In today’s article, we’re going to discuss the evolution of Mikhail Kalashnikov’s most iconic creation: the Avtomat Kalashnikova, and pit the AK-47 vs AK-74 to find out where they differ and how much they still have in common.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand why the AK47 is still so popular today and why it was ultimately succeeded by the current Russian military rifle: the Avtomat Kalashnikova AK-74
The Evolution of the Kalashnikov
When Mikhail Kalashnikov developed the AK-47, he probably didn’t know how popular it was exactly going to be. The AK-47, and its variants, are the most popular assault rifles in the world.
Almost every person on the planet has probably seen one, whether it be in person with their own eyes, on the big screen of a movie theater, or even on the major news networks.
However, because of the massive popularity of the rifle, average citizens tend to call every AK platform variant an “AK-47”.
This takes the spotlight away from the AK-47’s more modern version, the AK-74, which is actually the rifle currently used by the Russian military- and many other armed forces in the world.
AK47 vs AK74: How They Differ
Today we are going to explore the evolution of the Kalashnikov and talk about some of the major functional and cosmetic differences between the AK-47 and AK-74.
The first, and most important difference between the two rifles is the calibers they are chambered in. The classic AK-47 and its variants like the AKM are chambered in the 7.62×39 cartridge, whereas the AK-74 is chambered in the 5.45×39 caliber cartridge.
7.62×39 vs 5.54×39 Cartridge Changes
The AK-74, as the name suggests, was developed in the mid-70s, around this time, the nature of modern conflicts was changing, and most militaries were moving to a smaller and faster caliber.
The US had already been using the 5.56×45 cartridge in the M16 for a while, and seeing the success with the better ballistics of the 5.56 caliber, the Soviet Union created the 5.45×39 to be used in the AK-74.
These rounds are smaller than AK-74 rounds, and carry less stopping power, but have better range, accuracy, and lower recoil.
In fact, with the standard 16.3-inch barrel on both rifles, the AK-47 has an effective range of around 300 meters, whereas, with the AK-74, the effective range is doubled to almost 600 meters.
Some people also argue that the 5.45 round is more deadly because of how it tumbles after hitting a target.
There is no arguing that the 5.45 round of the AK-74 is more accurate than the 7.62 calibers of the AK-47. In fact, you can generally get a 2-6 MOA group with an AK-47, whereas the AK-74 is much more accurate coming in at 1-4 MOA.
This combined with the already super reliable system of the AK platform, allowed the AK-74 to stand the test of time, and remain Russia’s standard-issue military rifle to this day.
Magazine Changes
Now, with this change in caliber, there are also going to be many subtle, and some not-so-subtle, changes in the appearance of the two rifles. Though they do look similar, one of the biggest giveaways is going to be the AK magazine.
Because of the smaller caliber, the magazines for the AK-74 aren’t as curved as the “Banana Mags” that are used with an AK-47.
Obviously, since the caliber and magazine are different, the magazine well is also going to be different, however, AK-74s still use the same paddle magazine release that AK-47s have.
the New gas block
After the magazine, the next major difference that you will notice is the gas system. Traditionally, AK-47s have a 45-degree gas block, and in some cases a 45-degree gas port as well, whereas the AK-74 has a 90-degree gas port.
Now, this isn’t true for every AKM and AK47, since some modern versions do have the more straight 90-degree gas post like the AK-74.
The muzzle devices
Staying at the front of the gun, another major difference between these two rifles is the Muzzle devices and muzzle threads.
Both rifles typically have threaded barrels, however, the AK-47 has 14/1 left-handed threads directly threaded on the barrel, whereas on an AK-47 you have 24/1.5 right-handed threads, that are part of the front sight assembly, rather than being directly mounted onto the barrel.
A new bolt design
The operation of both the guns is very similar, and both are long-stroke piston-operated rifles, however, in terms of the internals, the bolt carrier group of the AK74 is slightly different.
It has lightning grooves that make the rifle lighter and make it run faster as well. The AK-74 has a cyclic rate of about 650 rounds per minute, whereas an AK-47 fires about 600 rounds per minute.
Some Changes in furniture
When it comes to AK furniture, you can see all kinds of different stocks and handguards on both AK-47s and AK-74s, however, if we talk about the traditional appearance of both rifles, there are some differences.
AK-47s more commonly tend to have wooden furniture, and they have many different kinds of stocks, however, in AK-74s, you will more commonly see polymer furniture.
The stock of a typical AK-74 also has a rubber butt plate however and lightning grooves. In general, AK-74s are also lighter than AK47s.
Because of their light furniture, bolt carrier group, and ammo, an AK-74 can weigh around 7 pounds, as opposed to the 9 pounds of an AKM, Milled receiver AK-47s can be even heavier.
the Most Popular winner: The AK-47
That is about all of the prominent and important evolutions of the Kalashnikov platform. Both the AK-47 and AK-74 make for exceptionally reliable military and civilian rifles that are gaining popularity in the US.
The AK-47, however, has an iconic design and a place in the heart of every AK enthusiast’s collection.
It is estimated that there are over 100 million AK-47s and AKM in circulation in the world. AKMs are also more common in the US as compared to the 74. They are cheaper and so is the Ammo.
Evolutionary Winner: The AK-74
Still, if you were to talk about practicality and combat effectiveness, the AK-74 is the superior rifle. It is more accurate, lighter, cheaper to manufacture, has the same reliability, and allows you to carry more ammunition as well.
This is the main reason the Russian military still uses the AK-74 and is replacing it with an upgraded variant known as the AK105.
The Most Adopted Rifle Platform in History
Both the AK-47 and 74 were developed in the Soviet Union, and because of the Soviet communist system, there is no patent applied to them.
This allows anyone to freely build these rifles, and many gun builders and firearm manufacturers do make them all over the world. We’ve come to the end of this article comrades! I hope you found it interesting and educational.
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