The AK-47 Kalashnikov Assault Rifle, is a gas-operated assault rifle that was used in many Eastern bloc nations during the Cold War. Adopted and standardized in 1947, it was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov and produced by Russian manufacturer Izhevsk Mechanical Works. Compared with the auto-loading rifles used in World War II (the StG-44 aside), the AK-47 was generally more compact, with a shorter range, a smaller 7.62 × 39 mm cartridge, and was capable of selective fire. It was one of the first true assault rifles and remains the most widely used and known. This was a widely used and popular weapon with the VC and NVA forces. More AK-47 rifles have been produced than any other assault rifle; production continues to this day.
Type: Assault Rifle
Place of Origin: Soviet Union
Designer: Mikhail Kalashnikov
Designed: 1947
Number Built: Over 10 million
Weight: 3.8 Kg (9.5lb) empty, 4.3Kg loaded
Length: 870 mm (34¼)
Barrel Length: 415 mm (16.3 in)
Cartridge: 7.62x39 mm
Action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of Fire: 600 rounds/min
Muzzle Velocity: 710 m/s (2,330 ft/s)
Effective Range: 300 m (330 yd) Feed System: 30-round detachable box compatible w/RPK 40-round box, 75-round drum magazine.
Sights: Adjustable iron sights, optional mount required for optical sights.
