AK-47 Size

The size of the AK 47 is 870 mm (34.3 in) by length (fixed wooden stock). With the extended folding block the length is 875 mm (34.4 in). If the stock is folded the AK 47 is 645 mm (25.4 in) long.

Specifications of the AK 47

The AK 47 weighs 4.3 kg (9.5 lbs) if the magazine is empty. The barrel length is 415 mm (16.3 in). The cartridge is 7.62 x 39 mm M43. Like the M 16, it is gas operated (rotating bolt). The firing rate is 600 rounds per minute. The muzzle velocity is 716 m/s (2,346 ft/s).

The AK 47’s effective range is 100 to 800 mm. The feed system is a detachable box magazine (with 30 rounds). The adjustable sights are 378 mm (14.9 in). The size of the AK 47 gives it a muzzle energy of 2,010 joules (1,480 lbf–ft). The cartridge measures 1.52 in (38.6 mm). The projectile weighs 120 gr or 8 grams. The maximum range is 1,300 ft (400 m).

Variations of the AK 47

Through the years, numerous variations of the AK 47 have appeared. The earliest variant dates from 1948 to 51 (7.62 x 39 mm). These are marked Type 1. Another variant is the AK 47 1952 (7.62 x 39 mm). The buttstock is wooden (as is the handguard). It weighs 4.2 kg (9.3 lbs).

The AKS 47 was modeled after the German MP40. The RPK 7.62 x 39 mm was similar to other models except the barrel was longer. The AKM was designed to be a lightweight version of the AK 47. The size of the AK 47 AKM variant meant it weighs only 3.1 kg (7 lbs). The receiver was made out of riveted sheet metal.

The AKMS was the stock folding variant of the AKM. Other types include the AK-74 series (5.45 x 39 mm), the AK-103/AK-104, the AK-101 and the AK-107/AK-108 series.

Other Types of AK 47s

Originally produced in the Soviet Union, other countries followed soon. Among the derivatives and variants are the Automatiku Shqiptar tipi in Albania, Bulgaria’s AKK (Type 3 AK-47), the AKKMS (AKMS) and the AK-47M1. China produces the Type 56 while Egypt has the AK-47 Misr assault rifle.

The former Yugoslavia had the M64. It was similar to the size of the AK 47 except the barrel was longer. Romania has the PM md 86; Poland produces the pmK/kbk AK and North Korea the Type 58A, Type 58B and the Type 68A.

Iranian versions of the AK 47 include the KLF (AKS), the KLS and the KLT. Hungarian AK 47s include the AK 63D/3, the AKM-63 and the AMD 65. In addition the basic design of the AK 47 has been used as the template for other weapons. They include the Zatava M76 (Yugoslavia), Finland’s RK 95 TP and Israel’s Galil.

AK type weapons are among the most widely produced in the world. It isn’t just the size of the AK 47 that makes it attractive; it is also the low cost and efficiency.