The AK-47 is one of the most well-known rifles on earth. Take one to a secluded corner of any part of the world, and the inhabitants will more than likely be able to identify this rifle. It is found on every continent and has been in production for over 70 years. The challenge with this platform is that everything that resembles this design is just generally called an “AK”. Today, we will look at the AK variants and have you speaking AK like a pro.
The Original AK-47
As many of you know, the AK-47 was developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov during World War II. A Soviet military officer, Kalashnikov, recognized the challenges troops faced when up against the German StG-44. It took three years of development to finally arrive at the long-stroke gas-piston-operated rifle chambered in 7.72×39. The design was a success, and in 1949, it was officially adopted by the Soviets as the new standard-issue rifle.
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The AKM
The first variant we will discuss is the AKM. The AKM (Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizirovanniy), introduced in 1959, is a 7.62×39mm modernized, stamped-receiver version of the AK-47. Designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, it is lighter, more cost-effective to produce, and more reliable than its predecessor. As a highly prolific, durable assault rifle, it has seen widespread global use. The AKM is the most widely produced version of the AK design and is one that most people mistakenly call an AK-47.
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The AK-74
Next up is the AK-74. In the mid-70’s, the Soviets sought to find a round to compete with the new 5.56 NATO round. They wanted to replace the 7.62×39 with something smaller. The product of their effort was the 5.45×39.
A new round meant a new gun, and the comrades went to work modifying the AKM to run this new round. After countless hours of designing and testing, the Soviet Union adopted the new AK-74. This was more than just a new version. The AKK provided improved range, accuracy, reliability, and controllability. This rifle had several changes that included a 90-degree gas block, a lightened bolt and bolt carrier, a folding polymer stock, and a new dust cover.
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The AK-100 Series
The AK-100 series is a family of Russian-made assault rifles and carbines developed by Kalashnikov Concern in the 1990s, based on the AK-74M platform. Primarily designed for export, this “fourth generation” series features black-polymer furniture, side-folding stocks, and high parts interchangeability with the AK-74M, offering various calibers, including 5.45, 5.56, and 7.62. The gun can be found in both full-length and shortened carbine variants as well as with a variety of barrel lengths.
The AK-100 series remains extremely popular, as several models are used by Russian Special Operations and are imported worldwide. The AK-100 series continues to see upgrades in modularity and continues to improve.
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AK Variants Wrapped Up
While there are indeed other versions of this gun, these are the rifles we see most commonly. The AK is an excellent gun and has proven itself over the decades. I will not be surprised to see this platform continue to evolve and improve over the coming years.
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