FEG AK-63
FEG (Fegyver- es Gepgyar) · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1977
Also known as: AK-63, AK-63F, AK-63D, AK-63 Deszant
Overview
The FEG AK-63 is a Hungarian assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, manufactured by Fegyver- es Gepgyar (FEG) in Budapest. Adopted by the Hungarian People's Army in 1977, the AK-63 was developed as a cheaper, more traditionally-styled replacement for the earlier AKM-63. While the AKM-63 had introduced distinctive Hungarian modifications (colored plastic furniture, forward pistol grip with palm swells), the Hungarian Defense Ministry requested a rifle closer to the standard Soviet AKM design to reduce production costs. The AK-63 accordingly features a conventional AK-47-style wooden handguard, a standard pistol grip without the AKM-63's palm swells, and the Soviet-style slant muzzle compensator rather than the AKM-63's unique muzzle device. Mechanically identical to the AKM - using the same long-stroke gas piston, rotating bolt, and stamped steel receiver - the AK-63 is essentially a Hungarian-manufactured AKM with minor cosmetic differences. The fixed-stock version is designated AK-63F, while the folding-stock paratrooper variant is the AK-63D (Deszant). The AK-63 served as the standard Hungarian infantry rifle until replaced by Western designs following Hungary's accession to NATO in 1999.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3100 g (109.3 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3580 g (126.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 878 mm (34.57") |
| Folded Length | 655 mm (25.79") |
| Barrel Length | 419 mm (16.50") |
| Height | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Width | 45 mm (1.77") |
| 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 | 715 m/s (2346 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2019 J (1489 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 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 7.62 Soviet, 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, Stamped Receiver, Slant Muzzle Compensator, Conventional Ak Handguard, Bayonet Lug, Cleaning Rod
Variants
- FEG AK-63D (Deszant) — Folding Stock
- FEG AK-63F — Fixed Stock
- FEG AK-63MF — Modernized
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Hungarian People's Army · adopted 1977 · as AK-63
- Hungarian Defence Forces · adopted 1990 · as AK-63
- Iraqi Armed Forces · as AK-63
- Afghan National Army · as AK-63
Conflicts
- Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)
- Gulf War (1990-1991)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
Production
Production years: 1977-2006
Manufactured by FEG in Budapest. Large quantities produced for both Hungarian military use and export. Exact production numbers not publicly documented. Hungary retired the type following NATO accession and transition to Western small arms.
Origin
Country of origin: Hungary
Discontinued: 2006
Notes
The AK-63 is distinct from the earlier AKM-63 despite the confusing nomenclature. The AKM-63 (1963) was Hungary's first licensed AKM production with distinctive modifications; the AK-63 (adopted 1977) was a cost-reduced version reverting to a more standard AKM layout. Weight varies by source: Military Factory lists 3.00 kg (6.61 lbs), Weaponsystems.net lists 3.1 kg for AK-63F and 3.3 kg for AK-63D. The 3.1 kg figure for the fixed-stock variant is used. Muzzle velocity of 715 m/s is consistent across Weaponsystems.net and Modern Firearms, matching the standard AKM specification. Military Factory lists 701 m/s (2,300 fps), slightly lower - the 715 m/s figure is preferred as it aligns with the standard 415mm AKM barrel ballistics. The AK-63D folding stock variant has an overall length of 902mm extended / 655mm folded. Large quantities were exported, particularly to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Background
The AK-63 tells an unusual story of military procurement - Hungary initially modified the Soviet AKM into the distinctive AKM-63 with its colored plastic furniture and forward grip, only to abandon those innovations a decade later and revert to a nearly stock AKM design because it was cheaper to produce. The result was a weapon so close to the original Soviet design that only experts can distinguish it from a standard AKM.