The Kalashnikov assault rifle is a legendary weapon known throughout the world. But even such a cult product has technical parameters that are important not only to the military, but also to collectors, hunters or owners of civilian versions. One of the key questions is AK-47 weight. Why is this important? Weight affects carrying comfort, maneuverability in combat, and legal limitations for transportation or storage.
Standard AK-47 model 1947 weighs 4.3 kg without magazine and about 5 kg with a full 30-round magazine. However, over the 70+ years of its existence, the machine gun has undergone many modifications - from lightweight versions for paratroopers to heavier versions with under-barrel grenade launchers. In this article, we will look at how the weight changed in different modifications, what affects it, and why this parameter is important for civilian owners.
Standard weight of AK-47: technical characteristics
Original AK-47 (index 6P1) had the following weight and size parameters:
- 🔫 Weight without magazine: 4.3 kg
- 📦 Weight with full magazine (30 rounds of 7.62×39 mm): ~4.8–5.0 kg
- 📏 Length: 870 mm (with the butt folded - 645 mm in the AKS-47 modification)
- 🎯 Barrel material: chrome molybdenum steel (affects weight and strength)
I wonder what the first production AK-47s had a barrel with longitudinal stiffening ribs, which added ~150–200 grams compared to later versions. This was done to improve the accuracy of fire, but later the ribs were abandoned in favor of a lighter design.
Magazine weight AK-47 (blank) is approx. 330 grams, and each cartridge of caliber 7.62×39 mm adds approximately 16–17 grams. Thus, a full magazine of 30 rounds makes the machine heavier by 480–510 grams.
⚠️ Attention: In the USSR, the weight of weapons was indicated without taking into account lubricants and preservation coatings. The actual weight of the new AK-47 “out of the box” could exceed the passport data by 50–100 grams due to factory lubrication.
Comparison of the weight of the AK-47 and its modifications
Over the decades of production, the Kalashnikov assault rifle has undergone many changes. Below is a comparison table of the weight of key modifications:
| Model | Weight without magazine (kg) | Weight with full magazine (kg) | Design Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK-47 (6P1) | 4,3 | 4,8–5,0 | Original version with milled receiver |
| AKM (6P1) | 3,14 | 3,6–3,8 | Lightweight stamped receiver, reduced weight by 30% |
| AK-74 (6P20) | 3,3 | 3,6–3,8 | Caliber 5.45×39 mm, plastic magazine and butt |
| AK-12 (6P70) | 3,3 | 3,8–4,0 | Modular design, picatinny rails, improved ergonomics |
| AKS-74U (6P26) | 2,7 | 3,0–3,2 | Shortened version for paratroopers and BMP crews |
As can be seen from the table, The most significant weight loss occurred during the transition from AK-47 to AKM — by replacing the milled receiver with a stamped one. This made it possible to reduce the weight by almost a kilogram without losing reliability.
What affects the weight of the machine?
Weight AK-47 and its modifications depends on several key factors:
- Receiver material:
- 🔨 Milled (AK-47) - heavier, but stronger.
- 📉 Stamped (AKM, AK-74) - 25–30% lighter.
- Stock type:
- 🪑 Wooden (classic) - ~500–600 grams.
- 🖤 Plastic (AK-74, AK-12) - ~300–400 grams.
- 🔄 Folding (AKS-74U) - saves up to 200 grams.
- 🔦 Tactical flashlights - +100–300 grams.
- 🎯 Optical sights - +200–500 grams.
- 💥 Underbarrel grenade launcher (GP-25) - +1.3 kg.
For example, AK-12 in “full combat configuration” (with a sight, flashlight and laser designator) can weigh up to 5–5.5 kg - almost like the original AK-47, despite the lightweight basic design.
When purchasing a civilian version of an AK (for example, Saiga or Boar) pay attention to the weight in the product passport. Manufacturers sometimes indicate weight without optics, although the kit includes a scope that adds 300–500 grams.
Weight of AK-47 with ammunition: practical calculation
For military personnel and hunters, not only the weight of the machine gun itself is important, but also total weight of the "weapons + ammunition" system. Let's look at typical scenarios:
- 🎒 Standard infantry ammunition (6 magazines of 30 rounds):
- Magazine weight: 6 × 0.33 kg = 1.98 kg.
- Weight of cartridges: 6 × 30 × 0.017 kg = 3.06 kg.
- Total: 5.04 kg only for magazines and cartridges.
