All types of Kalashnikov assault rifles: from AK-47 to modern modifications

The Kalashnikov assault rifle is a legendary weapon that has become a symbol of reliability and simplicity. Since its creation in 1947 AK-47 has undergone dozens of modifications, adapting to the needs of armies, police and civilian owners. Today, the market offers both historical models and modern versions with improved ergonomics and accuracy.

In this article we will look at all main types of AK, their technical features, purpose and legal aspects of ownership. We will pay special attention to models that may be of interest to collectors, hunters and athletes within the framework of Russian legislation. You will find out what AKM different from AK-74, what modifications are allowed for civil circulation, and what to look for when choosing.

Important: the information in the article is for informational purposes only. Before purchasing any type of weapon, be sure to research Federal Law No. 150-FZ "On Weapons" and consult a lawyer.

1. Classic models: AK-47 and AKM

It is with AK-47 (Kalashnikov assault rifle model 1947) the history of the legendary weapon began. This model was adopted by the Soviet Army in 1949 and became the first serial machine gun chambered for an intermediate cartridge 7.62×39 mm. The design was distinguished by its simplicity, reliability in any conditions and maintainability - qualities that made the AK popular throughout the world.

However, AK-47 There were also disadvantages: heavy weight (4.3 kg), strong recoil and low accuracy of burst fire. These problems were partially solved in the modification AKM (modernized), released in 1959. Here, stamped parts were used instead of milled ones, which reduced the weight to 3.14 kg, and was also implemented compensator-divider, which reduces barrel bounce when firing.

Today original AK-47 and AKM - these are rare specimens that can only be found in museums or among collectors. However, their civilian semi-automatic versions (for example, Saiga or VEPR) are legally sold in Russia with the appropriate permit.

• 🔫 AK-47 - first production version, milled receiver, weight 4.3 kg
• 🛠️ AKM - modernized version with stamped parts, weight 3.14 kg
• 📜 Cartridge — 7.62×39 mm (common for both models)
• ⚖️ Status — originals are prohibited for civil circulation, only museum or deactivated samples are available

⚠️ Attention: In Russia, civilian ownership of military weapons (including the original AK-47/AKM) is strictly prohibited. Even deactivated copies require special permission from the Russian Guard. Do not buy “combat” models from dubious sellers - this is a criminal offense under Art. 222 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

2. Transition to small caliber: AK-74 and its modifications

B 1974 The Soviet Army switched to a new cartridge 5.45×39 mm, which required the development of a new machine. This is how it appeared AK-74 - a model with a reduced caliber, lighter weight (3.05 kg) and improved accuracy of fire. The main advantage of the cartridge 5,45×39 - less recoil and greater penetration ability at distances up to 500 meters.

At the base AK-74 Several modifications were created:

1. AKS-74 — folding stock for paratroopers;
2. AK-74M - a unified model with a plastic butt (adopted for service in 1991);
3. AK-74U — a shortened version (“shortened”) for infantry fighting vehicles and special forces crews.

Civil versions AK-74 (for example, Saiga-5.45) are popular among small game hunters and sportsmen. They have a semi-automatic firing mode and comply with the requirements of the weapons law.

Model	Caliber	Barrel length (mm)	Weight (kg)	Civilian equivalent
AK-74	5.45×39 mm	415	3,05	Saiga-5.45, VEPR-5.45
AKS-74	5.45×39 mm	415	2,9	No serial analogues
AK-74M	5.45×39 mm	415	3,4	Saiga-MK-5.45
AK-74U	5.45×39 mm	206	2,5	Prohibited for civil circulation

Interesting fact: cartridge 5.45×39 mm was developed under the motto "small caliber - high speed". The bullet weighs only 3.4 grams, but thanks to its high initial speed (900 m/s) it has good destructive power and flight trajectory.

3. Export and special versions

In addition to standard models, there are export and special AK modifications adapted to the needs of foreign armies or special tasks. For example:

• 🌍 AK-101/102 - chambered versions 5.56x45mm NATO for export to countries where this caliber is standard;
• 🔥 AK-103/104 - return to caliber 7.62×39 mm, but with modern materials and ergonomics;
• 🎯 AK-107/108 — experimental models with balanced automation, reducing returns.

