Soviet/Russian Versions

AK-47

Type I AK-47, hybrid stamped/milled receiver with prototype slab sided magazine 7.62x39mm

Type II AK-47 (note stock mounting bracket) with prototype slab sided magazine 7.62x39mm

Type II AK-47 - 7.62x39mm

Type III AK-47 with prototype slab sided magazine - 7.62x39mm

Final Production version of the Type III AK-47 with cleaning rod removed and
laminated stock - 7.62x39mm

Poly Technologies AK-47 - 7.62x39mm. This is the commercial clone of the original
Type III AK-47 and is the most used in American films and shows when showing the
milled receiver AK-47

Authentic AK-47 built from US Receiver. This is an Actual Screen used AK-47 from
the film We Were Soldiers (built by Cinema Weaponry) - 7.62x39mm
NOTE: while the English-speaking tradition is to call the Russian 7.62x39 assault rifle
by Mikhail Kalashnikov "AK-47", its official nomenclature is in fact was always
AK\AKM, withouth 47 added to it. The AK-74 and all its variants, though, include the
year in its original naming.

Specifications
(1949 - Present)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.6239mm

Weight: 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg)

Length: 34.3 in (87 cm)

Barrel length: 16.4 in (41.6 cm)

Feed System: 10, 20, 30, 40, 75 or 100-round box/drum magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

AKS-47

Type I AKS-47 - 7.62x39mm

Type III AKS-47 - 7.62x39mm

Type III AKS-47 with stock folded - 7.62x39mm

Poly Tech Model AK-47S Semi-Automatic Carbine - 7.62x39mm

Basically the same as the AK-47, but the rear-trunion is altered with a swiveling
mechanism to allow for the under-folding stock.

Specifications
(1949 - Present)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 6.5 lbs (3 kg)

Length: 37 in (94 cm) (stock extended), 27.6 in (70 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 16.3 in (41.5 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box mag

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

AKM

AKM, Stamped Steel Receiver w/ slant muzzle brake - 7.62x39mm

Maadi ARM - most of the AKMs seen in movies during the 1980s were imported ARMs
that were legally converted to full auto fire. This image is of an actual movie gun. The
laminated buttstock was replaced with a hardwood one when the original stock was
broken during a stunt. This example is also loaded with a 30-round bakelite plastic
magazine - 7.62x39mm

The improved version of the AK-47, featuring a number of refinements such as a

stamped receiver (as opposed to the milled receiver of the original AK-47), a slant
compensator on the tip of the barrel (to reduce recoil), an improved gas tube (without
vents), and use of lighter materials to reduce weight and simplify construction.
Most of the AKMs seen in Hollywood movies are actually Egyptian Maadi MISR
copies, which were sold in the U.S. as the ARM in the 1980s - such weapons were first
procured by Stembridge Gun Rentals for Red Dawn and subsequently re-used in
numerous other motion pictures. The Maadi is almost identical to the original Sovietbuilt AKM, save for the markings, and is nearly impossible to tell apart.
NOTE: while the English-speaking tradition is to call any Russian 7.62x39 assault rifle
by Mikhail Kalashnikov "AK-47", its official nomenclature is in fact was always
AK\AKM, withouth 47 added to it. The AK-74 and all its variants, though, include the
year in its original naming.

Specifications
(1959 - Present)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg)

Length: 34.6 in (88 cm)

Barrel length: 16.3 in (41.5 cm)

Feed System: 10, 20, 30, 40 round box magazines, 75-round drum magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

AKMS

AKMS, stamped steel receiver w/ slant muzzle brake and under-folding stock 7.62x39mm

Custom AKMS with shortened barrel, as seen in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines,
Pineapple Express, Rambo, and Taken - 7.62x39mm
Basically the same as the AKM, but the rear-trunion is altered with a swiveling
mechanism to allow for the under-folding stock. The AKMS nomenclature also
indicates that the rifle is not a milled receiver variant and has the AKM style of gas
block, top cover, barrel assembly, front sight, and appropriate forearm furniture.

