The standard capacity of the Kalashnikov store for a 7.62×39 mm cartridge is 30 rounds, however, for modifications for a 5.45×39 mm low-pulse ammunition, this figure may vary depending on the year of release and the specific weapon sample. The exact amount of ammunition contained in shop-houseThe scoring system depends on the geometric dimensions of the cartridge and the design of the feeding mechanism, which is a critical parameter in calculating the firepower of the unit or planning individual protection. Understanding of technical characteristics AKA It is necessary not only for military but also for civilian owners of hunting versions of carbines, since the legislation strictly regulates the capacity of removable ammunition supply devices.
Historically, the Kalashnikov assault rifle has become a symbol of reliability, and its store system has gone a long way from the first experimental samples to modern polymer solutions. In the basic configuration, most models in service are used box-store with a two-row arrangement of cartridges and a chess exit to the neck. This design ensures reliable supply even in conditions of severe pollution, which is confirmed by decades of operation in various climatic zones.
There is a common misconception that all Kalashas have the same capacity, but this is not true. Different calibers require different length of the store with the same number of cartridges, or different capacity with similar dimensions. For example, the store for the cartridge 5.45 mm is visually longer than the store at 7.62 mm with the same capacity of 30 rounds due to the smaller cone of the shell shell of the low-pulse ammunition. Exactly. ballistics They dictate engineering decisions when designing weapons.
Design features of AK-47 and AKM stores
The first prototypes of the machine, known as AK-47 modernized AKMThe cartridge was designed to use an intermediate 7.62×39 mm cartridge. The regular store for these systems is a steel box store with a capacity of 30 rounds. Early versions of the stores were made of steel with milled side walls, making them heavy but exceptionally durable. Later, they switched to lighter stamped versions with stiffness ribs, which received the nickname “spoons” due to the characteristic stamping.
The capacity of 30 rounds was not chosen by chance: this is the optimal balance between the weight of the outfit store (about 0.6 kg), dimensions and the duration of continuous firing. The increase in capacity would require substantial lengthening of the store, which would worsen ergonomics and make the weapon less convenient to shoot from the knee or from behind shelters. Supply mechanism in these stores is equipped with a powerful spring, capable of sending a cartridge even after a long time finding the weapon in running order.
⚠️ Attention: The use of stores with increased capacity (40-100 rounds) with an AKM automatic often leads to delays in shooting due to a violation of the angle of the cartridge supply and the weakening of the spring.
In addition to the standard 30-charge stores, for special tasks, RPN drum stores for 75 rounds were produced, but they had a complex design, were subject to contamination and did not take root in serial production for infantry, giving way to more reliable boxed analogues. For civilian hunting versions, such as Saiga or Boar.The stores are often made with a limited capacity of 5 or 10 rounds as required by law.
Capacity evolution in the AK-74 and AK-12 family
With the transition of the Soviet army to a low-pulse cartridge of 5.45×39 mm in 1974, the design of the store underwent changes. The new ammunition had a smaller diameter and a smaller cone shell, which allowed to maintain a capacity of 30 rounds with an increased length of the store. Shophouses for AK-74 Originally made of aluminum alloy, then switched to glass-filled polyamide (black or orange), and in modern versions AK-12 and AK-15 reinforced polymeric materials are used.
Modern Russian machines, such as the AK-12, have retained compatibility with the old AK-74 stores, but have newer, more ergonomic stores with improved neck geometry and a cartridge load indicator. The standard capacity remained the same – 30 rounds, which is the gold standard for assault rifles of the world. However, the design lender It was improved to prevent the distortion of cartridges during intensive operation.
It is important to note that, despite the appearance of similarities, shops under 5.45 mm and 7.62 mm are not interchangeable without reworking weapons, as they have different widths of the cartridge at the edge of the sleeve. Attempting to insert a store of the wrong caliber can lead to a spelling of the shutter group. Modern. polymer-store They are also equipped with ribs to clutch several stores together, which speeds up the process of replacing them in a combat situation.
To extend the life of the store springs, do not keep the weapon constantly with a full store, especially in conditions of temperature changes.
Civil version and legal restrictions
In the civilian market of Russia and many other countries, the Kalashnikov assault rifle is represented by hunting carbines, which structurally repeat combat prototypes, but have limitations on the capacity of the store. According to the Federal Law “On Weapons”, the capacity of the store of hunting firearms smoothbore long-barreled guns should not exceed 10 rounds, and for rifled ones – 5 rounds (although for some models converted from combat, there may be exceptions or deactivation requirements).
Carbines owners Saiga, Boar. and Hammer. Often faced with the need to use limited capacity stores. Such stores may have a built-in limiter (a pin inside the case) or smaller geometric dimensions. Legally, using a standard 30-cartridge battle shop on a civilian hunting weapon is an administrative offence unless it is provided for by a collectibles license or specific permits.
- 🔒 Capacity limiter: metal bar, welded into the store case, not allowing to charge more than the permitted number of rounds.
