What Caliber Does AK 47 Shoot?
The AK-47 is one of the most iconic and widely used assault rifles in the world, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the 1940s. The question "What caliber does AK 47 shoot?" may seem simple, but it’s essential to understand the significance of the caliber in the performance and effectiveness of the weapon.
Direct Answer:
The AK-47 rifle is chambered in 7.62x39mm caliber. This cartridge is a Soviet-designed intermediate cartridge, which is larger than a pistol cartridge but smaller than a full-sized rifle cartridge.
History of the Caliber
In the early 1940s, the Soviet Union was looking for a replacement for the 7.62x54mm R cartridge, which was used in the Mosin-Nagant rifle. The new cartridge needed to have a smaller caliber to reduce the weight of the weapon and increase the magazine capacity. The 7.62x39mm cartridge was designed by the TsKIB SOO design bureau, led by Vladimir Degtyaryov. The cartridge was officially adopted in 1947, and the AK-47 rifle was designed to chamber this new cartridge.
Characteristics of the 7.62x39mm Cartridge
Here are some key characteristics of the 7.62x39mm cartridge:
- Bullet diameter: 7.62mm (0.300 inches)
- Case length: 39mm (1.54 inches)
- Case capacity: 2.35 mL (36.1 grains H2O)
- Muzzle velocity: approximately 715 m/s (2,346 ft/s)
- Muzzle energy: approximately 1,900 J (1,400 ft-lbs)
Advantages of the 7.62x39mm Cartridge
The 7.62x39mm cartridge has several advantages that made it an excellent choice for the AK-47:
- Effective range: The cartridge has an effective range of up to 400 meters (1,312 feet), making it suitable for close-quarters combat and urban warfare.
- Penetration: The 7.62x39mm bullet is capable of penetrating up to 10 mm (0.39 inches) of steel armor, making it effective against lightly armored targets.
- Stability: The cartridge has a high ballistic coefficient, which makes it stable in flight and accurate at medium ranges.
- Magazine capacity: The 7.62x39mm cartridge allows for a higher magazine capacity compared to larger caliber cartridges, making it more suitable for high-volume firing.
Variations of the AK-47
Over the years, several variations of the AK-47 have been developed, each with its own specific characteristics and calibers. Some notable examples include:
- AKM: The AKM (Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizirovannyi) is a modified version of the AK-47, chambered in 7.62x39mm. It features a lighter and more durable design.
- AK-74: The AK-74 is a further modified version of the AKM, chambered in 5.45x39mm. It was designed to be more accurate and have a longer effective range.
- AK-103: The AK-103 is a more modern version of the AK-47, chambered in 7.62x39mm. It features a new design and improved ergonomics.
Comparison to Other Calibers
Here is a comparison of the 7.62x39mm cartridge to other common calibers:
| Caliber | Bullet Diameter | Case Length | Case Capacity | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.62x39mm | 7.62mm | 39mm | 2.35 mL | 715 m/s | 1,900 J |
| 5.56x45mm | 5.56mm | 45mm | 1.15 mL | 960 m/s | 1,100 J |
| 7.62x51mm | 7.62mm | 51mm | 4.5 mL | 760 m/s | 2,300 J |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the AK-47 rifle is chambered in 7.62x39mm caliber, a Soviet-designed intermediate cartridge that offers a unique combination of effectiveness and practicality. The characteristics of the 7.62x39mm cartridge, such as its effective range, penetration, stability, and magazine capacity, make it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, from close-quarters combat to urban warfare.