Specifications
(1959 - Present)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg)

Length: 34.6 in (88 cm) (stock extended), 25.8 in (65.5 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 16.3 in (41.5 cm)

Feed System: 10, 20, 30, 40 round box magazines, 75-round drum magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

AKMSU

AKMSU Krinkov - 7.62x39mm. This is a blank adapted full auto transferable AKM
(7.62x39mm) pistol that was converted into a Krinkov via parts kit. Guns just like this
one have been used in Tropic Thunder, Three Kings, and numerous other movies and
TV shows.

AKMSU with RIS handguard - 7.62x39mm

Chopped and shortened version of the AKM, made to resemble the AKS-74U except
that it is still a 7.62x39mm gun. The AKMSU was never manufactured by the Soviet
Union; however, many other countries, including Yugoslavia, built their own versions.
Most of the so-called "AKMSU" carbines seen in Hollywood movies, such as Three
Kings, Tropic Thunder, Bad Boys II, etc. are actually full-size AK variants that have
been converted with Krinkov parts kits; many feature side-folding AKS-74U-style
stocks. The picture to the right is an actual movie gun that is identical to those that have
appeared in many films and TV shows.

AK-101

AK-101 - 5.56x45mm

Modern Russian AK rifle full size.

Specifications
(1994 - Present)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 5.5645mm NATO

Weight: 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg)

Length: 37.1 in (94.3 cm) (stock extended), 27.6 in (70 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 16.3 in (41.5 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

AK-102

AK-102 carbine - 5.56x45mm

The AK-102 is a modern day AK that is the carbine version of the AK-101

Specifications
(1990s - Present)

Type: Carbine

Caliber: 5.5645mm NATO

Weight: 6.6 lbs (3 kg)

Length: 32.4 in (82.4 cm) (stock extended), 23.1 in (58.6 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 12.4 in (31.4 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

AK-103

AK-103 - 7.62x39mm
Modern Russian AK rifle full size.

Specifications
(1994 - Present)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.6239mm

Weight: 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)

Length: 37.1 in (94.3 cm) (stock extended), 27.6 in (70 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 16.3 in (41.5 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

AK-104

AK-104 carbine - 7.62x39mm

Modern Russian AK rifle carbine.

Specifications
( - Present)

Type: Carbine

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 6.6 lbs (3 kg)

Length: 32.4 in (82.4 cm)

Barrel length: 12.4 in (31.4 cm)

Feed System: 30-round magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

AK-108
Modern full-size AK rifle borrowing operating mechanics from the AEK-971.

AK-108 - 5.56x45mm

Other Versions
Norinco Type 56

Norinco Type 56, early milled receiver model with under-folding ("pig sticker") bayonet
- 7.62x39mm

Norinco Type 56 (M22 code instead of the factory symbol as it was built for export)
lacking the under-folding ("pig sticker") bayonet and with cleaning rod removed 7.62x39mm

Norinco Type 56 (fixed stock variant) with under-folding bayonet ("pig sticker") which
was standard on PLA-issue Type 56s - 7.62x39mm

Norinco Type 56 (Imported into the U.S. as the Norinco AKS-47 or AKS-47 Sporter) 7.62x39mm. Rather than having the underfolder pig sticker Bayonet assembly, this has
the standard Bayonet lug underneath the gas block as the AKM and later variants.

Norinco Type 56-1 (under-folding stock variant), early model with milled receiver 7.62x39mm

Norinco Type 56-1 (under-folding stock variant) - 7.62x39mm

Norinco Type 56-2 (side-folding stock variant) - 7.62x39mm

Norinco Type 56 (Imported AKS-47 into the U.S.) with Chinese 75 Round Drum
Magazine - 7.62x39mm
The Chinese Type 56 assault rifle (manufactured by China North Industries
Corporation, or Norinco) is by far the most commonly-seen AK derivative in
Hollywood productions, both film and television. They are frequently seen
impersonating Russian weapons in many films, since the Russians never sold a civilian
AK model in the U.S. (or Europe) during the latter half of the 20th century. Most of the
movie prop rental houses in Hollywood had dozens if not hundreds of Chinese AKs mostly the Type 56s (7.62x39mm version) or the similar Type 84s (5.56x45mm
version). These were usually semi-automatic civilian versions (commonly designated
"AK47S" or "AKS47" by the importers), in many cases converted to full-auto by Class
III manufacturers.
There are three main variants of the Type 56 - the standard Type 56, which has a fixed
stock, the Type 56-1, which has an under-folding stock, and the Type 56-2, which has a
side-folding stock. Most fixed-stock Type 56 rifles have an under-folding spike bayonet,
known as the "pig sticker"; this rifle is often seen in movies about the Vietnam War, and
is correct for NVA throughout most of the conflict. Quite a few of the Type 56s seen in
movies also have AKM-style slant compensators fitted; this was a common feature on
semi-auto Type 56s exported to the U.S., but NOT the full-auto military model.
The easiest way to tell when an AK-type rifle seen in a movie or TV show is a Chinese
Type 56 is by looking at the front sight; Chinese AKs have a distinctive full-circle
("hooded") front sight that no other AKs (including those made in Russia) have.

