


| Name | AK-47 |
| Weapon Type | Assault Rifle |
| Manufacturer | Kalashnikov Concern (original: Izhevsk) |
| Country of Origin | Soviet Union |
| Year Introduced | 1947 |
| Designer | Mikhail Kalashnikov |
| Service Status | In Service |
| Users | Russia, China, India, Middle East, Africa |
| Muzzle Velocity | ~715 m/s |
| Effective Range | 300–400 m |
| Maximum Range | 800–1000 m |
| Rate of Fire | ~600 rpm |
| Accuracy | Standard |
| Reliability | High |
| Overall Length | ~870 mm |
| Barrel Length | ~415 mm |
| Height | ~195 mm |
| Width | ~70–75 mm |
| Weight (Empty) | 3.47 kg |
| Weight (Loaded) | ~4.3 kg |
| Caliber | 7.62×39mm |
| Cartridge Type | M43 Intermediate Cartridge |
| Feed System | 30-round detachable magazine |
| Fire Modes | Semi-auto / Full-auto |
| Operating Mechanism | Gas-operated, long-stroke |
| Construction | Steel, Wood/Polymer |
| Durability | High |
| Ergonomics | Basic |
| Standard Sights | Adjustable iron sights |
| Optics Compatibility | Side-mount rail (on modern variants) |
| Accessory Mounts | Varies—Picatinny on upgraded models |
| Optional Attachments | Optics, suppressor, sling, flashlight |
| Variants | AKM -Modernized, lighter variant |
| Combat Proven | Yes |
| Notable Conflicts | Vietnam, Afghanistan, Middle East conflicts |
| Military Adoption | 100+ countries |
| Special Features | Extremely reliable under adverse conditions |
| Modern Upgrades | Rails, optics, polymer furniture |
| Legal Notice | Information is for educational purposes only. TheDefenseWatch.com does not sell, trade, or promote illegal acquisition of firearms. |
Few firearms have shaped global military history as profoundly as the AK-47, a rugged, reliable, and widely fielded assault rifle originating from the Soviet Union. Designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the late 1940s, the AK-47 became the backbone of Soviet and allied infantry forces for decades and remains in active service worldwide due to its durability, ease of use, and low production cost.
Developed by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant (now Kalashnikov Concern), the rifle was engineered as a gas-operated, select-fire weapon chambered in 7.62×39mm, balancing manageable recoil with significant stopping power. Its stamped-steel receiver, long-stroke gas piston system, and loose mechanical tolerances provide remarkable reliability in harsh environments, including sand, mud, and extreme climates.
The AK-47 offers an effective range of roughly 300–400 meters, firing at approximately 600 rounds per minute in full-auto mode. Standard 30-round detachable magazines, robust wooden or polymer furniture, and simple iron sights make it a practical and accessible platform for militaries with limited resources.
Operationally, the AK-47 has been used by more than 100 countries, featuring prominently in conflicts across Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Its global influence spawned numerous licensed and unlicensed variants, modernized updates, and derivative platforms like the AKM and AK-74.
In the United States, the term AK-47 generally refers to semi-automatic civilian-legal variants rather than true military select-fire rifles. Depending on manufacturer, imported parts, and configuration, prices typically range from $700 to $1,500, with premium American-made models costing more.
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