View source for Engineering:AKM

{{Infobox weapon
|name = AKM
|image = [[File:AKM automatkarbin - 7,62x39mm.jpg|300px]]
|caption = The AKM assault rifle
|origin = [[Place:Soviet Union|Soviet Union]] <!-- Please leave as it is, see  WP:INFOBOXFLAG and template:Infobox weapon/doc -->
|type = [[Engineering:Assault rifle|Assault rifle]]
<!-- Type selection -->
|is_ranged = yes
<!-- Service history -->
|service = 1959–present
|used_by = See Users below
|wars = Vietnam War<br>Laotian Civil War<br>Portuguese Colonial War<br>Rhodesian Bush War<br>Cambodian Civil War<br>Nigerian Civil War<ref name="auto">{{cite book|last=Jowett|first=Philip|title=Modern African Wars (5): The Nigerian-Biafran War 1967-70|year=2016|publisher=Osprey Publishing Press|location=Oxford|isbn=978-1472816092|page=18|ref={{harvid|Jowett|2016}}}}</ref><br>The Troubles<br>Angolan Civil War<br>Yom Kippur War<ref name ="syria">{{cite book|author= David Campbell|others = illustrated by Johnny Shumate|title= Israeli Soldier vs Syrian Soldier : Golan Heights 1967–73|series=Combat 18|year= 2016|publisher = Osprey Publishing|page=78|url = https://books.google.fr/books?id=_7MODAAAQBAJ|isbn=9781472813305}}</ref><br>Lebanese Civil War<ref>{{cite book|title=Uniforms of the Soldiers of Fortune|date=1985|isbn=9780713713282|first1=Leroy|last1=Thompson|first2=Ken|last2=MacSwan|publisher= Blandford Press|place= Poole|page=145}}</ref><br>Cambodian–Vietnamese War<br>Chadian–Libyan conflict<br>Sino-Vietnamese War<br>[[Religion:Soviet–Afghan War|Soviet–Afghan War]]<br>Nicaraguan Revolution<br>Iran–Iraq War<br>[[Social:Lord's Resistance Army insurgency|LRA insurgency]]<br>First Liberian Civil War<br>Persian Gulf War<br>Somali Civil War<ref name ='SAS 2012 10'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2012.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2012/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2012-Chapter-10-EN.pdf|chapter=Surveying the Battlefield: Illicit Arms In Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia|title=Small Arms Survey 2012: Moving Targets|publisher={{wipe|Cambridge University Press}}|year=2012|author=[[Organization:Small Arms Survey|Small Arms Survey]]|page=338|isbn= 978-0-521-19714-4}}</ref><br>Georgian Civil War<ref name ='SAS 2003'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2003.html|chapter-url= http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2003/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2003-Chapter-06-EN.pdf|chapter=Dangerous Supply: Small Arms and Conflict in the Republic of Georgia|title=Small Arms Survey 2003: Development Denied|publisher=[[Organization:Oxford University Press|Oxford University Press]]|year=2003|author=[[Organization:Small Arms Survey|Small Arms Survey]]|pages=197}}</ref><br>Yugoslav Wars<br>First Chechen War<br>Second Chechen War<br>Second Liberian Civil War<br>2001 Afghanistan War<br>Ivorian Civil Wars<br>Iraq War<br>War in Darfur<ref name ='SAS 2009 3'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2009.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2009/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2009-Chapter-03-EN.pdf|chapter=Revealing Provenance: Weapons Tracing during and after Conflict|title=Small Arms Survey 2009: Shadows of War|publisher={{wipe|Cambridge University Press}}|year=2009|author=[[Organization:Small Arms Survey|Small Arms Survey]]|page=111|isbn= 978-0-521-88041-1}}</ref><br>Mexican Drug War<br>Russo-Georgian War<br>Boko Haram insurgency<br>Libyan Civil War<br>Syrian Civil War<br>War in Donbass<br>Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017)<br>[[Social:Yemeni Civil War (2015–present)|2015 Yemeni Civil War]]<!-- Production history -->
|designer = [[Biography:Mikhail Kalashnikov|Mikhail Kalashnikov]]
|design_date = 1950s
|manufacturer = Kalashnikov Concern<br>Tula Arms Plant<br>others
|unit_cost =
|production_date = 1959–1978 (USSR)
|number = More than 10,278,300
|variants = AKM<br>AKMS<br>[[Engineering:AKMSU|AKMSU]]
<!-- General specifications -->
|spec_label = Updated information
|weight = AKM: {{convert|3.1|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}} w/unloaded magazine<ref name="izhmash">https://web.archive.org/web/20110718231355/http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/product/akm.shtml AKM (AK-47) Kalashnikov modernized assault rifle, caliber 7.62mm</ref><br/> AKML: {{convert|3.80|kg|abbr=on}}<br/> AKMS: {{convert|3.3|kg|abbr=on}}<br/> AKMSN: {{convert|3.77|kg|abbr=on}}<br/> AKMS: {{convert|3.8|kg|abbr=on}}<br /> with full magazine<br/> 30-rnd magazine: {{convert|0.33|kg|abbr=on}}<br/> 6H4 bayonet: {{convert|0.32|kg|abbr=on}}
|length = AKM, AKML: {{convert|880|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="izhmash"/><br /> AKMS, AKMSN: {{convert|920|mm|abbr=on|1}} stock extended / {{convert|655|mm|abbr=on|1}} stock folded
|part_length = {{convert|415|mm|abbr=on|1}}<ref name="izhmash"/>
|width =
|height =
|diameter =
|crew =
|passengers =
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
|cartridge = [[Engineering:7.62×39mm|7.62×39mm M43]]
|cartridge_weight =
|caliber =
|barrels =
|action = [[Engineering:Gas-operated reloading|Gas operated]], [[Engineering:Rotating bolt|rotating bolt]]
|rate = Cyclic rate of fire:<br>600 rds/min<ref name="izhmash"/><br>Practical rate of fire:<br>Semi-auto 40 rds/min<ref name="izhmash"/><br>Full-auto 100 rds/min<ref name="izhmash"/>
|velocity = {{convert|715|m/s|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="izhmash"/>
|range = {{convert|350|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="izhmash"/>
|max_range =
|feed = 10, 20, or 30 round detachable box magazines. Also compatible with 40 round box magazines and 75-round [[Engineering:Drum magazine|drum magazine]]s from the [[Engineering:RPK|RPK]].
|sights = Rear sight notch on sliding tangent, front post<br>100–1,000&nbsp;m sight adjustments<br>Sight radius: {{convert|378|mm|abbr=on|1}}<ref name="izhmash"/>
}}

