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VARIANTS |
- AK-47 - Kalashnikov assault rifle with a wooden stock, caliber 7.62 mm. This model was included in the inventory in 1949. AK-47 1948-51, 7.62x39mm - The very earliest models, with the Type 1 stamped sheet metal receiver, are now very rare. Designed to use the intermediate pistol/rifle cartridge. Due to the decreased cartridge capacity, the weight and size of the assault rifle were reduced and the grouping of shots was improved.
- AK-47 1952, 7.62x39mm - Has a milled receiver and wooden butt stock and hand guard. Barrel and chamber are chrome plated to resist corrosion. Rifle weight is 4.2 kg (9.3 lb).
- AKS-47 - Featured a downward-folding metal stock, for use in the restricted space in the BMP infantry combat vehicle, as well as by paratroops.
- RPK, 7.62x39mm - Squad automatic rifle version with longer barrel and bipod.
- AKM, 7.62x39mm - 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 3.1 kg (6.8 lb) due to the lighter receiver.The AKM is a modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle, caliber 7.62 mm. In 1953, the Izhmash plant participated in the competition, organized by the Central Artillery and Missile Department under the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of the Defense Industry, aimed at enhancing fighting and operating characteristics of standard small arms. The work was done by M. T. Kalashnikov's design team. The AKM was based on several technological improvements with an improved grouping of shots as compared with the AK-47 model. The weight was considerably reduced. The stock and forearm structure was changed: plywood board was used instead of wood, which ensured greater durability. This model won in the competition and was included in the inventory in 1959.
- AKMN - modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle with a mount for night sight NSP-2, caliber 7.62 mm. This model was included in the inventory in 1959.
- AKMS, 7.62x39mm - Folding-stock version of the AKM intended for airborne troops. The AKMS is a modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle with a folding stock, caliber 7.62 mm. It was included in the inventory in 1959 for landing forces. Stock may be either side- or under-folding.
- RPK - Kalashnikov lightweight machine gun, caliber 7.62 mm. This model is a modified version of the AKM. It features a bipod, a heavier and longer barrel, a modified shape buttstock, with an increased magazine capacity. This model was included in the inventory in 1959.
- RPKS - Kalashnikov lightweight machine gun with a folding buttstock, caliber 7.62 mm.
- PKT - Kalashnikov tank machine gun, caliber 7.62 mm. This is a tank version of the Kalashnikov machine gun complete with a remote control. Its massive barrel ensures a great durability making it possible to endure firing using the ammunition reserve of 250 cartridges. This model was included in the inventory in 1962.
- PKN - Kalashnikov machine gun with sight NSP-3 (1PN28), caliber 7.62 mm. This model was included in the inventory in 1961. This unified Kalashnikov machine gun can be used as a light (bipod-based) or heavy machine gun (carrier-based).
- PKM - modernized Kalashnikov machine gun, caliber 7.62 mm. This model is significantly more technologically advanced and lighter in weight. This is the world's lightest machine gun of this class. This model was included in the inventory in 1969.
- PKMN - modernized Kalashnikov machine gun with night sight NSP-3 (1PN28), caliber 7.62 mm. This model was included in the inventory in 1969.
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