|
|
AK-47
The
Kalashnikov assault rifle, also known as the AK-47 (Avtomat Kalashnikova -
47, Kalashnikov automatic rifle, model of 1947), and its derivatives, also
known under the common name of AK, is the most prolific small arm of the
2nd half of the twentieth century. It had been and still is (in more or
less modified forms) manufactured in dozens of countries, and used in
hundreds of countries and conflicts since its introduction. The total
number of the AK-type rifles made worldwide during the last 50 years is
estimated at 90+ million. This is a true legendary weapon, known for its
extreme ruggedness, simplicity of operation and maintenance, and
unsurpassed reliability even in worst conditions possible. It is used not
only as a military weapon, but also as a platform for numerous sporting
civilian rifles and shotguns (Saiga semiautomatic shotguns, for example).
The AK is an amalgam of previously known features and solutions, combined
in the most effective way. The effectiveness, however, depends on the
criteria used to measure it, and the key criteria for any and every Soviet
and Russian military arm are: Reliability, Simplicity of operation and
maintenance, Suitability for mass production. There never was any
significant demand for good ergonomics or superb accuracy, though. In
general, the AK can be described as an ideal small arm for the past war
(the Second World War). Obviously, it's not a surprise - AK incorporated
most lessons learned the hard way during that war. The
official story of the AK says that the sergeant Mikhail Kalashnikov, being
in hospital after being wounded, began to develop various small arms
during World War II. Circa 1944 he was assigned to the Izhevsk
Machinebuilding Plant (IZHMASH), where in 1944 he developed a
semi-automatic, gas-operated carbine. Starting with this design, during
1945 and 1946 he developed an assault rifle that he submitted for official
Soviet Army trials in 1946. During the 1946 and early 1947 he redesigned
his initial rifle and submitted it to the second trials, held in 1947. The
latter design was found superior to the rivals and was consequently
adopted in 1949 as the "7,62mm Automat Kalashnikova, obraztsa 1947
goda" (7.62mm Kalashnikov automatic rifle, model of 1947). After
extensive field trials it was slightly modified in 1951, but retained the
same name. Along with the basic version, a folding butt version had been
developed for paratroop forces, and it was named AKS. By the 1959 the AK was modified again, this time more extensively, and was consequently adopted (after trials) as the AKM (Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizirovannyj - Kalashnikov Automatic rifle, Modified). The key changes were the introduction of the stamped receiver instead of the milled one, and improved trigger/hammer unit, that introduced a hammer release delay device (often incorrectly referred as a rate reducer). Other changes were the redesigned, slightly raised buttstock and the pistol grip, and the addition of the removable muzzle flip compensator. This spoon-like compensator is screwed onto the muzzle and used the muzzle blast to reduce muzzle climb during the burst fire. Experience one TODAY at Midwest Gun and Range! Check back often as we frequently add new Machine Guns! |
