AKS-47
Izhevsk Machine Building Plant (Izhmash) · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1949
Also known as: AKS, Type 56-1 (Chinese underfolder)
Overview
The AKS-47 is a folding-stock variant of the original milled-receiver AK-47 assault rifle, chambered in 7.62x39mm. Introduced alongside the AK-47 around 1949, it replaced the fixed wooden buttstock with a downward-folding (underfolding) stamped-steel stock derived from the German MP40, reducing the rifle's length for paratroopers and armored-vehicle crews operating in confined spaces. Mechanically identical to the AK-47, it uses a long-stroke gas piston and rotating bolt to deliver selective-fire automatic and semi-automatic operation.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4300 g (151.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4800 g (169.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 875 mm (34.45") |
| Folded Length | 645 mm (25.39") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Sight Radius | 378 mm (14.88") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 710 m/s (2329 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2010 J (1482 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 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 | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62x39mm Soviet, 7.62mm M43, .30 Russian Short
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic, Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Dust Cover Safety Lever
- Features: Long Stroke Gas Piston, Rotating Bolt, Milled Receiver, Underfolding Metal Stock, Chrome Lined Barrel
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Armed Forces · adopted 1949 · as AKS
- Soviet Airborne Forces · adopted 1949 · as AKS
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- Cold War (1947-1991)
Production
Production years: 1949-1959
Produced in smaller quantities than the fixed-stock AK-47; the underfolding-stock concept continued in the later AKMS
Origin
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Designer: Mikhail Kalashnikov
Discontinued: 1959
Notes
The 'S' in AKS denotes 'skladnoy' (folding). Issued primarily to airborne and armored troops; produced in relatively small numbers compared to the fixed-stock AK-47 before being superseded by the lighter stamped-receiver AKM and AKMS.
Background
Designed for Soviet paratroopers and BMP/armored-vehicle crews who needed a more compact weapon, the AKS-47 borrowed its underfolding stock layout from captured German MP40 submachine guns, establishing the iconic underfolder silhouette later carried forward by the AKMS.