The '''AKM''' ({{Lang-rus|модернизи́рованный Автома́т Кала́шникова|r=modernizírovanny Avtomát Kaláshnikova|t=Modernized Kalashnikov Automatic Rifle}}) is a [[Engineering:7.62×39mm|7.62mm]] [[Engineering:Assault rifle|assault rifle]] designed by [[Biography:Mikhail Kalashnikov|Mikhail Kalashnikov]]. It is a common modernized variant of the [[Engineering:AK-47|AK-47]] rifle developed in the 1940s.

Introduced into service with the Soviet Army in 1959, the AKM is the most ubiquitous variant of the entire AK series of firearms and it has found widespread use with most member states of the former [[Organization:Warsaw Pact|Warsaw Pact]] and its [[Earth:Africa|Africa]]n and [[Earth:Asia|Asia]]n allies as well as being widely exported and produced in many other countries. The production of these rifles was carried out at both the Tula Arms Plant and Izhmash. It was officially replaced in Soviet frontline service by the [[Engineering:AK-74|AK-74]] in the late 1970s, but remains in use worldwide.

==Design details==
The AKM is an [[Engineering:Assault rifle|assault rifle]] using the [[Engineering:7.62×39mm|7.62×39mm]] Soviet intermediate cartridge. It is gas operated with a [[Engineering:Rotating bolt|rotating bolt]]. The AKM is capable of selective fire, firing either single shots or automatic at a cyclic rate of 600 rounds/min. Despite being replaced in the late 1970s by the [[Engineering:AK-74|AK-74]], the AKM is still in service in some Russian Army reserve and second-line units and several east European countries.The GRAU officially designated the AKM as the 6P1 [[Engineering:Assault rifle|assault rifle]].

===Improvements over AK-47===
[[File:AKMS and M16 field stripped.jpeg|thumb|left|The AKMS variant field stripped (below) compared with the American [[Engineering:M16 rifle|M16]] ]]

Compared with the AK-47, the AKM features detail improvements and enhancements that optimized the rifle for mass production; some parts and assemblies were conceived using simplified manufacturing methods. Notably, the AK-47's milled steel receiver was replaced by a U-shaped steel stamping. As a result of these modifications, the AKM’s weight was reduced by ≈ {{convert|1|kg|abbr=on}}, the accuracy during automatic fire was increased and several reliability issues were addressed. The AK-47's chrome-lined [[Engineering:Gun barrel|barrel]] was retained, a common feature of Soviet weapons which resists wear and corrosion, particularly under harsh field conditions and near-universal Eastern Bloc use of corrosively primed ammunition.

The AKM’s [[Engineering:Receiver (firearms)|receiver]] is stamped from a smooth {{convert|1.0|mm|abbr=on|2}} [[Engineering:Sheet metal|sheet]] of steel, compared with the AK-47 where the receiver was machined from heavier gauge steel. A rear stock trunnion and forward barrel trunnion are fastened to the U-shaped receiver using rivets. The receiver housing also features a rigid tubular cross-section support that adds structural strength. Guide rails that assist the bolt carrier’s movement which also incorporates the ejector are installed inside the receiver through [[Engineering:Spot welding|spot welding]]. As a weight-saving measure, the stamped receiver cover is of thinner gauge metal than that of the [[Engineering:AK-47|AK-47]]. In order to maintain strength and durability it employs both longitudinal and latitudinal reinforcing ribs.

===Barrel===
The forward barrel trunnion has a non-threaded socket for the barrel and a transverse hole for a pin that secures the barrel in place. On some models the rear trunnion has two extended mounting arms on both sides that support the buttstock; other fixed models use a stepped shaped trunnion that covers the full width of the inside of the receiver.

The AKM’s barrel is installed in the forward trunnion and pinned (as opposed to the AK-47, which has a one piece receiver with integral trunnions and a barrel that is screwed-in). Additionally the barrel has horizontal guide slots that help align and secure the handguards in place. To increase the weapon’s accuracy during automatic fire, the AKM was fitted with a slant cut [[Engineering:Muzzle brake|muzzle brake]] that helps redirect expanding propellant gases upward and to the right during firing, which mitigates the rise of the muzzle during an automatic burst when held by a right-handed firer. The muzzle brake is threaded on to the end of the barrel with a left-hand thread. Not all AKMs had slant muzzle brakes; some were also fitted with the older muzzle nut which came from the AK-47. Most AKMs with muzzle nuts were older production weapons. The AKM's slant brake can also be used on the AK-47, which had a simple nut to cover the threads.

===Gas block===
The gas block in the AKM does not have a cleaning rod capture or sling loop but is instead fitted with an integrated [[Engineering:Bayonet|bayonet]] support collar that has a cleaning rod guide hole. The forward sling loop was relocated to the front handguard retainer cap. The handguard retainer also has notches that determine the position of the handguards on the barrel. The AKM’s laminated wood handguards have lateral grooves that help securely grip the rifle.

