Last Updated on December 27, 2022 by Ricky MartinX
The AK-47 is more powerful than the AK-74, with a higher muzzle velocity and a longer range. It also has a heavier barrel compared to its counterpart. On the other hand, the AK-74 is lighter and more accurate than the AK-47, with an adjustable rear sight which allows it to be used in various scenarios.
Are you a gun enthusiast interested in the differences between the AK 47 and AK 74? Or maybe you’re just curious about what makes these two guns different from one another. Either way, this blog post is for you! In this article, we’ll be discussing the various features of both the AK 47 and AK 74 so that readers can better understand why they are distinct.
Introduction To Ak 47 vs Ak 74
The AK-47 and AK-74 are two of the most popular and widely used assault rifles in the world. Developed by Russian engineer Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1947, the AK-47 was the first rifle of its kind. The AK-74 was developed as a replacement for the AK-47 in 1974 and possesses many of the same design features. Although similar in many ways, there are several differences between the two rifles that make them unique.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the differences between the AK-47 and AK-74, including their calibre, accuracy and range, weight and size, rate of fire and recoil, magazine capacity, optics and sights, cost comparison, maintenance and durability, and popularity. Read on to learn more about these two iconic rifles!
Differences Between Ak 47 vs Ak 74 – Let’s Know The Table
| Serial | Ak 47 | Ak 74 |
| 1. | The AK-47 has a higher rate of fire than the AK-74. | The AK-74 has a lighter weight, making it easier to carry. |
| 2. | The AK-47 is heavier, which can make it harder to manoeuvre in confined spaces. | The AK-74 has less recoil when firing, making it easier to control. |
| 3. | The AK-47 is more reliable in harsh environments. | The AK-74 uses smaller ammunition, which makes it easier to store and transport. |
| 4. | The AK-47 has a larger kickback when fired, making it harder to control in rapid-fire situations. | The AK-74 has better penetration capabilities due to its higher velocity bullets. |
| 5. | The AK-47 is chambered for the larger 7.62x39mm cartridge, while | The AK-74 is chambered for the smaller 5.45x39mm cartridge. |
| 6. | The AK-47 has an effective range of about 300 meters | The AK-74 has an effective range of about 500 meters |
| 7. | The AK-47 has a longer range and greater accuracy. | Maintenance is easy in AK-74. |
10 Factor Differences Between Ak 47 vs Ak 74 Analysed
1. Design & Build
The AK-47 and AK-74 are both assault rifles designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. They share the same design features and operating systems, but there are several differences between them. The most noticeable difference is the calibre of ammunition each rifle fires.
The AK-47 uses the larger 7.62x39mm cartridge, while the AK-74 uses the smaller 5.45x39mm cartridge. This difference in ammunition makes the AK-74 lighter and more compact than the AK-47. The AK-47 and AK-74 both use a gas-operated system with a rotating bolt to cycle rounds.
This system is reliable and efficient, making it a popular choice for many designs of assault rifles. The gas-operation system works by directing a portion of the high-pressure gas from the fired cartridge to operate the mechanism that ejects the spent cartridge and inserts a new one into the chamber. This system helps to reduce recoil and increase accuracy.
The AK-47 and AK-74 also have different magazine capacities. The AK-47 has a 30-round magazine capacity, while the AK-74 has a 40-round magazine capacity. This difference in capacity gives the AK-74 an advantage in firepower over the AK-47 in certain situations.
Overall, both rifles share many of the same design features, but some key differences between them set them apart from one another. The calibre and cartridge of each rifle, as well as their
2. Caliber & Cartridge
The AK-47 and AK-74 are both assault rifles designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. The main difference between them is the round of ammunition they shoot. The AK-47 fires the larger and more powerful 7.62x39mm M43 cartridge, while the AK-74 fires the smaller and lighter 5.45x39mm cartridge.
The smaller 5.45x39mm cartridge offers less recoil, improved accuracy, and a higher rate of fire than the 7.62x39mm M43 cartridge. The AK-47 is also more likely to overheat and jam due to its larger calibre. Both rifles are gas operated with a rotating bolt, but the AK-74 has a larger gas piston, operating rod and bolt than the ’47, which helps reduce recoil and muzzle climb.
3. Accuracy and Range
The AK-47 has an effective range of about 300 meters in the completely automatic model and a range of 400 meters in the semi-automatic model. The AK-74 has an effective range of about 500 meters in the completely automatic model and a range of 600 meters in the semi-automatic model.
This makes the AK-74 more accurate and effective at longer ranges than its predecessor. The AK-74 also has better muzzle velocity and less recoil than the AK-47 which makes it easier to control for accurate shooting.
