Key Specifications of the AK-47:
Type: Selective-fire (automatic & semi-automatic) assault rifle
Caliber: 7.62×39mm
Action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of Fire: ~600 rounds per minute (cyclic)
Effective Range: 300–400 meters
Muzzle Velocity: ~715 m/s (2,350 ft/s)
Magazine Capacity: Standard 30-round detachable box (also compatible with 10, 20, 40, and drum magazines)
Weight: ~4.3 kg (9.5 lbs) unloaded
Length: 880 mm (35 in) with stock extended / 645 mm (25.4 in) folded (AKS variant)
Sights: Adjustable iron sights (rear notch, front post)
Design Features:
Gas-Operated System: Uses propellant gases to cycle the action, reducing recoil.
Rotating Bolt: Ensures reliable locking and extraction.
Stamped or Milled Receiver: Early models had milled steel, later versions used stamped sheet metal for mass production.
Wooden or Polymer Furniture: Traditional AK-47s have wooden stocks and grips, while modern variants use synthetic materials.
Simple Disassembly: Can be field-stripped quickly without tools.
Variants & Derivatives:
AKM (1959): Modernized, lighter version with stamped receiver and improved muzzle brake.
AK-74: Chambered in 5.45×39mm for better controllability.
AKS-74U: Compact carbine variant.
RPK: Light machine gun version with a longer barrel and bipod.
Foreign Copies: Chinese Type 56, Romanian PM md. 63, Yugoslavian Zastava M70, etc.
Combat Use & Popularity:
Wars & Conflicts: Used in Vietnam War, Soviet-Afghan War, Iraq War, and countless others.
Global Proliferation: Over 100 million produced, used by militaries, insurgents, and civilians worldwide.
Cultural Impact: Symbol of revolution and guerrilla warfare (featured on flags, emblems, and pop culture).
Advantages:
✔ Extremely reliable (functions in mud, sand, and extreme weather).
✔ Low maintenance (few moving parts, easy to clean).
✔ Powerful cartridge (7.62×39mm has good stopping power).
Disadvantages:
❌ Heavier recoil compared to 5.56mm NATO rifles.
❌ Less accuracy at long ranges (due to loose tolerances).
❌ Older design lacks modern modularity (picatinny rails, optics mounts).
Legacy:
The AK-47 remains a dominant firearm due to its simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness. Despite newer rifles like the AK-12 (modernized Russian version), the original design remains a benchmark in firearm engineering.