Editing AK-74 (section)

==Design details==
The AK-74 was designed by А. D. Kryakushin's group under the design supervision of Mikhail Kalashnikov. It is an adaptation of the [[7.62×39mm]] [[AKM]] assault rifle and features several important design improvements.<ref name="Woźniak"/><ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/arc/021205.shtml |title=Presentation of the unique Kalashnikov small arms collection in the Moscow Kremlin Museum |date=2 December 2005 |website=[[Izhmash]] |access-date=2014-11-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221145947/http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/arc/021205.shtml |archive-date=2014-02-21 |quote=AK-74 – Kalashnikov assault rifle, caliber 5.45 mm. In 1967, pursuant to the Resolution of the CPSU Central Committee and the USSR Council of Ministers, a competition was organized to design an assault rifle fit to use the new 5.45-mm cartridge. The AK-74 was designed by А. D. Kryakushin's group under the designer supervision of M. T. Kalashnikov. Based on the competition results, this assault rifle was included in the inventory in 1974 as part of the 5.45-mm small arms complex. The cartridge used in the AK-74 weighs 1.5 times less as compared with the 7.62-mm cartridge. The soldier can carry 1.5 times more cartridges without increasing the weight of the portable reserve ammunition. In addition, the bullet speed of the 5.45-mm caliber is higher.}}</ref> These improvements were primarily the result of converting the rifle to the intermediate-calibre high velocity [[5.45×39mm]] cartridge. In fact, some early models are reported to have been converted AKMs, re-barreled to 5.45×39mm.<ref name="Kokalis">{{cite book |last=Kokalis |first=Peter G. |date=2001 |title=Weapons Tests and Evaluations: The Best of Soldier of Fortune |location=Boulder, Colorado |publisher=Paladin Press |page=45 |isbn=978-1-58160-122-0}}</ref> Compared with the preceding AKM, the AK-74 has better effective firing range, accuracy (a main development goal), and reliability. About 50% of the parts in the AK-74 and AKM are the same (including pins, springs and screws).<ref name="Woźniak"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.military-today.com/firearms.pdf |title=Firearms E-book |date=2010 |website=Military-Today.com |page=25 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513120336/http://www.military-today.com/firearms.pdf |archive-date=2015-05-13 |quote=The AK-74 has improved firing accuracy over the AKM. This weapon retains all advantages and disadvantages of Kalashnikov design, including reliability, ruggedness, simplicity of operation and maintenance. This weapon does not jam or misfire in the worst conditions possible. Also, it has reliable extraction even with dirty chambers and cases. Its drawbacks are poor balance and ergonomics, as well as inferior firing accuracy to most Western weapons.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.military-today.com/firearms/ak_74.htm |title=AK-74 Assault rifle |website=Military-Today.com |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109211538/http://www.military-today.com/firearms/ak_74.htm |archive-date=2015-01-09 |quote=The AK-74 has improved firing accuracy over the AKM. This weapon retains all advantages and disadvantages of Kalashnikov design, including reliability, ruggedness, simplicity of operation and maintenance. This weapon does not jam or misfire in the worst conditions possible. Also, it has reliable extraction even with dirty chambers and cases. Its drawbacks are poor balance and ergonomics, as well as inferior firing accuracy to most Western weapons.}}</ref>

===Operating mechanism===
[[File:AK-74 DA-ST-89-06610.jpg|thumb|left|The AK-74 stripped down to its major components]]

The rifle's operation during firing and reloading is identical to that of the AKM.<ref name="Woźniak_26">Woźniak, p. 26.</ref> After ignition of the cartridge primer and propellant, rapidly expanding propellant gases are diverted into the gas cylinder above the barrel through a vent near the muzzle. The build-up of gases inside the gas cylinder drives the long-stroke piston and bolt carrier rearward and a cam guide machined into the underside of the bolt carrier along with an ejector spur on the bolt carrier rail guide, rotates the bolt approximately 35° and unlocks it from the barrel extension via a camming pin on the bolt. The moving assembly has about {{convert|5.5|mm|abbr=on|1}} of free travel which creates a delay between the initial recoil impulse of the piston and the bolt unlocking sequence, allowing gas pressures to drop to a safe level before the seal between the chamber and the bolt is broken. Like previous Kalashnikov-pattern rifles, the AK-74 does not have a gas valve; excess gases are ventilated through a series of radial ports in the gas cylinder. Since the Kalashnikov operating system offers no [[primary extraction]] upon bolt rotation, the 5.45×39mm AK-74 bolt has a larger extractor claw than the 7.62×39mm AKM for increased extraction reliability.<ref name="Kokalis_46">Kokalis, p. 46.</ref> Other minor modifications were made to the bolt and carrier assembly.

