Kalashnikov assault rifle AK-74 - a legendary weapon that became a symbol of Soviet and Russian military power. Created in 1974 as a replacement AKM chambered for a new cartridge 5.45×39 mm, it is still in service with dozens of countries. But despite its popularity, many mistakenly confuse its weight characteristics with other models in the series. This article will help you understand How much does an AK-74 actually weigh? in various configurations - from a “bare” barrel to a combat version with full ammunition.
Feature AK-74 in its modular design: weight can vary depending on stock material, barrel type and additional equipment. For example, plastic parts (stock, fore-end, pistol grip) reduced overall weight compared to wooden counterparts AKM, but adding an underbarrel grenade launcher or optical sight compensates for this difference. Next, we will analyze all the nuances in detail - from factory standards to real measurements in the field.
Interesting fact: during development AK-74 the designers set the task of reducing weight by 15% relative to AKM, maintaining reliability. They succeeded - the base model became lighter by 300 grams, which is critical for an infantryman on a long march.
Official data: AK-74 weight according to GOST
According to the technical documentation, weight of an unloaded AK-74 assault rifle (without magazine and cartridges) is 3.3 kg. This figure is recorded in GOST 28653-90 and is relevant for the base model with a wooden butt. However, already in the 1990s, the transition to plastic parts began, which reduced weight to 3.0–3.1 kg.
It is important to understand that we are talking about a “bare” machine gun - without a magazine, bayonet and additional equipment. In a combat position, the weight increases by at least 1 kg due to:
- 🔫 Magazine (plastic - 250 g, steel - 350 g)
- 💊 30 rounds
5.45×39 mm(≈450 g) - ⚔️ Bayonet with scabbard (≈300 g)
- 🎯 Belt (≈150 g)
Thus, full combat weight of AK-74 (with a loaded magazine, bayonet and belt) reaches 4.2–4.5 kg. It's 20% lighter than AKM in a similar configuration (5.3 kg).
Comparison of weight of AK-74 modifications
Over the years of production, more than 10 modifications have appeared AK-74, differing in weight. Below is a table with key models:
| Model | Weight without magazine (kg) | Weight with loaded magazine (kg) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK-74 (basic) | 3,3 | 4,2 | Wooden stock, barrel 415 mm |
| AK-74M | 3,4 | 4,3 | Folding stock, plastic fittings |
| AK-74N | 3,6 | 4,5 | Mount for night sight (side rail) |
| AKS-74U | 2,7 | 3,4 | Short barrel (210 mm), folding stock |
| AK-12 (based on AK-74) | 3,3 | 4,1 | Improved ergonomics, picatinny rails |
Please note: AKS-74U — the easiest modification thanks to a shortened barrel and a lightweight gas block. However, its lighter weight is compensated by increased recoil (30% higher than the base model).
For comparison: American M16A2 weighs 3.8 kg without ammunition, and the German HK G36 - 3.6 kg. Thus, AK-74 remains one of the lightest machines in its class.
When choosing a modification for long-term operations, give preference to models with a plastic butt - they are 10–15% lighter than their wooden counterparts with the same strength.
What affects weight: analysis by components
The weight of the machine consists of several key elements. Let's look at them in detail:
- 🔧 Trunk: 0.9–1.1 kg (depending on length and wall thickness). U AKS-74U The barrel is 205 mm shorter, which reduces weight by 200 g.
- 🪵 Butt:
- Wooden: 500–600 g
- Plastic (AK-74M): 350–400 g
- Folding (AKS-74): 450 g
- 📦 Store:
- Plastic (30 rounds): 250 g
- Steel (30 rounds): 350 g
- RKS-74 (45 rounds): 420 g
- 🔭 Additional equipment:
- Optical sight PSO-1: +500 g
- Underbarrel grenade launcher GP-25: +1.3 kg
- Tactical flashlight: +200 g
Interesting nuance: cartridge weight 5.45×39 mm (6 g per cartridge) less than 7.62×39 mm (8 g). This gives an advantage in ammunition: with the same weight of equipment, a soldier can carry 25% more ammunition for AK-74than to AKM.
Why is the AK-74M 100 g heavier than the base model?
Despite the plastic stock, the AK-74M has a strengthened gas block and added a side rail for mounting sights, which offsets the weight savings.
Real weight vs factory data: what measurements show
In field conditions, the weight of the machine often exceeds the rated values. Reasons:
- 🌧️ Moisture penetration (rain, snow) - up to +100 g
- 🧴 Lubricants and cleaning products - up to +50 g
- 🔧 Wear of parts (for example, barrel after 10,000 shots) - up to +70 g
- 🎒 Individual modifications (ribbons, stickers, paracord) - up to +200 g
According to test results of the Russian Ministry of Defense (2018), the average weight of the AK-74M in combat position after 5 years of operation is 4.7 kg - 10% heavier than the factory data. This is due to the accumulation of powder microparticles in the gas channels and corrosion of metal parts.
