The AK-47 rifle and variants: An introduction

[LoganSackett]

In follow-up to my post about the AR-15 I decided to do one about the rifle it is most often compared with, the AK-47. The AK is an extremely reliable, fast handling, durable weapon. It is inexpensive and can be expected to work reliably right out of the box. It is not as accurate as the AR, but generally considered more reliable. The most common caliber, 7.62x39, is hard hitting and cheap to manufacture and purchase. Recoil is manageable. It is more than the 5.56 of the AR, but still very easy to control. It was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov to be used by tankers, so it is a short little carbine, even with the full length military stock. The folding stock models offer additional compactness. This particular model is a Romanian version imported by Century Arms known as the WASR-10. I will focus on this one for this post.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj255/LanceKilkenny/AK2.jpg

As you can see, it has the full length stock. I find it a little short for me, but you can easily replace that with a NATO length stock that is longer. Mine has a 5 round mag in the pic only because I live in New Jersey and we are limited to 15 or less in a mag (don't get me started on how ridiculous this is:mad:). This rifle has been perfectly reliable for me since I had it. It is reasonably accurate, although not a tack driver. I can hit a 6'' by 6'' plate at 240 yards and I am no sharpshooter. It cost $300 a couple of years ago. The price has increased dramatically, but still is usually less than $500. This rifle is in 7.62x39. AKs can be found in several calibers. The new AK-74 style is in 5.45 which is based on the 5.56 cartridge. Ammunition for both calibers is all over the place and it is inexpensive. The sights on these rifles are trouble for some. They are low on the rifle, and when coupled with the short stock, they can take a while to line up. I have not experienced this, personally. Here are the sights.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj255/LanceKilkenny/AK3.jpg

You can see how the front sight is a simple post and you line it up in the rear notch. Pretty simple. The sights can adjust up to 1000 meters, but I can't see 1000 yard shots with an AK!;) However, for home defense, you will be fine with these. Also, they have a scope mount on the side if you are interested in longer range work. They almost always come with sling swivels, so hunting with them is more comfortable. Speaking of hunting, I know several people who have taken javelina with the 7.62x39 rifles. For smaller game, you could try an AK-74 in 5.45.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj255/LanceKilkenny/AK5.jpg
Now for parts of the rifle. The charging handle is pretty obvious, which you can see in the other pictures. It is massive and easy to grab. The safety in this picture is off, and you can see that it serves as a dust cover when in the "on" position. It does make a loud click when it is switched on and off.The mag release is a lever right behind the mag. You push it forward and tilt the mag to pull it out. Here's how to disassemble the rifle.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj255/LanceKilkenny/AK7.jpg
Push the tab on the back and in front of the stock. Pop the dust cover up and off.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj255/LanceKilkenny/AK.jpg
Once the cover is off, push the spring forward and then pull it out once it is clear of the stock.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj255/LanceKilkenny/AK1.jpg
After the spring is out, just pull the charging handle back and it will come out and bring along the bolt and carrier. From there on you can clean the various parts of the gun.

A few myths about the AK-47

Myth: AK-47s are inaccurate and can't hit the broadside of the barn from the inside!:eek:

False. They are not target rifles and don't expect them to be. But they are not all terribly inaccurate. Some versions are actually surprisingly accurate. It depends greatly on the model and brand as well as the ammo, however.

Myth: AK-47s NEVER jam!:rockon:

False. They can, but very rarely. Treat the rifle right and it will be fine. You don't need to clean it as often as other rifles, but it will be better if you did occasionally. ;)

Myth: They are banned right?

False. No. Check your local laws, of course, but even here in New Jersey they are legal. Different variations of them are illegal in different places, but they are legal. What you can have on it depends on the area.

