6 Compelling Russian AK Variants That Paved the Way

Most people see the AK-47-style rifles in movies and on TV and think they’re pretty cool. But they are unaware of all the makes and AK variants that may or may not be available for purchase in the U.S. Perhaps your granddaddy bought a rare one that has been sitting around collecting dust and is oblivious of his small fortune. We’ve spoken about the Chinese AK before, but today we’ll focus on the Russian AK.

The Russian AK Variants

There are more than 100 million AK-style guns in use, and what makes a gun rare varies. Here, in the States, it’s what was allowed for importation. For example, if only 10 AKs were imported into the U.S. from Russia in the 1950s, even though another million were sent worldwide, those 10 items would be exceedingly rare and valuable.

More than 30 countries produce some sort of AK variant, and a dozen countries import complete guns or parts into the States. So, where to start? Let’s begin with “Mother Russia,” the parent to all that is AK.

Note that these aren’t all the AK variations the Russians made. If we were to discuss all the short-barreled rifles, AK shotguns, longer-range guns and prototypes, there would be enough information to write several rather large books. So, here are six of the most compelling Russian AK variants that paved the way for the other variations.

The First Group of Russian AK Variants

Type 1 – The Actual AK-47

Caliber .30 caliber 7.62×39
Years In Service 1948-1951
Barrel 16.3-inch barrel

Distinguishing Features

Combination of milled and stamped receivers
Vented gas tube
Wooden hand guards with vented cuts
Typically three to four spot welds on each side of the receiver
Two rivets (not including the trigger guard) on each side of the receiver
Reinforcement tabs on both sides of the receiver
Both a fixed and underfolding stocks

Take Note

Rare and as valuable as it gets

Type 2

Caliber .30 Caliber 7.62×39
Years In Service 1951-1953
Barrel 16.3-inch barrel

Distinguishing Features

All milled receiver (machined out of a solid block)
Introduced chrome lining in barrels for corrosion resistance
Vented gas tube
Wooden hand guards with vented cuts
Wooden pistol grip
Lighting cuts to both sides of the receiver
Reinforcement tabs step-cut into the receiver just below the top cover, like the Type 1
Metal collar added to rear receiver for buttstock, lower handguard and pistol grip

Take Note

Second-rarest Russian AK that can be found in the States

Chopped up Type 2 parts kits go for upwards of $3,000

Type 3

Caliber .30 Caliber 7.62×39
Years In Service 1954-1955
Barrel Chrome-lined 16.3-inch barrel

Distinguishing Features

All milled receiver (machined out of a solid block)
Smooth shaft gas piston
Vented gas tube
Wooden hand guards with vented cuts
Wooden pistol grip
Lighting cuts to both sides of the receiver
Buttstock attaches from two tabs in the rear of the receiver
Metal collar on back of the lower hand guard and top of pistol grip
Lightweight version 9.3 lb

Take Note

All modern milled AK receiver guns are based on the Type 3 design

The Second Group of Russian AK Variants

AKM Modernized

Caliber 30 caliber 7.62×39
Years In Service 1959-present
Barrel 16.3-inch barrel

Distinguishing Features

All stamped sheet metal receiver, 1 mm thick
Rivets hold parts (forward barrel trunnion and rear stock trunnion) to the receiver
May or may not have dimples pressed into the sheet metal above the magazine well for strength
Slanted compensator made for a right-handed shooter
45-degree gas block hole
Spot-welded rails on the inside of the receiver
A steel tab riveted to the trigger guard acts as a safety selector stop
Used wooden furniture, typically laminated
Buttstock has hole for cleaning kit
Lighter weight than the milled receivers: 6.8 lb.

AK-74

Caliber 5.45×39 caliber
Years In Service 1974 – present
Barrel 16.3-inch barrel

Distinguishing Features

A direct response to the U.S. adopting the 5.56 cartridge 10 years prior
90-degree gas block and port
Used wood and polymer furniture
Long, cylindrical muzzle break
24×1.5mm RH threaded front sight tower that slides over barrel
Side-folding buttstock models available

Take Note

Most of the surplus ammo was corrosive (7n6)

RPK

Caliber 7.62×39 and 5.45×39
Years In Service 1961 – present
Barrel 23.2-inch barrel

Distinguishing Features

1.5 mm-thick receiver
Squad Automatic Weapon
Longer barrel to help with extended lengths of fire without overheating
Bipod attached to front of barrel
Used 75 round drum and 45 round magazines (they will also fit most regular AK magazines)
Clubfoot rear stock
Introduced a new rear sight system that has built-in adjustable windage
Threaded barrel 14x1mm LH
Very little recoil

Some notes on Russian AK model numbers: If the model name has an “S” in it, that means it’s a folding stock (side or underfolding). For example, the AKMS would be a 7.62×39, 16.3-inch barrel, stamped receiver gun with a folding stock. If the model name has the letter “U”, it means the barrel is short, as in the AKS-74U. The AKS-74U is a short-barreled, 5.45×39 caliber, folding stock rifle. And these are the only Russian model numbers you should really care about. The other numbers describe accessories, like night vision and tritium sights, things we probably won’t ever see.

The AK is a significant part of weapons history, right next to the bow and arrow and Japanese Katana. There are countries whose flags feature AKs on them. Seventy years after the gun’s creation, it’s still in service kicking ass. Like it or not, the AK is here to stay.

I hope this guide of Russian AK variants serves you well and gauges your interest in the platform. This style of gun is no longer seen as a “bad guy” gun, but rather a tool to become proficient at. Be sure to do your homework.