Review of the modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle (AKM)

The history of the creation of the modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle

Even before the appearance of the AKM, 7.62-mm AK and AKS assault rifles were actively supplied to the troops. Based on mass testing, military personnel were able to develop a list of requirements that any automatic weapon must meet. Organizers and responsible persons who participated in the tests:

1. Kalashnikov.
2. Korobov.
3. Smirnov.
4. Gagarin.
5. Degtyarev.

These people really knew about weapons and were able to modernize the AK. The new AKM was accepted for mass production in 1959. Despite serious modernization, the AKM retained the main advantages of its forefather:

• automation works due to the fact that the frame is connected to a gas engine and a long piston stroke;
• cast combination of the main elements with the bolt frame;
• during a shot, the barrel bore is locked by turning the bolt, which has two protrusions;
• in order to leave the location of the return mechanism in the longitudinal channel of the bolt frame, it was left cast;
• you can fire single shots and bursts;
• equipping with a flag non-automatic translator-fuse;
• all the main elements and mechanisms remained in the receiver.

All the designers unanimously said that the automatic engine was too powerful. This was due to the position of the moving parts of the automation, where significant gaps were observed. When they were reduced, it was possible to ensure reliable operation of the system. It was this indicator that made it possible to call the Kalashnikov assault rifle of this modification indestructible. It can work properly even in conditions of significant pollution, under water or at sub-zero temperatures.

This modification also brought some difficulties. There was an increase in the load on the gas system, and a slight vibration appeared during the automatic burst. To fix this, they decided to transfer the gas discharge holes to a gas chamber. If in the first AK the box was made with a steel liner, then in the AKM the barrel element was made entirely of steel. This slightly increased the weight of the weapon, but solved a number of other related problems.

Previously, this box was also inconvenient because it was created from stamped parts using welding and riveting. This option was made in order to reduce the weight of the machine, as well as to minimize steel costs. Of course, the AK turned out to be a budget model with a lot of advantages, but the internal component of the AKS allows us to call this weapon not only reliable, but also made of high-quality materials.

Experts are still arguing about this topic. Due to the fact that the AK box was welded, it was obtained with transverse ribs, which added rigidity. That is, theoretically, the receiver of the first Kalashnikov assault rifle is more reliable and wear-resistant. After the work with the internal mechanism was completed, the designers decided to improve the accuracy and accuracy of shooting. To achieve this, major changes were made to the design of the trigger mechanism, the main one being the addition of an anchor-type trigger.

To understand how this affected the overall performance of the mechanism, you should consider the stages of rework and their effectiveness. First, the strike position of the bolt frame was changed from right to left. This significantly increased the stability of the frame when shooting. The recoil factor has decreased. The trigger was struck twice after release, so that the muzzle of the barrel immediately returned to its original position as a result of vibration. The automation cycle length has increased, but only slightly. But this modification significantly increased accuracy.

Major changes have been made to the VCM details, although the overall design concept remains the same. Now the action process was carried out as follows: the translator-fuse blocks the trigger, after which the slot in the receiver is blocked. This action stops the movement of the bolt frame, which minimizes the risk of dirt and dust getting into the internal parts of the mechanism. If you leave the device in this position, then a person will not be able to shoot or send a cartridge into the chamber.

Now the threads of the AKM barrel can be used to attach a muzzle sleeve, a silent and flameless shooting device or an active compensator, as well as luminescent devices put on the rear sight and front sight, which allow you to shoot accurately at night. After complete modification, the result was a weapon that is still used today. Modernization has made it possible to increase accuracy and target range up to a kilometer.

Based on the modernization, other advantages of the model follow: ease of use and a more attractive appearance.

Performance characteristics of the AKM assault rifle

To reflect the results of the modification, it is necessary to analyze not only the technical characteristics of the machine, but also the indicators that the test activities brought:

1. The target firing range has been increased to 1000 meters.
2. The weight of the device has been reduced due to the installation of a new type receiver.
3. Stability has been increased because the impact point of the bolt carrier has been moved.
4. Firing accuracy is increased to 1000 meters after installing the compensator.
5. The ability to fire blank cartridges due to the appearance of an additional element - PBS.

