AKM

The AKM (Russian: Автомат Калашникова модернизированный, tr. Avtomat Kalashnikova modernizirovanny, lit. 'Kalashnikov's Automatic Rifle Modernised') is an assault rifle designed by Soviet small arms designer Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1959. It was developed as the successor to the AK-47 adopted by the USSR a decade prior.

AKM
Both sides of the AKM
TypeAssault rifle
Place of originUSSR
Service history
In service1959–1974
Used bySee Users
WarsSee Conflicts
Production history
DesignerMikhail Kalashnikov
Designed1950s
Manufacturer
Produced1959–1977
No. built10,278,300
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Mass
  • AKM: 3.3 kg (7.28 lb)
  • AKMS: 3.5 kg (7.7 lb)
  • 30-round magazine: 0.33 kg (0.73 lb)
  • 6H4 bayonet: 0.32 kg (0.71 lb)
Length
  • AKM, AKML: 880 mm (34.6 in)
  • AKMS, AKMSN: 920 mm (36.2 in) stock extended / 655 mm (25.8 in) stock folded
Barrel length415 mm (16.3 in)

Cartridge7.62×39mm
ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire
  • Cyclic rate of fire:
    600 rounds/min
  • Practical rate of fire:
    • Semi-automatic:
      40 rounds/min
    • Fully automatic:
      100 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity715 m/s (2,346 ft/s)
Effective firing range350 m (383 yd)
Feed system10-, 20-, or 30-round detachable box magazines. Also compatible with 40-round box magazines and 75-round drum magazines from the RPK
Sights
  • Rear sight notch on sliding tangent, front post
  • 100–1,000 m sight adjustments
  • Sight radius: 378 mm (14.9 in)

Introduced into service with the Soviet Army in 1959, the AKM was the most prevalent variant of the Kalashnikov rifles in the Warsaw Pact. The rifle was produced at the Tula Arms Plant and Izhmash factories in Russia. It was eventually replaced by the AK-74 in 1974.

The AKM maintains the AK-47's wood stock, but has simpler individual parts that are favorable for mass production. Like the AK-47, many variants of the AKM exist such as the AKMS, AKML, and AKMP.

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