What is the AK 74 Chambered In?
The AK 74 is a select-fire assault rifle developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s. It was designed to replace the older AKM rifle and is chambered in 7.62x39mm caliber. The 7.62x39mm cartridge is a moderate-powered cartridge that offers a good balance between range and penetration.
The Story Behind the Cartridge
The 7.62x39mm cartridge was developed in the 1940s by the Soviet Union as a replacement for the 7.62x25mm Tokarev cartridge. The new cartridge was designed to provide a longer effective range and better penetration than the Tokarev cartridge. The 7.62x39mm cartridge is similar to the.30 Carbine cartridge used by the United States military during World War II.
Ballistic Characteristics
The 7.62x39mm cartridge has a bore diameter of 7.62 millimeters and a cartridge overall length of 49.5 millimeters. The cartridge has a muzzle velocity of 870 meters per second and an effective range of 400-600 meters. The 7.62x39mm cartridge is known for its high kinetic energy, which makes it effective for penetrating soft body armor and other obstacles.
Ballistics Table
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Bore Diameter | 7.62 mm |
| Cartridge Overall Length | 49.5 mm |
| Muzzle Velocity | 870 m/s |
| Effective Range | 400-600 m |
Ammunition Types
The 7.62x39mm cartridge is available in several types, including:
• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): A standard cartridge with a soft lead core and a hardened steel jacket.
• Soft Point (SP): A cartridge with a soft lead core and a copper jacket.
• Hollow Point (HP): A cartridge with a hollowed-out tip designed to expand upon impact.
• Tracer: A cartridge with a propellant that ignites when the bullet exits the barrel, creating a bright orange trail.
Variations of the AK 74
The AK 74 has been produced in several variations, including:
• AK 74M: A modernized version of the AK 74 with improved ergonomics and a folding stock.
• AK 103: A civilian version of the AK 74 designed for the Russian market.
• AK 100: A Chinese-produced variant of the AK 74 with some design changes and improvements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the AK 74 is chambered in the 7.62x39mm caliber, which offers a good balance between range and penetration. The 7.62x39mm cartridge has a long history and has been used in several countries around the world. The AK 74 is a reliable and effective assault rifle that has been used in many conflicts and has become a popular choice among militaries and civilians alike.