Stands apart AK-12 - the most modern modification adopted for service in 2018. It features a modular design, improved ergonomics (adjustable stock, Picatinny rails) and the ability to quickly change the barrel for different calibers. Civil version AK-12 Not released yet, but expected to appear in the lineup Saiga or VEPR.

Rare export models are of interest to collectors, such as:

• Type 56 (Chinese copy of AK-47);
• MPi-KM (East German AKM);
• Tabuk (Iraqi version with extended barrel).

⚠️ Attention: The import of foreign modifications of AKs into Russia is strictly regulated. Even deactivated samples require permission from the Russian Guard and customs clearance. Before purchasing foreign models, check their legal status with a lawyer.

How does the AK-12 differ from previous models?

The AK-12 has a completely modular design: the receiver is made of aluminum alloy, and all controls are duplicated for firing from both the right and left shoulders. An important innovation was the ability to quickly change barrels for calibers 5.45x39 mm, 5.56x45 mm and 7.62x39 mm without the use of tools. The machine also features a “balanced automatic” system, which reduces barrel bounce when firing in bursts by 15-20% compared to the AK-74M.

4. Civil and sports options

In Russia you can only legally own civilian semi-automatic versions of AK, which are produced under the brands Saiga (Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant) and VEPR (Hammer Weapon). These models have the following key differences from combat assault rifles:

• 🔄 Only semi-automatic shooting mode (no burst switch);
• 📏 Extended barrel (at least 520 mm for caliber 7.62×39 mm);
• 🎯 Lack of mounts for a bayonet knife and a grenade launcher;
• 🔒 Blocking from conversion to automatic mode (control holes in the receiver).

The most popular civilian models:

Model	Caliber	Barrel length (mm)	Magazine capacity	Purpose
Saiga-MK 7.62	7.62×39 mm	415	10 or 30 rounds	Hunting, sport
VEPR-1V 5.45	5.45×39 mm	415	10 rounds	Sports shooting
Saiga-9	9×19 mm Parabellum	235	10 rounds	Self-defense (permit for pistol cartridge)

To legally own a civilian AK you must:

1. Get permission to store and carry weapons (hunting license or sports category);
2. Buy storage safe (corresponding to GOST R 51247-99);
3. Register your weapon with Licensing and permitting department of the Russian Guard within 14 days after purchase.

5. Sniper and special modifications

On the basis of AK were created and sniper options, designed for accurate shooting over long distances. The most famous of them:

• 🎯 SVD (Dragunov Sniper Rifle) - although this is not a modification of the AK, it was developed in parallel and uses the same cartridge 7.62×54 mm R;
• 🔫 AK-47/AKM with bipod - temporary sniper variants used in Afghanistan;
• 🛡️ AK-103-3 — a modern sniper modification with a Picatinny rail and a PSO-1 sight.

AK-based semi-automatic rifles adapted for hunting are available for civilian use. For example, Saiga-308 chambered for 7.62×51 mm (.308 Winchester) or VEPR-308 with an extended barrel and an adjustable butt. These models are popular among hunters of large animals (elk, wild boar) due to the high destructive power of the cartridge.

Important: sniper modifications of the AK in the original version (with the ability to fire automatically) are prohibited for civilian use in Russia. Even semi-automatic versions require a special rifle permit.

6. Current trends: modular and digital AKs

In recent decades, the development of AKs has been moving towards modularity and electronic systems integration. Examples of modern modifications:

• 🖥️ AK-12 and AK-15 — with Picatinny rails for mounting sights, flashlights, laser designators;
• 🎮 AK with digital sights - for example, the Ratnik complex includes thermal imaging and night sights;
• 🔋 Electronic sights — replacing the traditional front and rear sights with digital displays.

For the civilian market, modular carbines based on AK are of interest, such as:

• Saiga-MK with Picatinny rail and folding stock;
• VEPR-RPB — bullpup configuration (trigger in front of the magazine) for compactness;
• Saiga-12K - semi-automatic carbine chambered for 12/76 mm (for hunting).

Promising developments include:

• Integration silent firing systems (for example, AK-12BS with integral muffler);
• Usage polymer materials to reduce weight;
• Adaptation to smart sights with automatic consideration of range and wind.

