How many main parts does a Kalashnikov assault rifle consist of? Kalashnikov assault rifle: performance characteristics, device, modifications. Barrel and receiver

The Kalashnikov assault rifle is the most common automatic weapon in the world. Despite the fact that the first samples of these weapons were put into service in post-war years, AK 47 and its modifications are still used in the Russian army as the main weapon.

How the first Kalashnikov assault rifle AK-47 appeared

There are many legends about the Kalashnikov assault rifle, most of which say that the design of the Kalashnikov assault rifle was invented by its author from scratch. Few people know that the development of the AK 47 began after the capture of a rare model of the German MKb.42(H) carbine.

At the end of 1942 Soviet command was concerned with creating automatic weapons capable of firing at a distance of about 400 meters. The Shpagin submachine guns (PPSh), popular at that time, did not allow effective fire at such distances. The captured German MKb.42(H) rifles forced us to urgently start developing our own weapons for 7.62 caliber. The second sample for study was the American M1 carbine.

The development of the new model began with solving the problem of producing new cartridges with a caliber of 7.62x39. Cartridges of this type were developed by Soviet designers Semin and Elizarov. As a result of research, it was decided to create cartridges of lower power than rifle cartridges, since at a distance of about 400 meters, cartridges for carbines were too powerful, and their production was quite expensive. Although other calibers were announced during development, 7.62x39 was recognized as the optimal type of cartridge for the new weapon.

Having created the cartridges, the military command began work on creating new weapons. Development began in three directions:

1. Machine;
2. Automatic rifle;
3. Carbine with manual reloading.

The story goes that the development took two years, after which it was decided to choose an automatic rifle designed by Sudarev for further improvements. Despite the fact that this machine gun had quite impressive performance characteristics, its weight was too large, which made dynamic combat difficult. The modified machine was tested in 1945, but its weight was still too high. A year later they were appointed retesting, where the first prototype of the assault rifle, developed by the young sergeant Kalashnikov, appeared.

Diagram and purpose of parts of the Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle

Before you begin reviewing different AK models, you should understand the purpose of each part of the machine.

1. Barrel - designed to set the direction of the bullet, equipped with a rifle (that’s why the weapon is called rifled), the caliber depends on its diameter;
2. Receiver - serves to connect the mechanisms of the machine gun into one whole;
3. Receiver cover - serves to protect against dirt and dust;
4. Front sight and sight;
5. Butt - its purpose is to ensure comfortable shooting;
6. Bolt carrier;
7. Gate;
8. Return mechanism;
9. The handguard is intended to protect the shooter’s hands from burns. It also provides a more comfortable grip on the weapon;
10. Shop;
11. Bayonet knife (not found on early AK copies).

All machines have a similar design; parts of different models may differ in appearance from each other.

Kalashnikov assault rifle model 1946

Kalashnikov developed his first model of a submachine gun during treatment in the hospital, after which he decided to connect his life with the design of weapons. After being discharged from the hospital, the young designer was sent for further service to the test site small arms, where in 1944 he showed his new experimental model of an automatic carbine, the dimensions and main parts of which resembled the American model of the M1Garand carbine.

When a competition for an assault rifle was announced, Kalashnikov entered it with a project for the AK 46 model. This project was approved and, together with other projects, was sent to the Kovrov plant for the production of prototypes.

Technical characteristics of AK 46

The parts and mechanisms of the Kalashnikov assault rifle model 1946 had fundamental differences from all production models known at that time Soviet weapons. It had a separate fire mode switch, a detachable receiver and a rotary bolt.

In the competition for the best machine gun, which took place in December 1946, the AK 46 lost to its competitors AB-46 and AB. The production of the Kalashnikov assault rifle was considered inappropriate and it was removed from testing.

Despite the fact that later modifications of the Kalashnikov assault rifle are considered a model of reliability and ease of operation, the AK 46 did not have these characteristics and was a rather capricious and complex weapon.

Creation of AK 47

Kalashnikov, thanks to the support of some members of the commission with whom he served at the shooting range, managed to achieve a review of the decision and obtain permission to carry out further modifications to his machine gun. As a result of further improvements, using the help of designer Zaitsev, and copying the most successful solutions from the design of its main competitor, the Bulkin assault rifle (AB), the AK 47 was created, which was more structurally similar not to the AK 46, but to the AB.

It is worth clarifying that copying the solutions of other designers should not be considered plagiarism, since in order to make all these solutions work flawlessly in conjunction, a huge design work is needed. Nobody accuses the Japanese of plagiarism, although all Japanese technology is the result of copying the best world developments and then honing them to perfection.

The history of the AK 47 begins in January 1947. It was at this time that a combat model of the Kalashnikov assault rifle won the competition and was selected for mass production. The first batch of AK 47 was assembled in the second half of 1948, and at the end of 1949, the AK 47 was adopted by the USSR Army.

Despite the simplicity of the design, the AK 47 had one big drawback - the Kalashnikov assault rifle shot did not have sufficient accuracy, although the caliber of the cartridge and its power had sufficient destructive power.

Serial production in the first years was quite problematic. Due to problems in assembling the receiver (which was assembled from a stamped body and an insert made by milling), the defect rate was huge. In order to eliminate this problem, it was necessary to make the receiver one-piece, from one forging, using the milling method. Although this increased the price of the machine, the sharp reduction in defects made it possible to save quite a large amount. Already in 1951, all new machine guns were equipped with a solid receiver. Until 1959, significant changes were made to the design of the AK 47; lightweight models were produced for various purposes. In 1959, the AK 47 was replaced by the modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle (AKM).

Tactical and technical characteristics of the AK-47, how much the Kalashnikov assault rifle weighs

AK 47 has the following characteristics:

• The caliber is 7.62 mm;
• Length 870 mm (with bayonet 1070 mm);
• The AK 47 magazine holds 30 7.62x39 cartridges;
• The total weight of the machine gun with a bayonet and a full magazine is 5.09 kg;
• The rate of fire is 660 rounds per minute;
• Shot range – 525 meters.

As for the weight of the AK 47 without a bayonet and with an empty magazine, it is 4.07 kg, with a full magazine - 4.7 kg.

Modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle (AKM)

In 1959, new modernized assault rifles began to be produced to replace the AK 47. The number of innovations was so significant that it made it possible to talk not about another modification, but about the creation of a new model of the machine gun. The AKM even differs in appearance from the AK 47. The barrel of the machine gun was equipped with a muzzle compensator, and the surface of the magazine was ribbed. The butt of the machine gun was installed at a smaller angle.

Many design innovations in the AKM were borrowed from the best world and Soviet models of those years. For example, the firing pin and trigger are completely copied from the Czech Holek rifle, the safety lever in the shape of the bolt window cover is from Remington 8. Much was borrowed from the Soviet AC 44 assault rifle.

AK-47 Kalashnikov assault rifle bayonet

The history of the knife bayonet has its roots in rifle bayonets. Wanting to create a more advanced model of weapon, Kalashnikov once again used someone else’s to create on its basis a knife that had a universal purpose, which could simultaneously act as a bayonet and serve as a household knife. He succeeded brilliantly; the bayonet knife was able to displace the HP 40. All bayonet knives can be divided into three groups:

1. Bayonet knife 6X2, early model, which is very similar to rifle bayonets and HP 40;
2. Bayonet knife model 1959, it is based on the knife of naval reconnaissance scuba divers;
3. Bayonet knife model 1974.

The history of the development of bayonets is inextricably linked with the emergence of new models of the Kalashnikov assault rifle.

Kalashnikov assault rifle 1974 (AK 74)

In 1974, a 5.45 mm rifle system was adopted, which consisted of the new AK 74 and RPK 74. The USSR began to use small-caliber cartridges following the example of the United States, which had long switched to this caliber. Such a reduction in caliber made it possible to reduce the mass of cartridges by one and a half times. The overall accuracy of fire increased, since the bullet now flew with a higher initial speed, and the flight range increased by 100 meters. The drawings of the new Kalashnikov assault rifle were developed by the best designers from Izhmash, TsNIItochmash, and the Kovrov Mechanical Plant.

The new model of the machine gun used the following cartridges:

• 7N6 (1974, the bullet of which had a steel core in a lead jacket);
• 7N10 (1992, bullet with enhanced penetration);
• 7U1 (silent bullet);
• 7N22 (armored bullet 1998);
• 7N24 (bullet with increased accuracy).

AK 74 was originally produced in four options, later the AK-74M was added to it. The latter variant could replace all four variants of the AK 74, and could be equipped underbarrel grenade launcher.

General misconceptions about Kalashnikov assault rifles

Kalashnikov assault rifles, despite huge variety types of automatic weapons in the world are the most popular. Undoubtedly, they rightfully deserve this fame, but at the same time there are many legends that circulate even among professional military personnel.