- 📏 Geometrical limitation: A shortened store case that physically holds only 5 or 10 rounds.
- 📜 Marking: Civilian shops often have the “Oh” marking or appropriate labeling to confirm their compliance with the law.
Many owners resort to the procedure of "re-reconservation" or modernization of stores by removing the limiters, however, such actions require careful check of current legislation, as laws can change. Violation of the rules The possession and carrying of weapons, including the use of high-capacity stores, may result in the seizure of weapons and penalties.
⚠️ Attention: Independent modification of shops to increase their capacity on civilian weapons can be regarded as illegal modification of the technical characteristics of weapons.
Technical characteristics of shops of different calibers
For a visual comparison of the parameters of the shops of various modifications of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, it is advisable to refer to the technical data. The differences concern not only the number of cartridges, but also the weight, material and overall dimensions, which affects the wearability of ammunition by the shooter.
| Model machine | Caliber of the cartridge | Standard capacity | Mass of load (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK-47/ACM | 7.62 x 39 mm | 30 rounds of ammunition | ~630g |
| AK-74 / AK-74M | 5.45 x 39 mm | 30/45* rounds of ammunition | ~530g |
| AK-12/AK-15 | 5.45/7.62 mm | 30 rounds of ammunition | ~500g |
| PKK (manual machine gun) | 7.62 x 39 mm | 40 rounds of ammunition | ~780g |
As can be seen from the table, the transition to a caliber of 5.45 mm allowed to reduce the weight of the outfit store by about 100 grams, which when wearing several stores gives a tangible weight advantage. PKK stores have an increased capacity of 40 rounds and a reinforced design, but they are compatible with automatic rifles only on the cartridge, not on fixation (although some modern models are unified).
Historical Fact About 45-Charging Stores
In the 80s, there were experimental and limited series of stores for 45 rounds for the AK-74. They were longer than standard ones and were often made of aluminum. Due to the increased length and weight, as well as problems with the reliability of the feed, they did not receive mass distribution in the troops, giving way to proven 30-charge stores.
Operational problems and reliability of supply
The reliability of the Kalashnikov machine depends largely on the state of the store. The most common cause of delays in shooting is not wear of the machine itself, but deformation of the store case or weakening of the machine. shop-spring. Steel stores are prone to dents when falling, which can disrupt the geometry of the cartridge's path. Polymer stores, in turn, can crack in severe frosts or hit a hard object.
Particular attention should be paid to the cleanliness inside the store. Sand, dirt or remnants of powder soak, getting into the neck, can cause distortion of the upper cartridge. In dusty terrain, it is recommended to periodically check the condition lender and if necessary, lubricate rubbing parts with a light layer of weapons oil, although the cartridge itself should not be lubricated.
- 🔍 Spring check: If the store does not hold the last round or the feed becomes sluggish, the spring must be replaced or stretched (temporarily).
- 🧼 Cleaning the neck: Regularly removing contaminants from the top of the store prevents 90% of the delays associated with filing.
- 🛡️ Moisture protection: Long-term storage of cartridges in a metal store without lubrication can lead to corrosion of lower cartridges.
There is a myth that the store should be kept empty to preserve the spring. Modern research and practice show that metal memory is more of a myth for high-quality weapons springs. However, compressed storage for decades at high temperatures can actually reduce elastic properties. It is therefore wiser to alternate the shops in use.
☑️ Shop check before shooting
Frequently Asked Questions About Kalashnikov Stores
Can I use the AKM store in the AK-74?
No, you can't. Despite the external similarity, the cartridges 7.62×39 mm and 5.45×39 mm have different dimensions. The 7.62mm cartridge is wider and simply won’t fit into the narrow AK-74 store, and the AKM store won’t snap into the AK-74 neck due to a different shape of hooks.
Why are AK-74 stores often orange?
Orange color had shops made of glass-filled polyamide, which began to be mass produced in the 80s. This material was stronger and lighter than aluminum, and the color was a side effect of the dye used, which was later changed to black, green and khaki.
Are there 100-round drum shops for AK?
Yes, there are both Soviet models (for example, for the PKK or experimental for the AK) and modern commercial versions. However, they are significantly heavier, larger and less reliable in pollution compared to standard box stores.
How to legally increase the capacity of the store for hunting?
It is not legal to increase the capacity of the store above the allowed (5 or 10 rounds) for hunting. The use of high-capacity stores on hunting is prohibited. For sport shooting (IPSC), the rules may differ, but require appropriate weapon classification and license.
The standard Kalashnikov store holds 30 rounds, but the choice of a particular model of the store should rely on the caliber of the weapon and the conditions of its operation.
Summing up, we can say that the question “how many cartridges in the Kalash” has an unambiguous answer for the combat standard – 30 pieces, but requires clarification when considering civilian versions and special modifications. Understanding the device and constraints shop-system This is the key to the safe and effective use of this legendary weapon.