*Avtomat Kalashnikov*
There has been much discussion about the best rifle to use in a survivalist
setting through out the Internet. Some advocate the Battle Rifles, others .22LR,
even others offer "assault" rifles. In this article I would like to concentrate
on the Automatic Kalashnikov
Why an AK or AK variant? For most survivalist the time to train and maintain
their equipment is just not available. More time is spent training in first aid,
survival techniques, plant identification, canning and other preparedness
activities. Unlike the active military or even national guard survivalist are
rarely able to sit down and spend a few hours field stripping their rifle and
putting it back together. Survivalist need a weapon that will work without
pristine maintenance yet capable of delivering a round capable of stopping or
discouraging attackers at a moments notice.
The Avtomat Kalashnikov rifles, more commonly known as the AK47, AKM, AK74, MAK,
SLR-95, Maadi, Valmet, Galil, RPK, etc...., are a gas operated short recoil
operated rifle. Depending on the type and country of manufacture the chambering
can be had in 7.62x51mm, 5.56x45mm, 7.62x39mm, 5.45x39mm and 8mm Mauser. The
receivers can be had in forged or stamped. Barrels vary from 16" to 24" and in
weights from standard to heavy barrel.
AK47's are general distinguished by the forges/ milled receivers and 16"
standard weight barrels with chambering in 7.62x39mm. AKM's replaced the
forged/milled receivers with a 1mm stamping and reinforcing pins. RPK's are
AKM's with 20-24" standard or heavy barrels. AK74's are AKM's chambered in
5.45x39mm. There are advantages and disadvantages in both forged/milled
receivers and stamped receivers. Milled/Forged Receivers are much more rigid,
flexing less as the rifle is fired thus not hindering accuracy as much as
stamped receivers. Stamped receivers on the other hand are a bit more rugged
since it has some give in it and have less chances of having metal fatigue under
heavy usage.
The AK series are noted for their extreme reliability under adverse conditions.
Conditions that would stop a M1 Garand, M1A, M14, M16, AR15, FN-FAL, Steyr AUG,
etc.... The most common round for the AK series is the 7.62x39mm. This round
falls between the 55gr 5.56x45mm and the standard 7.62x51mm FMJ rounds. That
means that the deflection factor of the 55gr 5.56x45mm round (see Note A) and
the heavy recoil and possible over penetration of the standard 7.62x51mm
cartridge at close range are overcome. This doesn't mean that the 123gr
7.62x39mm round will not deflect or that it will not over penetrate but it does
mean that it will not go to either extreme as the previously mentioned rounds.
The AR15 comes in two different barrel twist rates. This can cause problems
since the different twist rates in the barrel can effect accuracy and bullet
performance. (See Note A) However an AR15/M16 has the edge in accuracy,
generally scoring 1-3MOA (Minute of Angle) or approximately 1"-3" at 100 yards.
The average AKM will generally do 4-6 MOA with AK47's doing about 3- 5MOA.
Modern studies done by the United States, the former Soviet Union, former Warsaw
Pact countries, NATO ( North Atlantic Treaty Organization) show that modern
combat is generally at ranges less than 300 meters. So accuracy of 4-6MOA is
sufficient since that would cover 12"=18" at 300 yards or the average size of an
adult male torso.
Cost is the next important factor since a rifle is not likely to be as uses as
frequently as other survivalist gear such as food, medicine, water purification,
communication, seed, housing, transportation, etc. Considering that most
survivalist are not wealthy people how money is spent is a high priority. Since
a rifle is not simply the rifle but the ammunition and the magazines it uses it
is important to factor in all the cost.
An AR15's can cost anywhere from $450-$1250 with an average service grade rifle
being around $575 dollars. 30rnd magazines run from $7 to $30 dollars with an
average price of $12. Ammunition is $190-$300 for 1000 rounds. So a standard
rifle kit with 4 magazines ( not including the one in the rifle ) and a case of
ammunition can run you $668-$1670 with an average price of $823.
The least expensive 7.62x51mm battle rifle at this time is a Century
International Arms FN-FAL which wholesales for $499 and retails for $600. FN-FAL
20 round magazines run about $12-$30 a piece. 1000 rounds of 7.62x51mm surplus
ammunition is about $150- $200. So for a standard rifle kit with 4 magazines (
not including one in the rifle) and a case of ammunition the cost is at least
$697 but possible $920.
Now look at the AK series. A Century MISR AK is about $249 wholesale and retails
for about $325. 30 round 7.62x39mm magazines can be had from $4.99 to $15.99.
1000 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition runs about $99. So an AK rifle kit can be as
inexpensive as $370. As you can see for the price of a low priced AR15 or FN-FAL
you could buy almost 2 full AK rifle kits. With all that said now we come to the
part of choosing which AK or AK variant to choose.
Why not a bolt action or selective fire rifle over a semi automatic? A bolt
action is generally more accurate than a semi automatic but the average magazine
capacity of a bolt action is 5 rounds. This is generally sufficient if there is
very little chance of having to fire more that at a target. However being a
cynic I would rather have the additional rounds and not need it than to need
those extra 25 rounds and not have them. As for selective fire weapons, besides
cost and federal paperwork, I see them as wasteful of ammunition and harder on
weapons. A selective fire rifle using 7.62x51mm cartridges are very hard to
control when used on full auto. Other chamberings also increase the difficulty
in accurate shooting and the cost of per incident shooting with a weapon on full
automatic is again a waste of money and adds to the cost of a rifle kit.
