The question of in what year the Kalashnikov assault rifle of the 1947 model was finally withdrawn from service often causes heated debate among weapons historians and military experts. Many people mistakenly believe that AK-47 is still on the balance sheet of army warehouses, but the real picture is much more complex and interesting. The process of modernization of the armed forces is not a one-time event, but a long-term evolution, during which one type of equipment replaces another.
To understand the essence of what is happening, it is necessary to clearly distinguish between the concepts of “removal from production” and “removal from service.” If factories have stopped producing a particular modification, this does not mean that it instantly disappeared from the troops. Kalashnikov assault rifle has come a long way from a milled receiver to modern polymer modifications, and each step of this path had its own time frame and technical features.
In this article we will analyze in detail the chronology of replacement weapon systems in the Soviet Army and the Russian Federation. You'll find out why The official date of retirement of the AK-47 is considered to be 1949 in the context of its replacement by a modernized version, although actual use lasted for decades. We will look at the technical reasons, the command to look for new solutions, and trace the fate of millions of units of this legendary small arms.
Historical context of appearance and first years of service
Acceptance 7.62 mm Kalashnikov assault rifle entered service with the Soviet Army on December 27, 1949. This date marks the beginning of the era of the most massive weapons in human history. However, even then, engineers and the military understood that the design, although revolutionary, required improvements. The first examples, known today as the "type one", had a milled receiver, which made them heavy and labor-intensive to manufacture.
Between 1949 and 1953 AK-47 actively accumulated in the troops, displacing the submachine guns of Shpagin and Sudaev. The soldiers valued it for its reliability, but noted a number of design flaws that appeared during long-term use. In particular, the forend and barrel lining were often heated to temperatures that made burst fire impossible without special heat-resistant gloves.
By the early 1950s, it became obvious that the machine gun required modernization for mass production. Manufacturability of production came to the fore, as the Cold War required equipping a multimillion-dollar army and the Warsaw Pact countries. Milled box gave way to stamped, which was the first step towards creating AKM.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the date of adoption (1949) with the date of start of mass production. The first batches for military testing and the formation of reference samples were produced in small batches back in 1948 at plant No. 74 in Izhevsk.
Why was the milled box worse?
Milling required a huge amount of metal and time of machine operators. From one piece of steel weighing about 2.5 kg, a box weighing 600 grams was obtained. Stamping made it possible to make a part from a sheet of steel 1 mm thick, which drastically reduced weight and cost.
The emergence of AKM and the beginning of the displacement of the basic model
The key moment in the history of the machine gun was 1959, when it was adopted AKM (Kalashnikov assault rifle, modernized). It is from this moment that we can talk about the beginning of the end of the era of the classical AK-47. The modernized machine has become lighter, cheaper to manufacture and more convenient to use. A muzzle pressure compensator appeared, the shape of the butt and fore-end changed, and the trigger system was improved.
The replacement process in the troops took considerable time. It was impossible to simply throw away millions of working machines and replace them with new ones. Therefore, from 1959 to the mid-1960s, units used both models in parallel. AK-47 was gradually transferred to storage bases, training centers and secondary units, giving way to AKM in motorized rifle and airborne units.
It's important to note that technically AKM and AK-47 had the same ballistics and used one 7.62x39 mm cartridge. The main difference was in manufacturing technology and ergonomics. However, for army logistics, having two different systems, even so close, created an unnecessary burden on the supply of spare parts.
Official date of decommissioning in the USSR
The formal legal aspect of the question “in what year was the AK 47 removed from service” requires reference to archival documents. Officially AK-47 (first and second type) was withdrawn from service by the Soviet Army in 1959, simultaneously with the adoption AKM. This decision was confirmed by relevant orders of the Ministry of Defense.
However, “paper” decommissioning rarely coincides with reality. In stock, in long-term storage warehouses and training centers Kalashnikov assault rifles early releases were still available for many years. They continued to be used for initial training of conscripts, since their barrel life was long, and the loss or breakdown of such weapons was considered less critical than modern models.
By 1974, with the advent AK-74 chambered for 5.45 mm, the process of replacing 7.62 mm machine guns has accelerated. But even then AK-47 and AKM remained the main reserve weapon. Complete exclusion from the nomenclature of the active army occurred later, but as a separate model, AK-47 ceased to be considered the main weapon in the late 50s.
When purchasing antique weapons, pay attention to the batch number and year of manufacture. Automatic rifles produced in 1948-1950 (with a triangular cutout on the receiver) are museum rarities and are valued by collectors much higher than later modifications.
