Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
By Reality Survival
Contributor profile | More stories
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

The AK-47 vs AK-74

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


Preparedness For Life

Which do you prefer the AK-47 or the AK-74?

The AK-74

Do you know the difference?  Given all the love for the Kalashnikov these days, one thing that always baffles me is the confusion between the AK-47 and the AK-74. This confusion is prevalent even among law enforcement professional and military members. This article is intended to clear up the mystery behind the AK-74 as well as identify its unique strengths as a survival/prepper rifle.

Both the AK-47 and the AK-74 are Soviet built assault rifles designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the respective years (1947 and 1974).  To make sure we have our terminology correct, only fully automatic capable AK’s are true “assault rifles” by definition. The semi-automatic only versions that most Americans purchase are not “assault rifles”, regardless of what the media calls them.  In fact the “AK” actually stands for automatic (A) Kalashnikov (k).

The AK-47, which fired the 7.62x39mm round, was the Soviet Union’s primary rifle for over 30 years. During the 1960’s-70’s the United States started issuing its troops the M-16 which fired the smaller and faster 5.56 calibers round. During the Vietnam War the Soviets observed that the US round was more accurate, had greater range and less recoil. In the mid 1970’s the Soviets redesigned the Kalashnikov to fire the new 5.45x39mm (similar in size to the 5.56) and made several other modification resulting in the new AK-74. The Soviets transitioned to the AK-74 and first used it during the invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Today the AK-74 is the primary weapon issued to almost all of the former Soviet Union nations.

For another great Survival Rifle option take a look at this article on the Soviet built Mosin-Nagant: http://www.realitysurvival.com/100-dollar-survival-rifle/ or these other articles:

http://www.realitysurvival.com/ar-7-survival-rifle/

http://www.realitysurvival.com/savage-model-24-gun-review/

http://www.realitysurvival.com/the-remington-bar/

Although the AK-47 and AK-74 look similar and function the same, they share only about 50% interchangeable parts.   The AK-74 has had several improvements to make it more accurate and reliable. A chrome-lined barrel and larger extractor claw are just two of the modifications. There are several variations of the AK-74 as it was produced in many different countries. The model in the attached photographs is the Polish Tantal.

The AK-74 Specifications

Per Wikipedia, is as follows:

Caliber: 5.45X39mm

Action: Gas-operated rotating bolt

Muzzle Velocity: 2953 fps

Effective Range: 625 meters

Capacity: 30 round, 45 round and 100 round drum

Length: Stock Extended = 37.1  Stock Extended = 27.6 Stock Folded

What really makes the AK-74 unique is the 5.45x39mm round.  This round has a long projectile with a hollow cavity toward the tip and a solid base.  This results in a bullet that tumbles and deforms on impact creating significant tissue damage. Additionally this caliber generates very little felt recoil. According the Wikipedia the 5.45x39mm generates only 2.5 ft lb of recoil compared to the 5.56mm (M-16) which generates 4.75 ft lb of recoil. This translates to my 13 year old daughter being able to rapid fire the AK-74 as if it were her Ruger 10/22.

What are the advantages of the AK-74?

From Left to Right: 5.45x39mm, 5.56x45mm, 7.62x39mm

So what are the advantages of the AK-74 in the role as a survival rifle? Like any Kalashnikov, it is simple to operate, relatively inexpensive, and requires little maintenance. How is it better than the traditional AK-47? It weighs less, it costs less, it has far greater effective range, it is more accurate, it is more reliable and has far less recoil. One of the best benefits in my opinion is the cost of ammunition. The 5.45x39mm surplus ammo is so inexpensive that it is almost the deciding factor alone for many people. Aimsurplus is currently selling a case of 1080 rounds for $159 http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=A54539R  . Good luck getting 5.56mm or 7.62x39mm even close to that ball park.  In fact some folks purchase a second AR-15 upper half chambered in 5.45x39mm just so they will be able to practice with this inexpensive ammunition.

What are the disadvantages of the AK-74?

So what are the disadvantages of the AK-74 as compared to the AK-47? The heavier caliber of the AK-47 would prove superior in some applications such as barrier penetration and hunting deer sized animals.  Additionally AK-47 magazines are less expensive and more readily available in the US.  While ammo is available now, it would be less so, in a long term SHTF situation where you were having to trade or scavenge for ammo.  All in all I find the AK-74 to be a superior weapon to the AK-47 in every other category (as did the Soviet military).

From the survivalist / prepper point of view the side folder AK-74 makes a lot of sense. It is a weapon that is highly reliable, requires little maintenance, and is very simple to use. It is reasonable priced (under $400 for a low end model), uses dirt cheap ammo and has virtually no felt recoil. This is a very effective weapon that could even be utilized by  a spouse or responsible teenager with minimal training during an emergency situation.  Additionally, the side folding stock makes the weapon perfect for concealing while bugging out or transporting without displaying an “armed” presence. Folding down to just 27 inches you can stick this thing just about any place. In the photo I have placed it inside a lawn chair bag to demonstrate a concealment tactic. My first choice in a SHTF situation would likely be my Springfield M1A Scout, however, in a real world survival situation (like Katrina) I probably would not be able to walk down the street with it and not attract unwanted attention. This is another area where a side folder AK-74 shines.  It’s compactness affords it to go places that other rifles simply won’t go (small vehicle compartments, gym bags, anywhere that disguises the rifle). In a major disaster situation while you are trying to survive with your family, the best defense is usually to remain the “Gray Man” that nobody notices. Having a concealable, magazine fed, high capacity weapon in a combat caliber that everyone in your group can operate is a real plus.

I give the AK-74 a thumbs up!  What do you think about the AK-47 vs the AK-74? Which would you choose and why? Please leave a comment down below!

This is a guest post authored by Dave Jones, checkout his bio here: http://www.realitysurvival.com/about/contributers/
Related Posts:
  • 100 Dollar Survival Rifle The $100 Survival Rifle—The Mosin Nagant
    Mosin Nagant

    What makes a rifle ideal for a survival situation? It just depends on what you anticipate your survival situation to …

  • How To Camo Paint A Rifle Stock DIY – Camo Paint Your Own Rifle

    I enjoy looking for good used rifles and pistols at pawn shops, and I have found a few really good deals there in the …

  • The Remington BAR? The Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR)
     

    The Remington BAR?
    According to Wikipedia, “The Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) was a family of United States automatic rifles (or machine rifles) and …


Source:


Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!


Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST

Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST

Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST


Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!

HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.

Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.

MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)

Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser!  Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!

Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.

Smart Meter Cover -  Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).

Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    Total 2 comments
    • StormyB4

      The light recoil of the 74 is a product of its very efficient muzzle compensator. The 1 major drawback of the 74 is the muzzle flash it generates at night. I would compare it to a strobe light. Tends to draw fire…….

    • Mover

      The 74 clinches it for me. I’d try to get a better flash suppressor if I want to hide muzzle flash.

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.