The AK-74--Russian: Автомат Калашникова образца 1974 года or "Kalashnikov Automatic Rifle Model 1974"--is a 5.45mm assault rifle developed in the early 1970s in the Soviet Union. Refined version of the AK-47 and introduced in 1974.
First saw service with Soviet forces engaged in the Afghanistan conflict and continues to be used by the majority of countries of the former USSR.
Is that an AK-47?" "No! It's an AK-74!
by akNca January 28, 2011
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The successor to the AK-47. It is currently employed by the Russian armed forces. The bullet caliber is 5.45X39mm. The bullet has a higher muzzle velocity than the old 47's 7.62X39mm. The 74 is more accurate than its predecessor, with an effective range of around 540 yards. Mikhail Kalashnikov created this gun at the behest of the Soviet Military in response to the 5.56X54mm round fielded by the M-16. This was done to keep up with the Americans more than anything else, and Mister Kalashnikov himself opposed the new gun. The new bullet is standard military FMJ, but a hollow space in the tip enables the bullet to quickly tumble within two inches of penetration, resulting in horrible wounding. The weapon is as reliable than the
AK-47, substantially more accurate, lighter, and the ammunition doesn't weigh anywhere near as much. As far as cold war assault rifles go, this is about as close to god's own anti-son-of-a-bitch machine that you can get.
I don't own the AK-74 or the AK-47, or any gun for that matter. However, I've conversed with a lot of U.S.A.F. members and have found that the weapon is a brilliant combat arm and a worthy opponent to the AR-10 family.
by Cogitator May 25, 2010
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Kalashnikov designed weapon, reformed from the AK-47. It is the main stay of the Russian Infantry. It has a 5.45 x 39mm bullet. More like the 5.56mm which the American M-16A2 uses. It is much more accurate and more muzzle velocity. Simple terms, a very much improved AK-47.
Calibur-5.45 x 39mm
Weight-3.3kg unloaded 3.9 loaded
Barrel-415mm
Rate of Fire-600-650 rds/min
Operation-Gas
Length-943mm
Rifling-4 grooves rh, 1 turn in 196mm
Muzzle velocity-900m/s
Effective range-500m (50 short of M-16a2)
A Russian infanry team with AK-74's dispatched a terrorist squad with AK-47's at a long range.

The M-16A2 has more range and piercing power, but the AK-74 is more durable.
by alex June 24, 2003
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A Russian assault rifle first produced in 1974, hence the name AK-74. Basically a refined AK-47 made to fire the 5.45x39mm, an obviouis nod to the NATO 5.56x45 round. Has one variant, the AK-74u.
The Russian military used the AK-74, I woulden't be surprised if they still have a few circulating around the army.
by Burkus December 30, 2009
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A gun frequently used by Pakis but the Russians made it
guy1: they all has AK's
guy2: lemme guess they were all Pakis
by Mo Money March 4, 2005
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A variant of the most popular rifle built by the legendary Mikhail Kalashnikov.
The AK-74 is basically an AK chambered for the 5.45x39mm round, which is supposed to be similar to the 5.56x45mm NATO round that America and its allies use in their assault rifles (such as the M16 series and M4 carbine); as opposed to the AK-47 being chambered in the 7.62x39mm round. Reports indicate that this rifle is less accurate than the M16, but because the AK-74 doesn't have so many inner moving parts, it is easy to disassemble and maintain.

On another note, the AK-74, like its cousin '47, is a commonly blackmarketted weapon by various terrorist factions, mostly in third world nations like Arabia.
"On another note, because of terrorists blackmarketting his weapons, Mr. Kalashnikov is upset about inventing the AK-47, so much that he, supposedly, said, 'I wish I invented a lawnmower....*sniff*'. Naw it's not YOUR fault, beloved commie. lol "
-me
by Dave January 30, 2004
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It's not an AK-47. That's all you need to know.
"This is an AK-74."
"You mean AK-47?"

"You didn't hear me"
by foreskin thief July 15, 2022
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