1. The first legend says that the AK 47 is a complete copy German rifle Sturmgever. Although samples of German weapons were used in the development of the AK, the basis for the AK 47 was rather the Bulkin assault rifle. The first Kalashnikov assault rifle was more like German weapons. The design genius of Kalashnikov lies precisely in the fact that he was able to combine the most successful technical solutions different models in one machine. For decades, the designer has been tracking all the improvements in various models machines all over the world, and modified his own taking into account new trends;
2. The second misconception is that the Kalashnikov assault rifle entered service with the army in 1947. Many weapon models that have the designation of the year of manufacture of the first model in their name enter service only several years later. After a weapon is accepted for service, it must be produced in a large batch, before being sent to the army. This takes more than one month. Thus, two years passed from the moment the AK 47 was adopted into service until its appearance in the army. The first batch of Kalashnikov assault rifles was recorded in the army only in 1949. Some ordinary people are sure that AKs were already at the end of the war and took part in the hostilities of that time. In fact, Kalashnikov assault rifles first took part in combat operations only in 1956. Ordinary citizens of the USSR saw these machine guns in the film “Maxim Perepelitsa,” which was released a year earlier;
3. The reliability of the design and ease of assembly of the AK have indeed become household names, but the assault rifle began to possess these characteristics only in 1959, when it was already called the AKM. The AK 47 was expensive to manufacture and quite difficult to assemble. During production, a huge number of defects occurred. Only after numerous upgrades, the main one of which was the creation of a new AKM model, did the machine gun truly become the standard of reliability;
4. The AK was produced in huge quantities. In fact, due to the difficulty of producing AK 47s, there was a huge shortage of them in the army. Many fighters were armed with rifles. Only the modernization of the receiver made it possible to simplify assembly and quickly saturate the army with machine guns;
5. Each new model AK was superior to its predecessor in everything. This is practically true, in only one way is the AK 74 superior to the later AKM: the AK 74 can easily install a silencer, so in the Airborne Forces it still serves as the main weapon for silent operations;
6. The Kalashnikov assault rifle is a unique model that has no analogues. In fact, the USSR provided military assistance to any state that agreed to take the “bright road to socialism” and generously shared with them weapons and drawings for them, so only the most backward countries did not begin to produce their own copies of the AK. This circumstance, years later, significantly undermined the monopoly of the USSR. There was at least one machine gun that was extremely similar to the AK, but was made independently of it. This is the CZ SA Vz.58 Cermak assault rifle, which was put into service in 1958;
7. AKS74U is the best assault rifle, as it is used by paratroopers. In fact, this model is designed for tankers, artillerymen and other similar units that are not rifle infantry, so using a short machine gun is a great option for them.

In 1982-83, a huge number of AKS74U were transferred to airborne units that were sent to Afghanistan. It was here that all the shortcomings of the weapon manifested itself, which was unable to conduct a long and many-hour battle. In 1989, when the war ended, AKS74U were withdrawn from service and were subsequently used only by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where they can still be seen. By the way, there is an interesting fact about this model - the AKS74U was produced in Tula and was the only model of the Kalashnikov assault rifle that was not produced in Izhevsk.

Currently any civilian having received a hunter's license and permission to purchase rifled weapons, can purchase a hunting version of the AK, called the Saiga. A novice hunter can purchase a smooth-bore modification of the saiga.

The AK has become the most popular assault rifle, firing in all corners of the globe.

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Chapter III

PURPOSE, CONSTRUCTION OF PARTS AND MECHANISMS OF THE KALASHNIKOV AUTOMATIC (Machine Gun), ACCESSORIES AND CARTRIDGES

Purpose, arrangement of parts and mechanisms of the machine gun (machine gun) Kalashnikov

11. Barrel(Fig. 27) serves to direct the flight of the bullet. The inside of the barrel has a channel with four rifling, winding from left to right. The rifling serves to give the bullet rotational movement. The spaces between the cuts are called margins. The distance between two opposite fields (in diameter) is called the bore caliber; for an assault rifle (machine gun) it is 5.45 mm. In the breech, the channel is smooth and shaped like a cartridge case; this part of the channel serves to accommodate the cartridge and is called the chamber. The transition from the chamber to the rifled part of the bore is called the bullet entrance.

On the outside, the barrel has a front sight base for a machine gun with a thread (for a machine gun there is a thread on the muzzle) for screwing on a muzzle brake-compensator for a machine gun (for a machine gun - flame arrester) and

Rice. 27. Barrel: a - external view of the machine gun barrel; b - external view of the machine gun barrel; c - cross-section of the breech; d - section of the barrel; 1 - rifled part; 2 - bullet entrance; 3 - chamber; 4 - front sight base; 5 - gas chamber; 6 - coupling; 7 - sight block; 8 - recess for the barrel pin; 9 - thread; 10 - bipod base; 11 - eye ring Rice. 28. Muzzle brake-compensator and flash suppressor: a - muzzle brake-compensator; b - flash suppressor; 1 - rim; 2 - windows; 3 - slot; 4 - compensation holes; 5 - recess for the retainer; 6 - bevel; 7 - internal thread Rice. 29. Front sight base: a - machine gun; b - machine gun; 1 - stop with a recess for a cleaning rod; 2 - support for a bayonet-knife with a hole for a cleaning rod; 3- skid with front sight; 4- front sight safety; 5 - clamp; 6 - thread for screwing on the muzzle brake-compensator (flash arrester)

bushings for firing blank cartridges, a gas outlet, a gas chamber, a connecting coupling, a sight block and a cutout on the breech end for the ejector hook. The front sight base, gas chamber and sight block are secured to the barrel using pins. The machine gun, in addition, on the front of the barrel has a bipod base for attaching the bipod to the barrel with a hole for a cleaning rod and a ring with an eye to increase the reliability of fastening the cleaning rod. Muzzle brake-compensator of the machine gun (Fig. 28) serves to increase the accuracy of combat and reduce recoil energy. It has two chambers: front and rear (with a round hole in them for the bullet to escape). The front chamber has a rim on which the ring of the bayonet-knife is put on when it is attached to the machine gun, a rectangular groove into which the protrusion of the bayonet-knife fits, and two windows for the exit of powder gases. The rear chamber has two slits in front, and in the middle part there are three compensation holes for the exit of powder gases. At the rear, the muzzle brake-compensator has an internal thread for screwing onto the base of the front sight, a recess into which the lock and a circular bevel fit, making it easier to insert and remove the cleaning rod. Machine gun flash suppressor serves to reduce the size of the flame when fired. It has a thread for screwing onto the barrel, five recesses for the lock and five longitudinal slots for the release of gases. Front sight base(Fig. 29) has a stop with a recess for a cleaning rod, a hole for a front sight slide, a front sight safety device and a retainer with a spring. The clamp keeps the muzzle brake-compensator (flash arrester) and the bushing for firing blank cartridges from screwing together. The machine gun, in addition, on the base of the front sight has a stop for attaching a bayonet-knife with a hole for a ramrod. Gas chamberserves to direct powder gases from the barrel to the gas piston of the bolt frame. It has a gas outlet, a pipe with a channel for the gas piston and holes for the exit of powder gases. Coupling serves to attach the fore-end to the machine gun (machine gun). It has a forearm lock, a sling swivel and a hole for a cleaning rod. The barrel is connected to the receiver by means of a pin and cannot be separated from it. 12. Receiver (Fig. 30) serves for

Rice. 30. Receiver: 1 - cutouts; 2 - reflective protrusion; 3 - bends; 4 - guide; 5 - jumper; 6 - longitudinal groove; 7 - transverse groove; 8 - magazine latch; 9 - trigger guard;10 - pistol grip; 11 - butt

connecting the parts and mechanisms of an assault rifle (machine gun) to ensure that the barrel bore is closed by the bolt and the bolt is locked. The trigger mechanism is placed in the receiver. The top of the box is closed with a lid. The receiver has: · inside there are cutouts for locking the bolt, the rear walls of which are lugs; bends and guide protrusions for directing the movement of the bolt frame and bolt; reflective protrusion for reflecting cartridges; jumper for fastening the side walls; a protrusion for hooking the magazine and one oval protrusion on the side walls for guiding the magazine;

· at the back at the top there are grooves: longitudinal - for the heel of the guide rod of the return mechanism and transverse - for the receiver cover; tail with a hole for attaching the butt to the receiver;

· in the side walls there are four holes, three of them for the axes of the trigger mechanism, and the fourth for the translator trunnions; on the right wall there are two fixing recesses for placing the translator on automatic (AB) and single (OD) fire;

· below there is a window for the magazine and a window for the trigger.

