AKM
Country of origin
Soviet Union
ManufacturerTula Arms Plant, Kalashnikov Concern
The AKM (Russian: Автома́т Кала́шникова модернизи́рованный, romanized: Avtomat Kalashnikova modernizirovannyy, lit. 'Modernized Kalashnikov automatic rifle') is a 7.62×39 mm Soviet assault rifle introduced in 1959 as a lighter, more modern successor to the AK-47.
Designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, it became the most widely produced variant of the Kalashnikov series, serving as the standard service rifle of the Soviet Army and Warsaw Pact states. Featuring a gas‑operated rotating bolt, slanted muzzle compensator, and simplified manufacturing for cost‑effective mass production, the AKM enhanced automatic accuracy and reliability while reducing weight by approximately 1 kg.
Though replaced in Soviet frontline units by the AK‑74 in the 1970s, variants of the AKM continue to be manufactured and remain in use today.
Designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, it became the most widely produced variant of the Kalashnikov series, serving as the standard service rifle of the Soviet Army and Warsaw Pact states. Featuring a gas‑operated rotating bolt, slanted muzzle compensator, and simplified manufacturing for cost‑effective mass production, the AKM enhanced automatic accuracy and reliability while reducing weight by approximately 1 kg.
Though replaced in Soviet frontline units by the AK‑74 in the 1970s, variants of the AKM continue to be manufactured and remain in use today.