- 🪖 Total weight with weapon (AKM + 6 magazines):
- Automatic: 3.14 kg.
- Ammunition: 5.04 kg.
- Total: 8.18 kg — this does not take into account unloading, water and other equipment!
For comparison: AK-12 with similar ammunition will weigh about 0.5–0.7 kg less thanks to plastic magazines and a lightweight butt.
⚠️ Attention: When transporting a weapon in a case or case, keep in mind that the weight of the packaging can add even more 1–3 kg. This is important to comply with air transportation regulations or hunting regulations, where baggage weight restrictions apply.
Weight of civilian versions of AK: what you need to know?
In Russia and a number of CIS countries, civil modifications AK-47 sold under brands Saiga, Boar or Tiger. Their weight may differ from their combat counterparts:
- 🏗️ Design changes:
- An elongated trunk (for example, Saigi-308) adds 200–400 grams.
- The absence of an automatic firing mode simplifies the trigger mechanism (trigger mechanism), but the weight is reduced only by 50–100 grams.
- 📜 Legal nuances:
- The weapon passport must indicate exact weight - this is required by the law “On Weapons” (Article 22).
- When registering with the Russian Guard, the weight discrepancy is more than 10% may raise questions.
Example: Saiga-MK 5.45 (civilian version AK-74) weighs 3.2 kg without magazine - almost like a combat one AK-74, but has an elongated barrel and a modified butt.
Why are civilian AKs sometimes heavier than military AKs?
In civilian versions, thicker-walled barrels are often used to increase service life (up to 10,000 rounds versus 6,000 for combat AKs). This adds ~100–300 grams, but increases reliability during intense shooting.
How to reduce the weight of an AK-47: practical tips
If you need to make your machine lighter (for example, for long hikes or competitions), consider the following options:
Replace the wooden stock with a plastic or folding one|Use polymer magazines instead of steel ones|Remove unnecessary accessories (bayonet, belt)|Install a lightweight barrel (if the law allows)|Replace the metal receiver cover with a plastic one-->
For example, replacing a wooden butt with a plastic one from Magpul will save up to 200 grams, and the transition to polymer stores is still 100 grams per store.
However, be careful: any modifications must comply with the law. In Russia, independently replacing the barrel or trigger requires re-registration of the weapon with the Russian Guard!
The most effective way to lighten an AK without losing reliability is to replace the stock and magazines. This gives savings of up to 500–700 grams without changing the ballistic characteristics.
Common mistakes when estimating the weight of the AK-47
Many owners and collectors make common mistakes:
- Ignore the weight of lubricant and preservation.
The new machine out of the box can weigh up to 100–200 grams more due to factory lubrication (e.g.
RZh-20orLitol-24). - The weight of the package is not taken into account.
Transport case (eg Plano or Pelican) adds 1.5–3 kg.
- Calibers are confused.
Weight AK-74 (5.45 mm) and AK-103 (7.62 mm) with the same dimensions may differ by 200–300 grams due to the different weight of the trunk.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing weapons through online stores, check whether the weight is indicated in the description gross (with packaging) or net (weapons only). The difference can reach 1–2 kg, which is critical for calculating the cost of delivery.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the weight of the AK-47
How much does an AK-47 weigh with the stock folded?
Modification AKS-47 (with folding stock) weighs 4.1 kg without magazine - 200 grams less than standard AK-47 due to the lightweight butt. With a full magazine, the weight will be ~4.6–4.8 kg.
Why is the AKM lighter than the AK-47 per kilogram?
The main reason is the transition from a milled receiver (wall thickness 1.5–2 mm) to a stamped one (thickness 1–1.2 mm). In addition, in AKM Lightweight trigger parts and plastic linings for the fore-end were used.
What is the weight of an AK-47 with an under-barrel grenade launcher?
Kit AK-47 + GP-25 weighs:
- Automatic: 4.3 kg.
- Grenade launcher: 1.3 kg.
- Pomegranates (2 pieces, 500 grams each): 1 kg.
- Total: ~6.6 kg.
Is it possible to legally lighten an AK barrel to reduce weight?
In Russia, independent modification of the barrel (shortening, drilling) prohibited without the permission of the Russian Guard. This qualifies as alteration of weapons (Article 223 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). It is only allowed to replace the barrel with a certified analogue in a weapons workshop.
How much does the lightest AK in the world weigh?
Record holder for lightness - AKS-74UB (modification for the Airborne Forces) with a plastic butt and a shortened barrel. Its weight is only 2.5 kg without magazine.