An assault rifle with a folding stock also has holes for the stock retainer and latch (Fig. 33).

Rice. 31. Sight: a- automatic; b - machine gun; 1 - sight block; 2 - sector; 3 - sighting bar; 4 - clamp; 5 - mane of the sighting bar; 6 - clamp latch; 7 - rear sight screw handwheel; 8 - rear sight

For a machine gun with a folding butt, the receiver at the rear has a slot for the left latch with a spring that holds the butt in the folded position; on the right wall there is a cutout for the right latch of the butt and a hole for pressing on the right latch when recessing it; on the left wall there is an eye for attaching the butt and a hole for the front end of the left latch (Fig. 34 and 35). Attached to the receiver are: a butt with a swivel, a pistol grip and a trigger guard with a magazine latch. For machine guns (machine guns) with night sights, a bar for attaching a night sight is attached to the left side wall. 13. Sighting device serves for aiming an assault rifle (machine gun) when firing at targets at various ranges. It consists of a sight and a front sight. Aim(Fig. 31) consists of a sight block, a leaf spring, an aiming bar and a clamp. Sight blockhas two sectors to give the aiming bar a certain height, eyes for attaching the aiming bar, holes for the pin and gas tube lock; inside there is a socket for a leaf spring and a cavity for the bolt frame; on the back wall there is a semicircular cutout for the receiver cover.

The sight block is placed on the barrel and secured with a pin.

Leaf spring is placed in the socket of the sight block and holds the aiming bar in its given position.

Sighting bar has a mane with a slot for aiming and cutouts for holding the clamp in the installed position by means of a latch with a spring. On the sighting bar (on the top of the machine gun, on the top and bottom of the machine gun) there is a scale with divisions from 1 to 10; The scale numbers indicate firing ranges in hundreds of meters.

The machine gun, in addition, has the letter “P” on the sighting bar - a permanent sight setting, approximately corresponding to sight 4 (firing range 440 m).

On a machine gun, the sighting bar has a socket for the rear sight and risk; on the wall of the rear sight socket there is a scale with ten divisions; each of which corresponds to two thousandths of the firing range.

Rear sightthe machine gun has a mane with a slot for aiming, a screw with a handwheel, a spring, a washer and a pin.

Clampplaced on the sighting bar and held in position by a latch. The latch has a tooth, which, under the action of a spring, slides into the cutout of the sighting bar.

Front sightscrewed into the skid, which is fixed to the base of the front sight. On the slide and on the base of the front sight there are marks that determine the position of the front sight.

Attached to the machine gun (machine gun) device for shooting at night and in conditions of limited visibility(self-luminous attachments). It consists of a folding rear sight with a wide slot, mounted on the mane of the sighting bar, and a wide front sight, placed on top of the front sight of the weapon. Self-luminous dots are applied to the rear sight and front sight of the device.

The new type of device has self-luminous stripes: two horizontally located on the rear sight and one vertically on the front sight.

The device for shooting at night is installed on the machine gun (machine gun) and is verified when it enters the troops and is not separated from it during operation.

The combat of the weapon when shooting with the device remains basically the same as with open sight. In the event of a significant deviation in height from the average point of impact, it is necessary to secure the weapon in the sighting machine, aim at the target and select the rear sight so that the aiming line with the open sight and the device coincide.

When shooting during the day, the rear sight and front sight of the device fold down. In this position, they do not interfere with the use of the sighting device of the machine gun.

When shooting at night and in conditions of limited visibility, the rear sight of the device is rotated upward until it comes into contact with the mane of the sighting bar, and the front sight of the device is moved up along the spring and put on the front sight.

Rice. 32. Receiver cover: 1 - step cutout; 2 - hole; 3 - ribs

14. Receiver cover (Fig. 32) protects parts and mechanisms placed in the receiver from contamination. On the right side it has a stepped cutout for the passage of cartridges thrown out and for the movement of the bolt frame handle; at the back there is a hole for the protrusion of the guide rod of the return mechanism. The cover is held on the receiver using a semicircular cutout on the sight block, a transverse groove in the receiver and a protrusion of the guide rod of the return mechanism.

15. Butt and pistol grip serve for the convenience of operating a machine gun (machine gun) when shooting.

The permanent stock of the AK74, AK74N assault rifles (Fig. 33) and RPK74, RPK74N machine guns (Fig. 34) has a sling swivel for a belt, a socket for an accessory case and a butt plate with a cover over the socket. In the butt socket there is a spring for pushing out the pencil case. The permanent stock of an assault rifle can be wooden or plastic (for a machine gun it is wooden).

The folding stock of the AKS74 and AKS74N assault rifles consists of upper and lower rods, a butt plate, a clip and a tip, connected into one unit by welding. There is a sling swivel on the clip on the right side of the butt. In the folded position, the buttstock is held in place by a latch, and in the folded position - by a latch.

Rice. 33. Butt and pistol grip of the machine gun: a - permanent (wooden) butt (sectional view); b - folding butt in the folded position; c- folding buttstock in folded position; 1- sling swivel; 2 - socket for pencil case; 3 - butt plate; 4 - cover; 5 - spring for pushing out the accessory case; 6 - butt lock; 7 - butt latch; 8 - top link; 9 - lower link; 10- clip; 11 - tip; 12 - axis; 13 - pistol grip; 14 - bar for attaching a night sight Rice. 35. Folding the butt of a machine gun: 1 - butt; 2-receiver; 3 - pistol grip; 4 - hole in the wall of the receiver

Rice. 34. Butt and pistol grip of a machine gun: a - permanent butt (in section); b - folding butt (in folded position); 1 - sling swivel; 2 - socket for accessories; 3 - butt plate; 4 - cover; 5 - spring for pushing out the accessory case; 6 - protrusion of the butt with ears; 7 - receiver eye; 8 - right butt latch with a spring; 9 - back part of the left latch with a notch; 10 - latch spring; 11 - cutout for the right butt latch; 12 pistol grip Rice. 36. Machine gun bipod: 1 - bipod base; 2 - legs; 3 - spring; 4 - protrusion; 5 - slide; 6 - spring fastener

To fold the butt, you need to recess the latch (in this case, the latch will disengage with the tip of the butt) and turn the butt to the left around the axis until the butt is secured with a latch located on the left wall of the receiver.

To fold the butt, you need to move the latch back and turn the butt to the right until it is secured with a latch.

The folding butt of the RPKS74 and RPKS74N machine guns, in addition to that specified for the permanent butt of the machine gun, has a protrusion for the right latch of the butt, which holds the butt in the folded position, ears for attaching the butt to the receiver, and in the case of the RPKS74N, a recess where the bar for attaching a night sight when folding the butt is included.

To fold the butt, you need to push the right latch of the butt with a drift or a cartridge bullet through the hole in the right wall of the receiver (Fig. 35) and turn the butt to the left until it is secured with the left latch in the folded position.

To fold the butt, you need to press the rear part of the latch with a notch to the left with your finger and turn the butt to the right until it is secured with the right latch.

16. Machine gun bipod(Fig. 36) serves as a stop when shooting. It has a base, two legs with runners for resting on the ground and protrusions for fixing the legs in the folded position, a spring for spreading the legs, a spring fastener on the left leg for fastening the legs in the folded position. The bipod is not separated from the machine gun.

17. Bolt carrier with gas piston(Fig. 37) serves to activate the bolt and trigger mechanism.

Rice. 37. Bolt carrier with gas piston: 1 - channel for the shutter; 2 - safety protrusion; 3 - protrusion for lowering the self-timer lever; 4 - groove for bending the receiver; 5 - handle; 6 - figured cutout; 7 – groove for the reflective protrusion; 8 – gas piston Rice. 38. Shutter: a ~ bolt core; b - striker; c - ejector; 1 - cutout for the sleeve; 2 - cutout for the ejector; 3 - leading protrusion; 4 - hole for the ejector axis; 5 - combat protrusion; 6 - longitudinal groove for the reflective protrusion; 7 - ejector spring; 8~ ejector axis; 9-pin

The bolt frame has: inside - a channel for the return mechanism, and a channel for the bolt; at the back there is a safety ledge; on the sides there are grooves for moving the bolt frame along the bends of the receiver; on the right side there is a protrusion for lowering (rotating) the self-timer lever and a handle for reloading the machine gun; at the bottom there is a shaped cutout to accommodate the leading protrusion of the bolt and a groove for the passage of the reflective protrusion of the receiver. A gas piston is mounted in front of the bolt frame. 18. Shutter(Fig. 38) serves to send the cartridge into the chamber, close the barrel bore, break the primer and remove the cartridge case (cartridge) from the chamber. It consists of a frame, a hammer, an ejector with a spring and an axis, and a pin. Shutter bodyhas: on the front cut - a cylindrical cutout for the bottom of the sleeve and a groove for the ejector; on the sides there are two lugs that, when the bolt is locked, fit into the cutouts of the receiver; on top - a leading protrusion for turning the shutter when locking and unlocking; on the left side there is a longitudinal groove for the passage of the reflective protrusion of the receiver (the groove at the end is widened to ensure rotation of the bolt when locking); in the thickened part of the bolt frame there are holes for the ejector axis and pins. Inside the bolt frame there is a channel for placing the firing pin.

