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Kalashnikov AK-47 and AKM assault rifles (USSR)

Kalashnikov AK (the original AK-47 with combination stamped / milled receiver)

Modified AK (1955 manufacture), with machined receiver. Note the distinctive machined cuts above and forward of the magazine well.

Automat Kalashnikova Modernized - AKM assault rifle, with the multipurpose bayonet-knife. Note that the stamped receiver has small indents above the magazine instead of the machined cuts on the earlier AK models.

AKMS - AKM with folding buttstock

AKM with GP-25 40mm underbarrel grenade launcher

Click here to see AKM cutout view (JPEG, 69 Kb)

Buy Kalashnikov AK-47 rifles and accessories at Impact Guns online store

Caliber 7.62x39 mm
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt with 2 lugs
Overall length: 870 mm
Barrel length: 415 mm
Weight, with empty magazine: AK 4,3 kg; AKM 3,14 kg
Magazine capacity 30 rounds (40 rounds box magazines and 75 rounds drums from RPK also may be used)
Cyclic rate of fire 600 rounds per minute
Maximum effective range: about 400 meters

Mag AK-47 30-Rd Used Steel Metal German w/Rib Back Ridge

Original East German 30 round metal magazine. Fits MAK-90 and other AK versions. Has a ridge on the back of the magazine which makes it stronger than a standard magazine. Very good to excellent condition in blue steel 7.62x39 Caliber. Will also fit the Norinco models or AK-47 and others. This is a high capacity magazine. CANNOT ship California, Maryland, Hawaii, Massachusetts and New Jersey.

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AK-47 Drum Magazine 75 Round New 7.62x39 Scarce

Pre-ban and very scarce 75 round drum magazine for the AKS rifle, originally designed for machine guns, these 7.62x39 drums fit standard semi-auto rifles and give you tons of shooting fun. Very limited supplies and brand new condition. High capacity - Cannot ship to CA, MA, MD, HI, and NJ.

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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 XX 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+ millions. 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 (see 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 the wound, began to develop various small arms during the World War 2. 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. The compensator could be replaced by the screw-on "PBS-1 noiseless firing device", generally known as a silencer. This silencer required a special, sub-sonic ammunition with heavier bullets to be used. Another change from AK to AKM was a slightly improved rear sight, with settings from 100 to 1000 (instead of the 800 on AK) meters. Both 800 and 1000 meters, however, are way too optimistic for any practical use, since the effective fire is limited roughly to 300-400 meters, if not less.

In the 1974, Soviet Army officially adopted the 5.45mm ammunition and the appropriately chambered AK-74 assault rifle as its new standard shoulder arm. The AKM, however, was never officially removed from service, and is still in Russian army stocks. many non-infantry units of the Russian Army are still armed with 1960s vintage AKM assault rifles. There's also an increasing interest in the 7.62mm weapons since many troops were disappointed by the effectiveness of the 5.45mm ammo during the local conflicts in the 1990s. Some Russian special forces troops (mostly police and Internal Affairs Ministry), currently operating in Chechnya, are using the venerable 7.62mm AKM rifles.

The AK and AKM rifles also were widely exported to the pro-Soviet countries and regimes all around the world. Manufacturing licenses along with all necessary technical data packages were transferred to many Warsaw Pact countries (Bulgaria, East Germany, Hungary, Romania, Yugoslavia) and to some other Communist countries, like China and North Korea. Some non-communist, but friendly countries, like the Egypt, Finland and Iraq, also received these licenses. The AK is the only firearm ever that was depicted on the national flag - the Mozambique flag features a distinctive silhouette of the Kalashnikov rifle.

At the present time almost all manufacturers of the AK-type weapons ceased the production of the 7.62mm assault rifles for the military use (except probably for the newest AK-103, made in limited numbers by the IZHMASH in Russia). On the other hand, production of the semi-automatic only civilian AK derivatives is continued in many countries, including Russia, Bulgaria, Romania, China and some others.

Technical description for the AKM assault rifle:
The AKM is a gas operated, selective fire assault rifle.