4. Weight and Size
The AK-47 is typically a heavier and bulkier weapon compared to the AK-74. The AK-47 is 8.3 lbs unloaded and has an overall length of 34.3 inches. On the other hand, the AK-74 is lighter at 6.9 lbs unloaded and has an overall length of 33.3 inches. This makes the AK-74 more portable and easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces, while still offering comparable performance to the AK-47.
The size difference also makes the AK-74 easier to store and transport in confined spaces. Furthermore, the AK-74 is designed with a slightly shorter barrel than the AK-47, which helps reduce muzzle rise and recoil when firing rapidly.
5. Rate of Fire and Recoil
The rate of fire of the AK-47 is 600 rounds per minute, while the rate of fire of the AK-74 is slightly lower at around 600 rounds per minute. The AK-47 produces a higher recoil due to its larger cartridge size, while the AK-74 produces a lower recoil due to its smaller cartridge size. Both weapons are gas operated with a rotating bolt and can be used in semi-automatic and automatic firing modes.
6. Magazine Capacity
When it comes to magazine capacity, the AK-47 and AK-74 differ greatly. The AK-47 has a high-capacity magazine that holds up to 30 rounds. On the other hand, the AK-74’s magazine holds only 10 rounds. This difference in capacity makes the AK-74 a much more suitable weapon for close-quarters combat due to its smaller profile, while the AK-47’s larger magazine gives it an advantage in longer engagements.
Additionally, the AK-74 is compatible with a variety of magazine types, while the AK-47 is limited to its standard magazine. This difference in versatility makes the AK-74 a more adaptable weapons system.
7. Optics, Sights, and Accessories
When it comes to optics and sights, both the AK-47 and AK-74 are compatible with a range of standard Russian optics and sights, including the Kobra, Zenitco, PSO, and NSPU. The AK-74 is capable of mounting the newer Russian optics and sights, such as the 1P29, 1P78, and 1PN93.
The AK-47 is compatible with a variety of accessories, including handguards, flashlights, foregrips, laser sights, and slings. The AK-74 is also compatible with the same accessories, although the handguards may need to be modified to fit properly.
In addition to these standard accessories, both rifles can also be outfitted with more advanced components such as night vision sights and thermal imaging sights. This allows for more accurate shooting in low-light or no-light conditions.
8. Cost Comparison
The AK-47 and AK-74 are both widely available in the civilian market. However, the AK-74 is typically more expensive due to its more modern design and newer production methods. The AK-47 also tends to be easier to find in the United States due to its popularity and availability in the surplus market.
The AK-74 is not as widely available in the US due to its more recent introduction. Additionally, the cost of spare parts and ammunition varies greatly between the two rifles. The 7.62x39mm used by the AK-47 is significantly cheaper than the 5.45x39mm used by the AK-74.
9. Maintenance & Durability
When it comes to maintenance and durability, both the AK-47 and the AK-74 are designed for long-lasting performance. Both models are constructed from high-quality steel, making them highly durable and reliable. The AK-47 is also renowned for its low maintenance requirements, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to spend too much time on upkeep.
The AK-74 is similarly low maintenance and is designed to withstand harsh conditions. Both models are designed to function reliably in all climates and weather conditions, making them great choices for any environment.
10. Popularity
The AK-47 is by far the most popular of the two rifles. It has been featured in films, video games, and even in pop culture as a symbol of freedom and power. It is a favourite among gun collectors and is considered iconic. On the other hand, the AK-74 has not gained the same level of popularity as its predecessor. T
his is likely due to its late adoption in the 1970s, as well as its availability outside of Russia. Despite this, the AK-74 is still highly respected for its accuracy and reliability, and it continues to be used by militaries around the world.
History of Ak 47 and Ak 74
The AK-47 and AK-74 are both Russian-made assault rifles designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. The AK in the name refers to Kalashnikov (K) automatic (A). The AK-47 was first produced in 1947 and was adopted as the standard rifle of the Soviet Union in 1949. It has become one of the most widely used weapons in the world, with over 75 million units produced.
The AK-74 was adopted as a replacement for the AK-47 by the Soviet army in 1974. It possesses many of the same design features as the original AK-47, but it is chambered for a smaller 5.45x39mm cartridge. It is the updated version of the AK-47 with more enhanced functionality and compactness. The size, design and overall performance of the AK-74 are much more modernized than that of its predecessor.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the biggest difference between the AK-47 and the AK-74 is the calibre that they shoot. Other than that, both rifles are gas operated with a rotating bolt and have a similar range, accuracy and rate of fire. The AK-74 is more compact and lightweight than the AK-47 and has a higher magazine capacity.
The cost of an AK-74 is slightly higher than an AK-47, and both are relatively easy to maintain and durable. Despite the differences between them, both the AK-47 and the AK-74 are popular choices of assault rifles amongst militaries and gun enthusiasts alike.
