Kalashnikov AK-74M automatic vehicle: review, description, characteristics

The upgraded AK-74M Kalashnikov assault rifle was the last in a series of famous individual weapons of 1974. Since the beginning of production, it is used in a variety of countries. After decades, the model does not lose its popularity, it is now being made for the civilian population as souvenirs, training mock-ups and modifications for various paramilitary entertainments.

History of creation

The history of the Kalashnikov assault rifle began during the Second World War. In 1942, Soviet troops captured several German carbines on the Volkhov Front. The obtained samples were created for an intermediate cartridge of 7.92 mm caliber. In 1943, an NGO meeting took place, at which it was decided to develop its own line of weapons. They were supposed to equip the infantry for the effectiveness of shooting at a range of more than 400 meters. This distance was prohibitive for the then-existing submachine guns.

The development required the creation of a new cartridge. The work began in three directions - a carbine with manual and automatic recharging and an automatic. Sergeant Kalashnikov after the wound in 1942 began to develop a submachine gun. Subsequently, the model was sent to the test site of small arms near Moscow. In 1944, a self-loading carbine was developed, and from 1946 Kalashnikov joined the competition to create an automaton. By 1948 the production of AK 47 was fully established.

In the mid-1980s, the designers of the Izhevsk plant were engaged in the creation of a modified model of Kalashnikov's 1974 assault rifle. The new development goes into service in 1993.

Model Description

AK-74M became a deep modernization of weapons in 1974. He acquired a number of new qualities, thanks to which his combat characteristics improved:

• Folding plastic butt - does not cling to clothes and is much lighter than its metal predecessor;
• The fore and the lining are made using glass-filled polyamide, which eliminates the possibility of burns;
• The presence of a longitudinal thread on the forearm makes it possible to hold the weapon more firmly in the process of shooting;
• Special coating of metal parts does not allow the occurrence of rust;
• Presence of fastenings for bayonet-knife and sight.

Currently, the AK-74M is an individual army weapon and special units.

Optional equipment

On the AK-74M, there are seats for connecting the grenade launcher (GP-25 40-mm caliber). Also, no trunk has a place for fastening a bayonet knife. Side to the AK-74M machine is installed a night vision sight.

The muzzle brake provides a high accuracy of fire by reducing the distance from which the assault rifle moves away from the aiming point. The high quality of the AK-74M is also provided by comprehensive tests at the factory.

Due to the availability of a universal side bar the machine is designed to install not only a daytime optical and night sights. You can also place a collimator on it. It is convenient for shooting from small distances - less than 100 meters.

Tactico-technical characteristics of the machine

In the conduct of combat, not only the tactical parameters of the weapon (mass, length and design features) are important, but also its technical features that determine the convenience of using the machine in combat conditions. If we consider the AK-74M, its characteristics are impressive:

• The caliber of the used cartridges is 5.45 mm;
• The initial speed of the bullet is 900 m / s;
• Sighting range - 1000 m;
• Rate of fire - 650 rounds per minute;
• Combat rate of fire - 40 with single firing and 100 with short bursts;
• Shooting modes - automatic and single;
• Weight of the product - 3,9 kg with a loaded magazine and 3,6 - without a magazine;
• Range of a direct shot at a target height of 50 cm - 440 m.

The modernized automatic machine of 1974, the characteristics of which meet all the requirements of the present, has not been losing popularity for many decades.

Training MMG AK-74M

Many fans of weapons as a souvenir acquire a mock-up of the legendary weapon. It is an exact copy of the machine and is purchased without a license. The model is equipped with plastic and metal parts, which have some structural improvements. The model AK-74 M allows you to perform the following actions:

• Transfer the fuse to the positions AB, OB and "protection";
• Simulate the process of recharging;
• Lowering the imitator of the shock-trigger mechanism;
• Transfer of the butt into the positions "marching" and "combat";
• Incomplete disassembly and assembly of the machine.

Thanks to such wide possibilities, the layout has become widely used as a teaching aid. Also, the model is in demand among fans of firearms and is acquired by them as an ornamental product.

Airsoft AK-74M

Strikeball is a popular entertainment for fans of military strategy. The weapon used in the game is negotiated before the start of the competition. The Kalashnikov assault rifle is gaining popularity among the players. After the ministry stopped submitting orders for the 1974 model, the Izhevsk plant engineers began working on the creation of a legendary machine for civilian needs.

The air-attack electro-pneumatic model AK-74M has the following equipment:

• machine;
• Charger;
• Bunker store (with 500 balls);
• battery;
• ramrod.

Balls weigh 0.20 g and gain an initial speed when flying out of the trunk 95-110 m / s. Without a box, the machine weighs 3,120 grams. The build quality, the use of modern materials and the prototype features in many ways determine the pleasure of using the machine in the game.

Interesting Facts

The Kalashnikov-developed machine became popular not only in Russia, but also in many countries abroad, including in America. US President Clinton even issued a law banning the import of these weapons into the country. In the West, all models of Kalashnikov are called AK-74, regardless of the year of production and design features.

According to statistical data, today various modifications of the Kalashnikov assault rifle have been adopted in 55 countries. On the basis of AK handicraft produced a huge number of modifications. In the 1950s, a license for the production of a Kalashnikov assault rifle was issued to 18 states by the USSR.

Due to the ease of use and convenient service, the machine is popular among illegal gangs. After coming to power, many of their leaders put him on the national flag. For example, AK is depicted on the arms of Mozambique, Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe.

Those interested in the AK-74M model are aware of the many advantages of this weapon, allowing it to remain the most popular in the world. Someone knows about him from the stories of friends, to someone he is known from the time of service in the ranks of the Armed Forces. However, no one will dispute the advantages of this weapon and the foresight of its developers.