"Why the AK-47 Dominates" Topic

"A few months ago, fighters from the Free Syrian Army ran American special-operations forces out of a town near the Turkish border, hurling insults like "infidels," "crusaders," "dogs" and "pigs." These fighters, who are actively benefiting from U.S. support, brandished the most recognizable gun of all time, the Kalashnikov. The power of this image cannot be understated.

Thanks in no small part to the film, television and video-game industries, most people associate the AK-47 with tyrannical terrorists, depraved drug cartels and rabid rebels. Indeed, the high profile use of Kalashnikovs in the Dallas police shooting and the Islamic State's Paris attack reinforces this link. Originally built for the Soviet Army and as a tool for spreading communism around the globe, there are now over 75 million Kalashnikovs and variants in circulation, produced by nearly one hundred nations. The rifle is easy to produce, easy to use and reliable, which makes it so effective at. The AK has made its mark on countless conflicts on nearly every continent. The story of this weapon is one of battlefield utility, market saturation and ill-advised arms shipments…"
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Anyone who have fired it?… Comments…?…

Amicalement
Armand

I wouldn't say the AK is easy to use, if you never handled one and have only a cursory understanding of guns you're likely to struggle to operate it. Most beginners would struggle to get the magazine inserted and could accidentally take the gun apart if they start experimenting. One of the hostages in the Cacher Supermarket in Paris learned this the hard way, the hostage taker had two rifles and left one of them leaning against the wall, the hostage grabbed it but was unable to figure out that the gun wasn't cocked and the safety was on, which means he was gunned down in response.

Also contrary to popular belief the AK is not immune to dirt and mud. Get enough of it in the chamber and the AK starts to malfunction. Ironically the gun that is often described as chronically unreliable, the M16/AR-15, is much less susceptible to dirt because the tight bolt and dust cover keep out most dirt and mud.

Another myth is the complete lack of accuracy, due to the tolerances used it's never going to be a match rifle, but a skilled shooter can and will easily hit man-sized targets at range. The inaccuracy claim often comes from people who picked up rifles that have been kicking around for decades and have suffered accordingly.

Probably the most shocking is that in terms of ammo the Soviets beat NATO twice at their own game. They introduced the 7.62x39 which is a true intermediate cartridge, unlike the 7.62x54, which was a retread to bolt-action ammo designed to take out a man-sized target at 500 yards with a single bullet, not be fired from a lightweight automatic weapon as the designers couldn't imagine shooting anything less than full red-blooded 30-06 style ammo out of a modern gun. When the US and NATO switched to the 5.56mm the Soviets introduced their own 5.45mm bullet. A lot has been said and written about the 5.56mm ammo and while it has proven itself useful in many cases, it still lags in areas such as barrier penetration and a lack of punch at longer ranges (exacerbated by the widespread use of carbine-length weapons) The 5.45mm bullet is longer than the 5.56mm which means that it has greater mass, better ballistics and is more effective at longer ranges.

The AK has become a badge of rank, to some it's something exotic, to others it's a symbol of power and rebellion.

Oddly enough the US is now one of the largest producers of AK clones and has a very strong following among gun enthusiasts. As for their use in attacks in Europe the fact that these weapons are still easily available in places like former Yugoslavia is the reason terrorists haven't bothered looking for alternatives.

"These fighters, who are actively benefiting from U.S. support, brandished the most recognizable gun of all time, the Kalashnikov. The power of this image cannot be understated."

I think in the second sentence there the author wrote the opposite of what he intended. But I agree with it as written.

Thanks!.

Amicalement
Armand

As to that hostage Patrick – there are a lot of firearms that could take a bit of time to figure out where the safety is and how to cock and load it even with a general knowledge of firearms.

With more than a few seconds to examine it the AK is actually pretty straightforward – the cocking handle is blocked by the pivoting safety which is fairly obvious.

My experience is with the MAK-90 and the AK's big brother the PSL-54c – a stretched version of the AK firing the 7.62x54r cartridge.

The MAK-90 is the Chinese made AK clone that was imported to the US in a semi-auto version with a thumbhole stock.

The safety is a bit stiff, but its placement and operation are logical and straightforward. While requiring a bit of a reach with the thumb with the rifle in firing position it is doable.

The magazine release takes a bit of practice, but is actually again a logical and efficient design. Holding the magazine in either hand the thumb pulls the release in to the magazine to release it. A little practice and it is a fairly smooth and natural operation.

Haven't fired the AK/MAK-90 enough to really get proficient, but can hit man sized targets past 100. With the PSL, which is my favored hunting rifle, I have taken 5 deer and an elk over the years at ranges from 50 to 200. Matter of fact, I don't think I've failed to get any animal I fired at although some were moving and required more than one shot to hit (one reason to have a semi).

I have fired one. It comes up quick and tight to the shoulder.
Excellent gun sites, balanced weight, and recoil was except able. Did not get a chance to throw it in mud, then shoot it. Was a friends gun.

carried one in RVN, at times. Had some very bad experiences with my m16 as we worked in a sandy area. Bang, click is not a happy sound when it hits the fan :0

Thanks also!…

Amicalement
Armand

I've used both the M16 and AK … They are equally "easy" use, etc., IMO. And as always a weapon if only as good the troop behind it.

One reason IMO the US "issues" AKs to "locals" is the availability of ammo, mags, etc. And many of the "locals" may already be (very) familiar with it.