AK-74M
Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1991
Also known as: Avtomat Kalashnikova 74 Modernizirovanny, AK-74M
Overview
The AK-74M is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.45x39mm, produced by Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) since 1991.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 943 mm (37.13") |
| Folded Length | 700 mm (27.56") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Height | 189 mm (7.44") |
| Width | 70 mm (2.76") |
| Sight Radius | 376 mm (14.80") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 910 m/s (2986 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1421 J (1048 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 196 mm (7.72") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 5.45x39mm · primary — also known as 5.45x39mm Soviet, 5.45mm Kalashnikov, 7N6
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Muzzle Brake Compensator, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Side Folding Stock, Optics Side Rail, Polymer Furniture, Smooth Dust Cover, Grenade Launcher Compatible
Variants
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Russian Armed Forces · adopted 1991
- Ukrainian Armed Forces · adopted 1991
- Belarusian Armed Forces · adopted 1991
- Kazakh Armed Forces · adopted 1991
- Cypriot National Guard · adopted 2009
- Afghan National Army · adopted 2002
Conflicts
- First Chechen War (1994-1996)
- Second Chechen War (1999-2009)
- Russo-Georgian War (2008-2008)
- Russian intervention in Syria (2015-present)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 1991-present
The most numerically significant rifle in Russian military service. Exact production numbers classified but believed to be in the millions. Forms the basis for the entire AK-100 export series.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Mikhail Kalashnikov
Notes
The AK-74M served as the foundation for the entire AK-100 export series introduced in the mid-1990s - the AK-101/102 (5.56mm NATO), AK-103/104 (7.62x39mm), and AK-105 (5.45mm compact) are all derived from its design. The 'M' suffix denotes 'Modernizirovanny' (Modernized). All AK-74M rifles feature the side optics rail as standard, unlike earlier AK-74 variants where only the 'N' suffix models had this feature. Compatible with 30-round polymer magazines, 45-round RPK-74 magazines, and GP-25/GP-30 40mm under-barrel grenade launchers. While front-line Russian units began transitioning to the AK-12 from 2018 onwards, the AK-74M remains the most numerically significant rifle in Russian service and continues in active production.
Background
The AK-74M is the quiet workhorse of the Russian military -- while flashier designs like the AN-94 and AK-12 grabbed headlines, the AK-74M remained the backbone of Russian infantry for over three decades and spawned the entire AK-100 export family that armed dozens of nations.