Drummerhas a striker and a ledge for a hairpin.

Ejectorwith a spring serves to remove the cartridge case from the chamber and hold it until it meets the reflective protrusion of the receiver. The ejector has a hook for gripping the cartridge case, a socket for the spring and a cutout for the axle.

Hairpinserves to secure the firing pin and the ejector axis.

Rice. 39. Return mechanism: 1 - return spring; 2 - guide rod; 3 - movable rod; 4 - coupling Rice. 40. Gas tube with receiver lining: 1- gas tube; 2 - guide ribs for the gas piston; 3 - front coupling; 4 - barrel lining; 5 - rear coupling; 6 - protrusion; 7 - leaf spring Rice. 41. Parts of the trigger mechanism: A - trigger; b - mainspring; c - trigger; g - single fire sear; d - self-timer; e - self-timer spring; g - translator; z - axles; i - single fire sear spring; k - trigger retarder; l - trigger retarder spring; m - tubular axis; 1 - combat platoon; 2- cocking of the self-timer; 3- curved ends; 4- loop; 5-shaped protrusion; 6- rectangular protrusions; 7 - tail; 8 - cutout; 9 - sear; 10 - lever; 11 - latch; 12 - front protrusion; 13 - sector; 14 - pin

19. Return mechanism (Fig. 39). Serves to return the bolt frame with the bolt to the forward position. It consists of return spring, guide rod, movable rod and coupling. Guide rod has a stop for the spring at the rear end, a heel with protrusions for connecting to the receiver and a protrusion for holding the receiver cover. Movable rod The front end has bends for putting on the coupling. 20. Gas tube with receiver lining (Fig. 40) consists of a gas tube, front and rear connecting couplings, a barrel lining, a metal half-ring and a leaf spring. Gas tubeserves to direct the movement of the gas piston. It has guide ribs. The front end of the gas tube is put on the gas chamber pipe. Receiver pad serves to protect the hands of the machine gunner (machine gunner) from burns when shooting. It can be wooden or plastic for an assault rifle (for a machine gun it is wooden) and has a groove in which a metal half-ring is fixed, pressing the barrel lining away from the gas tube (this prevents the lining from swaying when the wood dries out). The barrel lining is mounted on the gas tube by means of front and rear connecting couplings; the rear coupling has a protrusion into which the gas tube contact rests; the leaf spring eliminates the longitudinal rolling of the tube. 21. Trigger mechanism (Fig. 41) serves to release the hammer from the combat cocking or from the self-timer cocking, striking the firing pin, ensuring automatic or single fire, stopping firing, preventing shots when the bolt is unlocked and putting the safety on the machine gun (machine gun).

The trigger mechanism is placed in the receiver, where it is attached with three interchangeable axes, and consists of a trigger With mainspring, hammer retarder with spring, trigger, single fire sear with spring, self-timer with spring, translator and tubular axis.

Triggerwith a mainspring used to strike the firing pin. The trigger has a combat cock, a self-timer cock, trunnions and a hole for the axle. The mainspring is put on the trigger pins and acts with its loop on the trigger, and with its ends on the rectangular protrusions of the trigger,

Trigger retarder serves to slow down the forward movement of the trigger in order to improve the accuracy of the battle when conducting automatic fire from stable positions. It has front and rear lugs, an axle hole, a spring and a latch.

Trigger serves to keep the hammer cocked and to release the hammer. It has a shaped protrusion, an axle hole, rectangular protrusions and a tail. With its figured protrusion, it holds the trigger cocked.

Single fire sear serves to hold the trigger in the rearmost position after firing, if the trigger was not released when firing a single fire. It is on the same axis with the trigger. The single-fire sear has a spring, a hole for the axis and a cutout into which the translator sector enters when conducting automatic fire and locks the sear. In addition, the cutout limits the forward rotation of the sector when the translator is put on safety.

Self-timerserves to automatically release the trigger from cocking the self-timer when firing in bursts, as well as to prevent the trigger from being released when the barrel is open and the bolt is unlocked. It has a sear for holding the trigger while cocking the self-timer, a lever for turning the self-timer with the protrusion of the bolt frame when it approaches the forward position, and a spring.

The spring is located on the same axis as the self-timer. Its short end is connected to the self-timer, and its long end runs along the left wall of the receiver and fits into the annular grooves on the axes of the self-timer, hammer and trigger, keeping the axes from falling out.

Rice. 42. Forend (wooden): 1 - finger stop; 2 - protrusion; 3 - leaf spring; 4 - hole for cleaning rod Rice. 43. Store: 1 - body; 2 - cover; 3 - locking strip; 4 - spring; 5 - feeder; 6 - support protrusion; 7 - hook

Translatorserves to set the machine gun (machine gun) to automatic or single fire, as well as to the safety catch. It has a sector with trunnions that fit into the holes in the walls of the receiver. The lower position of the translator corresponds to setting it to single fire (OD), the middle position to automatic fire (AB) and the top position to the safety. 22. Handguard(Fig. 42) serves for convenience of operation and to protect the hands of the machine gunner (machine gunner) from burns. It can be wooden or plastic for a machine gun (wooden for a machine gun). The forend is attached to the barrel from below using a coupling and to the receiver - through a protrusion that fits into the receiver socket. The body of the forend has a through hole for a cleaning rod. The rear of the forend has cutouts and a recess into which the leaf spring fits. The spring serves to prevent longitudinal pitching of the fore-end. Cutouts on the fore-end and receiver guard form windows for cooling the barrel and gas tube when firing. The plastic forend has a metal screen designed to reduce heating of the forend when firing.

23. Shop(Fig. 43) is used to place cartridges and feed them into the receiver. It consists of a plastic body, a cover, a locking bar, a spring and a feeder.

The magazine body connects all parts of the magazine; its side walls have bends on top (at the neck) to keep the cartridges from falling out and protrusions that limit the rise of the feeder; there is a hook on the front wall, and a support protrusion on the rear wall, through which the magazine is attached to the receiver. On the rear wall of the case at the bottom there is a control hole to determine whether the magazine is fully loaded with cartridges.

The bottom of the case is closed with a lid. The cover has a hole for the protrusion of the locking bar.

Inside the housing there is a feeder and a spring with a locking bar. The feeder is held on the upper end of the spring by an internal bend on the right wall of the feeder; the feeder has a protrusion that provides a staggered arrangement of cartridges in the magazine. The locking bar is permanently fixed to the lower end of the spring and with its protrusion keeps the magazine cover from moving.

Rice. 44. Bayonet: a - blade; b - handle; 1 - cutting edge; 2 - saw; 3- sharpened edge; 4- hole; 5 - belt; 6 - ring; 7 - belt hook; 8 - metal tip; 9 - connecting screw; 10 - longitudinal grooves; 11 - latch Rice. 45. Sheath: 1 - pendant with a loop fastener and a carabiner; 2- plastic body; 3 – protrusion axis; 4 – stop; 5 - leaf spring retainer Rice. 46. ​​Affiliation: 1 - cleaning rod; 2 - wipe; 3 - brush; 4 - screwdriver; 5 - punch; 6 - pencil case; 7 - cover; 8 - oiler; 9 - clip; 10-adapter

24. Bayonet(Fig. 44) is attached to a machine gun to defeat the enemy in battle. It is also used as a knife, saw (for cutting metal) and scissors (for cutting wire). The wires of the lighting network must be cut one at a time, having first removed the belt from the bayonet-knife and the pendant from the sheath. When cutting the wire, make sure that your hands do not touch the metal surface of the bayonet-knife and sheath. Making passages in electrified wire fences using a bayonet-knife not allowed. A bayonet knife consists of a blade and a handle. On the bladethere is a cutting edge, a saw, a sharpened edge, which in combination with the sheath is used as scissors, a hole into which the protrusion-axis of the sheath is inserted. Leverserves for ease of operation and for connecting the bayonet-knife to the machine gun. There is a belt on the handle for easy handling of the bayonet-knife; in front there is a ring and a protrusion for attaching To muzzle brake-compensator and belt hook; at the back there is a metal tip with a connecting screw. The tip has longitudinal grooves with which the bayonet-knife is put on the corresponding protrusions on the stop of the front sight base, a latch, a safety ledge and a hole for the belt. Sheath(Fig. 45) are used to carry a bayonet-knife on a waist belt. In addition, they are used in conjunction with a bayonet-knife for cutting wire. The scabbard has a suspension with a loop, a protrusion-axis, and a stop to limit the rotation of the bayonet-knife when acting like scissors; Inside the sheath there is a leaf spring with a lock to keep the bayonet-knife from falling out. Accessory to a machine gun (machine gun) 25. Belonging (Fig. 46) is used for disassembling, assembling, cleaning, lubricating the machine gun (machine gun) and quickly loading the magazine with cartridges. Accessories include: cleaning rod, cleaning rod, brush, screwdriver, drift, pencil case, oiler, clips and adapter.

