The upgraded Kalashnikov AK-74M was the last in a series of the famous individual weapons of 1974. Since the start of production, it has been used in many countries. After decades, the model does not lose its popularity, now it is also made for the civilian population as souvenirs, training models and modifications for various military entertainment.
History of creation
The history of the creation of the Kalashnikov assault rifle began during the Second World War. In 1942, Soviet troops captured several German carbines on the Volkhov Front. The resulting samples were created under the intermediate cartridge 7.92 mm caliber. In 1943, a meeting of NGOs was held, at which a decision was made to develop their own line of weapons. They were supposed to arm the infantry for firing efficiency at a range of more than 400 meters. Such a distance was beyond the reach of the then available submachine guns.
Development required the creation of a new cartridge. Work began in three directions - a carbine with manual and automatic reloading and automatic. Sergeant Kalashnikov, after being injured in 1942, began to develop a submachine gun. Subsequently, the model was aimed at the testing range of small arms near Moscow. In 1944, a self-loading carbine was developed, and from 1946 Kalashnikov joined the competition for the creation of an assault rifle. By 1948, the production of AK 47 was fully established.
In the mid-1980s, the designers of the Izhevsk plant were creating a modified model of the 1974 Kalashnikov assault rifle. The new development comes into service in 1993.
Model description
AK-74M was a deep modernization of weapons in 1974. He acquired a number of new qualities, thanks to which his combat characteristics improved:
- folding plastic butt - does not cling to clothes and is much lighter than its metal predecessor;
- forend and pad are made using glass-filled polyamide, which eliminates the possibility of burns;
- the presence of a longitudinal thread on the forend allows you to hold the weapon more firmly during the shooting process;
- a special coating of metal parts prevents rust;
- the presence of mounts for the bayonet-knife and sight.
Currently, the AK-74M is an individual weapon of the army and special units.
Optional equipment
The AK-74M provides seats for connecting a grenade launcher (GP-25 40-mm caliber). Also, the trunk does not have a place for attaching a bayonet-knife. On the side of the AK-74M is a night vision sight.
The muzzle brake provides a high accuracy of fire by reducing the distance of the withdrawal of the machine from the aiming point. The high quality of the AK-74M is also ensured by comprehensive tests at the factory.
Due to the presence of a universal side bar, the machine is designed to install not only daytime optical and night sights. You can also put a collimator on it. It is convenient when shooting from small distances - less than 100 meters.
The performance characteristics of the machine
When conducting a battle, not only the tactical parameters of the weapon (mass, length and design features) are important, but also its technical features, which determine the convenience of using the machine in combat conditions. If we consider the AK-74M, its characteristics are impressive:
- caliber of used cartridges - 5.45 mm;
- muzzle velocity - 900 m / s;
- sighting range - 1000 m;
- rate of fire - 650 rounds per minute;
- combat rate of fire - 40 in single shots and 100 in short bursts;
- shooting modes - automatic and single;
- product weight - 3.9 kg with an equipped magazine and 3.6 - without a magazine;
- range of a direct shot at a target 50 cm high - 440 m.
The modernized automatic machine of 1974, the characteristics of which meet all the requirements of our time, has not lost popularity for many decades.
Training MMG AK-74M
Many weapon lovers purchase a model of the legendary weapon as a souvenir. It is an exact copy of the machine and is purchased without a license. The model is equipped with plastic and metal parts, which have some design improvements. The layout of the AK-74 M allows you to perform the following actions:
- transfer of the fuse to AB, OV and “protection” positions;
- simulation of the recharge process;
- lowering the trigger simulator;
- translation of the stock in the "marching" and "combat" positions;
- incomplete disassembly and assembly of the machine.
Due to such wide possibilities, the model has become widespread as a teaching tool. Also, the model is in demand among fans of firearms and is acquired by them as a decorative product.
Airsoft AK-74M
Airsoft is a popular entertainment for fans of military strategy. The weapons used during the game are negotiated before the start of the competition. Kalashnikov assault rifle is gaining popularity among players. After the Ministry stopped submitting orders for the 1974 model, the engineers of the Izhevsk plant began to work on creating the legendary machine for the needs of civilians.
Airsoft electro-pneumatic model AK-74M has the following equipment:
- machine;
- Charger;
- bunker shop (with 500 balls);
- battery;
- ramrod.
Balls weigh 0.20 g and gain their initial speed when leaving the trunk 95-110 m / s. Without a box, the machine weighs 3120 g. Build quality, the use of modern materials and the features of the prototype largely determine the pleasure of using the machine during the game.
Interesting Facts
The Kalashnikov-developed assault rifle became popular not only in Russia, but also in many foreign countries, including America. US President Clinton even issued a law banning the import of these weapons into the country. In the West, all Kalashnikov models are called AK-74, regardless of the year of manufacture and design features.
According to statistics, today various modifications of the Kalashnikov assault rifle have been adopted in 55 countries. A huge number of modifications are made artificially based on AK. In the 1950s, a license to manufacture a Kalashnikov assault rifle was issued to the USSR to 18 states.
Due to the ease of use and ease of maintenance, the machine is popular among illegal gangs. After coming to power, many of their leaders put it on the national flag. For example, AK is depicted on the arms of Mozambique, Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe.
Those who are interested in the AK-74M model are aware of the many advantages of this weapon, which allows it to remain the most popular in the world. Someone knows about him from the stories of friends, someone has known him since he served in the Armed Forces. However, no one will dispute the advantages of this weapon and the foresight of its developers.