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Browse: Home / Russian Military

Is there a difference between an AK-47 and AK-74?

Question by Ryan: Is there a difference between an AK-47 and AK-74 other than the year of manufacturing?
Also, which came first and is one superior to the other?

Answers and Views:

Answer by SNIPER
The Ak-47 was made in 1947 shortly after the end of World War II.

It has a 7.62 mm round making it more powerful and able to tear through lightly armored vehicles such as school buses. But the problem with having such a big calibre was that it resulted in nasty recoil making accurate aiming next to impossible.

SO, TO IMPROVE THE PROBLEM,

The Russians, in 1974, made the AK-74. It was basically the AK-47 with all the problems ironed out.

The AK-74 uses the 5.42 mm round. While not as powerful as the 7.62 mm round, it did it’s job cutting through soft targets (humans).

Also, due to the decreased calibre size, there was practically no recoil. It was easily superior to the AK-47. The AK-74 became the true rival of the then M-16 versions.

In fact, the AK-74 became so popular with Soviet troops that it was further refined and the AKM series was born.

The AK-74 was and is still being used by some elite Russian paramilitary troops.

Hope this helps!

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Comments ( 3 )

  1. Curious says

    The numbers eg 47 and 74 are the year of design so the AK47 predates the AKS74 by nearly 30 years.

    The caliber is the main difference. AK47 is 7.62 mm and the AKS is 5.45.

    Reply
  2. puffdaddy_1969 says

    they are pretty much the same rifle. ak-74 is different caliber

    Reply
  3. Hi says

    Not 100% sure but i think the AK-74 has a longer barrel then AK-47, which provides greater accuracy. dont know which one is superiour.

    Reply

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