===Barrel===
[[File:Internal Troops of the Ministry for Internal Affairs (Russia) (494-28).jpg|thumb|left|An AK-74M muzzle device venting propellant gases]]

The rifle received a new barrel with a [[Chrome plating|chrome-lined]] bore and 4 right-hand grooves at a 200&nbsp;mm (1:7.87 in) or 37 calibers [[Rifling#Twist rate|rifling twist rate]]. The front sight base and gas block were redesigned. The gas block contains a gas channel that is installed at a 90° angle in relation to the bore axis to reduce bullet shear at the port hole. A pair of support brackets are cast into the gas block assembly and are used to attach a BG-15c or [[GP-25]] [[Underslung grenade launcher|underslung]] [[40 mm]] [[grenade launcher]]. Like the AK-47 and AKM, the muzzle is threaded for the installation of various muzzle devices such as the standard [[muzzle brake]] or a [[blank-firing adaptor]], while a spring-loaded detent pin held in the front sight post prevents them from unscrewing while firing. However the muzzle threads have been relocated to the front sight base for both easier and more economic replacement in case of thread damage. The distinctive standard-issue muzzle brake features a large expansion chamber, two symmetrical vertical cuts at the forward end of the brake and three non symmetrical positioned vent holes to counteract [[muzzle climb|muzzle rise and climb]] as well as lateral shift to the right much like the AKM's offset muzzle brake. A flat plate near the end of the brake produces a forward thrust when emerging exhaust gases strike its surface, greatly reducing recoil. The muzzle brake prevents backblast from reaching the firer, although it is reported to be harsh on bystanders as the muzzle gases are dispersed to the sides.<ref name="hogg">{{cite book |first1=Ian |last1=Hogg |first2=John |last2=Weeks |name-list-style=amp |date=2000 |title=Military Small Arms of the 20th Century |edition=7th |location=Iola, Wisconsin |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=0-87341-824-7}}</ref> The standard-issue AK-74 muzzle brake has been subtly revised several times since the 1970s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.k-var.com/compensator-us-made-for-ak-74-545x39-and-556x45-calibers-24x15mm-right-hand-threads |title=AK-74 Muzzle Brakes/Compensators |website=K-VAR Corp. |access-date=16 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110073911/https://www.k-var.com/compensator-us-made-for-ak-74-545x39-and-556x45-calibers-24x15mm-right-hand-threads |archive-date=10 January 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Sights===
====Iron sights====
The AK-74 uses an adjustable notched rear tangent [[iron sight]] calibrated in {{convert|100|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} increments from {{convert|100|to|1000|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}. The front sight is a post adjustable for elevation in the field. Horizontal adjustment requires a special drift tool and is done by the armoury before issue or if the need arises by an armourer after issue. The sight line elements are approximately {{convert|48.5|mm|in|1|abbr=on|lk=on}} over the bore axis. The "[[point-blank range]]" battle zero setting "''П''" standing for ''постоянная'' (constant/consistent/permanent) the 5.45×39mm AK-74 rear tangent sight element corresponds to a {{convert|400|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} zero, compared with the {{convert|300|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} zero for 7.62×39mm AKs.<ref name="Rottman">{{cite book |first=Gordon |last=Rottman |title=The AK-47: Kalashnikov-series Assault Rifles |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qK9Nn-2xocUC&pg=PA42 |access-date=24 December 2011 |date=24 May 2011 |location=Oxford, UK |publisher=Osprey Publishing |isbn=978-1-84908-835-0 |page=42– |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103131237/http://books.google.com/books?id=qK9Nn-2xocUC&pg=PA42 |archive-date=3 January 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://russianoptics.net/400mzero.html |title=Using a 400 meter zero with 5.45x39 |date=2010 |website=RussianOptics.net |access-date=16 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129074754/http://russianoptics.net/400mzero.html |archive-date=29 November 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> For the AK-74 combined with the 7N6 or 7N10 service cartridges the 400 m battle zero setting point-blank range limits the [[External ballistics#Bullet drop|apparent "bullet rise"]] within approximately {{convert|-5|to|+38|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} under the line of sight. At the corresponding {{convert|440|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} maximum point-blank range the bullet will have dropped to approximately {{convert|-21|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} relative to the line of sight. Soldiers are instructed to fire at any target within this range by simply placing the sights on the center of mass (the belt buckle, according to Russian and former Soviet doctrine) of the enemy target. Any errors in range estimation are tactically irrelevant, as a well-aimed shot will hit the torso of the enemy soldier.<ref name="Rottman" />