To check your weight at home, you can use household scales with a weighing limit of up to 5 kg. Algorithm:
Remove the magazine and make sure that the chamber is empty|Place the machine gun horizontally on the scales, avoiding distortions|Record the readings with an accuracy of 10 g|Repeat the measurement 3 times to average the result-->
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Attention: Weighing a weapon with an optical sight requires preliminary fixation of moving parts (for example, an aiming mark). Otherwise, the error may reach 50 g.
Weight of the AK-74 compared to other assault rifles
For an objective assessment it is useful to compare AK-74 with analogues in weight and ammunition:
| Model | Weight without cartridges (kg) | Weight 30 rounds (g) | Total weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK-74 | 3,3 | 450 | 3,75 |
| M16A4 (USA) | 3,8 | 510 | 4,31 |
| HK416 (Germany) | 3,5 | 540 | 4,04 |
| FAMAS (France) | 3,8 | 480 | 4,28 |
| Tavor TAR-21 (Israel) | 3,2 | 450 | 3,65 |
As can be seen from the table, AK-74 takes the golden mean: it is lighter M16 and FAMAS, but heavier Tavor. At the same time weight to ammunition ratio at AK-74 best thanks to lightweight cartridges 5.45×39 mm.
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Attention: When choosing a weapon for long-term operations in mountainous areas, a difference of 300–400 g can critically affect a fighter’s endurance. For example, a group of 10 people with AK-74 instead of M16 will save 5 kg of total equipment weight.
How to reduce the weight of the AK-74 without losing functionality
For specialists working with AK-74 in extreme conditions (reconnaissance, mountain operations), the issue of lightening weapons is relevant. Here are proven methods:
- 🔄 Replacing the wooden stock with plastic from AK-74M (saving 150–200 g).
- 📦 Use plastic stores instead of steel ones (saving 100 g per each).
- ⚡ Removing unnecessary accessories:
- Bayonet (–300 g)
- Belt (–150 g)
- Spare magazine in pouch (–600 g)
- 🔧 Lightweight barrel (for example, from AK-105) - savings of up to 100 g, but with increased returns.
Important: any modifications must be in accordance with the operating instructions. For example, replacing the barrel with a lightweight one requires readjusting the gas block, otherwise the risk of automatic jamming will increase.
For athletes (for example, in the discipline "Practical shooting") they are popular tungsten parts (bolt carrier, gas piston), which reduce weight by 5–7%, but increase the cost of the weapon by 2–3 times.
The optimal weight for maneuverable operations is 3.8–4.0 kg. Further relief leads to loss of reliability or increased recoil.
Myths and misconceptions about the weight of the AK-74
There are several weight-related myths circulating on the Internet. AK-74. Let's look at the most popular:
- 🚫 "AK-74 weighs 5 kg" is the weight AKM with cartridges. Basic AK-74 1 kg lighter.
- 🚫 "Plastic parts make the machine unreliable" - modern polymers (for example, ABS plastic) withstand temperatures from –50°C to +70°C without deformation.
- 🚫 "The shortened AKS-74U is 2 times lighter" - in fact, it is only 20% lighter (2.7 kg vs 3.3 kg).
- 🚫 "The weight of the cartridges does not affect the overall weight" - 30 rounds
5.45×39 mmweigh 450 g, and7.62×39 mm— 600 g. The difference of 150 g is critical when carrying 200+ rounds of ammunition.
One of the most persistent misconceptions is "AK-74 is heavier than AK-12". In fact, their weight is almost the same (3.3 kg), but AK-12 has better balancing due to the shifted center of gravity to the handle.
To verify information, always check with GOST 28653-90 or a passport for a specific modification. For example, in a passport AK-74M clearly stated: "The weight of the machine gun without magazine is 3.4 kg ± 50 g".
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the weight of the AK-74
How much does an AK-74 weigh with a loaded magazine and optical sight?
The basic model with 30 rounds and a PSO-1 sight weighs 4.7–4.9 kg. If the GP-25 underbarrel grenade launcher is used, the total weight reaches 6.0 kg.
Why do different sources indicate different weights for the AK-74?
The difference is due to:
- Butt material (wood vs plastic)
- Year of manufacture (early models are 100–200 g heavier)
- Measuring method (lubricant, moisture, accessories)
Official source - GOST 28653-90.
What is the weight of an empty AK-74 magazine?
A plastic magazine for 30 rounds weighs 250 g, steel - 350 g. The RKS-74 magazine (45 rounds) weighs 420 g.
How much does an AK-74 barrel weigh separately?
The 415 mm long barrel weighs 950–1050 g depending on the wall thickness. Shortened barrel AKS-74U (210 mm) - 700–750 g.
Is it possible to reduce the weight of the AK-74 without breaking the law?
Yes, legal ways:
- Replacing the stock with a certified plastic one
- Using lightweight magazines (for example, from AK-12)
- Removing the bayonet and belt (if they are not required by the regulations)
Any modifications to the barrel or bolt group require approval from Rostechnadzor.