Overview: For home defense, it is nearly perfect. It is extremely reliable. That is a must in a tactical situation. It is inexpensive. It is simple to maintain and simple to operate. Give it a look.:thumb:

(ps, if I've forgotten anything let me know)

[LoganSackett]

A more in depth guide to Kalashnikovs can be found here.
http://www.gunsnet.net/Linx310/index.shtml

It focuses on the Romanian versions, but has some great info about the weapon in general. It's more detailed than my above post.:thumb:

[Noss]

Thanks for all the great info. :thumb::rockon: I really need to get me a AK. I was planning to buy one a while back when the price was still on the low side. They went up about 400 bucks in my city after Obama got in office. :thumbdwn:

[culpeper]

Ordell Robbie: AK-47. The very best there is. When you absolutely, positively got to kill every motherfucker in the room, accept no substitutes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJevEXqT45Q

[LoganSackett]

Thanks for all the great info. :thumb::rockon: I really need to get me a AK. I was planning to buy one a while back when the price was still on the low side. They went up about 400 bucks in my city after Obama got in office. :thumbdwn:

I'd pick it up soon. You never know what will happen with that nut in office.:mad:

[Noss]

I know. I plan to

[LoganSackett]

I know. I plan to

Good luck! I wish I had the money right now to buy another. I'd like to get a converted Saiga. Just because it says "Made in Russia" on the side.:thumb:

[culpeper]

I'm going on two months waiting on a new Savage Scout rifle and an XD9.

[Noss]

Nice. I just bought a Benelli Nova tactical shotgun.

[culpeper]

Benellli !!!!!!

[LoganSackett]

Benellis are great. And culpeper, you will like that Savage. I used to have one and loved t. The only reason I sold it was because I needed more money.

[culpeper]

Thanks. I'm just patiently waiting for it.

[LoganSackett]

Thanks. I'm just patiently waiting for it.

Patiently? I would be as greedy as a child.:thumb:

[culpeper]

Patiently? I would be as greedy as a child.:thumb:

I called my guy the other day and asked him for an update and he stated Savage is being very apologetic but that is about all. Apparently, the factory is working at 100%. So, I just told him to call them back let them know I want the same Scout rifle only chambered for .223. I already have a Remington M700/M40 in .308. I got to thinking the Savage Scout in .223 would be nice complement to the USMC sniper rifle. We'll see.

BTW, I have a *Made in Italy* Beretta 92FS coming in today. It's almost identical to the M9 used by the military. Very minor differences.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRJgBqaDOzs

Check this dude out. He definitely needs to lose some weight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTk-zePesXA&feature=related

[Zixinus]

I find it amusing that Americans are fascinated by weapons that were purposely designed to be used by stupid conscripts.


Myth: They are banned right?

False. No. Check your local laws, of course, but even here in New Jersey they are legal. Different variations of them are illegal in different places, but they are legal. What you can have on it depends on the area.


Nitpick:
Actually they are banned: banned to own, at least in the USA with the "original" AK or AKM variant, which can fire in fully automatic mode. You need a special, federal license to own and fire fully-automatic weapons in the USA, as you know.

I presume you have a modified variant that can only fire in semi-automatic mode or that you have the special license in question?

It was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov to be used by tankers, so it is a short little carbine, even with the full length military stock.

Nitpick again:

False, it was actually submitted for a Red Army trials, along with many other competitors. Originally, Kalashnikov submitted something that had the designation of AK-46, that was rejected, along with the other entries.

A year later, Kalashnikov and his team made many modifications and even "burrowed" some design elements from his competitors.

What's interesting is that more than a decade later, during the 57-59 trials, the AKM was chosen over a much better, even cheaper weapon, the TKB-517 by Koborov.

But aside that, the AK and AKM is not a carbine designed for tank crews. It was designed as a general-purpose weapon for most military units, except for the AKS and AKMS that was modified for airborne troops (it had a foldable buttstock).

You're thinking of the AKS-74U, which was indeed given to tank crews, helicopter drivers, etc. It was the meant to be the equivalent of an SMG, as the Red Army did not bother with SMGs after WW2, preferring to have either pistols or rifles.

Overview: For home defense, it is nearly perfect.

Excuse me, but could you clarify this for me? I'm not an anti-gun advocate, but how is a AK in particular perfect for home defence? Why not a shotgun that can fire buckshot that won't go trough the walls or even a handy revolver/pistol?

