FEG AMD-65

History of the FEG AMD-65

The AMD-65, introduced in 1967 by Hungary, was a modified version of the AKM-63 assault rifle, tailored for vehicle occupants. It featured several design changes, such as replacing wooden components with plastic, adding perforated steel plates at the front, and incorporating a plastic front handle for improved handling. Despite these modifications, it maintained compatibility with the Soviet 7.62x39mm ammunition and retained the signature appearance of the AK-47. Notably, the AMD-65 had a shorter barrel and a collapsible stock, making it a more compact and lightweight automatic weapon.

This firearm also included a dual-slot muzzle brake to reduce recoil and a front pistol grip, enabling vehicle crews to fire safely from within protected vehicles. It boasted a folding butt, a 30-round detachable magazine, and a firing rate of 750 rounds per minute. The AMD-65 served the Hungarian Army until 2006 when it was succeeded by the AK-63, a more cost-effective Hungarian variant of the AKM.

Beyond Hungary, the AMD-65 found users in countries like Afghanistan, Cuba, Georgia, Honduras, Laos, Palestine, Panama, Somalia, Yemen, and Vietnam. It even saw potential use by the US contractor Blackwater. The rifle's reputation for reliability and its compatibility with widely available Soviet-era ammunition made it a favored choice for partisan and terrorist groups. In particular, it saw significant deployment in the Afghan army.

Specification

BASICS

Year of Operation: 1967

Origins: Hungary

Manufacturer: Femaru Fegyver es Gepgyar (FEG) - Hungary

Operator: Afghanistan; Angola; Cuba; Croatia; Georgia; Honduras; Hungary; Laos; Mozambique; Palestine; Panama; Rhodesia; Somalia; Somaliland; Sudan; Yemen; United States; Vietnam

Roles

Auto function

Has mechanical features to automate the firing process.

Assault Rifle

A modern class of long guns with selected fire characteristics, automatic internals and magazine feeding.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length: 847mm (33.35 inches)

Barrel length: 317mm (12.48 inches)

Cured weight: 7.08 lbs (3.21 kg)

Action

Pivot

This system uses an internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.

Gas Power

proposes a pneumatic system that typically consists of a cylinder and a rear drive piston that directs power to the bolt assembly.

CARTRIDGE & FEED

Caliber(s)*: 7. 62x39mm Soviet

Rounds / Feed: 30-round detachable box magazine

PERFORMANCE