Norinco Type 84S

Norinco Type 84S - 5.56x45mm

Norinco Type 84S Underfolder Model - 5.56x45mm

Norinco Type 84S "Target" Rifle - 5.56x45mm. Basically a standard Norinco Type 84S
with a slightly longer barrel. This variant was ready for market just as the 1989 US
import ban was implemented, so it is mostly seen in Canada. It has an 18.5" barrel and
was very rarely seen in the U.S. Gun market.

Norinco Type 84S Match Rifle - 5.56x45mm. Norinco was stuck sitting on a pile of 21"
RPK barrels chambered for 5.56mm when the door slammed shut on U.S. imports in
1989. Norinco saved money by mating their 21" long RPK-style barrels to their
stockpile of 84S Folding Stock receiver bodies and thus exported the Type 84S Match
to countries such as Canada and Australia. Canada would suffer their own import ban on
'frightening looking guns' in 1995. Australian gun owners would suffer such a fate in
1997.
The Type 84 rifle is nearly identical to the Chinese Type 56 (seen above), but it is
chambered in 5.56x45mm /.223 Remington. It is often seen impersonating the AK-74 in
movies and TV shows (particularly Stargate: SG1, where it is carried by Russian SG
teams).
The Type 84 was imported and sold with an AK birdcage flash hider and had a deep
polished factory blue. Several other variants of the 84S Rifle (that are mostly unfamiliar
to American Gun Owners) were victims of the 1989 Import Ban that barred most new
'assault rifles' from entering the United States. These rifles were thus mostly exported to
Canada and Australia, and as a result, appeared in television shows or movies that were
filmed in those countries. Listed here are two of the variants seen in Canadian or
Australian television (the Target and the Match versions). If it were not for Canadian or
Australian movie armorers, most of us in the U.S. would never have known these
variants existed.

Norinco MAK-90

Norinco MAK-90 - 7.62x39mm

Civilian "post-ban" version of Norinco Type 56, with 'thumbhole' stock and semi-auto
only fire mode.

Specifications
(-)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 8.3 lbs (3.7 kg)

Length: 35.1 in (89.2 cm)

Barrel length: 16.3 in (41.5 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto

Zastava M70

Zastava M70B1 fixed stock rifle - 7.62x39mm

Zastava M70AB2 folding stock rifle - 7.62x39mm

Zastava M70AB2 folding stock rifle - 7.62x39mm (non-standard pistol grip). Variants
M70B, M70AB and M70AB1 also exist, but they are rare and their specifications are
unclear.

Specifications
(1970 - Present)

Type: Carbine

Caliber: 7.6239mm

Weight: 8.2 lbs (3.7 kg)

Length: 0 in (0 cm) (stock extended), 0 in (0 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 16.3 in (41.5 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

Zastava M85

Zastava M85 - 5.56x45mm

The Zastava M85 is a compact carbine manufactured by the Yugoslavian Zastava
company, similar to the AKMSU mentioned above, although with an underfolding stock
instead of a side-folder, a three-holed handguard and is chambered for 5.56x45mm.

Specifications
(-)

Type: Carbine

Caliber: 5.56x45mm

Weight: 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)

Length: 31.5 in (80 cm), 21.3 in (54 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 10 in (25.4 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

Zastava M92

Zastava M92 - 7.62x39mm

Very similar to the Zastava M85 but chambers 7.62x39mm instead of 5.56x45mm. Note
the curved magazine.

Specifications
(-)

Type: Carbine

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)

Length: 31.5 in (80 cm), 21.3 in (54 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 10 in (25.4 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

AIM/AIMS

AIM - 7.62x39mm

PM.md.65 with cleaning rod removed - 7.62x39mm. An early version of the AIMS with
an underfolding stock and inward curved grip.

AIMS - 7.62x39mm

AIMS with 75-round drum magazine - 7.62x39mm

The Romanian clones of the AKM and AKMS, identifiable by the vertical foregrip
integrated into the handguard. The folding-stock version of the AIM, known as the
AIMS, originally had a conventional under-folding stock and the grip curving inwards
at a convex angle. This was eventually replaced by a version which had a side-folding
stock (copied from the East German MPi-KMS), as shown here.

AIMR

First model AIMR with 20 round magazine - 7.62x39mm. The original Romanian
designation for this rifle is the PM md. 80.

AIMR - 7.62x39mm. The original Romanian designation for this rifle is the PM md. 90
cu eav scurt (short barrelled).

AIMR - 5.56x45mm. The original Romanian designation for this rifle is the PA md. 97
cu eav scurt (short barrelled).

Romanian AK Draco Pistol - 7.62x39mm. This is a US import variant of the AIMR and
can be identified by its lack of a stock, a plain handguard without palmswell and 2
position selector switch.

Romanian AK Draco Carbine - 7.62x39mm. This is a Draco pistol fitted with an AIMS
folding stock to replicate the original AIMR, however it still lacks the palmswell
hanguard and 3 position selector switch.
AIMR is the collective export designation for a series of Romanian carbines based on
the AIMS. The majority feature the distinctive side folding AIMS stock and a straight
AKM type handguard (the exception being the first model PM md. 80 which has a
unique folding stock and an AIM style vertical grip handguard), and all have a 12 inch
barrel with the front sight mounted directly to the gas block. They can be found with
either a standard barrel nut, or a proprietary birdcage flash hider. A variant of the AIMR
with smooth handguards and the stock removed chambered in 7.62x39mm or
5.56x45mm was imported into the US as the "Champion Pistol". Later the designation

of "Draco Pistol" was given to 7.62x39mm weapons, with "Champion Pistol" now
referring to only 5.56x45mm weapons.

Specifications
( 1980 - Present)

Type: Carbine

Caliber: 7.62x39mm, 5.45x39mm or 5.56x45mm

Barrel length: 12 in (30.5 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

MPi-KM/MPi-KMS-72

East German MPi-KM-72 with fixed stock - 7.62x39mm. This was the transitional MPiKM-72 that still used the wooden lower hand grip from the MPi-KM. These were
common from 1965-1972. The Side folding stock was not widely distributed until 1973.

East German MPi-KM-72 with plastic stock - 7.62x39mm

East German MPi-KMS-72 with sling and side-folding stock - 7.62x39mm

The MPi-KM/MPi-KMS-72 are East German license-manufactured versions of the
AKM/AKMS. Early versions of the rifles had wooden furniture, but later models have
distinctive stippled brown buttstocks and pistol grips. The MPi-KMS also has a side
folding single strut "coat hanger" stock, a feature which is shared with the Romanian
AIMS rifle. After the German reunification, all variants of the MPi were removed from
service, with most rifles being sold as surplus to the militaries of such countries as
Finland and Turkey.
Note: The chance of seeing a 100% original East German MPi-K series of rifle in a
movie or television show is extremely unlikely. Most of the "East German" AKs that are
seen in visual media are regular AKMs using East German Parts kits.

AMD-65

Hungarian AMD-65 - 7.62x39mm

Hungarian AMD-63 - 7.62x39mm

Hungarian AMMS - 7.62x39mm

Specifications
(1965 - )

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg)

Length: 33.3 in (84.7 cm) (stock extended), 24.6 in (62.4 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 12.5 in (31.7 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

FEG NGM-81

Hungarian FEG NGM-81 with original PKM style flash hider - 5.56x45mm
The Hungarian FEG NGM-81 was a domestic rifle based on the indigenous Hungarian
AK74, but built for export. For that reason, it was chambered in 5.56x45mm, though
some 5.45x39mm variants exist. The Rifle was built between 1981-1990. The original
rifles were only offered with a fixed butt and a wooden fore-end, made in the same