Ramrodused for cleaning and lubricating the barrel bore, as well as channels and cavities of machine gun parts. It has a head with a hole for a punch and a thread for screwing on a wiper or brush.

Rubbingused for cleaning and lubricating the barrel bore, channels and cavities of other parts of the machine gun. It has an internal thread for screwing onto a cleaning rod and a slot for rags or tow.

Ershikused for cleaning the barrel bore with RFS solution.

Screwdriver and drift used when disassembling and assembling an assault rifle (machine gun). The cutout at the end of the screwdriver is intended for screwing in and unscrewing the front sight, and the side cutout is for securing the wiper to the cleaning rod. For ease of use, the screwdriver is inserted into the side holes of the pencil case. When cleaning the barrel bore, a screwdriver is placed in the pencil case on top of the ramrod head.

Pencil caseserves for storing cleaning cloths, brushes, screwdrivers and drifts. It closes with a lid.

The pencil case is used as a handle for a screwdriver when screwing in and unscrewing the front sight and for turning the gas tube closure, as well as a handle for a cleaning rod.

The pencil case has through holes into which a ramrod is inserted when cleaning the machine gun, oval holes for a screwdriver and a rectangular hole for turning the gas tube lock when disassembling and assembling the machine gun.

Single neck oiler serves to store lubricant; it is carried in the pocket of a shopping bag.

Clipserves for carrying cartridges and quickly loading the magazine with cartridges. The clip holds 15 rounds. It has two longitudinal grooves and a leaf spring that keeps the cartridges from falling out. In addition, the leaf spring ensures a strong connection between the cage and the adapter.

Adapterserves to connect the clip to the magazine when equipping it with cartridges. It has: at the bottom (widened part) two bends that fit into the corresponding grooves on the neck of the magazine; on top there are two longitudinal grooves for the holder, a hole for the holder spring and a stop that limits the advancement of the holder when inserting it into the adapter.

5.45 mm live ammunition Kalashnikov

26. A live cartridge (Fig. 47) consists of a bullet, a cartridge case, powder charge and capsule.

Rice. 47. Live cartridge: 1 - bullet; 2 - sleeve; 3 - powder charge; 4 - capsule; 5 - barrel; 6 - groove; 7 - anvil; 8 - seed hole; 9 - impact composition

Rice. 48. Bullets: a - ordinary with a steel core; b - tracer: 1 - shell; 2 - steel core; 3 - lead jacket; 4 - core (lead); 5 - tracer composition

27. 5.45 mm cartridges Available with regular and tracer bullets. The head of the tracer bullet is painted green. To simulate shooting, blank (without a bullet) cartridges are used, which are fired using a special sleeve.

Ordinarybullet(Fig. 48, a) is designed to defeat enemy personnel located openly and behind barriers pierced by a bullet.

An ordinary bullet consists of a steel shell coated with tombac and a steel core. There is a lead jacket between the shell and the core.

Tracer bullet (Fig. 48.6) is also designed to defeat enemy personnel. In addition, when a bullet flies in the air, its burning tracer composition at firing ranges up to 800 m leaves a luminous trail, which allows for fire adjustment and target designation.

In the tracer bullet shell, a core is placed in the head part, and a block of pressed tracer composition is placed in the bottom part. During the shot, the flame from the powder charge ignites the tracer compound, which gives a luminous trail as the bullet flies.

28. Sleeve serves to connect all parts of the cartridge, protect the powder charge from external influences and eliminate the breakthrough of powder gases towards the bolt. It has a body for placing a powder charge, a barrel for securing a bullet and a bottom. On the outside, at the bottom of the sleeve, there is an annular groove for hooking the ejector. The bottom of the case has a primer socket, an anvil and two priming holes.

29. Powder charge serves to impart forward motion to the bullet; it consists of spherical grained gunpowder.

30. Capsule serves to ignite the powder charge. It consists of a brass cap, a shock compound pressed into it, and a foil circle covering the impact compound.

31. Capping of 5.45 mm cartridges is carried out in wooden boxes. Two hermetically sealed metal boxes of 1080 rounds each are placed in the box; cartridges in boxes are packed in cardboard packs of 30 pieces. In total, the box holds 2160 rounds.

There is a green stripe on the side walls of the boxes in which cartridges with tracer bullets are sealed. Each box contains a knife for opening the box.

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CONTENT

INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………………

1. KALASHNIKOV AUTOMATIC MODEL 1947……………………………………...

2. KALASHNIKOV AUTOMATIC AK-74 AKS-74 AK-74M (USSR - RUSSIA)………..

CONCLUSION ……………………………………………………………………………..

INTRODUCTION

The decision on the need to transfer the main small arms to an intermediate cartridge was made in the USSR during the Great Patriotic War. Such a cartridge was created by 1943, and the development of a whole family of small arms began for it, including a self-loading carbine (SKS), an assault rifle and a light machine gun (RPD). Several designers and teams were involved in the development of assault rifles on a competitive basis, and among them was the young sergeant M. T. Kalashnikov, who worked at the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant (IZHMASH). In 1946, Kalashnikov, along with other participants, presented his model of an assault rifle to the competition, where he showed good results. For the second stage of the competition, held in 1947, Kalashnikov extensively redesigned his assault rifle, and in a modified form it was recommended for adoption. After initial military tests in 1949, the Kalashnikov assault rifle was officially adopted into service as the “7.62mm Kalashnikov assault rifle model 1947”, or simply AK (sometimes also designated AK-47).

1. KALASHNIKOV AUTOMATIC MODEL 1947

Creation

One of the myths associated with the AK says that Kalashnikov “copied” the AK from the German MP-43 assault rifle, also known as Stg.44. Indeed, at first glance, the external layout of the AK and MP-43 is similar, as is the concept of an automatic weapon chambered for an intermediate cartridge. The similar outlines of the barrel, front sight and gas tube are due to the use of a similar gas engine (invented long before Schmeisser and Kalashnikov). Disassembling an AK and an MP-43 is fundamentally different: on an AK, the receiver cover is removed, on an MP-43, the trigger box is folded down on a pin along with the fire control handle. The barrel locking device is also different (rotary bolt on the AK versus bolt misalignment on the MP-43) and trigger mechanisms. It is likely that Kalashnikov knew about the MP-43, but it is obvious that when creating his machine gun he was more guided by other known models and systems. The main merit of Kalashnikov (or rather, of his entire team involved in the development and debugging of the machine gun) is precisely the optimal arrangement of already known and proven solutions into a single model that meets the requirements.

early serial version AK with a combined stamped/milled receiver

Modified AK mod. 1947 (manufactured in the mid-1950s) with an all-milled receiver.

2. KALASHNIKOV AUTOMATIC AK-74 AKS-74 AK-74M (USSR - RUSSIA)

The development of individual small arms over the past 200 years has been accompanied by a periodic but steady decrease in the caliber of these weapons, associated with the development of technologies in the production of both weapons and ammunition for them. Thus, by the mid-19th century, the usual caliber of long-barreled weapons was considered to be 0.4 - 0.5 inches (10 - 12.7 mm). In the last twenty years of the 19th century, a shift began to smaller caliber weapons, typically on the order of 0.3 inches (7.62mm or so, in the 7-8mm range). Already in the first half of the 20th century, repeated attempts were made to further reduce the caliber of weapons to 7 millimeters or less, as well as to reduce the power of standard rifle ammunition, especially after the advent of automatic weapons. Starting from the Second World War, ammunition of reduced power (intermediate) began to appear in the armies of the world, having, however, a standard rifle caliber of 7.62 - 8 mm (German 7.92x33mm, Soviet 7.62x39mm). The Americans were the first to seriously tackle the problem of reducing the caliber of their rifles, adopting the M16A1 assault rifle in the mid-1960s. As soon as practical experience Americans confirmed the possibility and usefulness of further reduction in calibers (theoretically, this need had been justified many times before), full-scale work in this direction began in other countries, including the USSR. Since the second half of the 1960s, based on the standard 7.62x39mm cartridge, 5.6mm caliber cartridges were developed, and by the beginning of the 1970s, a new 5.45mm caliber cartridge was developed, which had an elongated bullet with a combined steel and lead core and a cavity in the nose. The initial bullet speed was about 900 m/s, total weight cartridge weighs 10.2 grams, 6 grams less than the mass of the 7.62x39mm cartridge (16.2 g), which, with a carryable ammunition load of only 8 magazines (240 rounds), results in a weight saving of 1.4 kg. The new cartridge also had a significantly flatter bullet trajectory, which provided a direct shot range of almost 100 meters longer. Due to the design features of the bullet, when it hit the body, it should have begun to tumble, causing more severe wounds than usual, but according to some data, this does not always happen.

