FEG AKM-63

History of FEG AKM-63

The Hungarian AKM-63 is a modernized version of the legendary Soviet Kalashnikov series of assault rifles, the AK-47 - similar to the Soviet upgrade of the AK-47 to "AKM" in 1959. Like other Warsaw Pact countries, Hungary relied heavily on Soviet military equipment during the Cold War.

As a result, the AK-47 has become the standard offensive weapon for numerous militaries and is used in countless conflicts around the world. In all respects, the Hungarian AKM-63 is largely faithful to the original AK-47 design and thus has similar performance specifications.

Beginning in the early 1960s, the Hungarian army began modernizing its large collection of Soviet AK-47 automatic weapons. Many of the changes focused on replacing the Kalashnikov-style wooden furniture on the rifle and reducing the cost of mass production. Plastic is now used instead of wood, while perforated steel is used on the front end. A plastic fore grip has also been added for improved recoil control.

The final design retains most of the original Kalashnikov's internal workings, external functions and appearance. If anything, the Hungarians developed a version of the AK-47 that was lighter and less expensive to manufacture than its predecessor.

The AKM-63 debuted in 1963 (as its name suggests) and is more or less the same assault rifle in terms of functionality and performance. The gun is still loaded to fire Soviet 7.62x39mm cartridges, which is done with a variable number of curved detachable magazine cases. It is still controlled by a pneumatic rotary bolt ignition (the cylinder is located on the barrel and has a unique "Kalashnikov look").

Over the next few decades, the guy saw his fair share of battles. The AKM-63 was officially replaced when it entered service with the Hungarian army by the newer AK-63 series of assault rifles - which were largely based on the Soviet AKM and were less expensive to manufacture.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes