KLASHNIKOV [AK-47]

INTRODUCTION
The AK-47 is a gas operated ,7.62mm auto assault rifle, first developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov. The designation AK-47 stands for Kalashnikov automatic rifle, model of 1947. In russian known as Avtomat Kalashnikova (or simply 'AK').

HISTORY
Design work on the AK began in 1944. In 1946 a version of the rifle, the AK-46, was presented for official military trials, and a year later the fixed stock version was introduced into service.

Few Parameters
Type :- Assault Rifle. Origin :- Soviet Union. In Service :- 1949 - Present. Designer :- Mikhail Kalashnikov. Designed :- 19441946. Manufacturer :- Izhmash. Number built :- 100 million. Weight :- 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) with empty magazine. Length :- 870 mm (34.3 in) fixed wooden stock. Barrel length :- 415 mm (16.3 in)

Cartridge :- 7.62x39mm Action :- Gas-operated, rotating bolt Rate of fire :- 600 rounds/min Muzzle velocity :- 715 m/s (2,346 ft/s) Effective range :- 300 metres (330 yd) full automatic, 400 metres (440 yd) semi-automatic. Feed system :- 20 or 30-round detachable box magazine, also compatible with 40-round box or 75-round drum magazines

BACKGROUND
It was russians who 1st recognised that most of the wars were fought with short range. Thus they though of designing a gun with short range upto 300 m and which was brutal assault rifle with more damage. To reduce the cost cartidge size was shortened to that used in long range fights.
A TYPE OF AK-47 RIFLE

Features Of AK-47
The main advantages of the Kalashnikov rifle are its simple design, fairly compact size and adaptation to mass production. It is inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to clean and maintain; its reliability are legendary . The AK-47 was initially designed for ease of operation and repair by glove-wearing Soviet soldiers in Arctic conditions.

OPERATING CYCLE
To fire, the operator inserts a loaded magazine, moves the selector lever to the lowest position, pulls back and releases the charging handle, aims, and then pulls the trigger. In this setting, the firearm fires only once (semiautomatic), requiring the trigger to be released and depressed again for the next shot. With the selector in the middle position (full-automatic), the rifle continues to fire, automatically cycling fresh rounds into the chamber, until the magazine is exhausted or pressure is released from the trigger. As each bullet travels through the barrel, a portion of the gases expanding behind it is diverted into the gas tube above the barrel, where it impacts the gas piston. The piston, in turn, is driven backward, pushing the bolt carrier, which causes the bolt to move backwards, ejecting the spent round, and chambering a new round when the recoil spring pushes it back.

Disassembly
Dismantling the rifle involves the operator depressing the magazine catch and removing the magazine. The charging handle is pulled to the rear and the operator inspects the chamber to verify the weapon is unloaded. The operator presses forward on the retainer button at the rear of the receiver cover while simultaneously lifting up on the rear of the cover to remove it. The operator then pushes the spring assembly forward and lifts it from its raceway, withdrawing it out of the bolt carrier and to the rear.

Ballistics
Main article: 7.62x39mm The standard AK-47 or AKM fires the 7.62x39mm cartridge with a muzzle velocity of 710 metres per second (2,300 ft/s). Muzzle energy is 2,010 joules (1,480 ftlbf). Projectile weight is normally 8 grams (120 gr). The AK-47 and AKM, with the 7.6239mm cartridge, have a maximum effective range of around 400 metres (1,300 ft).

VARIANTS
AK-47 194851, 7.62x39mm AK-47 1952, 7.62x39mm AKS-47 RPK, 7.62x39mm AKM, 7.62x39mm AKMS, 7.62x39mm AK-74 series, 5.45x39mm AK-101 series AK-103/AK-104 series AK-107/AK-108 series

PRODUCTION
Main producer of AK series rifle is Soviet Union whereas few other nations also have taken authority to manufacture this assault rifle. Few among those are: China :- type 56. Egypt :- AK-47 & AKM. Ethopia :- AK-47 & AK-103. India :- AK-47. Nigeria :- OBJ-006. Sudan :- MAZ. And there are many many more countries which are manufacturing and using this assault rifle.

References
www.Google.in.com/klashnikov/AK-47 www.Wikipedia.com/klashnikov www.Youtube.com www.myspace.com/klashnikov

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