The gas operated action has a massive bolt carrier with a permanently attached long stroke gas piston. The gas chamber is located above the barrel. The bolt carrier rides on the two rails, machined in the receiver, with the significant clearances between the moving and stationary parts, which allows the gun to operate even when its interior is severely fouled with sand or mud. The rotating bolt has two massive lugs that lock into the receiver. Bolt is so designed that on the unlocking rotation it also makes a primary extraction movement to the fired case. This results in very positive and reliable extraction even with dirty chamber and cases. The rotation of the bolt is ensured by the curved cam track, machined in the bolt carrier, and by the appropriate stud on the bolt itself. The return spring and a spring guide are located behind the gas piston and are partially hidden in its hollow rear part when bolt is in battery. The return spring base also serves as a receiver cover lock. The cocking handle is permanently attached to the bolt carrier (in fact, it forms a single machined steel unit with carrier), and does reciprocate when gun is fired.

The receiver of the AKM is made from the stamped sheet steel, with machined steel inserts riveted into the place where required. Earliest AK-47 receivers were also made from the stamped and machined parts, riveted together, but this soon proved to be unsatisfactory, and most of the AK (pre-1959) rifles were made with completely machined receivers. The receiver cover is a stamped sheet metal part, with stamped strengthening ribs found on the AKM covers.

The relatively simple trigger/hammer mechanism is loosely based on the 1900's period Browning deigns (much like the most other modern assault rifles), and features a hammer with two sears - one main, mounted on the trigger extension, and one for the semi-automatic fire, that intercepts the hammer in the cocking position after the shot is fired and until the trigger is released. Additional auto sear is used to release the hammer in full auto mode. The AKM trigger unit also featured a hammer release delay device, which is served to delay the hammer release in the full auto fire by few microseconds. This does not affects the cyclic rate of fire, but allows the bolt group to settle in the forwardmost position after returning into the battery. The combined safety - fire selector switch of distinctive shape is located on the right side of the receiver. In the "Safe" position (topmost) it locks the bolt group and the trigger, and also served as a dust cover. The middle position is for automatic fire, and the bottom position is for single shots. The safety / fire selector switch is considered by many as the main drawback of the whole AK design, which is not cured in the most of derivatives until now. It is slow, uncomfortable and sometimes stiff to operate (especially when wearing gloves or mittens), and, when actuated, produces a loud and distinctive click. There's no bolt stop device, and the bolt always goes forward when the last shot from the magazine is fired.

AKM is fed from the 30 rounds, stamped steel magazines of heavy, but robust design. Early AK magazines were of slab-sided design, but the more common AKM magazines featured additional stamped ribs on the sides. Positive magazine catch is located just ahead of the trigger guard and solidly locks the magazine into the place. Insertion and the removal of the magazine requires slight rotation of the magazine around its front top corner, that has a solid locking lug. If available and required, a 40 round box magazines of similar design, or the 75 rounds drums (both from the RPK light machine gun) can be used. Late in production plastic magazines of the distinctive reddish color were introduced.

AKM rifles were issued with wooden stocks and pistol handles. Late production AKM rifles had a plastic pistol grip instead of wooden one. The wooden buttstock has a steel buttplate with mousetrap cover, that covers the accessory container in the butt. The AK buttstock are more swept-down than the AKM ones. The folding stock version had been developed for the airborne troops and its had an underfolding steel shoulder stock. These modifications of the AK and AKM were designated the AKS and AKMS, respectively. AK were issued with the detachable knife-bayonets, and the AKM introduced a new pattern of the shorter, multipurpose knife-bayonet, which can be used in conjunction with its sheath to form a wire-cutter. All AK and AKM rifles were issued with the canvas carrying slings.

The sights of the AKM consist of the hooded front post and the U-notch open rear. Sights are graduated from 100 to 1000 (800 on AK) meters, with an additional "fixed" battle setting that can be used for all ranges up to 300 meters.