Gas relief ports that alleviate gas pressure in the piston cylinder (placed horizontally in a row on the gas cylinder in the AK-47) were moved forward to the gas block and placed in a radial arrangement.

===Bolt carrier===
The AKM’s bolt carrier is slightly lighter in weight and has some minor differences in its shape.

===Stock===
The buttstock, lower handguard and upper heatguard are manufactured from [[Biology:Birch|birch]] [[Chemistry:Plywood|plywood]] laminates like the later model AK-47 furniture.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://browningmgs.com/T2T3/Kalashnikov.htm|title=Type 2 & Type 3 AK-47|publisher=|accessdate=18 October 2016}}</ref> Such engineered woods are stronger and resist warping better than the conventional one-piece patterns, do not require lengthy maturing, and are cheaper.
The wooden buttstock used in the AKM is further hollowed in order to reduce weight and is longer and straighter than that of the AK-47, which assists accuracy for subsequent shots during rapid and automatic fire. The wooden stock also houses the issued cleaning kit, which is a small diameter metal tube with a twist lock cap. The kit normally contains the cleaning jag to which a piece of cloth material is wrapped around and dipped into cleaning solution. It also contains a pin punch, an assembly pin to hold the trigger, disconnector and rate reducer together while putting these back into the receiver after cleaning the weapon, and a barrel brush. The kit is secured inside the butt stock via a spring-loaded trap door in the stock's pressed sheet metal butt cap.

===Spring===
The AKM uses a modified return spring mechanism, which replaces the single recoil spring guide rod with a dual “U”-shaped wire guide.

===Trigger assembly===
The AKM has a modified trigger assembly, equipped with a hammer-release delaying device (installed on the same axis pin together with the trigger and disconnector) commonly called a "rate reducer". In fact its primary purpose is not to reduce the rate of automatic fire; it is a safety device to ensure the weapon will only fire on automatic when the bolt is fully locked, as the hammer is tripped by the bolt carrier's last few millimetres of forward movement. The device also reduces "trigger slap" or "trigger bounce" and the weapon’s rate of fire, which also reduces the dispersion of bullets when firing in fully automatic mode. The hammer was also changed and equipped with a protrusion that engages the rate reducer and the trigger has only one notched hammer release arm (compared with two parallel arms in the AK-47).{{sfn|Poyer|2006|pp=8–11}}<ref name=e36>{{cite book |author=Edward Ezell |title=The AK47 story: evolution of the Kalashnikov weapons |date=1 March 1986 |publisher=Stackpole Books |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LsYqAQAAMAAJ |isbn=978-0-8117-0916-3 |page=36}}</ref>

===Sights===
The AKM’s notched rear tangent iron sight is calibrated in {{convert|100|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} increments from {{convert|100|to|1000|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} and compared with the AK-47 the leaf’s position teeth that secure the sliding adjustable notch were transferred over from the right to the left edge of the ramp.
The front sight is a post adjustable for elevation in the field and has a slightly different shape and its bottom portion is more narrow compared with the AK-47. Horizontal adjustment requires a special drift tool and is done by the armory before issue or if the need arises by an armorer after issue. The sight line elements are approximately {{convert|48.5|mm|in|1|abbr=on|lk=on}} over the bore axis. The "[[Physics:Point-blank range|point-blank range]]" battle zero setting "'''П'''" on the 7.62×39mm AKM rear tangent sight element corresponds to a {{convert|300|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} zero.{{sfn|Rottman|2011|p=42}} For the AKM combined with service cartridges the 300 m battle zero setting limits the [[Physics:External ballistics#Bullet drop|apparent "bullet rise"]] within approximately {{convert|-5|to|+31|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.{{sfn|Rottman|2011|p=42}}

===Magazines===
[[File:Bulgarian SOF prepares for Combined Resolve II (14041726380).jpg|thumbnail|right|AKMS with a 30-round "bakelite" magazine. Despite their name, the magazines are actually made of fiberglass and resin along with steel reinforcements.  The magazine has an "arrow in triangle" Izhmash arsenal mark on the bottom right.]]

