AKM
Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1959
Also known as: Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizirovanny, MPi-KM, Type 68, Zastava M70, AK-63, Maadi
Overview
The AKM is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, produced by Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) since 1959. The stamped steel frame provides a solid, premium feel with the durability to withstand decades of regular use and thousands of rounds.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3060 g (107.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3540 g (124.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 876 mm (34.49") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Height | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Width | 45 mm (1.77") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 715 m/s (2346 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2010 J (1482 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Stamped Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62x39mm Soviet, M43, 7.62mm Kalashnikov
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Detachable Drum Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Slant Muzzle Compensator, Stamped Receiver, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Curved Magazine, Bayonet Lug
Variants
- AKMS — Folding Stock
- AKMSU — Compact
- AKML — Night Sights
- Maadi ARM — Licensed Production
- Type 68 — Licensed Copy
- MPi-KM — Licensed Production
- Zastava M70 — Licensed Production
- AK-63 — Licensed Production
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Armed Forces · adopted 1959
- Russian Armed Forces · adopted 1991
- Hungarian Defence Forces · adopted 1963 · as AK-63
- Bulgarian Armed Forces
- East German National People's Army · as MPi-KM
- Yugoslav People's Army · as M70
- Egyptian Armed Forces · as Maadi
- Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces
- Vietnam People's Army
- North Korean People's Army · adopted 1968 · as Type 68
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)
- Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)
- Yugoslav Wars (1991-2001)
- Angolan Civil War (1975-2002)
- Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990)
- Ethiopian-Eritrean War (1998-2000)
- Gulf War (1990-1991)
Production
Estimated total produced: 10,200,000 · Production years: 1959-present
Approximately 10.2 million produced at Izhevsk and Tula arsenals. Tens of millions more produced under license worldwide including Egypt, North Korea, Hungary, East Germany, Yugoslavia, Romania, and others.
Origin
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Designer: Mikhail Kalashnikov
Notes
The AKM's stamped receiver can be identified by rivets on the sides and the distinct indentation above the magazine well. The AKMS variant features an under-folding metal stock similar to the AKS-47 but adapted for the stamped receiver. Compatible with 40-round box magazines and 75-round drum magazines in addition to the standard 30-round curved box magazine. The AKM replaced the AK-47 in Soviet service and was subsequently itself replaced by the AK-74 in 5.45x39mm beginning in 1974, though it remained in widespread reserve and export use. Weight of 3.06 kg is for the fixed-stock AKM without magazine; the AKMS folding-stock variant weighs 3.53 kg.
Background
The AKM's switch from the AK-47's expensive milled receiver to a stamped sheet-metal receiver was a manufacturing revolution that made the Kalashnikov cheap enough to arm the developing world. The distinctive slant muzzle compensator became one of the most recognized firearm features in history.