What follows is a list of the various AK's still available on the American
market. Some of them are rare others are more common. All of them have seen
price increases due to Federal interference with expressions of our 2cd
amendment rights. Sporters are basically the same as the semi automatic versions
of "assault" rifles. The differences are generally cosmetic with the sporter
having a "thumbhole" sporter stock taking the place of the more conventional
buttstock and pistol grip. Sporters also do not have a bayonet lug or evil flash
suppresser. Otherwise sporters and semi automatic copies of "assault" rifles are
the same. They use the same magazines, rounds and parts. So unless a person must
have a buttstock, pistol grip, flash suppresser and is planning a bayonet charge
someday a sporter will do just as well and at a few hundred dollars less.
By breaking down the countries of manufacture what follows is what I consider
the best of the breed in order from good to excellent and why. Please note that
even the worst is very reliable and rugged.
MISR from Century International Arms: This AK variant is a hybrid of Egyptian
and Chinese Parts. Thus there may or may not be proper parts fittings. No
problems have occurred with these rifles that I have heard of and could be no
worse than the many hybrids in Africa and Asia as rifles wear out. Nothing to
else to note about these rifles since they are basically AKMs.
Maadi made in Egypt are roughly finished AKM's and the closest to the original
issue Soviet model. These rifles are chambered in 7.62x39mm.
NORINCO MAK90, AKM are made in China by NORINCO. These are slightly better
finished AKM's and the original AKM's came with a folding pig sticker bayonet.
Barrel lengths are in 16" standard weight barrels for the MAK90 and AKM. This is
chambered in 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm
NORINCO RPK are made in China by NORINCO and vary only in the length and weight
of barrel to the MAK90 and AKM. The barrel used is a 20"-21" heavy barrel with
no permanently attached bayonet. This rifle is chambered solely in 7.62x39mm
Romanian AKM have slightly better wood, better metal workmanship and bluing but
is otherwise unchanged from the basic AKM. Chambered in 7.62x39mm
Yugoslavian AKM and RPK. The wood and workmanship of these rifles are almost the
same as the Romanian but the most important variance is the metal thickness of
the stamping. Whereas other countries use the 1mm thickness the Yugoslavs used a
1.5mm thickness. This added thickness allows for more rigidity in the receiver
while still allowing some flexing. Chamberings available for this rifle are in
7.62x51mm, 8mm mauser, 7.62x54mmR, 7.62x39mm, 5.56x45mm and 5.45x39mm.
POLYTECH AK47 Legend series made in China are true AK47's in which the receiver
is forged/milled. The barrel lengths remain 16" in standard barrel weights. The
rifle is chambered in 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm. The 5.56x45mm variant is
extremely rare though and I have not seen one advertised in years.
Valmet rifles from Finland. The rifles are a variant of the AK47 series in which
they use forged/milled receivers and barrels between 16" and 20" in lengths with
varying barrel weights. The main difference between Valmet's and other AK
variants is the movement of the sights and stock configuration. The sight
placement on AK's are with the rear sights on the distal end of the receiver and
the front sight is on the barrel. The Valmet's places the rear sight on the
proximal sight of the receiver cover and the front sight on the distal end of
the gas tube. This gives a longer sight radius and aids in accuracy. The
workmanship is good to very good. This rifle is chambered in 7.62x51mm,
5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm. I have heard of a 7.62x54mmR but have never seen one
advertised.
Galil from Israel. These AK variants are based off of the Valmet series. That is
to say they use a forged/milled receiver and the Valmet's sight arrangement. The
other changes include a sand scrapper addition to the gas piston, ambidextrous
safety and an upturned bolt handle. The upturn bolt handle allows for increase
ease in cocking the rifle with the left hand thus leaving the right hand in a
firing position. The ambidextrous safety allows to user to bring his rifle into
and out of safe action without removing his hand from the firing position. The
sand scrapper, which is part of the gas piston, dislodges any obstruction in the
gas piston and aids in reliability. I must admit I am not sure how well this
works since a AK is very reliable as is. The chamberings available are in
5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm.
POLYTECH National Match AK made in China. Is made with a forged/milled receiver
and an air gauged heavy barrel. The wood on it has a slightly different cut to
it and the accuracy of these national match AK's equals that of the AR15. With
handloading I have been able to get .8-1.1 MOA. This rifle is chambered only in
7.62x39mm
Galil Sniper made in Israel is a basic Galil with an addition of a heavy barrel.
This rifle is available in 7.62x51mm but I have heard rumors of a 5.56x45mm
variant.
R4 made in South Africa. This is a direct descendant of the Galil with better
finishing and workmanship. The stock is larger and fits better to the average
American shooter than other AK's or AK variants.
(NOTE A)
The problems with deflection, penetration and ballistics were for the most part
resolved with the introduction of the 62gr SS109 bullet and a faster twist rate
in the barrel.
(NOTE B)
As a side note about the AR15 Series. The AR15 series barrels can be had in two
different twist rates. The 1 in 7 twist rate and the 1 in 12 twist rate. The
reasoning for the two different twist rates is due to the different bullet
weights that the rifles use. The 1 in 7 twist rate was used for the lighter 55gr
while the 1 in 12 twist rate uses the new 62gr bullet. If you were to place a
62gr bullet cartridge into a 1 in 7 inch twist rate the round would not be
stabilized enough for accurate fire. If you were to place the 55gr round in the
1 in 12 inch twist rate the round would be overly stabilized and thus possibly
fail to tumble on impact, causing less trauma damage. With the newer 1 in 12
inch twist and the 62gr bullet the problems with deflection are overcome
Copyright © 1997 - 1998 Online SURVIVAL Magazine