Most produced weapon ever:
Awtomat Kalaschnikowa - Legendary AK47
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AK47The AK-47 (shortened from Russian: Автомат Калашникова образца 1947 года, Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947) is a gas-operated assault rifle that was used in many Eastern bloc nations 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 used in World War II, the AK-47 is generally more compact, has comparative range, is moderately powerful, and is capable of selective fire. It was one of the first true assault rifles and remains the most widely used and known, often earning the title of "Best Automatic Assault Rifle" due to its versatility. More AK rifles have been produced than any other assault rifle; production continues to this day. [3]
Design backgroundDuring the Second World War, the Germans developed the concept of the assault rifle.[citation needed] This concept was based on the knowledge that most military engagements in modern warfare were happening at fairly close range with the majority happening within 100 meters (110 yd). The power and range of contemporary rifle cartridges was simply overly powerful for a vast majority of engagements with small arms. As a result, a cartridge and firearm were sought combining the features of a submachine gun (high-capacity magazine and fully-automatic fire capability) with an intermediate-power cartridge that would be effective to a range of 300 meters (330 yd). For the sake of reduced manufacturing costs, this was done by shortening the 7.92 × 57 mm Mauser cartridge case and substituting a lighter bullet to create the 7.92 x 33 mm Kurz.
The resulting Sturmgewehr 44 (StG44) was not the first rifle to use these features; it was preceded by earlier Italian Cei-Rigotti and Russian Fedorov Avtomat designs. The Germans, however, were the first to produce and field a sufficient number of the type to properly evaluate its utility. They fielded the weapon in large numbers against the Russians towards the end of the war and this experience deeply influenced Russian doctrine in the years following the war.
Mikhail Kalashnikov began imagining his weapon while still in the hospital, after being wounded in the Battle of Bryansk. 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.) Sudayev's PPS43 submachine gun was preferred to Kalashnikov's design.
Design conceptDespite circumstantial evidence, Mikhail Kalashnikov denies that his rifle was based on the German assault rifle. It is best described as a hybrid of several previous innovations. To support his position, the AK- owes more to the M1 Garand Rifle than any German design. The double locking lugs, unlocking raceway, and trigger mechanism are clearly derived from the earlier American design.[4] This is not surprising as millions of Garand rifles had operated reliably in combat around the globe. The safety is surprisingly similar[5] to the Browning-designed Remington Model 8 rifle.
The genius in the design of the Kalashnikov rifle is in the simplification of those contributing designs and adaptation to mass production. The AK can be seen as a fusion of the best that the M1 Garand offered combined with the best aspects of the StG44 made by the best processes was in the recombination of known elements into a compact, reliable and durable package.[6]
Receiver development historyAKS-47 on a Type 4B receiver (top), with a Type 2A.
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.[7] Instead of halting production, a heavy machined receiver was substituted for the sheet metal receiver.[8] 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.[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.[10] 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.[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.[12] 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.[13] 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.
FeaturesThe AK is simple, inexpensive to manufacture and easy to clean and maintain. Its ruggedness and reliability are legendary.[14] 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.
Operating cycleTo 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.[15]
DisassemblyDismantling 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.[15]
BallisticsThe 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 9.6–12 grams (148–185 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.[16]
VariantsKalashnikov variants include:
* AK-47 1948–51, 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.
Production outside of RussiaMilitary 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.
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.
LicensingRussia has repeatedly claimed that the majority of these manufacturers produce AK-47 without a proper license from IZH.[17][18] The Izhevsk Machine Tool Factory acquired a patent in 1999, illegalising manufacture of the Kalashnikov rifle system by anyone other than themselves.[19]
Legal status
In Canada
In Canada since January 1, 1995, the AK-47 and its variants are prohibited under the Prohibited Weapons Order, No. 13.[20] Exceptions to this are the Valmet Hunter, the Valmet Hunter Auto, and the Valmet M78 rifles which are based on the AK action.[21] This classification makes the AK and its variants ordinarily illegal for purchase, acquisition, or import. Individuals in Canada who possessed those registered firearms prior to January 1, 1995 were "grandfathered" and thus can continue to possess the AK-47 and its variants.[22]
In the United StatesPrivate 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 manufacture of fully-automatic weapons for civilian 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.
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.[23] 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.
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.
In MexicoIn 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[24] 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.[25]
Illicit tradeThroughout 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.[26] 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.
Cultural influenceDuring 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 revolution era coat of arms of Burkina Faso, the flag of Hezbollah, and 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 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.[27]
Function
Disassembling of the AK47: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwMluoh-2Mg&mode=related&search=Function - Slow Motionwww.youtube.com/watch?v=UUnXnI-TDeoSome Videos from Shooting-Scenes:Speeding through 30 rounds with an AK-47www.youtube.com/watch?v=efMvmoVVAC4&mode=related&search=AK47www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9lM-lEkNuE&NRAk 47 Shoot Out!www.youtube.com/watch?search=&mode=related&v=ZzmZuAyKKCwDemonstration of the reliability of the weaponwww.youtube.com/watch?v=jn9WcjsSr_IAK47 shootingwww.youtube.com/watch?v=g7ZFwCOkeIU&mode=related&search=AK-47 4www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M6kuLBmN3o&mode=related&search=AK-47 7.62mmwww.youtube.com/watch?v=gpfPwFtJLpg&mode=related&search=
ak 47 full autowww.youtube.com/watch?v=-CME_JN04HAWoman love big weaponswww.youtube.com/watch?v=6N8CyUwnqwIwww.youtube.com/watch?v=v-9r59bCYGgwww.youtube.com/watch?v=DVCLrxXuSw8&mode=related&search=Death by AK47www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EeEl1NIO68&mode=related&search=TOP 10:Combat Rifles - AK 47 (NO.1)www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvrG4T2K4sE(
TOP 10 :Combat Rifles - M16(No.2))
www.youtube.com/watch?v=11rDdh8Kcq4&mode=related&search=From the producer to the "End-User": :shock:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TVDNgMZ1CQ&NRAK47 vs. lawn mower :roll:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LljKjG5Zp-8Documentation:www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfjqxNsX2XQ
Manufactures of the AK-47www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UesnpdnlIA&mode=related&search=Tales Of The Gun The AK 47 1 of 5www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZnEiqRRUxATales Of The Gun - The AK47 2 of 5www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoBrkgDkL6c&mode=related&search=Tales Of The Gun The AK47 3 of 5www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-PP4-5_UbwTales Of The Gun The AK47 4 of 5www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfNPYcvZ6_Q&mode=related&search=Tales Of The Gun The AK47 5 of 5www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPt5Ld-WDnM&mode=related&search=AK 47 vs M16www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6BpI3xD6h0&mode=related&search=Military Museum of Mikhail Kalashnikovkalashnikov-weapons-museum.ak47-guide.com/