====Optical sights====
[[File:51AirborneRegiment50.jpg|left|thumb|USP-1 (1P29) Universal sight for the AK-74 and other small arms]]
While most Russian and [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]] armed forces use the AK-74 in its basic configuration with iron sights, many magnified and non-magnified optical sights are available for designated marksmen and other special purpose troops in their respective militaries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://russianoptics.net/545.html |title=5.45x39 Optics |website=RussianOptics.net |access-date=27 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403072755/http://russianoptics.net/545.html |archive-date=3 April 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://russianoptics.net/reddot.html |title=Red Dot and Collimator Optics |website=RussianOptics.net |access-date=27 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325081740/http://russianoptics.net/reddot.html |archive-date=25 March 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

For the 5.45×39mm AK-74, the East German '''Zeiss ZFK 4×25''', '''[[USP-1|USP-1 (1P29)]]''', Belorussian [[BELOMO|BelOMO]] '''PO 3.5×21P''', '''PO 4×24P''' and the [[1P78 Kashtan]] dedicated side rail mounted optical sights were developed. These optical sights are primarily designed for rapid target acquisition and first round hits out to 400 m, but by various means these optical sights also offer [[bullet drop compensation]] (BDC) (sometimes referred to as [[elevation (ballistics)|ballistic elevation]]) for aiming at more distant targets. The BDC feature compensates for the effect of [[gravity]] on the [[bullet]] at given distances (referred to as "[[bullet drop]]") in flat fire scenarios. The feature must be tuned for the particular ballistic trajectory of a particular combination of gun and [[cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]] at a predefined [[muzzle velocity]] and [[air density]]. Since the usage of standardized ammunition is an important prerequisite to match the BDC feature to the [[external ballistics|external ballistic]] behaviour of the employed projectiles, these military optical sights are intended to assist with field shooting at varying medium to longer ranges rather than precise long range shots.