AKM rifles also can be fitted with the 40mm GP-25 grenade launchers, that are mounted under the forend and the barrel. Grenade launchers had its own sights on the left side of the unit

*** source from world.guns.ru

AK-47
*** From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Ak47)
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AK-47[1]

A Type 2 AK-47, the first machined receiver variation.
Type Assault rifle
Place of origin Soviet Union
Service history
In service 1949�Present
Used by Warsaw Pact, Post-Soviet states, many others
Production history
Designer Mikhail Kalashnikov
Designed 1947
Number built Over 100 million[2]
Variants AK-47, AKS, AKM (See below for comprehensive list of domestic and foreign variants)
Specifications
Weight 3.8 kg (8.4 lb) empty, 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) loaded
Length 870 mm (34?in)
Barrel length 415 mm (16.3 in)

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Cartridge 7.62 ?39 mm
Action Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire 600 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity 710 m/s (~2,330 ft/s)
Effective range 300 m (330 yd)
Feed system 30-round detachable box; compatible w/ RPK 40-round box, 75-round drum magazine.
Sights Adjustable iron sights, optional mount required for optical sights
The AK-47 (short for Russian: Автомат Калашникова образца 1947 года, Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947) is a piston-operated 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 Russian manufacturer Izhevsk Mechanical Works.[3] Compared with most auto-loading rifles 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 remains the most widely-used -- more AK-type rifles have been produced than of any other assault rifle type.[3]

Contents [hide]
1 History
1.1 Design background
1.2 Design concept
1.3 Receiver development history
2 Features
2.1 Operating cycle
2.2 Disassembly
2.3 Ballistics
3 Variants
3.1 Production outside of Russia
3.2 Licensing
4 Legal status
4.1 In Canada
4.2 In the United States
4.3 In Europe
4.4 In Australia
4.5 In Mexico
4.6 Illicit trade
5 Cultural influence
6 See also
7 Notes
8 References and further reading
9 External links
9.1 Manual

[edit] History

[edit] 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 meters . 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?7mm 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 Russian 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.

Mikhail Kalashnikov began imagining his assault rifle while in hospital after being wounded in the Battle of Bryansk.[4] He had been informed that a new weapon was required for the 7.62 x 41 mm cartridge developed by Elisarov and Semin in 1943. (The 7.62 x 41 mm cartridge predated the current 7.62 x 39 mm.) Yet, Sudayev's PPS43 submachine gun was preferred over Kalashnikov's assault rifle.

[edit] Design concept
Despite circumstantial evidence, Mikhail Kalashnikov denies his assault rifle was based on the German StG44 assault rifle. The AK47 is best described as a hybrid of previous rifle technology innovations: the M1 Garand rifle's double locking lugs, unlocking raceway, and trigger mechanism,[5] and the safety mechanism[6] of the Browning Remington Model 8 rifle. The main advantages of the Kalashnikov rifle is simple design and adaptation to mass production; it is a fusion of the best M1 Garand and the StG44 elements.[7]

[edit] Receiver development history

AKS-47 on a Type 4B receiver (top), with a Type 2A.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.[8] Instead of halting production, a heavy machined receiver was substituted for the sheet metal receiver.[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.[10]

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.[11] 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.[12] 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.[13] 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.[14] 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.

Receiver type Description
Type 1A/B Original stamped receiver for AK-47. -1B modified for folding stock. Namely, a large hole is present on each side to accommodate the hardware for the underfolding stock.
(this naming convention continues with all types)

Type 2A/B Milled from steel forging.
Type 3A/B "Final" version of the milled receiver, from steel bar stock. The most ubiquitous example of the milled-receiver AK-47.
Type 4A/B Stamped AKM receiver. Overall, the most-used design in the construction of the AK-series rifles.

[edit] Features
The AK is simple, inexpensive to manufacture and easy to clean and maintain. Its ruggedness and reliability are legendary.[15] 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 centimeters 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.

[edit] 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 gun 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.[16]

[edit] 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 gun 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.[16]

[edit] 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 1,990 joules (1,467 ft�lbf). Cartridge case length is 38.6 millimetres (1.5 in), weight is 18.21 grams (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 meters (330 yd). For comparison, the 7.62 ?54 mm R cartridge has a projectile of 9.6?2 grams (148?85 gr), depending on the weapon, at a velocity of 818 metres per second (2,683 ft/s) for approximately 4,000 joules (2,950 ft�lbf) of energy.[17]

[edit] Variants
Kalashnikov variants include:

1952 AK-47AK-47 1948?1, 7.62 ?39 mm ?The very earliest models, with the Type 1 stamped sheet metal receiver, are now very rare.
AK-47 1952, 7.62 ?39 mm ?Has a milled receiver and wooden buttstock and handguard. Barrel and chamber are chrome plated to resist corrosion. Rifle weight is 4.2 kg.
AKS-47 ?Featured a downward-folding metal stock similar to that of the German MP40, for use in the restricted space in the BMP infantry combat vehicle.
RPK, 7.62 ?39 mm ?Squad automatic rifle version with longer barrel and bipod.
AKM, 7.62 ?39 mm ?A simplified, lighter version of the AK-47; Type 4 receiver is made from stamped and riveted sheet metal (see schematic above). A slanted muzzle device was added to counter climb in automatic fire. Rifle weight is 3.61 kg, due to the lighter receiver.
AKMS, 7.62 ?39 mm ?Folding-stock version of the AKM intended for airborne troops. Stock may be either side- or under-folding
AK-74 series, 5.45 ?39 mm ?See main article for details.
AK-101 series
AK-103 series
AK-107/108 series
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.

[edit] Production outside of Russia

Polish kbk AK/pmK with Type 3A receiver. Notice the red markings used by the Polish army to mark weapons used for training purposes.
Polish kbk Ak PNG60 variant, with grenade launcher and special-purpose magazine for grenade launching blank cartridges. Type 3A receiver.
East German-made MPiKMS-72, a folding stock variant of the AKM, in the hands of a U.S. Marine.Military variants only. If no link is provided, the difference is in name only, and all features and functions are identical to the Soviet equivalent model in parentheses. Summary of information presented in Poyer's The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations.

Country Variant(s)
Albania Unknown.Others
Tip C (Type C) Sniper Rifle
Bulgaria AKK (Type 3 AK-47), AKKS (Type 3 with side-folding buttstock)
AKKMS (AKMS) AKKN-47 (fittings for NPSU night sights)
AK-47M1 (Type 3 with black polymer furniture)
AK-47MA1/AR-M1 (same as -M1, but in 5.56 mm NATO)
AKS-47M1 (AKMS in 5.56 mm NATO), AKS-47MA1 (same as AKS-47M1, but semi-automatic only)
AKS-47S (AK-47M1, short version, with East German folding stock, laser aiming device)
AKS-47UF (short version of -M1, Russian folding stock), AR-SF (same as -47UF, but 5.56 mm NATO)
AKS-93SM6 (similar to -47M1, cannot use grenade launcher)
RKKS, AKT-47 (.22 rimfire training rifle)
Finland Rk-62
German Democratic Republic MPi-K (AK-47), MPi-KS (AKS), MPi-KM (AKM), MPi-KMS72 (AKMS);
Egypt AK-47, MISR 7.62 (AKM), Maadi
Hungary AKM-63, AMD-65, AMD-65M, AMMSZ, AMP, NGM 5.56
Iraq Tabuk (M70B1, and M70AB2)
Tabuk sniper rifle (M70B1 with 23.6-inch barrel, optics, different stock)
India India's Ordnance Factory Board made a clone of the AK-47, known as the AK-7
Iran KLS (AK-47), KLF (AKS), KLT (AKMS)
Morocco AK-47, MISR 7.62 (AKM), Maadi
North Korea Type 58A (Type 3 AK-47), Type 58B (stamped steel folding stock), Type 68A (AKM-47) Type 68B (AKMS)
China Type 56 Rifle (not Carbine), Type 81, Type 87
Pakistan Reverse engineered by hand and machine in Pakistan's semi-autonomous tribal areas
Poland kbk AK/pmK (AK-47), kbk AKS (AKS), kbk Ak PNG60, kbk AKM (AKM), kbK AKMS), kbk wz. 88 Tantal (AK-74 with special side-folding stock), kbk wz. 96 Beryl
Romania AI (AK-47), AIS (AKS), AIM, AIMS (AKM, AKMS), AIR
Yugoslavia and Serbia M64 (AK-47 with longer barrel), M64A (grenade launcher)
M64B (M70 w/ folding stock), M70, M70A, M70AB2, M77

Certainly more have been produced elsewhere, but the above list represents major producers and variants. An updated AKM design is still produced in Russia.

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 Israeli Galil, the Indian 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 Pribor-3B Rifle and 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.

