AK-47 Design
The AK-47, a gas-powered weapon, uses a kink-block mechanism similar to Kalashnikov's failed carbine. Using a curved 30-round magazine, the design is visually similar to the previous StG44. AK-47 was created for use in the severe climates of the Soviet Union, and has relatively loose tolerances and is able to function even when the components are overgrown with debris. Although this element of the design improves the reliability, the looser tolerances reduce the accuracy of the weapon. AK-47 is capable of both semi- and fully automatic fire, and is aimed at adjustable iron screens.

To improve the life of the AK-47, the bore, chamber, gas piston and the inside of the gas cylinder are chrome-plated to prevent corrosion. The AK-47's receiver was originally made of stamped metal plate (type 1), but these caused difficulties in mounting the rifles. As a result, the receiver was switched to one made of machined steel (Type 2 & 3). This problem was finally solved in the late 1950s when a new stamped record receiver was introduced. This model, called the AK-47 Type 4 or AKM, entered service in 1959 and became the definitive model for the weapon.

свернуть