The standard Russian side rail mounted optical sight was the 4×26 '''1P29''' Universal sight for small arms. It was copied from and hence similar to the British [[SUIT (sight)|SUIT]] (Sight Unit Infantry, Trilux). When mounted the 1P29 sight is positioned centered above the receiver at a height that allows the use of the iron sights. It weighs 0.8&nbsp;kg, offers 4× magnification with a field of view of 8° and 35&nbsp;mm eye relief. The 1P29 is issued with a canvas pouch, a lens cleaning cloth, combination tool, two rubber eyecups, two eyecup clamps and three different bullet drop compensation (BDC) cams for the AK-74/[[AN-94]], [[RPK-74]] and [[PK machine gun]]. The 1P29 is intended for quickly engaging point and area targets at various ranges and is zeroed for both windage and elevation at {{convert|400|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}. On the right side of the field of view a [[stadiametric rangefinder]] is incorporated that can be used to determine the distance from a {{convert|1.5|m|ftin|1|sp=us}} tall object from {{convert|400|to|1200|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}. The [[reticle]] is an inverted aiming post in the top half of the field of view and is [[tritium]]-illuminated for low-light condition aiming.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://russianoptics.net/1p29.html |title=1P29 4.0x Magnification |website=RussianOptics.net |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204093402/http://russianoptics.net/1p29.html |archive-date=2013-12-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.npzoptics.com/catalog/sights_for_small_arms/1p29/ |title=1P29 Universal sight for small arms |website=NPZ Novosibirsk Instrument-Making Plant |access-date=16 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206131752/http://www.npzoptics.com/catalog/sights_for_small_arms/1p29/ |archive-date=2013-12-06 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ra.spetsnaz.su/wiki/1P29 |title=1P29 |website=ra.spetsnaz.su |access-date=16 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129032437/http://ra.spetsnaz.su/wiki/1P29 |archive-date=2014-11-29 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The current Russian standard side rail mounted optical sight for the AK-74M is the 2.8×17 '''1P78 Kashtan''', an aiming optic similar to the American [[Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight|ACOG]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://russianoptics.net/545.html |title=Dedicated 5.45x39 Optics |website=RussianOptics.net |access-date=16 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129074515/http://russianoptics.net/545.html |archive-date=29 November 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> When mounted the 1P78 sight is positioned centered above the receiver. It weighs 0.5&nbsp;kg, offers 2.8× magnification with a field of view of 13° and 32&nbsp;mm eye relief. The 1P78 comes in several versions for the AK-74 (1P78-1), [[RPK-74]] (1P78-2), [[AKM]] (1P78) and [[RPK]] (1P78-3). The 1P78 is intended for quickly engaging point and area targets at various ranges and is zeroed for both windage and elevation at {{convert|400|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}. A [[stadiametric rangefinder]] is incorporated that can be used to determine the distance for a soldier sized target from {{convert|400|to|700|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}. The [[reticle]] consist of a main 400 m "chevron" (^), a {{convert|500|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} holdover dot and smaller additional holdover chevrons for {{convert|600|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|700|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} and is [[tritium]]-illuminated for low-light condition aiming.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://russianoptics.net/1P78Kashtan.html |title=1P78 Kashtan 2.8× Magnification |website=RussianOptics.net |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207062335/http://russianoptics.net/1P78Kashtan.html |archive-date=2013-12-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.npzoptics.com/catalog/sights_for_small_arms/1p78/ |title=1P78 rifle sight |website=NPZ Novosibirsk Instrument-Making Plant |access-date=16 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210142739/http://www.npzoptics.com/catalog/sights_for_small_arms/1p78/ |archive-date=2013-12-10 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===New features===
[[File:Russian naval infantryman on an FTX in Poland during BALTOPS 2003 (June 2003).jpg|thumb|right|A [[Naval Infantry (Russia)|Russian marine]] on exercise with the AKS-74 variant featuring plum-colored polymer furniture]]

The AK-74 was equipped with a new buttstock, handguard (which retained the [[AKM]]-type finger swells) and gas cylinder. The stock has a shoulder pad different from that on the AKM, which is rubber and serrated for improved seating against the shooter. In addition, there are lightening cuts on each side of the buttstock. The buttstock, lower handguard and upper heatguard were first manufactured from [[laminates|laminated]] [[plywood|wood]], this later changed to a synthetic [[fiberglass]]-reinforced [[polyamide 6]] colored with "kaprozol brown 4K" disperse dye, the color of which is usually referred to as "Russian [[plum (color)|Plum]]". The introduction of the new material was slow and impeded by very stringent hardness requirements of the military which no Western polymer furniture was able to satisfy as of 1980.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://warspot.ru/21012-boevye-polimery-dlya-ak|title=Боевые полимеры для АК|website=warspot.ru|date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104084413/https://warspot.ru/21012-boevye-polimery-dlya-ak |archive-date=4 January 2023 }}</ref>

The AK-74 gas tube has a spring washer attached to its rear end designed to retain the gas tube more securely. The lower handguard is fitted with a leaf spring that reduces play in the rifle's lateral axis by keeping the wood tensioned between the receiver and the handguard retainer. The receiver remains nearly identical to that of the AKM; it is a U-shaped {{convert|1|mm|abbr=on|2}} thick [[sheet metal|sheet]] [[steel]] pressing supported extensively by pins and rivets. The internal guide rails on which the bolt carrier travels are [[Stamping (metalworking)|stamped]] and [[Spot welding|spot welded]] to the inside of the receiver housing. Minor changes were made to the front barrel and rear stock trunnions as well as the magazine well. All external metal surfaces are coated with a glossy black enamel paint.

===Accessories===
[[File:Ak74gp35.jpg|thumb|A non-functional model of the АК-74 assault rifle fitted with an airsoft replica of the [[GP-25|GP-25 grenade launcher]] (the launcher is made by the Chinese company [[Double Bell]]). Notice the added recoil-reducing shoulder pad.]]