The early slab-sided steel AK-47 30-round detachable box magazines had {{convert|1|mm|in|abbr=on}} sheet-metal bodies and weigh {{convert|0.43|kg|lb|abbr=on}} empty.<ref name="Dockery">Dockery, Kevin (2007). Future Weapons. p. 102. {{ISBN|0425217507}}.</ref> The later steel AKM 30-round magazines had lighter sheet-metal bodies with prominent reinforcing ribs weighing {{convert|0.33|kg|lb|abbr=on}} empty.<ref name="Dockery"/><ref name="scribd2">{{cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/38483061/Ak-47-Technical-Description-Manual |title=Ak 47 Technical Description - Manual |publisher=Scribd.com |date=2010-09-30 |accessdate=2012-08-23}}</ref> To further reduce weight a light weight magazine with an aluminum body with a prominent reinforcing waffle rib pattern weighing {{convert|0.19|kg|lb|abbr=on}} empty was developed for the AKM that proved to be too fragile and the small issued amount of these magazines were quickly withdrawn from service. As a replacement steel-reinforced 30-round plastic 7.62×39mm box magazines were introduced. These [[Rust (color)|rust-colored]] magazines weigh {{convert|0.24|kg|lb|abbr=on}} empty and are often mistakenly identified as being made of [[Chemistry:Bakelite|Bakelite]] (a phenolic resin), but were actually fabricated from two-parts of AG-S4 molding compound (a [[Chemistry:Glass-filled polymer|glass-reinforced]] phenol-formaldehyde binder impregnated composite), assembled using an epoxy resin adhesive.<ref name="Kokalis">{{cite web|url=http://www.arsenalinc.com/usa/imgs/articles/BulgarianAK.pdf|title=Kalashnikovs 3 of the best|publisher="Shotgun News" magazine, Vol. 59 Issue no. 12 - May, 2005|accessdate=10 April 2015}}</ref><ref name="AG-S4">{{cite journal|url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF00867112?LI=true#page-1|title=Elastic characteristics of AG-4S glass-reinforced plastic under short-time and long-time loads|accessdate=10 April 2015|doi=10.1007/BF00867112|volume=2|journal=Polymer Mechanics|pages=188–190|author=Grezin V. M.|issue=2}}</ref><ref name="Kokalis_49">Kokalis, 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 plastic magazine generations.<ref name="Kokalis_49"/> A second generation steel-reinforced dark-brown (color shades vary from [[Maroon|maroon]] to [[Plum (color)|plum]] to near [[Black|black]]) 30-round 7.62×39mm magazine was introduced in the early 1980s, fabricated from [[Chemistry:Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene|ABS]] plastic. The third generation steel-reinforced 30-round 7.62×39mm magazine is similar to the second generation, but is darker colored and has a matte nonreflective surface finish. The current issue steel-reinforced matte true black nonreflective surface finished 7.62×39mm 30-round magazines, fabricated from ABS plastic weigh {{convert|0.25|kg|lb|abbr=on}} empty.<ref name="izhmash.ru">{{cite web|url=http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/product/akm.shtml |title=фициальный сайт группы предприятий "ИЖМАШ" |publisher= |accessdate=2 October 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006092719/http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/product/akm.shtml |archivedate=6 October 2014 |df= }}</ref>
Early steel AK-47 magazines are {{convert|9.75|in|mm|abbr=on}} long, and the later ribbed steel AKM and newer plastic 7.62×39mm magazines are about {{convert|1|in|mm|abbr=on}} shorter.<ref name="dtic.mil">[http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf&AD=ADA046961 Rifle Evaluation Study], United States Army, Combat Development Command, ADA046961, 20 Dec 1962</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Are+kalashnikov+magazines+as+robust+as+their+reputation%3F+He+tormented...-a0262692779|title=Are kalashnikov magazines as robust as their reputation? He tormented a selection of AR magazines last year, now he takes on the AK. The results you may find surprising.|publisher=|accessdate=2 October 2014}}</ref>

The transition from steel to mainly plastic magazines yielded a significant weight reduction and allow a soldier to carry more rounds for the same weight.

