Question by *Newell*: Is the AK-47 simply an astute copy of the German StG 44?
I look at the Stg 44. I look at the AK-47. It seems to me, the Soviets/Russians just looked at the StG 44, made to Soviet production standards, and changed the caliber to 7.62mm.
Mr. Kalashnikov says the AK-47 has nothing to do with the StG 44.
Answers and Views:
Answer by Michael
I’m not all that familiar with the StG 44 to give a real informed opinion, but I tend to agree with Kalashnikov. The guns kinda look the same, but I suspect the differences are pronounced.
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akluis says
they look similar. They have similar external features.
pop them open and mechanically you'll see they are nothing alike. Kalashnikov used some elements of the Stg 44, but he borrowed just as heavily from the M1 Carbine/M1 Garand and also the Remington Model 8
lana_sands says
No! The Stg-44 used a roller delayed blowback locking system. The HK auto rifles & CEMTE use this system. The AK-47 has a gas system.
Akinci92 says
Just because a gun looks similar does not mean they are the same. If you read this book http://www.amazon.com/Gun-that-Changed-World/dp/0… Mikhail Kalashnikov does in fact say that he, and his' team, DID look at many different weapon designs when designing the AK-47. StG 44 was one of these, as was the M1 Garand and many other weapons. "Do not judge a book by it's cover" goes for firearms too. There is actually an interesting story behind Mikhail Kalashnikov, read this book and find out what you do not know.
drakon 2.0 says
no, the internals are completely different. the stg44 is more closely related to a CETME or G3 variant than anything else.
the AK actually owes a lot to the M1 garand and remington model 8 rifles.
*zero you beat me by about a minute!
Boredom Zero says
In concept, perhaps. Remember, there are also some design elements of the M-1 Garand in the AK design.