Information AboutAk-47 |
The AK-47 (short for ) is an Assault Rifle used in most Eastern Bloc countries during the Cold War . Adopted and standardized in 1947, it was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov and originally produced by Soviet manufacturer Izhevsk Mechanical Works .Poyer, Joe. The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations (Paperback). North Cape Publications. 2004. pp1. Compared with most auto-loading Rifle s of World War II , the AK-47 is compact, of comparative range, moderate power, and capable of Selective Fire . It was one of the first true assault rifles and, due to its durability and ease of use, remains the most widely used assault rifle. More AK-type rifles have been produced than any other assault rifle type. HISTORY Design background During The Second World War , the Germans developed the Assault Rifle concept, based upon knowledge that most firefights happen at close range, within 300 Meter s. The power and range of contemporary rifle cartridges was excessive for most small arms firefights. As a result, armies sought a cartridge and rifle combining Submachine Gun features (large-capacity magazine, selective-fire) with an intermediate-power cartridge effective to 300 meters. To reduce manufacturing costs, the 7.92×57mm Mauser cartridge case was shortened, the result of which was the lighter 7.92 X 33 Mm ''Kurz'' (German: Short). The resultant rifle, the Sturmgewehr 44 (StG44) was not the first with these features; its predecessors were the Italian Cei-Rigotti and the Russia n Fedorov Avtomat design rifles. The Germans, however, were the first to produce and field sufficient numbers of this assault rifle to properly evaluate its combat utility. Towards the end of the war, they fielded the weapon against the Russians; the experience deeply influenced Russian military doctrine in the post-war years. 's PPS-43 Submachine Gun , Kalashnikov produced his "Mikhtim" (derived from his first name and Patronymic ) and won the competition after it was dragged through mud, sand, and dust and was still able to fire without jamming. The "Mikhtim" was the prototype for the development of a family of firearms which culminated in the AK47 in 1947.Kalashnikov, Mikhail, "How and Why I Produced My Submachine Gun", in ''Sputnik: A Digest of Soviet Press'', Novosti Press Agency, Moscow, June 1983, pp 70-75. Design concept Despite 's double locking lugs, unlocking raceway, and trigger mechanism,1 and the safety mechanism of the John Browning designed Remington Model 8 rifle.2 The main advantages of the Kalashnikov rifle is simple design and adaptation to Mass Production ; it is a fusion of the best Browning design, the M1 Garand and the StG44 .Ezell, Edward Clinton (1986). The AK-47 Story: Evolution of the Kalashnikov Weapons. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books. ISBN 0-8117-0916-7. Receiver development history 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.Poyer, 8 Instead of halting production, a heavy machined receiver was substituted for the sheet metal receiver.Poyer, 9 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.Poyer, 9 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.Ezell, 36 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 to prevent the weapon from firing out of battery (without the bolt being fully closed), during rapid or automatic fire.Poyer, 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.Ezell, 36 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.Poyer, 2 In most former Eastern Bloc countries, the weapon is known simply as the "Kalashnikov". The photo above 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. 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 is simple, inexpensive to manufacture and easy to clean and maintain. Its ruggedness and reliability are legendary.3 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 Centimeter s 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. 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. 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 firearm 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.Department of the Army. Operators Manual for AK-47 Assault Rifle. 203d Military Intelligence Battalion 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 weapon 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. 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 2,010 Joule s (1,467 Ft·lbf ). Cartridge case length is 38.6 millimetres (1.5 In ), weight is 18.21 Gram s (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 300-400 meters. VARIANTS Kalashnikov variants include:
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. Production outside of Russia to mark weapons used for training purposes.]] variant of the AKM, in the hands of a U.S. Marine .]] Certainly more have been produced elsewhere; but the above list represents known producers and is limited to only military variants. An updated AKM design is still produced in Russia. Derivatives 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 Israel i Galil , the India n INSAS and the Yugoslav Zastava M76 and M77/82 (not to be confused with the Barrett M82 ) rifles. Several Bullpup designs have surfaced such as the Chinese Norinco Type 86S , 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 . Licensing Russia has repeatedly claimed that the majority of these manufacturers produce AK-47 without a proper License from IZH ."Восточная Европа захватила рынок продаж автоматов Калашникова". Lenta.Ru. Internet, available from http://www.lenta.ru/news/2006/06/13/rifles/. Accessed 07/19/2006. "'Ижмаш' подсчитал контрафактные автоматы Калашникова". Lenta.Ru. Internet, available from http://lenta.ru/news/2006/04/15/fake. Accessed 07/19/2006. The Izhevsk Machine Tool Factory acquired a patent in 1999, illegalising manufacture of the Kalashnikov rifle system by anyone other than themselves.Poyer, 2 However, nearly one million AK-47 assault rifles are manufactured illegally each year.http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,288456,00.html AK-47 Inventor Doesn't Lose Sleep Over Havoc Wrought With His Invention ILLICIT TRADE Throughout the world, the AK 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."The AK-47: The World's Favourite Killing Machine." ControlArms Briefing Note. Internet, available from http://www.controlarms.org/find_out_more/reports/AK_47.pdf, accessed 07/28/2006. After the Soviet retreat from Afghanistan , the Soviet Army left huge quantities of weapons including AK's which were used in its civil war between Taliban and Northern Alliance and were also exported to Pakistan . It is now also made in Pakistan's semi-autonomous areas. It is widely used by tribes in Africa like the Hamar , amongst others. LEGAL STATUS See Also: AK-47 legal status CULTURAL INFLUENCE , 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 Nicaragua n Sandinistas and Vietcong . The AK design was spread to over 55 national armies. The proliferation of this weapon is reflected by more than just numbers. The AK is included in the Flag Of Mozambique and its Coat Of Arms . It is also found in the coat of arms of Zimbabwe and East Timor , the revolution era Coat Of Arms Of Burkina Faso , the Flag Of Hezbollah , and the logo of the Iran ian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps . "Kalash", a shortened form of "Kalashnikov", is used as a name for boys in some African countries. In the U.S., movie makers often arm criminals, gang members and terrorist characters with AK's. However, not all influences of the AK have been violent. In 2006, Colombian musician and peace activist César López devised the '' Escopetarra '', an AK 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 .4 SEE ALSO
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