Accessories supplied with the military version of the rifle include a 6H4 or 6H5 type [[bayonet]], a quick-loading device, three spare magazines, four 15-round [[stripper clip]]s, maintenance kit, cleaning rod and sling. The bayonet is installed by slipping the muzzle ring around the flash hider and latching the handle down on the bayonet lug under the front sight base. The 6H5 AK-74 bayonet introduced in 1983 represents a further refinement of the 6H4 AKM bayonet. It introduced a radical blade cross-section, that has a flat milled on one side near the edge and a corresponding flat milled on the opposite side near the false edge.<ref name="worldbayonets.com">{{cite web |url=http://worldbayonets.com/Misc__Pages/ak_bayonets/ak_bayonets.html |title=AK Bayonets 101 – The Four Basic Types |last=Cobb |first=Ralph E. |date=2013-12-29 |at=AK74 Bayonet |work=Worldbayonets.com |access-date=2015-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324190800/http://worldbayonets.com/Misc__Pages/ak_bayonets/ak_bayonets.html |archive-date=2015-03-24 |url-status=live}}</ref> The blade has a new spear point and an improved one-piece molded plastic grip making it a more effective fighting knife.<ref name="worldbayonets.com" /> It also has saw-teeth on the false edge and the usual hole for use as a wire-cutter.<ref name="worldbayonets.com" />

===5.45×39mm cartridge===
{{Main|5.45×39mm}}
[[File:AK-74 5.45x39mm wound ballistics.gif|thumb|left|AK-74 5.45×39mm wound ballistics]]

Relatively small sized, light weight, high velocity military service cartridges like the 5.45×39mm allow a soldier to carry more ammunition for the same weight compared with their larger and heavier predecessor cartridges, have favourable maximum [[point-blank range]] or "battle zero" characteristics and produce relatively low [[bolt thrust]] and [[free recoil]] impulse, favouring light weight arms design and automatic fire accuracy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.quarryhs.co.uk/Assault.htm |title=Assault Rifles and Their Ammunition: History and Prospects |first=Anthony G. |last=Williams |date=November 2014 |website=Military Guns & Ammunition |access-date=16 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105042707/http://quarryhs.co.uk/Assault.htm |archive-date=5 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Tests measured the free recoil energy delivered by the 5.45×39mm AK-74 rifle at {{convert|3.39|J|ftlb|abbr=on|2}}, compared with {{convert|7.19|J|ftlb|abbr=on|2}} delivered by the 7.62×39mm in the AKM.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+Russians+are+coming!+The+Russians+are+coming!+Or+maybe+the+Polish.-a0182033227 |title=The Russians are coming! The Russians are coming! Or maybe the Polish |first=Holt |last=Bodinson |work=[[Guns (magazine)|Guns]] |date=1 September 2008 |access-date=16 November 2014 |via=The Free Library |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020151119/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+Russians+are+coming!+The+Russians+are+coming!+Or+maybe+the+Polish.-a0182033227 |archive-date=20 October 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Early 5.45×39mm ballistics tests demonstrated a pronounced tumbling effect with high speed cameras.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3912/is_200112/ai_n9010648/pg_3 |title=Terminal ballistics of the Russian AK 74 assault rifle: Two wounded patients and experimental findings |first1=Želimir |last1=Korać |first2=Dubravko |last2=Kelenc |first3=Danko |last3=Mikulić |first4=Dragan |last4=Vuković |first5=Janko |last5=Hančević |name-list-style=amp |doi=10.1093/milmed/166.12.1065 |journal=[[Military Medicine (journal)|Military Medicine]] |volume=166 |issue=12 |pages=1065–1068 |date=December 2001 |pmid=11778406 |access-date=2007-09-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310025623/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3912/is_200112/ai_n9010648/pg_3 |archive-date=2008-03-10 |url-status=dead|doi-access=free }}</ref> Some Western authorities believed this bullet was designed to tumble in flesh to increase wounding potential. At the time, it was believed that [[flight dynamics|yawing]] and [[cavitation]] of projectiles were primarily responsible for tissue damage. [[Martin Fackler]] conducted a study with an AK-74 assault rifle using live pigs and [[ballistic gelatin]]; "The result of our preset test indicate that the AK-74 bullet acts in the manner expected of a full-metal-cased military ammunition – it does not deform or fragment when striking soft tissues".<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Fackler_Articles/ak74_wounding_potential.pdf |title=Wounding Potential of the AK-74 Assault Rifle |first1=Martin L. |last1=Fackler |first2=John S. |last2=Surinchak |first3=John A. |last3=Malinowski |first4=Robert E. |last4=Bowen |name-list-style=amp |journal=[[The Journal of Trauma]] |date=March 1984 |volume=24 |issue=3 |pages=263–266 |doi=10.1097/00005373-198403000-00014 |pmid=6708147 |access-date=2007-09-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219104944/http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Fackler_Articles/ak74_wounding_potential.pdf |archive-date=2009-02-19 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Most organs and tissue were too flexible to be severely damaged by the temporary cavity effect caused by yaw and cavitation of a projectile. With the 5.45&nbsp;mm bullet, tumbling produced a temporary cavity twice, at depths of {{convert|100|mm|abbr=on|1}} and {{convert|350|mm|abbr=on|1}}. This is similar to (but more rapid than) modern 7.62×39mm ammunition and to (non-fragmenting) [[5.56×45mm NATO]] ammunition.