The stop point is closer due to the fact that the butt is slightly raised up. A bolt frame stabilizer was also added, which made it possible to achieve increased stability of the machine gun and increased combat accuracy. As in the case of the first AK, it is equipped with a bayonet knife. Main technical indicators in numbers:

If you shoot from an AKM in a straight line, the bullet will reach a person within a radius of 350 meters. If the figure runs towards you, then this figure increases to 520 meters. When producing concentrated fire on the ground, the range reaches 800 meters; if you shoot in the air, you can hit an object that is located at a distance of up to 50 meters. The AKM also has an impressive rate of fire. If you shoot with single shots, then the indicator is 40, in a burst - 10.

Even after 1.5 kilometers of flight, the bullet retains its lethal effect. If you shoot at this distance from a standing position, then all the holes will fit into a circle with a diameter of no more than 15 cm.

The most effective fire is fired at distances from 500 to 800 meters.

Fight for weight

The use of light alloys and synthetic materials has significantly reduced the overall weight of the weapon. For example, parts of the stock (stock, fore-end, pad) began to be made of bakelite plywood, and the fire control handle was made of plastic. The struggle for weight even took place at the magazine level, which for the new model began to be made of light alloy or plastic, which made it possible to reduce its weight from 330 g (steel magazine) to 170 g.

The AKM is equipped with a bayonet of an improved design. The length of its blade has been reduced from 200 to 150 mm. In addition, instead of a second (upper) blade, such a bayonet-knife received a saw and, in combination with a sheath, turned into wire cutters for cutting wire fences

AKM structure

The modernized AKM includes several additional removable elements that can be attached in a given situation. There is a scale on the bar that is mounted on the sight. With its help, the shooter can navigate and see the firing range in meters. The AKM assault rifle consists of several main parts:

• trunk;
• receiver;
• aim;
• block;
• spring;
• front sight;
• bar and clamp;
• butt;
• compensator;
• box cover;
• bolt carrier;
• gas piston;
• gate;
• return mechanism;
• gas tube;
• barrel lining;
• trigger mechanism;
• forend;
• shop;
• bayonet knife.

Automatic operation is carried out using the energy of powder gases. They are retracted from the bore before the shot is fired so that the bullet exits. The ammunition, starting to move, presses on the front wall of the gas piston so that it moves the bolt frame with the bolt. When the bolt opens the bore, the pressure created in the barrel allows the cartridge to open so that the bullet is released from the chamber. Autostart occurs at the stage when the bolt frame compresses the return spring and cocks the hammer.

When a shot occurs, the bolt frame returns to its original position. This action gives a signal to the bolt, which fires new ammunition.

Baptism of fire in Vietnam

The new machine was tested in Vietnam. As the Americans noted, the Soviet-made assault rifle, which the Viet Cong troops were armed with, proved to be a much more reliable weapon than the capricious M16 assault rifle (which also saw its baptism of fire in the Vietnam War).

The AKM assault rifle had a 30-round magazine (the M16 had a 20-round capacity), was faster to reload, and had fewer mechanisms that tend to jam during shooting. Specialized American magazines during the Vietnam War wrote: “This carbine (according to their classification, the AK was considered an automatic carbine. -) is so good that American soldiers who were lucky enough to capture an AK in battle continue to use it, relying on captured ammunition...”.

The AKM assault rifle, like the AK-47, has a folding version of the AKMS, on which a metal stock is installed that folds down

Advantages and disadvantages of the model

Each Kalashnikov model is remarkable, but the modernized version surpasses them all precisely because it is completely modified. While machine guns and rifles of the 100th series are convenient because they have a shortened barrel and have the ability to fold, their range and accuracy indicators seriously suffer, which cannot be said about the AKM. The table below shows the main pros and cons of this weapon:

Advantages and disadvantages

High range, accuracy and accuracy. Reliable and practical weapon

High performance and performance in aggressive conditions

High build quality, complexity of the mechanism and durability of the device

Guaranteed safety and reliability. Numerous tests have documented a long range for weapons of this type.

The modernization of Kalashnikov gave the world an ideal assault rifle, which is why this model is more popular on the market than others

There is no way to hide weapons under clothing. The device is too big and heavy

The machine gun is more suitable for military structures than for private use

Difficult to disassemble and reassemble for beginners or if the weapon is heavily soiled

If you use cartridges of a different format, you can seriously damage the internal mechanism, which will render the machine unusable.

To purchase an automatic weapon, a special license is required. A simple amateur will only be able to purchase a watered-down version

Experts recommend not using weapons for long periods of time. Shooting without stopping can lead to overheating of the machine gun, and this seriously affects the internal structure.

Features of the Kalashnikov brand

The weapon is well thought out, distinguished by its relative simplicity and peculiar elegance of design. Multifunctional parts are widely used; almost perfect finishing ensures the highest reliability of the weapon in any circumstances. The AKM continues to fire bursts of bursts when clogged with sand, after swimming in a swamp, or smeared with mud.