As the initial weapon for the new cartridge, it was decided to use the Kalashnikov assault rifle and light machine gun, already tested and mastered in production and service, with the minimum necessary changes, and in the future to develop and adopt more perfect complex weapons chambered for a new cartridge. In 1974, the USSR Armed Forces adopted a 5.45 mm caliber weapon system, consisting of an AK-74 assault rifle (basic version), an AKS-74 assault rifle (version with a folding stock for the Airborne Forces) and light machine gun RPK-74. At the end of the 1970s, the shortened AKS-74U assault rifle was also adopted.

General view of the Kalashnikov assault rifle: a - with a permanent butt (AK-74); b - with a folding stock and an under-barrel grenade launcher (AKS-74); in - with folding butt, shortened (AKS-74U)

As an individual weapon, the Kalashnikov assault rifle is designed to destroy manpower and destroy enemy firepower. The machine gun fires automatic or single fire. Automatic fire is the main type of fire: it is fired in short (up to 5 shots) and long (up to 15 shots) bursts and continuously. To defeat an enemy in hand-to-hand combat, a bayonet-knife is attached to the machine gun. For shooting and observation at night, a night rifle sight is attached to the machine gun. The machine gun can be used in conjunction with the GP-25 under-barrel grenade launcher. The Kalashnikov assault rifle has received wide recognition; it is simple in design and has high combat and operational qualities.

Combat properties AK-74 assault rifle:

Barrel caliber, mm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.45

Sighting range shooting, m. . . . . . . . . . . . .1000

Initial bullet speed, m/s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 900

Lethal range of a bullet, m. . . . . . . . . . 1350

Combat rate of fire, rds/min:

when firing in bursts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 100

when firing single shots. . . . . . . .up to 40

Rate of fire, rds/min. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .600

Direct shot range, m:

according to the chest figure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440

by a running figure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 625

Magazine capacity, cartridges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . thirty

Weight with loaded magazine, kg. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6

Weight of bayonet with scabbard, g. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .490

General device. The machine gun consists of the following main parts and mechanisms: a barrel with a receiver, sighting devices, butt and pistol grip; receiver covers; bolt frame with gas piston; shutter; return mechanism; gas tube with receiver lining; trigger mechanism; forend; store. In addition, the machine gun has a muzzle brake-compensator and a bayonet-knife. The machine kit includes accessories, a belt and a bag for magazines.

The automatic operation of the machine is based on the use of the energy of powder gases diverted from the barrel bore into the gas chamber. When fired, part of the powder gases following the bullet rushes through the hole in the barrel wall into the gas chamber, presses on the front wall of the gas piston and throws the piston and bolt frame with the bolt to the rear position. When the bolt frame moves back, the bolt is unlocked, with its help the cartridge case is removed from the chamber and thrown out, the bolt frame compresses the return spring and cocks the hammer.

The main parts and mechanisms of the AK-74 assault rifle: 1 - barrel with receiver, sighting device and butt; 2 - muzzle brake-compensator; 3 - receiver cover; 4 - return mechanism; 5 - bolt frame with gas piston; 6 - shutter; 7 - gas tube with receiver lining; 8 - ramrod; 9 - handguard; 10 - store; 11 - pencil case accessories; 12 - bayonet

The bolt frame with the bolt returns to the forward position under the action of the return mechanism, with the help of the bolt the next cartridge is sent from the magazine to the chamber and the barrel bore is closed, and the bolt frame removes the self-timer sear from under the cocking of the self-timer trigger. The trigger is cocked. The bolt is locked by turning around the longitudinal axis to the right, as a result of which the bolt lugs extend beyond the receiver lugs.

If the translator is set to automatic fire, then shooting will continue as long as the trigger is pressed and there are cartridges in the magazine.

If the translator is set to single fire, then when you press the trigger, only one shot will fire; To fire the next shot, you must release the trigger and press it again.

Trunkserves to direct the flight of the bullet. The inside of the barrel has a channel with four rifling, winding from left to right. The rifling serves to impart rotational motion to the bullet.

Barrel: a - general form; b - trunk section; 1 - sight block; 2 - coupling; 3 - gas chamber; 4 - gas outlet; 5 - front sight base; 6 - thread; 7 - field; 8 - rifling

On the outside, the barrel has a front sight base with a thread for screwing on a muzzle brake-compensator and a bushing for firing blank cartridges, a gas outlet, a gas chamber, a connecting coupling, a sight block and a cutout on the breech end for hooking the ejector.

Muzzle brake compensatorserves to increase combat accuracy and reduce recoil energy. It has two chambers: front and rear (with a round hole in them for the bullet to escape).

Receiverdesigned to connect the parts and mechanisms of the machine gun, close the barrel bore with the bolt and lock the bolt. The receiver fits firing mechanism. The top of the box is closed with a lid.

Receiver coverprotects parts and mechanisms placed in the receiver from contamination.

Sighting deviceserves to point the machine gun at the target when shooting at various distances and consists of a sight and front sight. The sight includes a sight block, a leaf spring, an aiming bar and a clamp. On the sighting bar of the sight there is a scale with divisions from 1 to 10 and the letter “P”. The numbers on the scale indicate the intended firing range in hundreds of meters, and the letter “P” indicates the constant setting of the sight, which corresponds to sight 3. The front sight is screwed into a slide, which is fixed at the base of the front sight.

Stock and pistol gripprovide convenience when shooting.

Bolt carrier with gas pistondesigned to activate the bolt and trigger mechanism. The bolt serves to send the cartridge into the chamber, close the bore, break the primer and remove the cartridge case (cartridge) from the chamber.

Return mechanismdesigned to return the bolt frame with the bolt to the forward position.

Gas tube with barrel liningdirects the movement of the gas piston and protects the machine gunner’s hands from burns when shooting.

With the help of the firing mechanism, the hammer is released from the combat cocking or from the self-timer cocking, a blow is struck on the firing pin, automatic or single fire is ensured, and the shooting is stopped; in addition, it is designed to prevent shots when the bolt is unlocked and to put the machine on safety.

Handguardserves for the convenience of operating the machine gun and to protect the machine gunner’s hands from burns.

Shopdesigned for placing cartridges and feeding them into the receiver.

Bayonet knifeattaches to a machine gun to defeat an enemy in battle, and can also be used as a knife, saw (for cutting metal) and scissors (for cutting wire). A sheath is used to carry a bayonet-knife on the waist belt. If necessary, they are used together with a bayonet-knife for cutting wire.

Live cartridgeconsists of a bullet, a cartridge case, a powder charge and a primer. 5.45 mm cartridges are available with regular and tracer bullets. The head of the tracer bullet is painted green. To simulate shooting, blank (without a bullet) cartridges are used, which are fired using a special sleeve.

Cartridge: a - cartridge with a bullet with a steel core; b - cartridge with a tracer bullet; c - blank cartridge; g - training cartridge

AK-74M. Most new option, adopted Russian Army in the early 1990s. Differs from later AK-74s with a side-folding plastic butt and a mounting strap sighting devices on the left side of the receiver.

CONCLUSION

The advantages of the AK are known to everyone. This is exceptional reliability even in the most severe operating conditions, low maintenance, ease of use and maintenance, and low cost.

In general, the AK can be described as an ideal weapon, which is not surprising - it was created on the basis of the very harsh experience of the Great Patriotic War.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Babak F.K. Basics of small arms / Series: Arsenal. St. Petersburg: Publisher: Polygon, 2003 - 254 p.

2. Blagovestov A.I. What they shoot from in the CIS. Handbook of small arms. M.: Harvest, 2004 - 656 p.

3. Volkovsky N. L. Encyclopedia of modern weapons and military equipment. M.: AST, Polygon, 2005 - 952 p.

4. Gunter Wollert, Rainer Liedschun, Wilfried Copenhagen Small arms today. Illustrated encyclopedia. / Series: Weapons of the 20th century. 1945 - 1985. M.: Potpourri, 2003 - 464 p.