{| 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*
|-
| [[Engineering:AK-47|AK-47]] (1949)
| [[Engineering:7.62×39mm|7.62×39mm]]
| {{convert|16.3|g|gr|abbr=on}}
| slab-sided steel<br>{{convert|430|g|lb|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|isbn=0-425-21750-7}}</ref>
| 11 magazines for 330 rounds<br>{{convert|10.08|kg|lbs|abbr=on}}
|-
| AKM (1959)
| 7.62×39mm
| {{convert|16.3|g|gr|abbr=on}}
| ribbed stamped-steel<br>{{convert|330|g|lbs|abbr=on}}
| 30-rounds<br>{{convert|819|g|lbs|abbr=on}}<ref name="scribd2"/><ref name="Dockery, Kevin 2007 p. 102">Dockery, Kevin (2007). Future Weapons. p. 102.</ref>
| 12 magazines for 360 rounds<br>{{convert|9.83|kg|lbs|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Engineering:AK-103|AK-103]] (1994)
| 7.62×39mm
| {{convert|16.3|g|gr|abbr=on}}
| 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}}
|}
<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-style magazines.</small>

===Accessories===
[[File:03 akm.jpg|thumb|90px|6H4-type bayonet and scabbard]]
[[File:NVA AKM Bayonet (2 of 2).JPG|thumb|140px|AKM Type I bayonet of the Nationale Volksarmee that has cut an electrical wire]]

The AKM comes supplied with a different accessory kit that contains a M1959 6X4 or 6X3-type [[Engineering:Bayonet|bayonet]] and comes with synthetic or steel magazines. The 6X3-type bayonet blade forms a wire-cutting device when coupled with its scabbard. The polymer grip and upper part of the scabbard provide insulation from the metal blade and bottom part of the metal scabbard, using a rubber insulator sleeve, to safely cut electrified wire. The kit also comes with a punch used to drive out various pins and a device that aids in assembling the rate reducing mechanism. The [[Engineering:GP-25|GP-25]] Grenade launcher can also be fitted onto the AKM.

===Ammunition===
The weapon uses the same ammunition as the AK-47: the [[Engineering:7.62×39mm|7.62×39mm]] M43 intermediate rifle cartridge. The AKM mechanism's design principles and procedures for loading and firing are practically identical to those of the AK-47, the only difference being the trigger assembly (during the return stage of the bolt carrier on fully automatic mode) as a result of incorporating the rate reducer device.

==Variants==
[[File:AKMS - 7,62x39mm - Armémuseum.jpg|left|thumb|AKMS without magazine]]
[[File:AKML.jpg|thumb|AKML with NSP-3]]
[[File:AKMS vs AK-47.JPEG|left|thumb|An AKMS (top) compared with a standard Soviet AK-47 (bottom).]]
[[File:Tishina automatic grenade launcher.jpg|thumb|right|AKMS with sound suppressor and silent [[Engineering:BS-1 Tishina|BS-1 Tishina]] grenade launcher attached.]]
The main variant of the AKM is the '''AKMS''' (S – ''Skladnoy'' – Folding), which was equipped with an under-folding metal shoulder stock in place of the fixed wooden stock. The metal stock of the AKMS is somewhat different from the folding stock of the previous AKS-47 model as it has a modified locking mechanism, which locks both support arms of the AKMS stock instead of just one (left arm) as in the AKS-47 folding model. It is also made of riveted steel pressings, instead of the milled versions of most AKS-47s.