===Magazines===
The original steel-reinforced 30-round AK-74 detachable box magazine was similar to that of the AKM, except for minor dimensional changes required by the 5.45×39mm cartridge.
These magazines discolour over time from yellowish to [[Rust (color)|rust-coloured]] shades, and are often mistakenly identified as being made of [[Bakelite]] (a [[phenolic resin]]), but were actually fabricated from two-parts of AG-4S molding compound (a [[glass-filled polymer|glass-reinforced]] phenol-formaldehyde binder impregnated composite), assembled using an [[epoxy resin]] adhesive.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.arsenalinc.com/usa/imgs/articles/BulgarianAK.pdf |title=Kalashnikovs 3 of the best |first=Peter G. |last=Kokalis |magazine=[[Shotgun News]] |volume=59 |issue=12 |date=May 2005 |access-date=10 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923173907/http://www.arsenalinc.com/usa/imgs/articles/BulgarianAK.pdf |archive-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/09/18/guest-post-brief-history-kalashnikov-magazine-part-2-synthetic-magazines/ |title=A Brief History of the Kalashnikov Magazine Part 2: Synthetic Magazines |date=18 September 2016 |website=The Firearm Blog |access-date=2020-01-28|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404072910/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/09/18/guest-post-brief-history-kalashnikov-magazine-part-2-synthetic-magazines/|archive-date=April 4, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Elastic characteristics of AG-4S glass-reinforced plastic under short-time and long-time loads |doi=10.1007/BF00867112 |volume=2 |journal=Polymer Mechanics |pages=188–190 |last=Grezin |first=V. M. |issue=2 |date=March 1966 |bibcode=1966PoMec...2..188G |s2cid=135895271}}</ref><ref name="Kokalis_49">Kokalis, p. 49.</ref> Noted for their durability, these magazines did however compromise the rifle's camouflage and lacked the small horizontal reinforcing ribs running down both sides of the magazine body near the front that were added on all later AK-74 magazine generations.<ref name="Kokalis_49"/> A second generation steel-reinforced dark-brown (color shades vary from [[maroon]] to [[Plum (color)|plum]] to near black) 30-round magazine was introduced in the early 1980s, fabricated from [[Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene|ABS]] plastic. The third generation steel-reinforced 30-round AK-74 magazine is similar to the second generation, but is darker colored and has a matte nonreflective surface finish. With the introduction of the AK-74M the fourth generation of steel-reinforced matte true black nonreflective surface finished 30-round AK-74 magazines was introduced. All AK-74 magazines have a raised horizontal rib on each side of the rear lug to prevent their use in a 7.62×39mm AK. The magazines can be quickly recharged from [[stripper clip]]s. The empty weight of a 30-round AK-74 [[Magazine (firearms)|box magazine]] is {{convert|230|g|abbr=on}}. The 45-round plastic box magazine of the [[RPK-74]] [[light machine gun]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://home.comcast.net/~shooter2_indy/ak74_mag_guide.html |title=A Guide to 5.45mm Kalashnikov Magazine Types |date=2007 |website=The Shooter Gallery |access-date=16 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106124453/http://home.comcast.net/~shooter2_indy/ak74_mag_guide.html |archive-date=6 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> is also interchangeable with that of the AK-74. The empty weight of a 45-round RPK-74 box magazine is {{convert|300|g|abbr=on}}. Further 60-round and later 50-round quad-stack 5.45×39mm [[casket magazine]]s were