What they just didn’t find fault with, just to humiliate the discussed models of weapons. They found fault with the name, they say, the AK-47 does not exist (but we will use it, this term). Where did the myths come from and what is now called a "myth"? Basically, these are two sources: the first serial samples, which carried shortcomings (the problem of the first samples was extended to the entire line of the family) and shkolota (when the weapon fell into crooked hands).
About creation
It is safe to say that the Sturmgewehr Stg. 44 influenced all classic assault rifles and assault rifles. For example: the FN FAL assault rifle, no less famous at that time, was clearly created with an eye on the German assault rifle.
So, M. Kalashnikov came at a time when the AK-46 prototype was created. Mikhail Timofeevich made no secret of the fact that he was not working alone. One fact is interesting: the creator of the StG-44 worked at the same plant. Now let's say about the "but": M. T. Kalashnikov was a gifted designer and had experience in creating weapons. He almost completely redesigned the initial design: the AK-46-1 from the Sturmgever layout scheme acquired the scheme that is still used in the AK family.
With regards to M16. Its main creator is Eugene Stoner. As you know, a whole group of specialists worked on a promising weapons program. The design partially resembles Stg.44: the location of the spring, the shutter closing the window for ejection of the sleeves, the magazine fastening …
A machine gun for the army?
Rumor has it that the Russian machine gun is specially made simple, as if it was created for non-professional, massive armies. I have never heard anyone say so about the "pistol analogue" of Glock! Who's to say that the simple and reliable Glock is made for a rural dweller with an elementary education? Do not interfere with poorly trained soldiers with design features / merits.
The M16 appeared a little later, when the experience of creating a new generation of weapons had already been accumulated. Hence all the initial advantages over the AK-47. A rifle based on the AR-10 was created, which entailed significant reliability problems. The automation scheme, which was designed for cartridge 7, 62, turned out to be very successful, but in no way compatible with the smaller caliber. Of course, while it was being made with chrome-plated parts, the best quality gunpowder was poured into the casings, and the very "professional" fighters (for whom it was intended) ran along the clean range, everything went fine. But professionals were not sent to Vietnam, and the manufacturer decided to save on production (chrome, gunpowder and a cleaning kit), and then it began …
The weight
AK-47 weighed under 4.3 kg (3.8 late release) without a belt and magazine, and in all its glory - all 5.6 kg! AKM already weighed 3.1 (3.3 AKMS) without everything, and equipped - 4.2 (AKMS). Lightened and a knife with a magazine. The 74 family weighs 2.7 - 3.6 kg.
AR-10 weighed 4.3 kg. The M-16 turned out to be light, even too much. Therefore, with further modernization, the weight was increased from 2.89 to 3.4 kg (without belt and magazine).
For comparison: FN FAL weighed 3.76 kg (with a barrel length of 431 mm), HK G3 - 4.5 kg, Galil - 3.75 (with a barrel length of 332 mm) - is the hint clear? Heavy machine gun chambered for 7, 62? Pump up your muscles!
Sight (standard)
The Kalashnikov assault rifle has an open one. It is simple, reliable, it is convenient to aim through it. In the cons, we write down the deterioration of aiming with an increase in the firing range. Although further than 200-300 m you are unlikely to shoot. Before the appearance of the AK-74M with a universal dovetail bracket, a different sight could only be installed on a special version of the assault rifle (it was not mass-produced). In some modifications of the 100 series, Weaver or Picatinny rails are introduced. Of course, no one forbids you to attach the planks by the "handicraft" method to any AK.
EMC has a diopter. The exact opposite of an open sight. But the main advantage is the large aiming line. The mount of the telescopic sight was provided initially.
Note: the introduction of rail guides has leveled the ability to install sights (and not only) on all hand-held small arms.
Fuse and fire translator
The flag fuse gives extra reliability against accidental firing. Whoever says that you can hear it from 100 meters away and switch horseradish with seals in the frost, I'll give you a couple of tips: clean and lubricate, you can bend it a little. And most importantly: straighten your arms. Mainly there is single and automatic fire. Specialist. the order can be made with a cut-off.
The fuse-translator is convenient, especially when lying down. On the A2 and A4 versions, there is a cut-off of 3 rounds. There were responses that it is difficult to translate with gloves and there are random switching modes.
Note: The AK is, in principle, protected from accidental shots when struck by a strong spring.
Muzzle attachments
The first muzzle compensator was developed at AKM, which increased accuracy and accuracy. A muffler was also provided. With the advent of the AK-74, a new muzzle brake-compensator appeared, which further reduced the recoil energy.
A flame arrester was originally developed on the M16. With the advent of the A2 model, a new flame arrester-silencer appeared, with slots only in the upper part (due to which the weapon's pulling up was compensated).
Butt
On the AK, until the mid-80s, it was created from wood or iron. Since 1986, it has been made from black plastic. In most versions, it differed in that it folded to the side. On the new, 12th series, the buttstock is five-position.
The first versions of the M16 did not differ in the special durability of the butt. The first high-impact polymer introduced in the A1 version; the ability to adjust the length - in A2.
Rate of fire
The AK was a 1-of-its-kind assault rifle that was designed to fire automatically. Hence the myth of "high rate of fire" and "barrage machine". In fact, the AK had a rate of fire of 600-650 high / min (depending on the spring). For comparison: the M16 bar goes from 700 h / min.
Magazine and loading / reloading process:
1. The store is placed and securely fixed under any conditions. There are magazines for 30, 45, 60 and 75/100 (drum type) cartridges. Changing the magazine quickly takes skill. Material options: from steel to plastic.
2. Quite convenient to charge for beginners. Sensitive to dirt. The first 20-round magazines were outdated in the Vietnamese, and they remained as a civilian version. Currently, 30-cartridge magazines are used. Material options: from plastic to steel.
Ready for battle
AK requires skill:
1. The reloading process (ie, changing the magazine and cocking the shutter) of the AK can be brought up to 120% in time relative to the M16 reloading process. Due to its advantages, the store is always securely fixed in place. The process of bringing the weapon into combat readiness (removing the fuse and cocking the shutter) depends on the position of the shooter. The difference can be up to 25% in favor of each sample under consideration.
Caliber, accuracy and armor-piercing
7, 62 - has a good penetration ability for cover. The domestic version differs from the NATO one in a smaller amount of gunpowder (1, 6-1, 8 versus 2, 38-3, 06), which made it possible to shoot with automatic fire due to lower recoil.
5, 56 - the first series of cartridges turned out to be unsuitable for the Vietnamese climate: a light high-speed bullet was significantly dispersed due to the thickets. The weighted bullets and the selected rifling pitch helped to solve the problem of this disease.
5, 45 is the answer to the Americans for their 5mm caliber. The opinion about the low efficiency of the caliber 5, 45 comes from the outdated model of the 7N6 cartridge, which does not differ in special characteristics (but at one time they were acceptable). The less common 7H10 is also outdated and lacks performance. Versions 7Н22 (24) differ in much better performance characteristics.
Note: due to their properties, small-caliber bullets cannot keep their trajectory, passing through the thickets of Vietnam, compared to large-caliber bullets! When comparing accuracy, consider: the difference in calibers, types of cartridges, powder quality, distance, rifling pitch and barrel length.
On average, an AK with 5, XX cartridges is slightly inferior in accuracy: a soldier shoots single ones 10-25% worse than from an M16. And better with automatic fire.
For reference: the AK-47 samples of the 50s had accuracy with a probability of hitting 25% (with a burst of 5 shots) at a distance of 150 meters from the most unstable position: standing. Nowadays, they whine that even from 50-100 meters, not a single bullet will hit the target even in the prone position.
The myth of a bullet "with a displaced center of gravity" appeared due to the fact that a small-caliber bullet has a certain cavity at the end and the fact that after hitting the target, the core moves there and the bullet begins to tumble, collapses, and therefore changes its trajectory.
A brief history of the improvement of the AK family
1944-46 A prototype of the AK-46 was created - a plagiarism of the German Sturmgewehr.
1947-49 Created and introduced into production of an AK of a completely different design than the model 46. As a result of some political reasons, the "raw" AK-47 with a solid and metal folding stock was put into mass production.
It was customary to correct "childhood diseases" as it was mastered. And by the mid-1950s, it was possible to modernize both the machine and the technology for its manufacture. This led to a slight decrease in weight, reduction in price, workmanship and improvement in performance characteristics.
1959 The AKM was created (adopted for service in 1961). The accuracy is noticeably increased (2 times), the weight is reduced (less than 4 kg). A muzzle compensator and a "night" modification with a night sight were created, a rubber nape on the butt, a trigger retarder was introduced, the handle ridge was raised, the wood was replaced with plywood, and a plastic handle was installed. As production progressed, minor improvements were made to the design.
If you do not consider shooting per kilometer, then this modification buries almost all stereotypes (in direct hands, of course).
1961 Adopted by the PKK, replacing the RPD as part of the unification of weapons.
1965 The OKG-40 grenade launcher was developed (unfortunately, not accepted for service).
1970 The "74" family was developed - AK and RPK for the new cartridge 5, 45x39. Adopted in 1974, the automatic machine began to weigh less than 3.5 (5.5 - night) kg, the accuracy increased 2 times compared to the AKM. A compensator brake appeared.
1978 The GP-25 grenade launcher was created (in 1989 it was replaced by the GP-30).
In 1986, they began to introduce the butt and forend of black plastic.
1991 The AK-74M was adopted. Small modernization of 74s. Note: a universal mount (dovetail bar) for scopes and a folding stock; the tree is completely replaced by high-impact glass-filled polyamide AG-4V. At the request of the customer, you can install: a cut-off of 3 rounds, a slide delay (by the way, it can be the cause of a cartridge skew), a Picatinny rail.
1994 - 100 series developed. It includes: minor modifications, an increase in the resource and a version chambered for 5, 56x45 mm NATO.
In 1997-1998, models with balanced automation were developed.
2009 - created AK-9 chambered for 9x39 mm. A prototype of the AK-200 series is also announced. This machine was supposed to exceed its predecessor (model 74M) by 40-50%. Externally, it can be noted: the embedded Picatinny rail, hinged lid, fuse on the left side; sits more comfortably in the hands, the ramrod is in the butt; an increase in the mass of the machine by 0.5 kg. In fact, this is the same AK-74M, only with the introduced equipment. Therefore, fate has prepared the "200" series to become the prototype of the AK-12, for many principles and ideas are visible in the latest version.
2011 - development of a new AK model started. The "Twelfth" model is presented to the public in 2012. A lot of innovations have been made, let's combine them into groups:
- to improve accuracy: modernization of the structure, displacement of the mass and the recoil arm (visually, it is poorly visible, but let's take our word for it);
- for convenience: double-sided fuse; a telescopic five-position folding stock with a height-adjustable cheek and butt pad (there is a classic version, like the "74"); hinged roof;
- for shooting: built-in cut-off (why, right?) and Picatinny rail, slide delay;
- extended complete set;
- other.
Among the shortcomings, it can be noted: a cut-off for 3 rounds (as the basic filling), the difficulty of replacing the barrel (it may be modular).
Controversial points: fuse-translator, modular system (?)
A brief history of the improvement of the AP / M family
In the early 50s, Stoner developed a gas exhaust system (or castrated existing ones), which differed from the rest by the absence of a piston in it.
1953-1956 The 7.62 caliber Armalite AR-10 rifle was developed. For a number of reasons, it was not accepted into service. The M-14 was preferred.
1958 Armalite produces the first samples of AR-15 (future M16) chambered for 5.56 cartridge. The samples came out too raw that the work was canceled, and the project was sold.
1959-1960 Colt buys all rights to the guts rifle and pockets Chief Designer Stoner. In parallel with the revision, there is a commercial sale.
1961 The rifle began to enter the troops.
1964 Despite the reduced quality and constant failures, it was accepted into service under the designation M16. The kit includes a flame arrester and an optical sight (optional). Significant savings on chrome and gunpowder ("savings" ended in the 70s) worsened the already sad situation.
1963 XM16E1 (adopted in 67 under the name M16A1) enters the army. Improvements were significant: the emergence of a mechanism for discharging the shutter and an improved buffer of the shutter stem; a more reliable flame arrester with closed slots instead of a three-slot one, a chrome-plated shutter coating, a reduction in the rifling pitch from 356 to 305 mm, a 30-round magazine is introduced.
1964 The first carbine was developed (put into service in 1968). Differences: a short barrel (254/292 instead of 508) and a telescopic stock instead of a fixed one. Weight 2.44kg. Weapon refusals and the flash from the shot increased greatly, the sound of the shot was too loud. New flaws were corrected over the next 2 years. It was constantly modernized until the 80s. Also this year, an experimental 40mm MX148 grenade launcher was developed.
1967-1968 The famous M203 underbarrel grenade launcher has been developed and adopted.
1981 year. M16A2 appears (adopted in 1985). Differences: an increase in weight by 300-400 grams (without a belt and magazine), a decrease in the rifling pitch from 305 mm to 178 mm for a heavier SS109 cartridge, a cut-off for 3 rounds, an improved sight, a new forearm and an elongated buttstock (by 16mm) made of shock-resistant polyamide, plastic magazine for 30 rounds, reflector shield, heavier barrel. But the disadvantages also remained: low reliability of the return spring, excessive miniaturization of parts, sensitivity to dirt and shock (relative to other rifles).
The new model is devoid of most of the shortcomings of previous models.
1992 - the M4 carbine was created. The main differences from the M16A2 are: a shorter barrel, a retractable telescopic butt. There are suggestions that the M4 is overheating. Tests in 2008 showed the lowest reliability among the HK XM8, HK 416 and FN SCAR-L.
1994 - the A3 (with continuous fire) and A4 (with an integrated Picatinny rail) with "flat top" receivers entered service.
Outcome
Post-war weapons were supposed to be compact weapons, with sufficient accuracy up to 400 (600) m, acceptable weight (for that time), accuracy and the ability to fire bursts. In other words: combine the advantages of a rifle and a submachine gun.
From the above conditions, it follows that the Soviet school to a greater extent satisfied these requirements by creating weapons of this class. The NATO school was less advanced on this issue, creating a deeply modernized automatic rifle (hence the name).
Output
Different schools, different weapons, different advantages and disadvantages. But you will fight with what you give in your hands or win back on the battlefield.
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Magazines
Soldiers of Fortune No. 2 1996
Kalashnikov No. 2 2009
Other sources