[LoganSackett]

I find it amusing that Americans are fascinated by weapons that were purposely designed to be used by stupid conscripts.



Nitpick:
Actually they are banned: banned to own, at least in the USA with the "original" AK or AKM variant, which can fire in fully automatic mode. You need a special, federal license to own and fire fully-automatic weapons in the USA, as you know.

I presume you have a modified variant that can only fire in semi-automatic mode or that you have the special license in question?



Nitpick again:

False, it was actually submitted for a Red Army trials, along with many other competitors. Originally, Kalashnikov submitted something that had the designation of AK-46, that was rejected, along with the other entries.

A year later, Kalashnikov and his team made many modifications and even "burrowed" some design elements from his competitors.

What's interesting is that more than a decade later, during the 57-59 trials, the AKM was chosen over a much better, even cheaper weapon, the TKB-517 by Koborov.

But aside that, the AK and AKM is not a carbine designed for tank crews. It was designed as a general-purpose weapon for most military units, except for the AKS and AKMS that was modified for airborne troops (it had a foldable buttstock).

You're thinking of the AKS-74U, which was indeed given to tank crews, helicopter drivers, etc. It was the meant to be the equivalent of an SMG, as the Red Army did not bother with SMGs after WW2, preferring to have either pistols or rifles.



Excuse me, but could you clarify this for me? I'm not an anti-gun advocate, but how is a AK in particular perfect for home defence? Why not a shotgun that can fire buckshot that won't go trough the walls or even a handy revolver/pistol?

Correct, and I really need to get some sleep before posting. Thanks for the corrections.

As to home defense, I believe that the AK design is a very good weapon because it is extremely reliable, very easy to use, and easy to learn. You can fire large volumes of rounds due to common, relatively inexpensive ammo so it is easy to become proficient with. Over penetration can be a problem, but that can happen with any weapon if the user is not careful. In many places there is no assault weapons ban, so you have about 30 rounds of ammo. It can penetrate a bullet resistant vest, which sadly is becoming more and more popular with criminals. A 12 gauge won't, as will most handguns. Handguns are harder to use for most people and are not as accurate. A shotgun is probably not as reliable as an AK, at least mine is not. Overall, the shotgun might be the best of the three (handguns, rifles, shotguns). It depends on where you lives though.

Of course, you could get a Russian Saiga AK in 12 gauge if you want. Can't really beat that for self defense.:thumb:

[culpeper]

I find it amusing that Americans are fascinated by weapons that were purposely designed to be used by stupid conscripts.



A lot of so-called stupid conscripts used this weapon to kill and maim a lot of Americans. Yes, it's a simple and lethal design that any idiot can use. I'm just glad I never had the opportunity of being hit and using last words like, "Damn, killed by a boring weapon by a retard".

The fact is the whole world is apparently fascinated with this particular weapon system. It's been a real pain in the ass for the free world. Personally, I'm not fascinated with the weapon for the very reason you cited. But I respect the hell out of it. I don't respect that you think we're amusing. Were are you from? You have a lot knowledge on this weapons system.

[Zixinus]

As to home defense, I believe that the AK design is a very good weapon because it is extremely reliable, very easy to use, and easy to learn. You can fire large volumes of rounds due to common, relatively inexpensive ammo so it is easy to become proficient with.

The same is true for several hunting rifles available in 7.62 calibre.

Over penetration can be a problem, but that can happen with any weapon if the user is not careful.

Over-penetration can be mitigated by having a more careful choice of weapon. Again, buckshot doesn't go trough that many walls. Rat-shots or Glacer safety slugs are still quite lethal but still won't go trough walls (as well as hollowpoints). If your home is attacked, you can't know where you will shooting.

In many places there is no assault weapons ban, so you have about 30 rounds of ammo.

The AWB has expired. Even Obama and co don't appear to have any interest in reviving it.

It can penetrate a bullet resistant vest, which sadly is becoming more and more popular with criminals.

Richer, more experienced criminals who have planned for their attack and likely don't have any reasons to commit common burglary. If a criminal shows up with a bullet-proof vest in your house, that isn't a random occurrence: that's a deliberate hit from someone you likely have pissed off.

