AKMS
Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash / Tula Arms) · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1959
Also known as: Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizirovanny Skladnoy, AKMS
Overview
The AKMS is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, produced by Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash / Tula Arms) since 1959.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3530 g (124.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3930 g (138.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 895 mm (35.24") |
| Folded Length | 657 mm (25.87") |
| 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 | 710 m/s (2329 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2010 J (1482 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 775 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62mm Soviet, 7.62x39mm M43
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Underfolding Metal Stock, Stamped Receiver, Slant Muzzle Brake, Rate Reducer
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Armed Forces · adopted 1959
- Soviet Airborne Forces (VDV) · adopted 1959
- Russian Armed Forces · adopted 1991
- Egyptian Armed Forces · adopted 1965
- North Vietnamese Army · adopted 1965
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)
- Yom Kippur War (1973-1973)
- Angolan Civil War (1975-2002)
- Rhodesian Bush War (1964-1979)
- Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)
Production
Production years: 1959-present
Produced alongside the AKM in massive quantities. Tens of millions manufactured across the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and licensed factories worldwide.
Origin
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Designer: Mikhail Kalashnikov
Notes
The AKMS was the most widely distributed folding-stock AK variant of the Cold War era, with tens of millions produced across the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and licensed factories worldwide. The underfolding stock design, while compact, provides minimal cheek weld and is considered less comfortable for extended firing compared to fixed-stock models. The 'S' designation (Skladnoy/Folding) became the standard nomenclature for all subsequent folding-stock AK variants. Romanian, East German, Egyptian, and Chinese factories all produced AKMS variants with minor local modifications. The weapon is visually iconic from its extensive appearance in Cold War-era conflicts from Vietnam to Afghanistan to numerous African wars. Compatible with all standard AKM/AK-47 30-round and 40-round magazines as well as 75-round drum magazines.
Background
The AKMS was the weapon of choice for Soviet paratroopers jumping into Afghanistan, its underfolding stock allowing compact stowage during airborne operations. The distinctive silhouette of the unfolded metal stock became an iconic Cold War image.