PM md. 63
Fabrica de Arme Cugir · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1963
Also known as: Pistol Mitraliera model 1963, WASR-10, AIM, SAR-1, Romanian AKM
Overview
The PM md. 63 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, produced by Fabrica de Arme Cugir since 1963. This Romanian-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3450 g (121.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3850 g (135.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 870 mm (34.25") |
| 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 | 2037 J (1502 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 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 | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| 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, Integral Forward Grip, Stamped Receiver, Wood Furniture
Variants
- PM md. 65 — Folding Stock
- PM md. 80 (AIMR) — Compact
- PM md. 90 — Modernized
- WASR-10 — Civilian
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Romanian Armed Forces · adopted 1963
- Afghan Armed Forces
- Iraqi Armed Forces
- Syrian Armed Forces
- Libyan Armed Forces
- Iranian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Romanian Revolution (1989-1989)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- Syrian Civil War (2011-present)
- Libyan Civil War (2011-2020)
Production
Estimated total produced: 5,000,000 · Production years: 1963-present
Romania was one of the most prolific AK manufacturers, producing millions for domestic use and export to over 40 countries
Origin
Country of origin: Romania
Notes
Romania was one of the most prolific producers of AK-pattern rifles, with Cugir manufacturing millions of PM md. 63 variants for both domestic use and export throughout the Cold War. The integral forward grip on the handguard is the easiest way to identify a Romanian AK. The PM md. 65 variant features an underfolding metal stock for paratrooper and vehicle crew use, with a distinctive rearward-cranked foregrip. The PM md. 80 (AIMR) is a short-barreled carbine variant with a side-folding stock. The PM md. 90 is a modernized version with polymer furniture. Romania has exported these rifles to over 40 nations, with significant quantities reaching conflict zones in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. The civilian semi-automatic WASR-10 variant (produced for export to the United States) is one of the most popular and affordable AK-pattern rifles on the American commercial market, with millions imported since the 1990s.
Background
The PM md. 63 is the only AK variant in the world with a factory-integral forward angled grip molded into the lower handguard, making Romanian AKs instantly identifiable. Its civilian WASR-10 export variant became the most popular and affordable AK-pattern rifle on the American market.