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Quick Look

The AK-47, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1947, revolutionized assault rifles with its durability and ease of use. Its design emphasizes simplicity and ruggedness for reliability in harsh conditions. Today, the AK-47 remains one of the most widely used rifles globally, favored for military, paramilitary, and civilian applications.

Why It's a Top Choice

Exceptionally reliable in adverse environments
Simple design for ease of maintenance
Wide availability of parts and ammunition
Proven effectiveness since 1947
Strong aftermarket support and variants

Key Variants

AK-74

Introduced in the 1970s, the AK-74 uses smaller 5.45x39mm rounds for reduced recoil and improved accuracy.

AKM

A modernized AK-47 variant with stamped receiver, lighter weight, and enhanced production efficiency.

AK-103

Chambered in 7.62x39mm with modern materials, the AK-103 offers durability and compatibility with AK-47 magazines.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	Ak-47	M16	FN Scar
MSRP	$700–$900	$850–$1,200	$1,800–$2,200
Capacity/Size	30 rounds / 41.5 in	30 rounds / 39 in	20–30 rounds / 36.7 in
Weight	7.9 lbs	6.4 lbs	7.9 lbs
Optics-Ready	Limited (mount rail options)	Yes (Picatinny rail)	Yes (integrated rails)
Trigger Type	Single-stage, simple	Two-stage	Adjustable
Notable Pro	Unmatched reliability	High accuracy potential	Modularity and ergonomics
Notable Con	Heavier and less ergonomic	More complex maintenance	High price point

Best Use Cases

Military and paramilitary combat
Home defense and security
Recreational shooting and training
Collection of historic firearms
Rural hunting with appropriate calibers

FAQs

Can I use standard AK-47 magazines on AK variants?

Most modern AK variants chambered in 7.62x39mm accept standard AK-47 magazines, ensuring broad compatibility and ease of reload.

What type of ammunition does the AK-47 use?

The classic AK-47 fires 7.62x39mm cartridges, well-known for penetration and reliability under harsh conditions.

How does the AK-47 compare to AR-15 in durability?

The AK-47's design favors robust parts and looser tolerances, making it highly durable and reliable in adverse environments compared to the AR-15.

AK47 for Sale