The superbly developed metallurgy of that period and high-quality weapon steel ensured the highest quality for the weapons themselves. Equally important is the ease of assembly, disassembly and maintenance of Kalashnikov assault rifles; in this regard, they have formed a kind of global brand, a standard.

Ammunition for the modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle

Invariably, AKMs are fired only with 7.62×39 mm ammunition. There are several modifications of this cartridge, with different purposes and applications. Varieties:

1. An ordinary bullet whose core is made of steel. It is designed to hit a living target. This cartridge has high penetration. There is a lead jacket installed inside. There is no distinctive coloration.
2. The tracer option is not intended to counter manpower. The cartridge's penetration is low. It is intended to indicate or adjust a goal. When fired, it reaches the target at a distance of no more than 800 meters. It has a lead core with a pressed tracer compound. It has a special green color so that the fighter can distinguish the cartridges from each other.
3. An armor-piercing incendiary type, which is designed to destroy incendiary mixture trains. When the cartridge hits the target, it explodes, thereby creating a fire flash. Range – 300 meters. The core is made of steel and lead. The ammunition head is painted black with a red stripe.

Any of these options can be purchased at gun stores. Such kits are not provided as standard.

AK-74 ballistic data

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Modifications

There are several variants of the AKM that were created after the mass production of this machine gun. The first appeared in 1962. descriptions of each type:

1. MS is a Kalashnikov assault rifle, the butt of which can be folded. It closely resembles the AKS, but this weapon has a different stock mounting system. A type of weapon was developed specifically for paratroopers. Indicators: shooting in a straight line - 350 meters, at a moving target - up to 520 meters, concentrated fire - 750 meters.
2. AKML - this version of the assault rifle allows you to attach an additional mount on the side to install a night sight. You can also replace the standard compensator with a slot-shaped flame arrester. These devices allow you to protect the night sight from being illuminated by a fire flash. One of the heaviest variants of the Kalashnikov assault rifle is more than 6 kilograms. Now there is a modern modification with a folding stock. Indicators: shooting in a straight line - 400 meters, at a moving target - up to 550 meters, concentrated fire - 800 meters.
3. AKMN is a prototype of a heavy-duty AKML, which is equipped with an NSP-3A sight. Now there is a modern modification with a folding stock. Indicators: shooting in a straight line - 360 meters, at a moving target - up to 530 meters, concentrated fire - 790 meters.
4. AKMN-1 is a variant of AKML, but this weapon has a different sight - NSPU. There is a folding type of machine gun. Indicators: shooting in a straight line - 340 meters, at a moving target - up to 510 meters, concentrated fire - 770 meters.
5. AKMN-2 is the only type that is immediately equipped with a variant night sighting device - NSPUM. There is a model that folds. Indicators: shooting in a straight line - 370 meters, at a moving target - up to 590 meters, concentrated fire - 800 meters.

All these types are still in service with the Russian army. Despite the fact that AKM modifications have additional equipment, they are not more popular than the modernized version.

Disassembling the machine

Before you start disassembling the machine, you should know that this is a periodic but mandatory procedure. This process is carried out after the weapon has been in use for a long time or severe contamination has been noticed. Complete disassembly is intended to repair internal mechanisms. This process is the most difficult and only an experienced shooter can carry it out correctly.

For this procedure you need to choose a convenient place. For example, a table and a room where there is good lighting. It is additionally important to prepare equipment for cleaning and processing. Disassembly process:

1. Place the machine gun on the table and disconnect the magazine.
2. Check that there is no cartridge in the chamber.
3. Remove the pencil case from the stock to separate the cleaning rod.
4. Remove the barrel box cover to disconnect the recoil mechanism.
5. Separate the frame with the bolt from the bolt frame. Only after this is the gas tube with the barrel lining removed.

At this stage, partial disassembly is complete. Now a person can clean the internal parts and reassemble the machine in reverse order. If complete disassembly is required, the above mechanisms are separated separately. The magazine, recoil and impact mechanism, bolt, and forend are disassembled. In order for the weapon to serve for many years, lubrication work must be carried out, even if the machine gun is not used. If the Kalashnikov is stored in a room where the temperature is above 5 degrees, it is necessary to use liquid gun lubricant, and at negative temperatures - a barrel cleaning solution.

It is better to store weapons in inhibited rags, which are additionally covered with waxed paper.