The AK-47 is a 7.62 x 39mm assault rifle designed by Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov in 1947, hence its name. It was an outstanding firearm for its time, although was let down to a certain extent by its stamped steel receiver. In 1959, the '47 evolved into the AKM, which is the most common Kalashnikov found today. Visible differences between the AK-47 and AKM are a slanted muzzle and recesses over the magazine housing.
Although frequently compared with the M16, because of their interaction in the Vietnam War, the AK-47 is more comparable to the M14, whereas the M16 is compared with the newer AK-74. The light-support weapon designed from the AK-47 is the RPK.
Although frequently compared with the M16, because of their interaction in the Vietnam War, the AK-47 is more comparable to the M14, whereas the M16 is compared with the newer AK-74. The light-support weapon designed from the AK-47 is the RPK.
by muth January 23, 2006
The AK-47 (contraction of Russian: Автомат Калашникова образца 1947 года; Avtomat Kalashnikova obraztsa 1947 goda; "Kalashnikov's automatic rifle model of year 1947") is a 7.62 mm assault rifle developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov in two versions: the fixed stock AK-47 and the AKS-47 (S—Skladnoy priklad) variant equipped with an underfolding metal shoulder stock.
Design work on the AK began in 1944. In 1946 the rifle was presented for official military trials, and a year later the fixed stock version was introduced into service with select units of the Red Army (the folding stock model was developed later).
Design work on the AK began in 1944. In 1946 the rifle was presented for official military trials, and a year later the fixed stock version was introduced into service with select units of the Red Army (the folding stock model was developed later).
by John@Germany February 18, 2009
Russian military designation for the most prolific assault rifle in the world next to the M-16. AK stands for 'Avtomat Kalashnikov'; Russian for Automatic (rifle), Kalashnikov (Mikhail Kalashnikov, the inventor). The 47 is for the year it was first designed, 1947.
by Anonymous April 23, 2003
by Borat March 28, 2005
1: AK-47 is an assault rifle designed in 1947 by Mikhail Kalashnikov.
2: Brought automatic rifle firepower to the masses.
3: Is highly reliable under all circumstances.
4: It is extremely CHEAP! You can get one for $275 in the US and $30 or less in others!
5: An old design that is still feared by the mighty US armed forces.
2: Brought automatic rifle firepower to the masses.
3: Is highly reliable under all circumstances.
4: It is extremely CHEAP! You can get one for $275 in the US and $30 or less in others!
5: An old design that is still feared by the mighty US armed forces.
by NK April 05, 2005
by curveball21 September 11, 2010
While not the first assualt rifle, arguably the best. Unlike the M-16, which requires constant cleaning, the AK-47 has few moving parts that do not get fouled easily.
by Big B December 19, 2004