developed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://russianoptics.net/AK74_50rd.html |title=AK74 Quad Stack 50 round magazine |website=RussianOptics.net |access-date=2015-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529044338/http://russianoptics.net/AK74_50rd.html |archive-date=2015-05-29 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The transition to mainly plastic magazines and the relatively small sized, light weight, high velocity 5.45×39mm cartridge yielded a significant weight reduction and allows a soldier to carry considerably more rounds for the same weight compared with the previous Soviet AK-47 and AKM and later 7.62×39mm chambered AK platform assault rifles.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="background:#efefef;" | Rifle
! style="background:#efefef;" | Cartridge
! style="background:#efefef;" | Cartridge weight
! style="background:#efefef;" | Weight of empty magazine
! style="background:#efefef;" | Weight of loaded magazine
! style="background:#efefef;" | Max. {{convert|10.12|kg|lbs|abbr=on}} ammunition load*
|-
| [[AK-47]] <small>(1949)</small>
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| 16.3 g (252 gr)
| slab-sided steel<br />{{convert|430|g|lbs|abbr=on}}
| 30-rounds<br />{{convert|916|g|lbs|abbr=on}}<ref name="Dockery 2007 102">{{cite book |last=Dockery |first=Kevin |title=Future Weapons |year=2007 |page=102 |location=New York City |publisher=[[Berkley Caliber]] |isbn=978-0-425-21750-4}}</ref>
| 11 magazines for 330 rounds<br />{{convert|10.08|kg|lbs|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[AKM]] <small>(1959)</small>
| 7.62×39mm
| 16.3 g (252 gr)
| ribbed stamped-steel<br />{{convert|330|g|lbs|abbr=on}}
| 30-rounds<br />{{convert|819|g|lbs|abbr=on}}<ref name="scribd2">{{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/38483061/Ak-47-Technical-Description-Manual |title=AK 47 Technical Description Manual |website=Scribd.com |date=2010-09-30 |access-date=2012-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328103151/http://www.scribd.com/doc/38483061/Ak-47-Technical-Description-Manual |archive-date=2012-03-28 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Dockery, Kevin 2007 p. 102">Dockery (2007), p. 102.</ref>
| 12 magazines for 360 rounds<br />{{convert|9.83|kg|lbs|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[AK-103]] <small>(1994)</small>
| 7.62×39mm
| 16.3 g (252 gr)
| steel-reinforced plastic<br />{{convert|250|g|lbs|abbr=on}}
| 30-rounds<br />{{convert|739|g|lbs|abbr=on}}<ref name="scribd2"/><ref name="Dockery, Kevin 2007 p. 102"/>
| 13 magazines for 390 rounds<br />{{convert|9.61|kg|lbs|abbr=on}}
|-
|| AK-74 <small>(1974)</small>
| [[5.45×39mm]]
| 10.7 g (165 gr)
| steel-reinforced plastic<br />{{convert|230|g|lbs|abbr=on}}
| 30-rounds<br />{{convert|551|g|lbs|abbr=on}}<ref name="Dockery, Kevin 2007 p. 102"/><ref name="izhmash1">{{cite web |url=http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/product/akm.shtml |title=AKM (AK-47) Kalashnikov modernized assault rifle, caliber 7.62mm |website=[[Izhmash]] |date=2001-09-02 |access-date=2012-08-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006092719/http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/product/akm.shtml |archive-date=2014-10-06}}</ref>
| 18 magazines for 540 rounds<br />{{convert|9.92|kg|lbs|abbr=on}}
|}
<small>Note: All, 7.62×39mm AK magazines are backwards compatible with older AK variants.<br />Note *: 10.12&nbsp;kg (22.3&nbsp;lb) is the maximum amount of ammo that the average soldier can comfortably carry. It also allows for best comparison of the three most common 7.62×39mm AK platform magazines and the 5.45×39mm AK-74 magazine.</small>