AKM: The Acme of AKs

There are many great Kalashnikovs. However, the AKM is the most popular rifle variant. Here are the reasons why the AKM is still the standard in small arms worldwide. The AKM could be compared to a virus, but not in a negative way or to comment on its lethality. Instead, it is meant to highlight their endurance as well as their ability to spread. This is because the AKM had already spread beyond the Soviet Union by the time it was “infected” in 1959. It was distributed to allies in Asia and Africa shortly after its adoption by Soviets in 1959. This rifle saw more action during its infancy than any other rifles did throughout their entire existence. The Soviet Union alone produced more than 10 million AKM rifles. Licensed production from other countries adds to the total. Unlicensed copies and pseudoAKM clones such as the Chinese Type 56 make it almost impossible to imagine how many AKMs are in circulation around the globe. It’s no surprise that AKM is the most popular small arms in the world. The AKM’s initial popularity in the world has created a positive feedback loop that has allowed it to remain relevant today as it did sixty years ago. Photo: WikipediaWhat is an AKM? Technically speaking, the AKM refers to a select-fire AK variant produced at the Tula or Izhmash arms plants between 1959 and 1977. True AKMs such as these are quite common in the world. However, people often misunderstand what they mean by “AKM”. AKM is the generic term for the AKM-pattern rifle. It is a pattern that can be used interchangeably and is based on the original Soviet design. This definition will allow us to eliminate all pedantry and see that all AKM components can be interchangeable, regardless of whether they are a Russian AKMS variant or an Egyptian MISR. There are some caveats to this, such as the possibility of needing to re-headspace for bolt swapping and the fact that automatic FCGs may be different from semi-auto ones. AKM DevelopmentAn AKM from one country can be repaired using parts from another. The first generation of AK rifles, also known as AK-47s, used a stamped sheet metal receiver. However, insufficient manufacturing techniques led the to problems. Type 2 and Type 3 “AK-47s”, however, used a stamped sheet metal receiver. Insufficient manufacturing techniques led to issues. The AKM’s return to the original stamped receiver design was the most important change. It was possible to produce it by 1959. The AKM receiver was formed from a 1mm thick steel sheet, then riveted to a front trunnion and rear trunnion. It was significantly cheaper to make than the milled counterpart and lighter than the other options. The result was a rifle that was as reliable as the AK-47 and as easy to use, but was also well-suited for mass production at low cost in Russia and elsewhere. The AKM was created by its creator because his home was being invaded by a foreign power while they were severely under-armed. Mikhail Kalashnikov didn’t want to see this happen again so mass production was his primary goal. The AKM was born in 1959. Photos: WikipediaAKM ModularityStandardization of arms between allies is often a goal of modern militaries. NATO tried to achieve it with the adoption the FN FAL, but it was never fully achieved. The Soviets and their allies were fortunate to have achieved standardization. All AKM rifles were built from the original Russian specifications. It didn’t matter if they were officially licensed or bootlegs, the blueprints will be nearly identical.Standardization would have a positive but unintended effect on the AKM’s popularity. It was possible to swap furniture and other parts, which helped to create a highly customizable weapon system. You only need to look at a few examples of AKs around the globe to see how customizable they can be. A standard fixed-stock AKM can be made more tactical by adding an East German-styled side folder or a Romanian dong grip. A Somalian soldier with a Chinese-reverse-engineered Type 56 AKM copy modified using East German plastic “pebbles”. Photo: WikipediaIn 2021 the AKM does not restrict shooters to factory parts. The availability of aftermarket accessories has increased dramatically due to the continued use by the AK by both the government and private sectors. All sizes of firearms accessory companies around the world produce modern tactical upgrades that can bring older AKMs into 21st-century use. Another positive result of the AKM’s widespread acceptance is that its cartridge and feeding device are now equally plentiful. Many decently sized countries have so many 7.62×39 stocks that they refuse to give up the caliber just for economic reasons. Some of these countries have kept their old AKMs, while others, such as Nigeria and Venezuela have bought more modern AK variants. Even countries like Russia, which moved to 5.45 years ago, still issue 7.62-AKs in certain circumstances. Due to their increased barrier penetration, some Spetsnaz from Syria have been seen favoring them. The platform is still viable in modern combat. Photos by Russian Ministry of Defense. Some Western soldiers have used the AKM in good use. Some still do so today. It was used by some American special troops in Vietnam, some Rhodesians during Bush War and many modern PMCs throughout the Middle East.AKM in America. The same reasons that made the AKM so popular abroad are also the reasons that made it so popular in America. There are a few people who love Yugoslavian-pattern rifles and milled AKs, but the AKM is still the king. There are many aftermarket options for other patterns, but none are as common or as widespread as their AKM-pattern counterparts. This is true for 7.62×39 magazines as well as the other popular calibers. This doesn’t mean Zastava and Arsenal rifles aren’t good, but it does suggest that an American looking to buy the best AK he can afford in 2021 would be better served by a WASR or WBP Fox. Photo by Rock Island Auction Company. Parting ShotThe AKM is used in every major human conflict since its inception. It will likely be used in any human conflict that is not on Earth. The AKM team could not have imagined the future of this little assault rifle. The original purpose of the AKM was to arm Soviet troops and their allies. However, it became almost synonymous with the idea of a gun. Gun-illiterates like to call anything that takes a magazine “AK”, while villagers on the other end of the globe who have never seen a television know how to disassemble one. No matter what your opinion is about the AKM’s mechanical merits it is unique in that no other gun has ever been placed on a flag. Photo: Wikipedia. The AKM is a familiar weapon to all shooters, regardless of whether they are a conscript in an army of a poorer country or a Western advisor, Somali pirate, or just a casual hobby shooter. Although there have been many improvements to the original design, such as the AK-100 series of guns, none of these will ever achieve the same mythic status that the AKM. The AKM was born at the right time and in the right place. There will probably never be another gun with the same success story. An AKM is a solid choice no matter where you are, who you are, or what you do. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be downloaded in MOA. Perfect for long-range shooting! Get free targets