The transition to a small-caliber cartridge and the fate of 7.62 mm
A real blow to longevity 7.62 mm systems became 1974. Adoption AK-74 marked the transition of the Soviet Army to the small-caliber 5.45x39 mm cartridge. This change was dictated by global trends (a similar transition in the United States to the 5.56 mm cartridge) and the need to increase the soldier’s wearable ammunition.
During this period AK-47 and its modernized version AKM finally migrated to the category of second-line weapons. they were equipped with:
- 🎖️ Territorial defense and reserve units.
- 🎖️ Training grounds and military departments of civilian universities.
- 🎖️ Militarized security of industrial facilities.
- 🎖️ Construction battalions and rear services.
Even though AK-74 had better accuracy and less recoil; many military personnel recalled with nostalgia “seven six two.” The powerful 7.62 mm bullet had excellent stopping power and penetration ability, which made the old AK-47 and AKM desirable in certain combat conditions, for example, in mountainous areas or when breaking through barriers.
| Characteristics | AK-47 (1949) | AKM (1959) | AK-74 (1974) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartridge caliber | 7.62 × 39 mm | 7.62 × 39 mm | 5.45 × 39 mm |
| Weight without cartridges | 4.3 kg (milling cutter) | 3.1 kg | 3.3 kg |
| Rate of fire | 600 rounds/min | 600 rounds/min | 600 rounds/min |
| Receiver | Milled | Stamped | Stamped |
Status of the machine gun in modern Russia
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, a huge number AK-47 and AKM remained in the warehouses of the newly formed states. In the Russian Federation, the process of recycling and modernization occurred in waves. In the 1990s, due to the reduction of the army, many old machine guns were mothballed or transferred to storage bases of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the National Guard.
The modern Russian army is based on the family AK-74M and the latest AK-12. However, it is too early to talk about the complete disappearance of 7.62 mm assault rifles. In conditions of special operations and local conflicts, it turned out that the good old AKM (direct heir AK-47) is still effective. Therefore, in the 2010s, a partial modernization of reserves was even carried out AKM to the level ACMN (with scope rail).
As for exactly AK-47 with a milled box, there are practically none left in the regular troops of the Russian Federation. They are a museum value or a collector's item. Their technical condition to date often does not allow combat use without major repairs, which are not economically feasible.
Although the AK-47 was officially retired more than 60 years ago, its design and 7.62mm caliber remain relevant in special forces and third world countries where reliability is more important than weight.
Technical reasons for replacement and modernization
Why AK-47 was replaced? The main reason was technology. Milling a receiver from a solid forging is an extremely expensive process. One machine took dozens of hours of computer time. In conditions of total mobilization readiness, the USSR needed weapons that could be produced quickly, cheaply and in huge quantities.
The second reason was mass. A soldier in full gear carries tens of kilograms of cargo. Reducing the weight of the machine from 4.3 kg (AK-47) up to 3.1 kg (AKM) seemed insignificant, but on an army scale this resulted in tons of weight saved, which could be spent on ammunition or equipment.
The third factor was the accuracy of the battle. Although AK-47 was reliable, its accuracy during automatic firing left much to be desired. Subsequent upgrades, up to AK-74 and AK-74M, were aimed specifically at improving this parameter and reducing barrel bounce when firing.
⚠️ Attention: When operating old weapons (AK-47, AKM), special attention must be paid to the condition of the chambers. Corrosion and wear can cause the case to jam, or worse, cause the cartridge to rupture when fired. Weapons must be inspected by a qualified gunsmith.
☑️ Checking the condition of the old machine
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to legally buy an AK-47 in Russia today?
Buy combat AK-47 a civilian is not allowed. However, there are cooled versions (MTR), which are mock-ups and cannot be fired. Collections may also contain decommissioned and deactivated samples, but their circulation is strictly regulated by law About weapons.
How does the AK-47 differ in appearance from the AKM?
The main visual difference is the receiver. U AK-47 (first type) has a milled cutout on the right side, the second type has longitudinal grooves for lightness. U AKM the box is smooth, stamped, often with characteristic oblique notches above the magazine. Also AKM There is a compensator at the muzzle.
Is it true that the AK-47 (never) breaks down?
This is a myth. AK-47 extremely reliable, but not eternal. Its parts also break, barrels bend when overheated and springs wear out. However, its design does allow operation in highly contaminated environments where other systems fail.
In which countries is the AK-47 still in service?
Officially, no army in the world has AK-47 main weapon. However, in many countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America it remains the main weapon of irregular forces, insurgents and police due to the cheapness and availability of ammunition.