AK47/AKM/AK74 HANDBOOK
AN OPERATIONAL GUIDE TO THE AK SERIES RIFLES
by
Mike Pannone and Erik Lawrence
AK47/AKM/AK74 HANDBOOK
By Mike Pannone and Erik Lawrence
Copyright ©2014 Erik Lawrence,
All rights reserved.
Published in eBook format by Erik Lawrence Publications
Converted by http://www.eBookIt.com
Print ISBN-13: 978-0-9905131-4-8
eBook ISBN-13: 978-1-941998-49-6
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the copyright holder. Exceptions to this include reviewers who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine, newspaper, or on the Internet.
ATTENTION US MILITARY UNITS, US GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: Quantity discounts are available on bulk purchases of this book. Special books or book excerpts can also be created to fit specific needs. For information, please contact:
Erik Lawrence
21150 Barbour County Highway | Philippi, WV 26416
Although the author has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of information contained in this book, we assume no responsibility for the use or misuse of information contained in this book, errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any inconsistency herein. Portions of this manual are excerpts from outside sources but have been validated and modified as necessary.
WARNING, SAFETY, AND TRAINING
WARNING
Firearms are potentially dangerous and must be handled responsibly by individuals. The technical information presented in this publication on the use of the weapon system reflects the author’s research, beliefs, and experiences. The information in this book is presented for academic study only. Neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for the use or misuse of information contained in this book.
While AK-47 rifles are reliable, well constructed weapons, they must be properly cleaned and maintained to ensure safe and reliable operation.
•Thoroughly clean the firearm.
•Make sure there are no obstructions in the bore.
•Be completely familiar with the proper operation of your firearm, especially the safety features.
•Use only new ammunition of the correct type, caliber and loading. Do not use hand loaded or reloaded ammunition.
Clearing the AK Style Rifle
•Ensure the rifle is on SAFE. At all time during the clearing, you must remain aware to not touch the trigger and keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
•Remove the magazine by pressing the magazine catch towards the rear of the magazine and rock the magazine forward to release it. Place the magazine down or in a pouch.
•Place the rifle on FIRE (semi or auto) and pull the charging handle to the rear and hold it back. Observe the round extracting and ejecting from the ejection port; do not attempt to retain the round.
•Visually observe that there is no magazine in the rifle and no round in the chamber; physically check with your finger in low-light conditions.
•Return the rifle’s safety lever to the safe position (top position).
SAFETY NOTICE
Before starting an inspection, ensure the weapon is cleared. Do not manipulate the trigger until the weapon has been cleared of all ammunition. Inspect the chamber to ensure that it is empty and no ammunition is present. Keep the weapon oriented in a safe direction when loading and handling.
TRAINING
Training should be received from knowledgeable and experienced operators on this particular weapons system.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To Mikhail Kalashnikov for producing one of the most prolific assault rifles ever fielded, and most of all, to those men and women who train foreign armies to help fight the Global War on Terrorism.
CHAPTER 1
DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS
AK47/AKM
Specifications
•Mode: Select Fire (Semi and Full Automatic)
•Operation: Gas operated, rotating bolt with 2 lugs
•Cartridge: 7.62x39mm M43
•Weight (magazine without ammunition):
•AK-47 - 4.3 kg/9.5 lbs.
•AKM - 3.14 kg/ 6.9 lbs.
•Overall length: 87 cm/34 inches
•Cyclic rate of fire: 600 rpm
•Combat effective range: 400m
Feed
•Ammunition magazine capacity: 20-, 30-, and 40-round magazines in metal, plastic, and Bakelite construction
•75-round drums for the RPK from multiple countries
•Magazine lock up is a hook-front-and-rock-back-to-lock type
Barrel
•Length: 41.5 cm/16.3 inches
•Muzzle velocity: 710 m/s/2,330 fps
Sights
•Front - protected cylindrical post
•Rear - rectangular notch, tangent ramp
•Rear sight graduation - 100-800 (AK) or 1000 (AKM) meters in 100-meter increments; battle setting is approximately 250 meters.
•Adjustment - front sight for zero only (short-range windage and elevation) and rear sight for long-range elevation
Action
•Locking feature is a rotating bolt.
•Select fire from the closed bolt
•Safety
