloomberg.com.
- Borisenko, Adam. (2023-07-19). "PSA AK-74 Review: American-Made Russian Thunder".
- E, Matt. (2024-12-19). "TFB Review: Century Arms BFT556 Core AK".
This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.
Ask Mako anything about Kalashnikov rifle — get instant answers, deeper analysis, and related topics.
Research with MakoFree with your Surf account
Create a free account to save articles, ask Mako questions, and organize your research.
Sign up freeThis content may have been generated or modified by AI. CloudSurf Software LLC is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI-generated content. Always verify important information from primary sources.
Report