The question is how many cartridges in AK-47, is one of the most discussed not only among small arms enthusiasts, but also among professional military personnel, historians and even gamers. The answer to this seems obvious, but upon closer examination, nuances emerge regarding various modifications, types of ammunition and historical context. The standard answer is the number 30, but actual use of weapons in the field dictates its own rules, which often differ from factory specifications.
The Kalashnikov assault rifle, adopted for service in 1949, was created for the 7.62x39 mm cartridge, and it was for this ammunition that the main equipment was designed. Magazine capacity directly affected combat tactics, ammunition weight and shooter ergonomics. In this material we will analyze not only dry numbers, but also the reasons why the army chose this particular standard, and also consider rare exceptions that may surprise even experienced specialists.
Understanding a weapon's power supply is critical to assessing its firepower. If you are planning to delve deeper into the topic of small arms or simply want to understand the technical details of the legendary machine gun, this article will provide comprehensive information. We will analyze the design, history and practical application of magazines of various capacities.
Standard capacity and magazine design
The classic Kalashnikov assault rifle magazine, known throughout the world, has a capacity 30 rounds. This figure has become a kind of de facto standard for assault rifles around the world. The design of the magazine was developed taking into account the balance between firepower, weight and dimensions. Thirty rounds of 7.62mm rounds provide a burst long enough to suppress an enemy, but the magazine doesn't make the weapon overly heavy or awkward to carry.
However, in the early period of the AK's existence, in the late 1940s, smaller capacity magazines were also actively used. There were options for 20 rounds, which were lighter and more convenient for shooting from the knee or prone, since they protruded less downwards. Double row magazine with a staggered arrangement of cartridges allowed for efficient feeding of cartridges into the chamber, minimizing the risk of jamming, which was critical to the reliability of the system.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to cram more ammunition into a standard 30-round magazine than is designed for use. This can lead to breakage of the feed spring and failure of the weapon at a critical moment.
The magazine design includes a body, a cover, a spring and a feeder. The material for early versions was stamped steel, which provided high strength but increased weight. Later, stores made of aluminum alloy and even plastic (AMM) appeared, which were lighter but required more careful handling. Regardless of the material, the internal geometry remained the same, designed specifically for 30 units of ammunition.
For long-term preservation of the magazine spring, it is recommended to store the weapon with an unloaded magazine or with a magazine in which cartridges are not fed under the feeder (for 28-29 rounds). This will prevent the elasticity of the metal from weakening during long-term storage.
History of creation and evolution of ammunition
The development of the machine gun was carried out in conditions of fierce competition and unification requirements. Mikhail Kalashnikov and other designers were looking for the optimal solution for a new intermediate cartridge. Initially, various equipment options were considered, including magazine systems from other samples. However, it is 30-round magazine turned out to be the most balanced solution for motorized infantry and airborne units.
During the evolution of weapons, not only the materials changed, but also the shape of the magazine. The famous flex, which is often mistaken as a caliber feature (although it is indeed related to the geometry of the 7.62x39mm cartridge), also contributed to reliable cartridge extraction. Unlike the straight magazines of the M16 rifle, the AK magazine has a more pronounced curvature, which is a distinctive visual feature.
There were also experimental samples. For example, high-capacity magazines were sometimes developed for special units or for use as support weapons. However, they have not become widespread due to low reliability of delivery and inconvenience of wearing. The Army preferred the time-tested design, where each soldier carries several standard magazines.
It is interesting to note that the standards for recruiting a fighter have changed over different periods of time. If in the early 50s carrying 4-5 magazines could be considered the norm, then by the 80s, with the development of tactics and an increase in the intensity of combat operations, the standard ammunition load increased. This highlights the importance of the question of how many cartridges in AK-47, since the total weight of the soldier’s equipment depended on this.
Modifications and capacity options
Although 30 rounds is the base, history has known other options. First of all, it is worth mentioning the 20-round magazines, which were produced in parallel with the 30-round magazines in the first years of production of the machine gun. They were shorter and lighter, making the weapon more maneuverable in tight spaces or when moving in armored vehicles.
There were also drum magazines, although for the standard 7.62x39 mm cartridge they were rarely used and mainly in other systems (for example, RPD or later modifications for other calibers). However, there were experimental models for the AK with increased capacity, which were used as a fire support weapon when the machine gun was too heavy and a standard machine gun was not enough.
- 🔫 20 rounds — an early version, convenient for transportation and shooting from awkward positions.
- 🔫 30 rounds - the main standard for all modifications of AK, AKM and AK-74 (adapted for 5.45 mm caliber).
- 🔫 40-60 rounds - experimental or specialized stores that often had problems with supply reliability.
It is important to differentiate between magazines for different calibers. Automatic AK-74, which switched to the 5.45x39 mm cartridge, retained the external similarity of the magazines, but their internal geometry changed. The 5.45 mm cartridges have a different bullet shape (with a shifted center of gravity), which required a change in the feeder pitch. Therefore, despite the external similarity, stores are not always interchangeable without loss of reliability.
⚠️ Attention: Using a magazine from 7.62 mm in a 5.45 mm machine gun (or vice versa) without modification will lead to delays in shooting or damage to the weapon. Always check the markings on the neck of the magazine.
In modern conditions, there are also increased-capacity magazines for civilian versions of machine guns, especially in the USA and other countries where this is permitted by law. They can hold up to 100 rounds, but their reliability is often inferior to standard military models due to the complexity of the feeding mechanism.
