The AK Info Center is a collection of articles on AK related items.  We provide free information on different variants, parts, ammunition and accessories for the AK.  You are free to browse or download the printed version, however none of the images/trademarks may be used without explicate permission from their owners.

The AK-47 was designed by Mikhail Timofeyevich

Kalashnikov as a replacement for the SKS and as a rifle that could be used by Soviet tank crews.  In 1946, while working at the Kovrov weapons plant, Kalashnikov began work on the AK-47.  The AK-47 was accepted as the standard rifle for the Soviet Army in 1949 and retained that status until it was succeeded by the AKM.  To this day between 30 and 50 million copies and variations of the SKS Magazines been produced world wide, making it the most widely used rifle in the world. 

The Norinco 84-S is a Chinese made .223 AK that has been imported into the U.S. in pre and post-ban versions. There are basically three versions of this rifle the Polytech 16 inch, the Norinco 16 inch and the Norinco 21 inch  RPK style.  All are available in pre and post ban forms.  The 84-S uses special .223 mags and will even allow you to use AK-74 mags in the gun.  However you can only load about 20 rounds in the AK-74 clips before they start to malfunction.  All around the .223 AK is one of the best rifles we have seen, however they do tend to tear up the brass so don't plan on reloading.   84-S AKs also have a nasty tendency to do double taps due to a weak spring in the bolt.  This can easily be fixed by replacing it with a higher quality spring.   Picture provided by AK-47.net Member: "308".

The AK-47 is chambered in 7.62x39 and features hardwood furniture with a fixed stock.  The AK-47 parts have a 16 inch barrel with a muzzle nut to protect the threads.  The AK-47 features a stamped receiver with a non ribbed cover plate and magazine.  The rifle can be fired in two different firing modes; semi and full auto.  The AK-47 has a 800 meter leaf sight that is only adjustable for range.  All windage adjustments must be made by using the front sight.  The AK-47 Stocks weighs 4,300g and has a rate of fire of 600rpm.  The rifle will accept most synthetic and metal magazines, generally 30 rounds in capacity. The rifles effective killing range is 1,500 meters, and is generally not used for more than 300 meters.  The original AK-47 Grips was not outfitted for the use of a bayonet, however the design was changed and a bayonet was added.  The AK-47 also features a hollow compartment in the buttstock which was used to keep the cleaning kit.

The Bulgarian SLR-95 is a milled AK variant that was imported in to the United States from 1994 to 1998. It is a post ban version of the AK produced by Arsenal of Bulgaria.  The Bulgarian SLR-95 comes with a synthetic sporter style stock, five round magazine, cleaning kit, and sling. Two versions of the rifle were imported one with a muzzle brake pinned to the barrel and one without.  The finish of the gun is flat black paint and has a tendency to chip off after use.  The rifle accepts all drums and magazines and fires the 7.62x39 cartridge. The SLR-95 is a updated version of it's earlier version the SLR-93, which had a wooden stock.  The SLR-95 is a very accurate rifle and is on heavy side due to its milled receiver.

How to construct a clone?

The ak-47 accessories currently unavailable to the general public in the U.S., very few were imported into the country and those that did got snatched up by collectors.  If you desire a rifle that looks similar to the AK-47 we would suggest that you purchase a stamped 7.62x39 post-ban AK in the $200.00-$400.00 price range.  Then purchase a U.S. parts kit from any of our sponsors and install it in the rifle, tell them you want the wood furniture.  This will allow you to legally have a pistol grip mounted on the rifle.  You will then need to purchase a non-ribbed 30 round AK magazine from Global Trades.  

The AKS-74U is the Russian's answer to the need for a sub- machinegun. The AKS-74U is a modified version of the AK-74 assault rifle with an 8 inch barrel and conical flash suppressor. Like the AK-47 Handguards, it has a folding metal stock and is chambered in the 5.45x39 cartridge. The overall length of the submachine gun is only 19.3 inches with stock folded and 28.6 inches with the stock extended. The rear sight is a flip-type U-notch, while the front sight is a cylindrical post and can be fitted with night sights.  Since the AKS-74U has such a small barrel and gas tube, a suppressor must be used to trap the gases allowing the action to be cycled.  If a muzzle brake were used it would allow the gases to escape and the action would not cycle properly.