7. How to choose an AK for legal ownership?

If you are planning to purchase a civilian version of the AK, pay attention to the following criteria:

1. Purpose of use:

• 🦌 Hunting - choose models for cartridges 7.62×39 mm or 7.62×51 mm (for example, Saiga-308);
• 🎯 Sports — carabiners with a Picatinny rail are suitable for installing optics (VEPR-1V);
• 🏠 Self-defense - only smooth-bore options for 12/76 mm or pistol cartridges (Saiga-9).

2. Caliber:

• 7.62×39 mm — universal, suitable for hunting medium-sized animals;
• 5.45×39 mm - less recoil, but limited destructive power;
• 7.62×51 mm - for large game, but requires a permit for rifled weapons.

3. Manufacturer:

• Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant (brand Saiga) - proven quality, wide range;
• Hammer Weapon (brand VEPR) - innovative solutions (for example, bullpup configuration);
• Foreign clones (for example, Vepr from Molot USA) - require verification for compliance with Russian standards.

4. Legal aspects:

• For rifled weapons (7.62×39 mm, 5.45×39 mm) you need a permit for a hunting or sporting weapon;
• Smoothbore options (12/76 mm) require a hunting license;
• Pistol cartridges (9×19 mm) - self-defense permit (the most difficult to obtain).

⚠️ Attention: Before purchasing, check whether a specific copy is included in State cadastre of civilian and service weapons. Some models (for example, with a short barrel) may be prohibited even in the semi-automatic version.

8. Maintenance and modernization of civilian AK

To ensure your AK lasts a long time, follow the basic care rules:

1. After each shooting, clean the barrel and gas piston from carbon deposits using brush and solvent (for example, Ballistol or RFS);
2. Lubricate rubbing parts a thin layer of gun lubricant (avoid excess!);
3. Store weapons in safe with desiccant (silica gel);
4. Once a year, check the barrel mount and the condition of the trigger springs.

Acceptable types of modernization for civilian AKs:

• 🔭 Installation optical sights (collimator or optical) on a Picatinny rail;
• 💡 Mount tactical flashlight or laser target designator (LTC);
• 🎯 Replacement butt folding or adjustable (if this does not contradict the design);
• 🔇 Installation muzzle brakes-compensators (but not mufflers!).

Prohibited modifications:

• ❌ Rework in automatic mode (criminal liability!);
• ❌ Shortening the barrel below the permissible length;
• ❌ Installation mufflers or grenade launchers;
• ❌ Replacement of the receiver with a non-certified one.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about types of AKs

❓ Is it possible to legally buy an original AK-47 in Russia?

No, original AK-47 and AKM in combat or even deactivated form are prohibited for civilian circulation. You can only purchase semi-automatic civilian versions (for example, Saiga or VEPR) with the appropriate license.

❓ Which AK caliber is best for hunting?

The choice of caliber depends on the purpose:

• 7.62×39 mm — a universal option for medium-sized animals (boar, roe deer);
• 5.45×39 mm - suitable for small game (fox, hare), but has limited killing power;
• 7.62×51 mm (.308 Winchester) - for large animals (elk, bear), but requires a permit for rifled weapons.

❓ Is it necessary to register a civilian AK in the Russian Guard?

Yes, any purchased weapon (including semi-automatic AK-based carbines) must be registered with Licensing and permitting department of the Russian Guard within 14 days from the moment of purchase. For this you will need:

• Passport;
• License to purchase weapons;
• Receipt or sales contract;
• Safe for storage.

❓ Is it possible to install sights and lights on a civilian AK?

Yes, but with reservations:

• ✅ Allowed optical and collimator sights, which do not have night vision functions;
• ✅ Can be installed tactical flashlights and laser pointers (LCU);
• ❌ Prohibited night vision scopes and thermal imagers (require separate permission);
• ❌ You cannot modify a weapon so that it loses the characteristics of a civilian model (for example, removing control holes in the receiver).

❓ How is the AK-12 different from the AK-74M?

AK-12 - this is a deep modernization AK-74M with the following key improvements:

• 🔄 Modular design — quick replacement of the barrel, butt, forearm;
• 🎯 Balanced automation — less recoil and barrel toss;
• 🖥️ Picatinny rails on all surfaces for attaching accessories;
• 🔋 Adjustable stock and a pistol grip with a variable angle;
• 🔫 Unification for different calibers (5.45×39 mm, 5.56×45 mm, 7.62×39 mm).

Civil version AK-12 Not yet released, but expected in the lineup Saiga or VEPR.