5. Zhuk A. B. Encyclopedia of small arms. M.: AST, Ermak, 2004 - 800 p.

6. Hogg Ian. IN., Vicks John WITH. Encyclopedia small arms weapons. / Military Small Arms of the 20th Century.M.: AST, Astrel, 2005 - 416 p.

This article will discuss weapons with a worldwide reputation, the development of which marked the beginning of an entire era in the field of domestic weapons design. TTX machine gun Kalashnikovs were improved from one model to another, but the principle of operation remained unchanged. The traditions laid down by the creator himself in his model also remained unbreakable: quality, reliability, simplicity and long service life.

History of creation...

The prerequisites for the development of a new weapon model were the results of a meeting of the technical council at the People's Commissariat of the USSR in July 1943, where the captured prototype of the German StG-44 and the American M1 Carbine were examined.

About a month later, a new experimental cartridge of 7.62 x 41 mm caliber was created, subsequently the cartridge was adjusted, and as a result the caliber was converted to 7.62 x 39 mm.

Later, a number of design competitions were announced, as a result of which the famous machine gun was developed.

In 1947, it was decided to start production of the machine gun in Izhevsk. And just two years later, two models were put into service: a standard AK with a caliber of 7.62 mm and a model with a folding stock - AKS - of the same caliber.

1959 was marked by the release of a modernized version of the machine. The flaws identified during operation were corrected, new performance characteristics of the Kalashnikov assault rifle were compiled based on the already used TKB-517 assault rifle, and the first machine gun based on the AKM was released.

Machine

The Kalashnikov assault rifle, performance characteristics and main parts were refined from one version of the product to another to increase efficiency, reliability and improve quality. However, the design features remained unchanged.

From the moment it entered service, the performance characteristics established at that time became the starting point for the non-stop development of design ideas. The types and shapes of butts, the shape of the handle, and the length of the barrel changed. Models of the hundredth series (in addition to the protrusions for fastening the bayonet-knife) have a socket for mounting. The fifth generation assault rifle (for example, AK-12) has provisions for mounting various types equipment, such as optical or collimator sights, laser designators or a flashlight. The quality, purpose, and performance characteristics of the Kalashnikov assault rifle are constantly improving.

Purpose of the main parts of the product

Now you should dwell directly on each component in order to understand which part serves what.

Trunk— intended to set the direction of flight of the bullet directly when fired.

Receiver- acts as a connector of all parts and mechanisms of the machine gun, ensures the closure of the barrel with the bolt and locking of the latter.

Receiver cover— helps protect the internal parts of the product (placed in the receiver) from contamination and penetration of foreign objects.

Sighting device— consists of a front sight and a sight. Designed to point the barrel of a machine gun at the target for the most effective shooting.

Butt- provides comfortable shooting along with the handle.

Bolt carrier - operates the bolt and firing mechanism. The bolt, in turn, sends the cartridge into the chamber, locks the barrel, breaks the capsule shell, and removes the cartridge case.

Return mechanism— brings the bolt frame and bolt to their original (front) position.

Gas tube and barrel lining— protect the shooter’s hands from burns, and also set the direction of movement of the gas piston.

Trigger mechanism— pulls the trigger, which is in the cocked (combat) position. Strikes the firing pin, thereby providing automatic fire in bursts or single shooting. Serves to stop firing, set the fuse to safety mode, and also prevents shots when the bolt is locked.

Handguard— serves for a comfortable grip on the machine gun body when shooting. Together with the gas tube, it protects the shooter’s palm from burns.

Shop- serves for storing and transporting machine gun cartridges, as well as feeding them into the chamber for firing in different positions.

Bayonet knife— when attached to a machine gun, it is used in a bayonet attack or any other type of close contact combat. Can be used as a knife, saw and wire cutter.

Performance characteristics of the Kalashnikov AK-74 and more

The modern model of the Kalashnikov assault rifle AK-74M has the following characteristics: the weight of the product is 3.6 kg without cartridges, 3.9 kg - loaded, 5.8 kg - without cartridges, but with the NSPUM model installed, while the NSPU-3 type sight is slightly lighter - only 0.1 kg.

An empty magazine weighs 0.23 kg, and the bayonet outside the sheath weighs only 0.32 kg.

The length of the machine gun is 940 millimeters, and with an attached bayonet - 1089 mm. With the stock unfolded, this figure already has a value of 943, and with the stock folded - 704 millimeters. With the advent of new models, the performance characteristics of the Kalashnikov assault rifle are undergoing changes.

The barrel length is 415 millimeters with the installed muzzle brake compensator and only 372 mm without it.

Width is also an integral part of the performance characteristics of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. It is 70 millimeters for a standard product. Height - 195 mm.

The principle of operation for all models is the same - a gas exhaust system for burnt gunpowder and a rotating bolt - despite the performance characteristics of the Kalashnikov assault rifle varying from one model to another.

5.45 - caliber of the modern AK-74M.

Performance characteristics of the Kalashnikov AKS-74U assault rifle and some interesting things

Short folding Kalashnikov assault rifle - this is the abbreviation of the name of this weapon. It is a shortened version of the standard AK-74, designed to conduct combat missions in a small confined space: to equip military transport crews in peaceful or combat conditions (for example, BTR-80), crews of all kinds of guns, as well as airborne units. It is in service with security structures and has proven itself in them due to its compactness and low weight.

It weighs about 3 kg with cartridges and 2.7 kg without them. The weight of the magazine is 0.21 kg; installation of an NSPUM sight weighing 2.2 kg is provided.

The length of the product is 730 millimeters with the butt unfolded, 490 - respectively, with the butt folded. The length of the barrel itself is 206 mm.

The rate of fire varies from 600 to 700 rounds per second. The target range is 500 meters, but the effective range is only 300.

A bullet fired from the AKS-74U is capable of developing initial speed, equal to 735 m/s.

Features of AKS-74U

Due to the global trend towards creating shortened versions of existing assault rifles, USSR designers in the 70s also took care of creating a compact model of an existing machine gun.

Compared to the original version, “drying” (sometimes there are versions with the letter “h” instead of “w”) has the following features:

• a significantly shortened barrel with a mounted muzzle, which in turn serves as a flame arrester;
• the gas piston rod is shortened by almost half;
• The system for slowing down the rate of fire has been removed;
• The system for stabilizing the flight of a bullet with a shortened barrel has been improved.

Advantages

The main feature is the relatively high firing range for this type of weapon. But this is far from the only advantage. Should also be mentioned:

• due to its small dimensions, concealed carrying is possible;
• reliable, easy to disassemble, clean and reassemble;
• high penetration ability.

Flaws

Despite the high popularity of the AKS-74U, the product also has a number of disadvantages. Some of them lead to refusal to use this weapon, some require getting used to. It all depends on the desires and capabilities of the owner.

• First of all, significantly lower accuracy is noticeable to the naked eye compared to the original version of the product.
• The sighting range is similarly low when compared with the classic version of the machine gun.
• Low percentage of stopping effect. This term refers to a bullet parameter that determines the enemy’s ability to take further action after being hit by a bullet. In this case, the indicator is low this parameter associated with the use of 5.45 caliber.
• The model overheats quickly due to its small size.

Kalashnikov assault rifle in popular culture

In a number African countries newborn boys are given the name “Kalash”. There are many versions of this naming.

One theory says that it is named after the hero of the film “22 Minutes” - a Somali pirate who helped the main character.

According to another version, it is argued that the name has no semantic connection with the Kalashnikov assault rifle, but means something in local dialects.

There is also a religious interpretation, rooted in totemistic religions based on the cult of patron ancestors. Such views are held by about 16% of the population of all Africa.

According to this interpretation, the Kalashnikov assault rifle is so famous all over the world that it is difficult to name a country that it would not have influenced. In particular, in a number armed conflicts and these weapons were also used in Africa.

In the end, it got to the point that a number of African tribes that used the famous Kalash identified this weapon with the spirit of a great ancestor, capable of both harming and protecting. Therefore, when a boy was born, and, therefore, a warrior, he was called “Kalash”, thereby implying that the future protector, support and hope of the whole family was growing.

But this is just one theory.

On many albums musical groups Images of a Kalashnikov assault rifle are used in different directions.

The song "Dragunov" by the Swedish Industrial band Raubtier mentions a Kalashnikov assault rifle in the following context:

«Dragunov and Stolichnaya

Smirnoff and Kalashnikoff."

This is the unusual use the Kalashnikov assault rifle has found. The device, purpose, performance characteristics are not involved in any way.

"Kalashnikov" on the coats of arms of countries around the world

The famous machine gun is or was present at various times on the coats of arms of a number of countries. For example, it is used on the coat of arms and (with an attached bayonet) in the heraldry of the state of Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso from 1987 to 1997.

