Kalashnikov AKMS (AKM-S)

History of the Kalashnikov AKMS (AKM-S)

The AKMS is the main variant of the AKM series of assault rifles. The AKM itself is nothing more than a 1940s AK-47 assault rifle, modernized with mass production technology in mind. As a result, AKM uses stamped steel construction, rather than the original machined steel form. Additionally, the original steel bolts have been "parkerized" to make them more wear-resistant.

The resulting AKM was introduced in 1959 and developed into the most quantitative version of the AK-47 assault rifle series. The AKMS is completely based on the AKM model, but differs in the use of a folding metal stock versus the original fixed solid wood stock.

The folding metal stock is hinged on either side of the rear receiver, which folds into a more compact weapon.

The empty weight of the AKMS (without magazine) is 7 lbs, 13 oz. It has a barrel length of 895 mm (35.24 in) with the stock fully extended and a barrel length of 657 mm (25.87 in) with the stock folded over the receiver.

The barrel is 16.34 inches (415 mm) long with 4 grooves and a right-hand twist. Like the AKM, the AKMS is designed to fire the Soviet 7.62x39mm M1943 cartridge from a curved 30-round detachable magazine.

The rate of fire was specified at 775 rounds per minute, and the muzzle velocity was 2,330 feet per second. AKMS maintains the quality of Kalashnikov submachine guns using wooden furniture on the pistol grip and front handle.

In general, however, the AKMS is aligned with the AKM assault rifle - detailed elsewhere on this page. The AKMS name may also appear as "AKM-S" in some nomenclatures.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes