Comparison of the AK-47 and M16
The two most common assault rifles in the world are the Soviet AK-47 and the American M16. These Cold War-era rifles have been used in conflicts both large and small since the 1960s. They are used by military, police, security forces, revolutionaries, terrorists, criminals, and civilians alike and will most likely continue to be used for decades to come. As a result, they have been the subject of countless comparisons and endless debate.
|
M16A2 (top) and AK-47 (bottom) assault rifles | |||
| Firearm | AK-47 | M16A1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash), Tula Arms Plant, TsNIITochMash, Zastava, Norinco, Arsenal Arms | ArmaLite, Bushmaster, Colt, GM, H&R, FN, Remington, | |
| Design year | 1947 | 1957 | |
| Weight (with loaded 30-round magazine) | 4.78 kg (10.5 lb) | 3.6 kg (7.9 lb) | |
| Overall length | 87.0 cm (34.3 in) | 99.0 cm (39.0 in) | |
| Barrel length | 40.6 cm (16.0 in) | 50.8 cm (20.0 in) | |
| Height (with magazine) | 26.7 cm (10.5 in) | 26.7 cm (10.5 in) | |
| Sight radius | 37.8 cm (14.9 in) | 50.0 cm (19.7 in) | |
| Cartridge | (M43) 7.62×39mm | (M193) 5.56×45mm | |
| Bullet weight |
122 gr (7.9 g) |
55 gr (3.6 g) | |
| Velocity |
2,330 fps (710 m/s) |
3,250 fps (990 m/s) | |
| Energy |
1,469 ft.lbs (1,991 J) |
1,302 ft.lbs (1,764 J) | |
| Effective range | 380 yd (350 m) | 500 yd (460 m) | |
| Accuracy @ 100 meters |
5.9 in (15 cm) |
4.3 in (11 cm) | |
| Penetration (ballistic Gelatin) | ≈29 in (74 cm) | ≈14 in (36 cm) | |
| Rate of fire | 600 rounds/min | 700–950 rounds/min | |
| Standard magazine capacity | 30 rounds | 30 rounds | |
| Designer | Mikhail Kalashnikov | Eugene Stoner | |
| Variants |
AK-47, AKS-47, RPK, AKM, AKMS, AK-74, RPK-74, AK-100 series, AK-12, PP-19 Bizon, Vityaz-SN | AR-15, M16, XM16E1, M16A1, M16A2, M16A3, M16A4, M4, M4A1, Colt LMG, M27, Colt 9mm SMG | |
| Numbers made | ~100 million AK-47 type rifles | ~8 million M16 type rifles | |
| Unit cost |
$700 to $800 per unit for a new AK-103 | $700 per unit for a new M4 | |
The AK-47 was finalized, adopted, and entered widespread service in the Soviet Army in the early 1950s. Its firepower, ease of use, low production costs, and reliability were perfectly suited for the Soviet Army's new mobile warfare doctrines. More AK-type weapons have been produced than all other assault rifles combined. In 1974, the Soviets began replacing their AK-47 and AKM rifles with a newer design, the AK-74, which uses 5.45×39mm ammunition.
The M16 entered U.S. service in the mid-1960s. Despite its early failures, the M16 proved to be a revolutionary design and stands as the longest-continuously serving rifle in American military history. The U.S. military has largely replaced the M16 in combat units with a shorter and lighter version called the M4 carbine.