Loading a Kalashnikov assault rifle: step-by-step guide for AK-74, AKM and modifications

Loading a Kalashnikov assault rifle is a basic procedure that every owner of this legendary weapon must master. Despite the apparent simplicity, incorrect actions can lead to delays in shooting, damage to mechanisms or even accidents. In this article we will analyze the charging process for the most common models - AK-74, AKM and their modifications, taking into account the nuances of design and safety rules.

It is important to understand that the charging algorithm may differ slightly depending on the specific model, type of magazine (plastic, steel, drum) and operating conditions. We will focus on universal principles that are relevant for both civilian and service weapons based on the Kalashnikov platform. If this is your first time picking up a machine gun, we recommend that you first familiarize yourself with the design of the bolt, trigger mechanism and safety.

The article will be useful not only for beginners, but also for experienced shooters: here you will find rare technical details, for example, how the wear of the magazine spring affects loading or why You cannot push a cartridge into the chamber by hand (even if “it’s faster this way”). At the end there are answers to frequently asked questions and an analysis of common mistakes with photographs.

1. Preparing for loading: checking weapons and ammunition

Before you start charging, you need to make sure that the machine gun and ammunition are in good working order. This is a critical step that many people skip, risking misfire or jamming of the mechanisms.

Start with a visual inspection: Automatic — check the integrity of the barrel, bolt and bolt carrier. Pay special attention gas tube and gas piston: They must not have any dents or corrosion. Make sure fuse is transferred to both positions (PR and OD/AV) without jamming.

Store - inspect the body for cracks (especially in plastic stores AK-74), check the feeder spring: it should be elastic, without signs of metal “fatigue”. If the magazine was stored loaded for a long time, the spring could lose its rigidity - this will lead to delays when firing.

Ammo - Even new ammunition can have defects. Check:

• 🔹 Sleeves - must not be wrinkled or oxidized.
• 🔹 Capsules - should protrude 0.1–0.2 mm above the bottom of the sleeve (checked by touch).
• 🔹 Bullet in the muzzle - must not wobble or be shifted to the side.

⚠️ Attention: Never use ammunition with a green coating on the case - this is a sign of corrosion, which can cause the case to rupture when fired. Also avoid ammunition with deformed bullets, as they may jam in the chamber.

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to charge a Kalashnikov assault rifle

Let's look at the universal charging algorithm using an example AK-74. For AKM and other modifications, the differences are minimal (they will be listed separately).

Step 1. Setting the fuse

Before charging, always put the fuse on the circuit breaker (PR). This locks the trigger and bolt, preventing accidental discharge. On AK-12 and AK-15 The fuse is combined with the fire selector - make sure it is in the up position.

Step 2: Retracting the bolt carrier

Grab the forend with your left hand, and the bolt handle with your right hand. With a sharp movement, pull it back as far as it will go and release it. The shutter should engage the shutter stop. This indicates that the chamber is empty. On AKM There is no bolt stop - just hold the frame in the rear position.

Step 3: Inserting the Magazine

Take a loaded magazine (see next section for how to load a magazine). With the index finger of your right hand, press the magazine release (located in front of the trigger guard). Insert the magazine into the receiver window until it clicks. Make sure it fits snugly without any play.

Step 4. Loading the cartridge into the chamber

Pull the bolt carrier back again and release. Under the action of the return spring, the bolt will catch up with the frame, grab the top cartridge from the magazine and send it into the chamber. Never chamber a cartridge by hand through the bolt frame window - this can lead to incomplete chambering and misfire!

Step 5. Charging control

Visually check that the bolt is in place (there is no visible gap between the bolt frame and the receiver). If the machine is equipped with a cartridge presence indicator (for example, AK-12), make sure it protrudes above the receiver.

3. How to load a magazine: nuances for different types

Loading the magazine is a separate procedure on which the reliability of cartridge supply depends. Let's look at the features for the three types of magazines used in Kalashnikov assault rifles.

