# AK-47
![[AKM.svg]]
> [!Infobox] Avtomat Kalashnikova
>
| | |
|:--------------------- | -----------------------------------------------------:|
| **Type** | [[Firearm Types#Assault rifle\|Assault rifle]] |
| **Origin** | ![[SovietUnionFlag.svg\|inlL\|24]] Soviet Union |
| **Designer** | Mikhail Kalashnikov |
| **Designed** | 1946-1948 |
| **Produced** | 1948-present |
| **Mass** | 3.47 kg |
| **Length** | 880 mm |
| **Barrel length** | 415 mm |
| **Cartridge** | 7.62x39 mm |
| **Action** | [[Action#Long-stroke piston\|Long-stroke gas operated]], <br>[[Firearm#Closed bolt\|closed]] rotating bolt |
| **Rate of fire** | 600 RPM |
| **Muzzle velocity** | 715 m/s |
[^1]
*AKM*
The **AK-47**, fully known as the **Avtomat Kalashnikova**, is a Soviet assault rifle designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. It was created in response to the German *Sturmgewher 44* rifle which also inspired the development of the 7.62x39 mm M43 cartridge.
It fires from a closed rotating bolt and uses a long-stroke gas operated action.
The AK-47 was designed as a *simple and reliable* weapon and featured heavy components in its action and large clearances between moving parts, thus allowing it to fire even amidst the introduction of external debris. However, it was also designed as a weapon that was *easy and cheap* to manufacture and therefore had a huge variance in their service life.
Ultimately, their simplicity, reliability, low cost of manufacture, and internationally available supply has led the AK-47 and its variants to become one of the most popular firearms in the world.
Additionally, the AK-47 design also went on to be adapted in several derivatives developed in many different countries. These firearms have come to be known as part of the *Kalashnikov* or *AK platform*.
In 1974, the Soviet Union would replace the AK-47 and its variants with the *AK-74* chambered in the less powerful *5.45x39mm*.
## Variants
- *AK-47*
- *Type 1 receiver* - stamped receivers, under folding stock on B models
- *Type 2 receiver* - milled receivers, chrome-plated barrel and chamber, lightening grooves parallel to the barrel
- *Type 3 receiver* - milled receivers, lightening grooves angled relative to barrel
- *AKS* - type 1, 2, or 3 receivers, under folding stock
- *AKN* - night vision device rail
- *AKM* - "Modernizirovanniy" or "modernised" - stamped and riveted receivers, slanted muzzle brake
- *AKMS* - under folding stock
- *AKMN* - night vision device rail
- *AKML* - slotted flash suppressor and night vision device rail
[^1]: Mass without magazine and length of an AK-47.