Hungarian Blonde wood as the SA-85M export rifle. The folding stock version of this
rifle was called the NGV-81. Due to Cold War prohibitions against Combloc weapons
within the U.S. (except those exempted by treaty), the vast majority of the export NGM81 rifles went to Europe and Africa. Most versions omit the large PKM style flash hider,
opting instead for the standard AK-47 style muzzle nut. The FEG NGM rifle was
noteworthy in that it kept the AK-47/Type 56 style of gas block system, with the gas
relief holes in the gas tube, not the gas block (as is the case with the AKM and later
style rifles). The Gas block itself and the front sight is the AKM style in shape and the
rifle takes a Hungarian stamped metal 5.56mm magazine similar but not identical to the
Wieger style AK magazine.

Romanian WASR

A US imported Romanian WASR-2 - 5.45x39mm

A US imported Romanian WASR-3 - 5.56x45mm

A Romanian AK clone modified to accept single stack magazines for American import.
Chambered in 7.62x39mm (WASR-10), 5.45x39mm (WASR-2), and 5.56x45mm
(WASR-3). Most variants had their magazine wells adapted to take standard high
capacity magazines, by the distributors.

Bulgarian Arsenal AR

Arsenal AR - 7.62x39mm

Arsenal AR-F - 7.62x39mm

Arsenal AR-1F - 7.62x39mm

Arsenal AR-SF - 5.56x45mm NATO

Arsenal AR-M1 - 5.56x45mm NATO

Arsenal AR-M1F - 7.62x39mm

Arsenal AR-M4SF - 5.56x45mm NATO

The Arsenal AR is the name given to the Bulgarian manufactured AK clone (Built by
the Bulgaria gunmaker ARSENAL JSCo.). These modern day copies of the AK-47 have
milled receivers and are chambered in 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm in various
configurations. As time goes on, Arsenal JSCo. builds more variants for export as
civilian, military and law enforcement models.

Specifications
( - Present)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x39mm

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

Radom-Hunter
The Radom-Hunter is a Polish "sporterised" version of the AKM.

Radom Hunter - 7.62x39mm

Specifications
(???? - ????)

Manufacturer: Fabryka Broni Radom.

Type: Sniper Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 11.4 lbs (5.2 kg)

Length: 40 in (101.5 cm)

Barrel length: 20 in (50.8 cm)

Capacity: 5 (Any AK-type magazine)

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto

AKU-94

Maadi ARM in AKU-94 bullpup kit - 7.62x39mm

AK variant in AKU-94 bullpup kit - 7.62x39mm

The AKU-94 is a bullpup conversion kit (built and originally sold as a kit by K-VAR)
for the AK type rifle, Both the European style AKs (like the Romanian AKs or Egyptian
Maadis) and the Chinese style of AK rifle (Type 56) can fit into the kit. In the Mid2000s, KVAR stopped making and selling the AKU-94 conversion kit. All remaining
kits were purchased by Century Arms International, and subsequently used to 'spruce
up' AK rifles with a futuristic bullpup look. Currently various imported AK rifles
(mostly WASRs) with kit installed, is sold by Century Arms International. This bullpup
configuration retains the standard barrel length but the design makes the AK rifle more
compact making it more suitable for close quarters battle.

Specifications
(-)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 0 lbs (0 kg)

Length: 0 in (0 cm)

Barrel length: 0 in (0 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box mag

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

Firing Replicas of the AK-47

Bollywood Replica AK-47

Commonly seen in Bollywood productions due to Indian firearms restrictions, these
replica AK-47s are designed to fire blank ammunition and are most likely custom
fabricated by Indian armorers. Virtually all "AK-47s" seen in Bollywood movies
(excepting films made with the help of the Indian military) will be such blank-firing
replicas.

AK-47 replica, commonly seen in Bollywood productions. Photo from Ekta Enterprises.

Non-Firing Replicas of the AK-47

Hudson AK-47
The most common of all movie AK-47s in scenes where a real firearm was not used, is
the all metal Japanese "Hudson AK-47". Hudson, a replica gun company like Model
Gun Corp. (MGC) made many metal replicas in the 1970s and 1980s.

Hudson AK-47, a Japanese Replica firearm based on the original Type III AK-47, seen
here with AKS-style underfolding stock

See Also