Since 2007, the outlines of the Kalash have been used on the coat of arms of East Timor.

Also used in the emblem of the Vanguard of the Red Youth, a communist Bolshevik organization common in the states of the former USSR.

Coat of arms of the Ukrainian volunteer paramilitary association formed to eliminate local conflict on the territory of Donbass, also includes a Kalashnikov assault rifle.

The first damn thing is lumpy. This saying fully reflects the beginning of the path along which the Kalashnikov model 47 assault rifle went. In 1946, the Soviet government announced a competition for the development of automatic weapons chambered for 7.62 caliber.

At the first stage of the competition, drawings of the future weapon were presented. Among many drawings, the commission selected three candidates for further testing, among them were the drawings of Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov.

Kalashnikov assault rifle AK-47 (photo)

The history of the creation of the Kalashnikov assault rifle

“There are wonderful weapons, so beautiful that you want to pick them up and hug them.”
“Mikhail Kalashnikov is a soldier who knows how to draw”

Suzanne Viau, 1991

To participate in the second stage, which took place in November 1946, Kalashnikov produced 5 samples, called AK-46. Three copies had different properties, AK-47 with a wooden stock and two with a metal folding stock. The cocking trigger and the bolt cocking hook were located on the left side of the receiver, there was also a fire mode switch and, separately, a fuse.

The machine consisted of two main parts:

• first- barrel with fore-end, receiver and magazine socket;
• second- trigger box with butt, pistol grip and trigger guard.

During assembly, the parts were connected with a pin passing through the holes in the receiver and trigger boxes. When testing the AK-47 without a stock, none of the competition participants satisfied the conditions for reliability and accuracy of fire.

All subjects were sent for revision.

The AK-46 has undergone a radical redesign.

The cocking hook was moved to the right side. The fire mode switch and safety have been combined and also moved to the right side.

When in the “on safety” position, the switch closed the cutout on the receiver cover for moving the cocking hook and prevented dust and dirt from getting inside. The receiver cover began to completely cover the trigger mechanism. The machine gun stock and bolt frame were combined with a rod. The barrel length was reduced by 80 mm.

In this form, the AK-46 entered final testing. Thanks to the changes made, it was possible to increase the reliability of the weapon and reduce firing failures, but the accuracy of fire remained below the requirements. Despite this, the commission decided to allow the AK-46 into production, and in the future solve the problem of high accuracy of fire.

a decree was issued Decree of the Council of Ministers of the USSR on the adoption of the AK-47 and AKS-47

On July 18, 1949, a Decree of the Council of Ministers of the USSR was issued on the adoption of the AK-47 and AKS-47 (with a folding stock). The cost of manufacturing the first batches was very high, since the receiver was made by milling and there was a large percentage of defects.

Subsequently, the receiver began to be stamped, which had a positive effect on production costs. Changes were regularly made to the design of the AK-47 to improve its performance characteristics. And in 1959, production of AKM (Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle, modernized) began.

Performance characteristics of the AK-47

AK-47 weight

The first AK-47 models , those produced before 1959 were significantly heavier than subsequent ones. This was due to the technology of manufacturing the receiver.

• weight without bayonet and magazine was 3.8 kg;
• weight with attached empty magazine 4.3 kg;
• weight with loaded magazine - 4.876 kg;
• weight with attached bayonet and loaded magazine 5.09 kg.

AKM had the following weight indicators:

• with an attached empty magazine - 3.1 kg;
• without a bayonet, with a loaded magazine - 3.6 kg (AKMS - 3.8 kg)

Depending on the model of the machine, its weight also changes. Short barrel models are lighter than regular models. The use of plastic instead of wood in the manufacture of the butt and fore-end, as well as the replacement of the steel magazine with a plastic one, significantly reduced the weight of the machine and the ease of use. However, the AKS47 and AKMS models weighed a little more due to the presence of a steel folding stock.

The device of the AK-47 assault rifle

The combat AK-47 consists of the following main parts:

• trunk;
• receiver;
• sighting device;
• receiver cover;
• butt and pistol grip;
• bolt carrier with gas piston;
• gate;
• return mechanism;
• gas tube with receiver lining;
• trigger mechanism;
• forend;
• shop;
• bayonet knife.

The modernized AK-47 differs from the design of the AKM and subsequent models in the absence of a muzzle brake-compensator, a greater arc curvature of the magazine and a low position of the butt heel in relation to the line of the weapon.

The device of the AK-47 assault rifle

Trunk

The barrel is fixedly fixed to the receiver without the possibility of its detachment. The barrel is rifled, with 4 rifling, running from left to top to right, which serve to impart rotational movement to the bullet. There is a chamber in the breech of the barrel, and at the opposite end there is a stand with a front sight. In the center of the barrel there is a hole for removing powder gases.

Receiver

The receiver serves to collect all parts and mechanisms into a single whole. The trigger mechanism is placed inside the receiver.

Sighting device

Serves to point the weapon at the target when firing.

Receiver cover

Serves to protect the internal parts of the receiver from contamination.

Stock and pistol grip

Serve for ease of handling weapons.

Bolt carrier with gas piston

Necessary for actuating the bolt and trigger mechanism

Gate

It sends a cartridge into the chamber, locks the barrel during a shot, breaks the primer and removes the cartridge case from the chamber after the shot.

Return mechanism

Using a spring, it returns the bolt carrier and bolt to the forward position.

Gas tube with barrel lining

The tube serves to direct the movement of the gas piston, and the pad protects your hands from burns.

Trigger mechanism

It is placed inside the receiver and serves to release the bolt and strike the firing pin. Provides firing in single or burst modes. Allows you to put the weapon on safety.

Handguard

Protects hands from burns and provides convenience when using weapons.

Shop

Serves to place cartridges in it and feed them into the receiver.

Bayonet knife

In a close position, it is used to defeat enemy personnel in hand-to-hand combat. When unfastened, it's like a knife.

Operating principle

To understand the principle of operation of the AK-47, it is necessary to understand three stages in the operation of the mechanisms of this machine gun.

Stage 1: position of parts and mechanisms before loading

The firing mode switch is in the “on safety” position and closes the cutout in the receiver cover along which the bolt hook moves. Gas piston with the bolt carrier and bolt, under the action of the return spring, are in the extreme forward position. The bore is locked with a bolt. The trigger is in the extreme forward position.

Stage 2: position of parts and mechanisms during loading

To load a weapon, you need to attach a magazine with cartridges, move the fire mode switch to the “automatic fire” position, and move the bolt to the rearmost position by hand. At the same time, the bolt unlocks the barrel bore, the trigger is positioned on the firing trigger.

The bolt, which is pulled back all the way, should be released; under the action of a spring, it moves forward from its rearmost position, with its lower plane it pushes the upper cartridge out of the magazine, sends it into the barrel bore and locks it there.

Stage 3: firing a shot

The shot is fired by pressing the tail of the trigger. The trigger, under the action of the mainspring, strikes the firing pin, which breaks the cartridge primer with its striker. The energy from the broken primer ignites the gunpowder in the cartridge case. From the sudden ignition of gunpowder, the bullet begins to move along the barrel. As soon as it passes the gas outlet hole, part of the energy of the powder gases goes into this hole, where they press on the piston, which moves the bolt frame back, dragging the bolt along with it.

Moving back, the bolt ejects the empty cartridge case and releases the chamber.

Shots in the "automatic fire" mode will continue as long as the trigger is pressed or until the cartridges run out.

To fire shots in the “single shooting” mode, you must press the tail of the trigger for each shot.

AK modifications

As already mentioned, in 1949, two types of assault rifles were adopted - AK-47 and AKS-47. The second option was equipped with a metal stock folding down.

AKS-47 - tactical

These modifications were replaced in 1959 by the AKM - a modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle. It was lighter, more reliable and easier to handle. Due to changes in the production technology of the receiver it is also cheaper.

Which was modified, which made it possible to improve the characteristics of the Kalashnikov in terms of such a parameter as accuracy of fire. At the end of the barrel there was a thread for installing a compensator or muffler. A mount for an under-barrel grenade launcher has also appeared.

Among the varieties was, as before, the Kalashnikov AKS-47 assault rifle with a folding metal butt. These models, equipped with night vision devices, were called AKMN and AKMSN.

Modification of AK-47 (AKM and AKMS)
Automatic AKS 47

In 1974, the AK-74 chambered for 5.45 mm caliber was adopted. The design of the AK-47 has changed to accommodate a smaller caliber cartridge, which has a positive effect on the tactical and technical characteristics of the weapon. When firing a lighter bullet, weapon vibrations decreased, which, along with the use of a new muzzle brake-compensator, increased shooting accuracy.