[edit] Licensing
Russia has repeatedly claimed that the majority of these manufacturers produce AK-47 without a proper license from IZH.[18][19] The Izhevsk Machine Tool Factory acquired a patent in 1999, illegalising manufacture of the Kalashnikov rifle system by anyone other than themselves.[20] However, nearly one million AK-47 assault rifles are manufactured illegally each year.[21]

[edit] Legal status

[edit] In Canada
In Canada since January 1, 1995, the AK-47 and its variants are prohibited under the Prohibited Weapons Order, No. 13.[22] Exceptions to this are the Valmet Hunter, the Valmet Hunter Auto, and the Valmet M78 rifles which are based on the AK action.[23] This order created a new class of prohibited firearms in Canada (class 12.5). This classification makes the AK and its variants ordinarily illegal for purchase, acquisition, or import. Individuals in Canada who possessed and registered those firearms prior to January 1, 1995 were "grandfathered" into this class and thus can continue to possess (and under some circumstances acquire) the AK-47 and its variants.[24]

[edit] In the United States
Private ownership of fully automatic AK rifles is tightly regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934. The Gun Control Act of 1968 ceased importing of foreign-manufactured fully automatic firearms for civilian sales and possession, effectively halting further importation of civilian accessible AK rifles.

In 1986, an amendment to the Firearm Owners Protection Act stopped all future domestic sales of fully automatic weapons for civilian use (non-military/non-LEO). Fully automatic weapons are still manufactured in the US for military and law enforcement use. However, machine guns manufactured domestically prior to 1986 or imported prior to 1968 may be transferred between civilians in accordance with federal and state law. Several Soviet and Communist Chinese rifles made it into the U.S. during the mid-1960s, when returning Vietnam veterans brought them home after capture from enemy troops. Many of these were properly registered during the 1968 NFA amnesty.

[edit] In Europe
See also: Gun politics in the United Kingdom
Much of Western Europe has enacted comprehensive national firearms laws which prevent the lawful ownership of AK or variants thereof. The United Kingdom, for instance, has outlawed, through the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988, semi-automatic centerfire rifles. It is possible to own AK derivatives in the UK provided they have been produced as "Manual Straight Pull" rifles which need to be manually cocked after each shot. This involves a modification to the weapon to essentially remove the gas system by permanently closing the gas port above the barrel (may also involve the removal of the gas piston). Nonetheless, AK rifles have occasionally shown up in the hands of criminals and are frequently used by Irish Republican and Ulster Loyalist terror groups in Northern Ireland (the Provisional IRA received a substantial quantity of Romanian AKMs from Libya in the 1970s and 1980s).

In Norway it is forbidden for civilians to possess any form of fully automatic firearm unless a special permit is issued.[25] Similar laws are in force throughout most of Europe. Fully automatic weapons are either explicitly or effectively outlawed in almost all of Europe including Russia.

[edit] In Australia
See also: Gun politics in Australia
In Australia, the purchase of semi-automatic centerfire rifles has been effectively banned since 1996, and therefore AK rifles, even in semi-automatic form, are not allowed. After the bans on certain pistols in 2003, pistol and straight pull versions of the AK were declared illegal to possess, import or attempt to purchase. The only way for an individual in Australia to legally own a Kalashnikov rifle is to have a Firearm Collector's Licence and the firearm deactivated by having the rifle's action welded up and the barrel plugged or permanently restricted to blank-fire.

[edit] In Mexico
In Mexico, the possession of the AK-47 or any of its variants by civilians is outlawed. The Federal Law of Firearms and Explosives in its Article 11[26] prohibits the civilian possession of this category of weapon and cartridge (lawful use of a military-style firearm using a military caliber intended round is restricted to the Mexican Army), However, the AK-47, is well known in the country as the Cuerno de Chivo (Spanish for "ram's horn"), in clear reference to the curved form of the magazine as well as the firepower for which it has been widely used by criminal organizations as their weapon of choice.[27]

[edit] 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.[28] 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.

[edit] Cultural influence

Coat of arms of Mozambique, 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 Nicaraguan Sandinistas and Vietcong. The AK design was spread to a total of 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 Iranian 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 C�sar L�pez 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.[29]