Defending yourself is justified, but taking upon yourself to hunt criminals is called vigilantism.

Besides, even from handguns, bullet-proof vests don't make you invulnerable from bullets. Bullet proof vests save many lives, but they save it by turning a lung with a hole into "merely" internal injury from which you will need hospital care.
Then there is the fact that most vests will only take one or two hits and don't protect other areas.

Also, unless your criminals have snatched a complete Type 4 military vest, a common hunting rifle will go trough them.

A shotgun is probably not as reliable as an AK, at least mine is not

Unless you intend to roll that shotgun in dirt all day and keep it in a rain barrel, most pump-action shotguns will be sufficiently reliable for home use with fairly minimal care. You're not exactly using it with 5 mile marches in the Russian winter, now are you?


The fact is the whole world is apparently fascinated with this particular weapon system. It's been a real pain in the ass for the free world. Personally, I'm not fascinated with the weapon for the very reason you cited. But I respect the hell out of it. I don't respect that you think we're amusing.

The reason that a lot of people use it is simple: it was the right weapon in the right place.

The reason its so popular is not only due to its design, but also who made it. The Soviet Union wanted to make a massive stockpile of these and they were willing to give out excess to communist-friendly freedom fighters.

Also, the Soviet Union also standardised this weapon in all of its countries. That's a lot of countries and most engineers have learned the manufacturing process, while the equipment is more-or-less (again) standardised between countries. Since it was meant to be cheap to produce, poorer countries (neutral or otherwise) could afford to buy these equipment and engineers, rather than buy a quantity of already made weapons. Buying the weapons themselves may be cheaper, but being able to produce your own weapons has a mayor strategic advantage in the case of war.
Compare it to the NATO, where every country has a different, own weapon.

The fact that the famously corrupt Red Army officials and the like were quite willing to sell out their stockpiled weapons (which numbers in the millions) for the black market also factors into it.

The world isn't fascinated by the AK. It was simply just the most practical choice in the circumstances that many rebels, terrorists and the like are in.

The key that I think many Americans should look at isn't the design or the weapon itself but the mental attitude that the Red Army put forth.

From what I can see, most Western gun designers try to put out the best as possible and routinely compete with each other to land a buy of their hyper-modern, super-accurate weapon. Their designs come and go, often no-where or only brought is rather small quantities. Sometimes a company puts forth a brilliant design (like the G11) that had few true faults, but would have required re-arming the entire army.

Then here is this piece of shit weapon that sells like candy for over half a century. While there is a great influence of quantity over quality, the key to its success is rather the more straightforward attitude with the design of the weapon: rather than trying to appeal to statistics, numbers or the like, the AK was designed to meet expectations that were put out by bitter battle experiences in WW2. Once the weapon was accepted, they stuck to it: they tried to make the future weapons compatible with earlier ones while trying to make as many weapons out of it as possible, thus making logistics easier.

Thus, the reasons why it appealed to the Soviet Union made it appealing to Third World countries, who sold it to whoever can pay for it.

[culpeper]

The fact that the famously corrupt Red Army officials and the like were quite willing to sell out their stockpiled weapons (which numbers in the millions) for the black market also factors into it.


So true. It was like a huge organized crime syndicate.

[Noss]

Of course, you could get a Russian Saiga AK in 12 gauge if you want. Can't really beat that for self defense.:thumb:


Hell yes I just discovered these at my local gun shop. I plan to buy one of these soon. They make 20 round drum for it. I have read they they are very reliable and watched plenty of you tube videos on this gun. It will be my next weapon purchase. :thumb:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-eGP62sdds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gESLOmz-4sc&feature=related

[svdspecialist]

Ive always wanted an AK47 variant. i like 7.62x39 alot more than 5.56, have experience with both and i hate the M16/M4 rifles. the only one i would accept is an AR-10 in 7x62x51NATO (.308). yeah i hate when people call The AK47 inaccurate, its not the machine, its the shooter. cars dont get drunk and wreck into pedestrians, the driver does