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Now we know everybody receiving this email is a Red, White, and Blue-Blooded, Freedom-Loving American who hates Communism. But the Soviets did give us at least one thing that was pretty cool: the Kalashnikov Family of Rifles.
Yup, you guessed it, today’s email is all about AKs, and why will make a lot more sense later on.
The History of AKs
Mikhail Kalashnikov designed the AK-47 in 1947 as the bid to replace the PPSh-41 as The USSR’s standard-issue Rifle. Chambered in 7.62X39, it is the first in a line of rifles that would eventually become the mostly widely used firearm platform worldwide, with an estimated 72 million in circulation today. That 72 million? Just the original AK-47, that’s not including any of the more recent models. Speaking of which, what are they?
AK Models
Before we get into the different models of the Kalashnikov Rifle, we’ll explain what a few of the nomenclatures mean to better understand why they’re, well, there. For example: what’s the difference between an AK-74 and an AKS-74?
S- “Short”, any rifle that has an S in the name means it can be shortened with an under-folding stock.
M- “Modernized”, those with an M are the modernized version of that specific rifle. The modernizing could include anything from internal parts upgrades, new polymer furniture, or a side-folding stock.
U- “Shortened”, differing from the “S” stated above, U’s designate a carbine version of the rifle, i.e. a shortened barrel and gas system.
Now that we understand what the different letters mean, let’s dive in on the various AK patterns throughout history.
AK-47: 7.62x39, The OG.
AKM: 7.62X39, Added the angled compensator common on most AKs today and switched from stamped to milled receivers for better manufacturing quality.
AK-74: 5.45x39, The first rifle to utilize the standard-issue Russian round of today: 5.45. This variant also added a 2-valve muzzle brake for better recoil control.
AKS-74: 5.45x39, A 74 with an under-folder.
AKS-74U: 5.45x39, The carbine version of a 74, still featuring an under-folding stock.
The 100-series of AKs gets away from using the traditional M, S, and U nomenclature (Sorry if you’re confused, blame the Russians). They all feature side-folding stocks and generally have polymer furniture.
AK-101: 5.56x45 NATO, The first AK to be chambered in a Western cartridge (USA! USA!)
AK-102: 5.56x45 NATO, The carbine version of the 101.
AK-103: 7.62x39, A modern take on the original AK cartridge.
AK-104: 7.62x39, The carbine version of the 103.
AK-105: 5.45x39, This is actually a carbine in 5.45, as the full rifle lengths were designed later.
AK-107: 5.45x39, (We know right? Screw 106 I guess.) This is an interesting design, as it was the first AK to get away from Kalashnikov’s original piston design, opting for a Balanced Automatic Recoil System (BARS). Featuring 2 pistons that operated in different directions (forward and backward), it greatly eliminated felt recoil.
AK-108: 5.56x45 NATO, The 5.56 version of the 107.
AK-109: 7.62x39, The 7.62 version of the 107.
AK-9: 9x39, A Russian special operations carbine designed to be used with a suppressor, and the only rifle here in 9x39.
AK-12: 5.45x39, Officially the Russian Military standard issue rifle of today, it features upgraded controls, a new pistol grip, collapsible folding stock, and rails on the handguard for mounting accessories.
AK-15: 7.62x39, The 7.62 version of the 12.
AK-19: 5.56x45 NATO, The 5.56 version of the 12.
Whew! We made it. Now we at Gold Spur Outfitters know you’re probably still wondering why we’re talking about AKs right now. For one simple reason: Zastava. “What’s Zastava Gold Spur?” We’re glad you asked!
Zastava is a Serbian AK manufacturer with an American offshoot: Zastava Arms USA. They make arguably the highest quality AK on the market. With 1 in 9.5 twist, chrome-lined barrels, they designed their receivers with thicker-than-normal walls for durability and have a bulged front trunnion for reliability. They come in 7.62 and 5.56, with classic wood furniture, upgraded polymer, and even full muzzle-length tactical rails. Sounds great, right? Well, it would be if it wasn’t for our… we’ll say “friends” in the Federal Government.
Zastava was recently placed on the import ban list. Why may you ask? They were giving free rifles to Ukraine to defend themselves from the Russian invasion. Russian soldiers would pick up these Zastava-made AKs and realize how much better it was than their own rifles, and then in turn use them against Ukrainians. The State Department, in all its wisdom, got wind of them being used by the Russians as battlefield pick ups and banned any Zastava from import, period.
With Zastavas no longer regularly coming into the country, they are running out fast, and we want to make sure our all friends can channel their inner Eastern Bloc and pick up some of the last quality AKs in the US. Let us know that this email brought you into the shop and we’ll get you 5% off any order of a Zastava AK, as well as covering the cost for an extra magazine. If you’ve ever wanted a well-made AK, now’s the time, because they’ll be gone in a heartbeat. Offer good until October 31st, 2023.