Steel magazines (AKM, early AK-74)

They have high strength, but are heavier than plastic ones. When charging:

• 🔹 Use clips (10 rounds each) to speed up the process.
• 🔹 Press the cartridges with your thumb strictly verticalto avoid skew.
• 🔹 Do not exceed capacity: standard magazine AKM designed for 30 rounds (not 31!).

Plastic magazines (AK-74, AK-12)

Lighter than steel, but sensitive to mechanical damage. Charging rules:

• 🔹 Do not drop the magazine on a hard surface - this may lead to cracks.
• 🔹 When loading the last 5-7 rounds, apply more effort: the spring compresses more.
• 🔹 Avoid long-term storage of a loaded magazine (more than 1 month) - this reduces the elasticity of the spring.

Drum magazines (RPK, AK with a drum for 75 rounds)

Requires a special approach:

• 🔹 Charging is in progress only with clips or a special charger.
• 🔹 The cartridges are laid in a spiral, without distortions.
• 🔹 After charging, check the rotation of the drum - it should be smooth, without jamming.

Store type	Capacity	Weight (empty/full)	Charging Features
Steel (AKM)	30 rounds	330 g / 600 g	Can be charged without clips, shock resistant
Plastic (AK-74)	30 rounds	250 g / 520 g	Sensitive to frost (below -30°C)
Drum (RPK)	45 or 75 rounds	1.2 kg / 2.5 kg	Requires clips or charger

⚠️ Attention: When charging a magazine AK-12 or AK-15 Do not use cartridges with a bimetallic sleeve in plastic magazines - this may cause the feeder to jam due to differences in the coefficient of friction.

4. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced shooters sometimes make loading errors that lead to delays or failures. Let's look at the most common of them.

Error 1: Incomplete loading of the bolt frame

If you do not retract the frame all the way and release it, the bolt may not capture a cartridge from the magazine. This will result in a "idle" click instead of a shot. How to avoid: Always retract the frame all the way until it rests against the buffer.

Error 2: Misalignment of the cartridge in the magazine

Often occurs when loading without a clip or when cartridges are inserted at an angle. Signs: the shutter does not reach the full forward position, resistance is felt. How to fix: remove the magazine, shake out the cartridges and reload.

Mistake 3: Charging "at the ready"

Some shooters chamber a round and then put the safety on while holding the bolt carrier. This is dangerous: if the frame is accidentally removed from the delay, a shot may occur. Correct: load only before shooting.

Mistake 4: Using damaged ammo

Ammo with dented cases or misaligned bullets may jam the bolt. It is especially dangerous to use “over-grade” cartridges - cartridges of different calibers (for example, 5.45x39 and 7.62x39). How to check: Before loading, rotate the magazine in your hands - the cartridges should not dangle.

What to do if a cartridge is jammed in the chamber?

If, after pressing the trigger, the bolt does not move back and the cartridge does not fire:

1. Put the fuse on the machine.

2. Remove the magazine.

3. Pull the bolt carrier back and remove the cartridge by hand (you can use a cleaning rod).

4. Check the chamber for dirt or deformation.

If jamming recurs, the weapon must be inspected by a gunsmith.

5. Charging safety precautions

The Kalashnikov assault rifle is a reliable but potentially dangerous weapon. Following safety rules when charging prevents accidents.

Rule 1: Direction of the barrel

Always keep the barrel pointed to a safe place (in the ground, in a shooting range or in a special tray). Never point a weapon at people, even if it is unloaded.

Rule 2: Finger control

Your fingers should be on the forend or receiver, not on the trigger, until you are ready to fire. This prevents accidental firing when manipulating the shutter.

Rule 3: Check the chamber

Always check that the chamber is empty before loading. To do this:

1. Pull the bolt carrier back and lock it.
2. Verify visually and by touch that there is no cartridge in the chamber.
3. Check to see if there is a cartridge in the barrel (you can shine it with a flashlight).

Rule 4: Storage and transportation

A loaded machine gun must be transported with the safety on, the magazine inserted, but the cartridge is not sent into the chamber. Weapons are stored at home discharged, with separately lying cartridges.

6. Charging features for different modifications of AK

Although the charging principle is similar for all Kalashnikov assault rifles, some models have nuances. Let's look at the most common ones.

AKM (7.62×39)

• 🔹 There is no bolt lag - after the cartridges are used up, the bolt remains in the forward position.
• 🔹 A heavier bolt frame requires more effort when retracting.
• 🔹 When charging in cold weather (< -20°C), jamming is possible - it is recommended to use lubricant RFS.

AK-74 (5.45×39)

• 🔹 Lighter and more compact AKM, but plastic magazines are sensitive to shock.
• 🔹 When firing in bursts, the barrel can quickly overheat - after 100 shots, it is recommended to let the weapon cool down.
• 🔹 5.45×39 cartridges have a sharper trajectory, so when loading, make sure that the bullet does not rest against the front wall of the magazine.

AK-12 / AK-15

• 🔹 Combined translator-fuse: in position PR Both the shutter and the trigger are blocked.
• 🔹 Possibility of installing stores from AK-74 and AKM (depending on caliber).
• 🔹 The presence of a cartridge indicator in the receiver (protruding pin when the weapon is loaded).

Self-loading carbines (Saiga, VEPR)

• 🔹 There is no automatic firing mode - the fire selector is fixed in position OD.
• 🔹 It is possible to install increased capacity magazines (up to 30 rounds for Saiga-7.62).
• 🔹 The bolt delay may be missing - check the chamber visually.

7. Caring for the machine gun after loading and firing

After shooting or loading training, the machine gun requires cleaning and lubrication. This extends the life of the mechanisms and prevents corrosion.

Cleaning the barrel and chamber

Use cleaning rod with a bronze brush and rags. Procedure:

1. Unload the machine gun and make sure the chamber is empty.
2. Dampen a rag with solvent (for example, R-6) and wipe the chamber.
3. Pass the brush through the barrel 3-4 times, then wipe dry.

Mechanism lubrication

For lubrication use gun lubricant (for example, RFS or Ballistol). Apply a thin layer to:

• 🔹 Bolt frame and bolt.
• 🔹 Gas piston and tube.
• 🔹 Trigger mechanism (without excess!).

Checking stores

After shooting, inspect the stores:

• 🔹 Remove dirt and carbon deposits from the feeder.
• 🔹 Check the spring for elasticity.
• 🔹 Make sure the magazine latch is not deformed.

Storage

The machine is stored in disassembled (barrel, bolt carrier and magazines separately) in a case with a desiccant. Optimal conditions:

• 🔹 Temperature: +5°C to +25°C.
• 🔹 Humidity: no higher than 60%.
• 🔹 Without access to direct sunlight.

8. Frequently asked questions about charging AK

Is it possible to load a machine gun with an attached bayonet?

Yes, the bayonet does not interfere with charging, but make sure it is locked until it clicks. When shooting with a fixed bayonet, the center of gravity may shift, which affects accuracy.

What to do if the shutter doesn't go all the way?

The reasons may be different:

• 🔹 Chuck misalignment - remove the magazine and reload.
• 🔹 Dirt in the chamber - clean the barrel.
• 🔹 Feeder spring wear - Replace the spring or magazine.

If the problem persists, show the weapon to a gunsmith.

How many rounds can be stored in the magazine?

Long-term storage (more than 1 month) of a loaded magazine reduces the service life of the spring. Optimal:

• 🔹 Steel shops - up to 30 rounds (but not more than 6 months).
• 🔹 Plastic stores - up to 20 cartridges (to reduce the load on the spring).

For long term storage use relief springs or keep stores half empty.

Is it possible to chamber a cartridge manually?

No! Manual chambering of a cartridge (for example, with your thumb through the bolt frame window) can lead to incomplete chambering or deformation of the cartridge case. Always use the bolt action.

How to charge a machine in cold weather?

At temperatures below -20°C:

• 🔹 Use frost-resistant grease (for example, CLP).
• 🔹 Before charging, warm the magazine in your pocket (plastic becomes fragile).
• 🔹 Move the bolt frame smoothly - in the cold the metal is stiffer.

Avoid sharp impacts on the bolt as this may cause damage.