The AK RIFLE

The designation AK-47 is often used, generically, to refer to all Kalashnikov-pattern assault rifles. 

However, the AK-47 is a specific model of Kalashnikov.

Later Kalashnikov-pattern weapons retain many design features of the AK-47.

Calibre:  7.62 x 39 mm M1943

Length: Fixed stock: 880 mm

Folding stock:Extended: 880 mm / Folded: 645 mm

Weight (unloaded): AK-47: 3.725 kg / AK-47S: 3.980 kg

Barrel length: 417 mm

Feed device: 30-round detachable box magazine

Sighting systems: Fore: Post, adjustable / Rear: U-notch tangent

Operating system: Gas, selective fire

Rate of fire: 600 rds/min

Muzzle velocity: 715 m/s

Model: AK-47 (Type 3)

Caliber: 7.62Χ39 mm

Weight (empty): 3.47 kg

Barrel Length: 415 mm

Rate of Fire (cyclic): ~600 rpm

Muzzle Velocity: 715 m/s

Effective Range: ~800 m

Model: AKM

Caliber: 7.62Χ39 mm

Weight (empty): ~ 3.10 kg

Barrel Length: 415 mm

Rate of Fire (cyclic): 600 rpm (cyclic)

                                 40 semi-auto, ~100 auto

Muzzle Velocity: 715 m/s

Effective Range: ~300–1,000 m (sighting)

Model: AK-74

Caliber: 5.45x39mm

Weight (empty): ~3.07 kg

Barrel Length: 415 mm

Rate of Fire (cyclic): 650 rpm

Muzzle Velocity: 900 m/s

Effective Range: 500 m point / 800 m area target; max 3,150 m

Model: AK-12 / AK-15 / AK-19

Caliber: 5.45Χ39 / 7.62Χ39 / 5.56x45 NATO

Weight (empty): ~3.3 / ~3.5 / ~3.35 kg

Barrel Length: 415 mm

Rate of Fire (cyclic): 700 rpm

Muzzle Velocity: 900 m/s (AK-12), 715 m/s (AK-15), 910 m/s (AK-19)

Effective Range: Up to 1,000 m sighting, max range ~3,150 m

Export & Users

- The AK-47 (and AK family) is one of the most widely used assault rifles globally, serving in at least 106 countries, with an estimated 100 million units in circulation.

- Russia, through Kalashnikov Concern and Rosoboronexport, continues to be a leading supplier of small arms:

• Supplies ~95% of Russia’s domestic small arms.

•  Exported over 1 million AK rifles since 2000 to around 30 countries

• Active export partnerships, including the Indo-Russian joint venture producing AK-203 rifles in India, deliver thousands annually

•  Major arms-importing countries for Russian weapons (not just AKs but the general portfolio) include India, China, Algeria, Egypt, and Vietnam

•  Beyond production, the AK’s cultural and symbolic significance is profound: nations like Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and East Timor even depict the Kalashnikov on their national flags or coats of arms

Market & Commerciale

- On the civilian/market side, AKs have become iconic and mass-produced by various manufacturers globally:

- Examples include Romanian WASR-10, Bulgarian Arsenal SAM‑7, and others. These are popular among enthusiasts and collectors, especially in countries like the U.S.

- The classic design's simplicity, reliability, and lack of patents meant it could be widely produced, licensed, and adapted — fueling diffusion across legal and illicit markets alike.

- Commercially, Russian arms producers ramped up workforce significantly during high export demand periods — Kalashnikov Group hired over 1,700 people in one initiative

- At least 100,000 AKs were exported in a single year (2017) under various contracts, notably from the AK‑100 series (AK‑101, 102, 103, etc.)

Technical: The original AK series evolved from the AK-47’s robust 7.62Χ39 mm design into lighter, more ergonomic, and modular modern rifle families (AK-74, AK-12/AK-15/AK-19).

Export & Use: Over 1 million AK rifles exported since 2000; used in over 100 countries; symbolic presence even features in national emblems.

Commercial: Widely produced by global manufacturers for civilian markets; high demand spurred workforce expansion and export contracts in the range of tens of thousands annually.