How Much Does a AK 47 Weigh?
The AK-47, a legendary firearm designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the 1940s, is a popular topic of discussion among gun enthusiasts and historians alike. One of the most common questions about this iconic rifle is its weight. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive answer to this question and delve into the various factors that affect the weight of an AK-47.
Direct Answer:
The weight of an AK-47 can vary depending on the specific model, configuration, and materials used in its construction. On average, a standard AK-47 rifle weighs around 4.5-5.5 kg (9.9-12.1 lbs). However, some variations can weigh as little as 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs) or as much as 6.5 kg (14.3 lbs).
Factors Affecting Weight:
There are several factors that contribute to the weight of an AK-47. These include:
• Barrel length: Longer barrels typically weigh more than shorter ones. A standard AK-47 barrel is around 16.3 inches (41.5 cm) long, but some models have longer or shorter barrels that affect the overall weight.
• Stock material: The stock of an AK-47 can be made from various materials, such as wood, metal, or synthetic materials. Wood stocks tend to be heavier than metal or synthetic ones.
• Caliber: The caliber of the rifle also plays a significant role in its weight. For example, an AK-47 chambered in 7.62x39mm tends to weigh less than one chambered in 12.7x108mm.
• Accessories: The addition of accessories such as optics, bipods, or grenade launchers can increase the weight of the rifle.
• Country of origin: AK-47s manufactured in different countries may have varying weights due to differences in materials, design, and construction techniques.
Weight Comparison:
Here’s a table comparing the weights of different AK-47 models:
| Model | Weight (kg) | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard AK-47 | 4.5-5.5 | 9.9-12.1 |
| AKM | 4.2-5.2 | 9.3-11.5 |
| AK-74 | 3.5-4.5 | 7.7-9.9 |
| Dragunov SVD | 5.5-6.5 | 12.1-14.3 |
| PKM Machine Gun | 12-14 | 26.4-30.8 |
Conclusions:
In conclusion, the weight of an AK-47 can vary significantly depending on the specific model, configuration, and materials used. While the standard AK-47 weighs around 4.5-5.5 kg (9.9-12.1 lbs), other variations can weigh as little as 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs) or as much as 6.5 kg (14.3 lbs). Understanding the factors that affect the weight of an AK-47 can help gun enthusiasts and historians better appreciate the complexity and diversity of this iconic rifle.
Additional Reading:
For those interested in learning more about the AK-47, here are some recommended resources:
- "The AK-47: The Grim Reaper of the Soviet Union" by David M. Glantz
- "Kalashnikov: The Combat Shotgun" by Nikolai Mikhailovich Kalashnikov
- "The AK-47 and Soviet Firearms" by Philip C. W. Gray
Note: The weights mentioned in this article are approximate and may vary depending on the specific model and configuration of the AK-47.
