What is the Difference Between AK-47 and AK-74?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The AK-47 and AK-74 are both Russian-made assault rifles designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, but they have some key differences:
- Caliber: The AK-47 fires the 7.62x39mm Soviet round, while the AK-74 fires a 5.45x39mm round, which is similar to the US standard 5.56x45mm round.
- Weight: The AK-74 is lighter than the AK-47, weighing 3.03 kg (6.7 lb) compared to the AK-47's 4.3 kg.
- Ergonomics and Accessories: The AK-74 has a new, more comfortable stock, a longer and more ergonomic handguard, and a unique compensator that reduces recoil. The AK-74's handguard also has rails on the sides, allowing for the attachment of accessories such as flashlights, lasers, and optics.
- Cost: The AK-74 is cheaper to manufacture for mass production than the AK-47.
Despite these differences, the AK-47 and AK-74 share the same general design and method of operation. They are both known for their durability and reliability, making them popular choices for military and civilian use.
Comparative Table: AK-47 vs AK-74
The AK-47 and AK-74 are both Russian-made assault rifles designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between the two:
| Feature | AK-47 | AK-74 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Assault rifle (semi-automatic, full-auto available in US to certain federal licensees) | Assault rifle (semiautomatic only in the U.S.; full-auto available in other countries) |
| Caliber | 7.62x39mm | 5.45x39mm |
| Weight | 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) | 3.03 kg (6.7 lb) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 715 m/s | 2,054 ft/s (623 m/s) |
| Recoil | Mild, but easily managed in semiautomatic | Barely noticeable; lighter than 5.56 recoil |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rounds per minute | 650 rounds per minute |
| Design | Features a wooden stock, handguard, and gas cylinder | Features a new stock, handguard, gas cylinder, and a rubber shoulder pad |
| Magazines | Metal, can be used in both AK-47 and AK-74 | Polymer, have a raised horizontal rib on each side of the rear lug to prevent their use in a 7.62x39mm AK |
| Cost | More expensive to manufacture | Cheaper to manufacture |
Both rifles share the same gas-operated, rotating bolt action and semi-automatic capabilities. The AK-74 was developed in 1974 as a lighter assault rifle with the same performance and dependability, featuring a muzzle brake that contributed to less recoil, an updated stock, handguard, and gas cylinder for improved traction and accuracy.
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