Comparison with other small arms
To understand whether 30 rounds is a lot or a little, it’s worth comparing the AK with its main competitors. American rifle M16 and its modifications (M4, M4A1) also use a standard 30-round magazine of 5.56x45 mm caliber. This shows that 30 rounds is the gold standard for an assault rifle, which has been established empirically in the armies of different countries.
However, there are exceptions. German machine gun HK G36 originally equipped with 30-round transparent magazines, but also had 100-round (drum-type) options, although the latter proved less reliable. Soviet light machine gun PKK, based on the AK, could use standard 30/40-round magazines, as well as 75-round drum magazines, which significantly increased the density of fire.
| Weapons | Caliber | Standard capacity | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK-47/AKM | 7.62×39 mm | 30 rounds | Steel/Aluminum housing |
| AK-74 | 5.45×39 mm | 30 rounds | Orange/Black plastic |
| M16 / M4 | 5.56×45 mm | 30 rounds | Aluminium/Polymer |
| RPK-74 | 5.45×39 mm | 45 rounds | Extended magazine |
As can be seen from the table, the capacity of 30 rounds is dominant. An increase in capacity, as in the case of the RPK, leads to an increase in weight and size, which is acceptable for a machine gunner, but inconvenient for an ordinary shooter. Ammunition The soldier is formed based on how many magazines he can carry, and the 30-round format is optimal here.
Why don't they make 50-round magazines for machine guns?
The 50 round magazine becomes too long and heavy. When shooting from a prone position, it interferes with holding the weapon, and when worn on the belt it creates discomfort. In addition, a long spring is more difficult to manufacture and maintain.
Tactical value of magazine capacity
In combat, the number of rounds in the magazine determines the frequency of reloading. Thirty shots in single fire mode is quite a lot, but in automatic fire mode the magazine is emptied in 2-3 seconds. Therefore, soldiers are trained to control the length of the line. The standard training burst is 3-5 shots, which allows you to make 6-10 aiming series without reloading.
Combat tactics require that a fighter must be able to quickly change magazines. To do this, pouches are located on the unloading vest or belt. The standard combat configuration of a soldier includes one magazine in a weapon and a minimum of 3-5 magazines in pouches. Thus, the total wearable ammunition ranges from 120 to 180 rounds, which is considered the minimum required for autonomous mission execution.
The importance of quick magazine changes is emphasized in any fire training instruction. Rate of fire The machine gun is technically high (about 600 rounds per minute), but the practical rate of fire is limited precisely by the reload time and the need for aiming. Having a large number of smaller capacity magazines (30 pieces) is often preferred over one large capacity magazine due to reliability and convenience.
☑️ Rules for changing stores
Caring for magazines and storing ammunition
A machine gun magazine is not just a box for cartridges, but a complex mechanism that requires maintenance. Dust, dirt and moisture can cause the weapon to malfunction. Regular cleaning of the inside of the magazine, especially the feed window and neck, is a must. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the spring.
It is recommended to store magazines unloaded or with a weakened spring (for 27-28 rounds) if they are not used for a long time. This extends the life of the spring. It is also important to check the integrity of the magazine jaws (top part), since their deformation leads to misalignment of the upper cartridge and a delay in firing.
Ammunition also requires proper storage. 7.62x39mm cartridges coated with varnish (a greenish or brownish tint to the bullet barrel) are more resistant to corrosion than polymer-coated cartridges. However, long-term storage in high humidity conditions can lead to oxidation of the primers, which is critical for the reliability of the shot.
⚠️ Attention: Never store equipped magazines in direct sunlight or near heating appliances. Heat may cause the powder to ignite or the magazine casing to deform.
When loading a magazine, cartridges should be loaded with light taps, but you should not hit the magazine on hard objects to “compact” the cartridges. This may damage the coating on the cartridges or distort the rows, causing jamming. Proper handling of the magazine ensures that at the right moment how many cartridges in AK-47 no matter what is located, they will all be fed into the chamber.
The reliability of the AK-47 power system is achieved not only by the design of the magazine, but also by proper maintenance and compliance with the rules for storing ammunition.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to insert a magazine from an AK-74 into an AK-47?
It is often possible to physically insert a magazine from an AK-74 (5.45 mm) into an AK-47 (7.62 mm), since the necks are similar, but this combination cannot be fired. The cartridges have different geometries, and the machine will either not feed the cartridge, or a serious misalignment will occur, leading to jamming. In addition, their chambers are different.
How much does a full AK-47 magazine weigh?
The weight of a full 30-round magazine depends on the material. A steel magazine weighs about 1.1 kg, an aluminum magazine weighs about 0.85 kg, and a plastic (AMM) magazine weighs approximately 0.75 kg. The weight of 30 cartridges of 7.62x39 mm itself is about 480-500 grams.
Why is the AK magazine curved?
The bend of the magazine is due to the shape of the 7.62x39 mm cartridge. This cartridge has a conical bullet, and the cartridge case expands towards the bottom. To ensure reliable feeding, the cartridges must be fanned out, which creates the characteristic bend of the magazine body.
Are there 100 round magazines for AKs?
Yes, there were experimental and limited series of drum magazines (for example, 75 or 100 rounds), but they did not go into mass production due to low reliability, heavy weight and inconvenience to carry. A 30-round magazine remains standard.
How can you tell if a magazine is faulty?
The main signs of a malfunction: deformation of the magazine jaws, weakening of the spring (cartridges do not rise to the neck), cracks in the body, corrosion inside. If, during reloading, the cartridge does not fit into the chambering line or gets stuck, the magazine requires replacement or repair.