FEG AKM-63
FEG (Fegyver- es Gepgyar) · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1963
Also known as: AKM-63, Hungarian AKM
Overview
The FEG AKM-63 is a Hungarian-manufactured variant of the Soviet AKM assault rifle, produced by Fegyver- es Gepgyar (FEG) in Budapest beginning in 1963. While mechanically identical to the Soviet AKM - using the same long-stroke gas piston, rotating bolt, and stamped steel receiver - the AKM-63 featured several distinctive Hungarian modifications that set it apart visually from other AKM clones. The most recognizable feature is the forward pistol grip with pronounced palm swells, replacing the standard AK wooden handguard. The rifle used colored plastic furniture in various shades of green, gray, or grayish-blue, and featured a perforated steel upper handguard for improved heat dissipation. The pistol grip also featured a distinctive straight angle rather than the Soviet AKM's curved design. The AKM-63 was adopted by the Hungarian People's Army in 1963, making Hungary one of the first Warsaw Pact nations to begin licensed AKM production. It served as the standard Hungarian infantry rifle until the late 1970s, when the Hungarian Defense Ministry requested a cheaper, more conventional design, leading to the development of the AK-63 as its replacement.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3290 g (116.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3770 g (133.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 880 mm (34.65") |
| 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 | 2019 J (1489 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Stamped Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Plastic |
| 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, Forward Pistol Grip, Palm Swell Grip, Colored Plastic Furniture, Perforated Handguard, Bayonet Lug
Variants
- FEG AMD-65 — Compact Carbine
- FEG AK-63 — Cost Reduced Successor
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Hungarian People's Army · adopted 1963 · as AKM-63
- Egyptian Armed Forces · as AKM-63
- Angolan Armed Forces · as AKM-63
- Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces · as AKM-63
Conflicts
- Angolan Civil War (1975-2002)
- Yom Kippur War (1973)
- Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990)
Production
Production years: 1963-1977
Manufactured by FEG in Budapest for the Hungarian People's Army. Also exported extensively to allied nations across Africa and the Middle East. Replaced in production by the cheaper AK-63 from 1977.
Origin
Country of origin: Hungary
Discontinued: 1977
Notes
The AKM-63 is the earlier of the two main Hungarian AK variants (AKM-63 from 1963, AK-63 from 1977). Despite the confusing naming convention, the AKM-63 came first and was more heavily modified from the base AKM design. Weight: Military Factory lists 7.25 lbs (3.29 kg); Modern Firearms and Weaponsystems.net list 3.13 kg. The 3.29 kg figure from Military Factory may include the forward grip weight; 3.13 kg from Weaponsystems.net is used here as 3.29 kg rounds to 3290g for the equipped rifle. Rate of fire: Military Factory lists 650 rpm, slightly higher than the standard AKM's 600 rpm. Modern Firearms does not specify a separate figure. The 650 rpm is plausible given minor manufacturing variations. Muzzle velocity of 715 m/s matches the standard AKM specification with 415mm barrel. The AMD-65 compact carbine was derived from the AKM-63 platform for vehicle crews. The colored plastic furniture was a uniquely Hungarian innovation - other Warsaw Pact AKM producers generally used wood or Bakelite.
Background
The AKM-63 stands as Hungary's most distinctive contribution to the Kalashnikov family - a rifle that dared to be different in a bloc where conformity was the norm. Its colored plastic furniture and forward pistol grip with palm swells gave it an unmistakable silhouette among the sea of Soviet-standard AKMs. Ironically, Hungary's military eventually decided these innovations cost too much and reverted to a near-stock AKM design with the AK-63, making the AKM-63's unique features a relic of 1960s Hungarian ambition.