The AKM was produced in the following versions: AKMP, AKML and AKMLP, whereas the AKMS led to the following models – AKMSP, AKMSN and AKMSNP. It is designed especially for use by paratroopers–as the folding stock permits more space for other equipment when jumping from a plane and then landing.

The '''AKMP''' rifle uses subdued [[Chemistry:Radium|Radium]]-illuminated aiming points integrated into the front and rear sight. These sights enable targets to be engaged in low-light conditions, e.g. when the battlefield is illuminated with flares, fires or muzzle flashes or when the target is visible as a shadow against an illuminated background. The sliding notch on the sight arm is then moved to the “S” setting (which corresponds to the “3” setting in the AKM). The sight itself is guided on the sliding scale and has a socket, which contains a tritium gas-filled capsule directly beneath the day-time notch. The tritium front post installs into the front sight base using a detent and spring.

The '''AKML''' comes equipped with a side-rail used to attach a [[Physics:Night vision device|night vision device]]. The mount comprises a flat plate riveted to the left wall of the receiver housing and a support bracket fixed to the mounting base with screws. To shield the light-sensitive photo detector plate of the night vision sight, the weapon uses a slotted [[Engineering:Flash suppressor|flash suppressor]], which replaces the standard recoil compensator. The AKML can also be deployed in the prone position with a detachable barrel-mounted [[Engineering:Bipod|bipod]] that helps stabilize the weapon and reduces operator fatigue during prolonged periods of observation. The bipod is supplied as an accessory and is carried in a holster attached to the duty belt.

The '''AKMN''' comes equipped with a side-rail used to attach a night vision device. The model designated AKMN-1 can thus mount the multi-model night vision scope [[Engineering:1PN51|1PN51]]<ref name=1pn51manual>{{cite book|title=ИЗДЕЛИЕ 1ПН51 ТЕХНИЧЕСКОЕ ОПИСАНИЕ И ИНСТРУКЦИЯ ПО ЭКСПЛУАТАЦИИ |trans-title= PRODUCT 1PN51 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS|date= January 1992 |pages= 11, 16|language=Russian}}</ref> and the AKMN2 the multi-model night vision scope [[Engineering:1PN58|1PN58]].<ref name=1pn58manual>{{cite book|title=ИЗДЕЛИЕ 1ПН58 ТЕХНИЧЕСКОЕ ОПИСАНИЕ И ИНСТРУКЦИЯ ПО ЭКСПЛУАТАЦИИ |trans-title= PRODUCT 1PN58 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS|date= February 1991 |pages= 5, 12–13|language=Russian}}</ref>

The '''AKMLP''' is a version of the AKML with tritium sights (as in the AKMP).

The '''AKMSP''' rifle is based on the folding stock AKMS variant but fitted with tritium night sights, as in the AKMP.

The '''AKMSN''' model is derived from the AKMS and features an accessory rail used to mount a night vision sensor as seen on the AKML and additionally a flash hider and bipod. The left arm of the AKMSN’s folding stock is bent outwards in order to avoid the sight mount bracket during folding and the sling loop was moved further to the rear. Similarly to the AKMN-1, the AKMSN-1 can mount the multi-model night vision scope 1PN51<ref name=1pn51manual/> and the AKMSN2 the multi-model night vision scope 1PN58.<ref name=1pn58manual/>

A version of the AKMSN additionally supplied with factory tritium night sights is called the '''AKMSNP'''.

A version of the AKM with a modified lower handguard designed to accept the [[Engineering:40 mm grenade|40 mm]] [[Engineering:Pallad grenade launcher|wz. 1974 Pallad]] [[Engineering:Grenade launcher|grenade launcher]] was developed in Poland and designated the '''karabinek-granatnik wz. 1974'''.

=== Semi-automatic variant ===
[[File:Seller holding rifle.JPG|thumb|WASR-10 with thumbhole stock Note lack of dimples over mag well peculiar to WASR series]]
The WASR-10 is a semi-automatic only variant developed from the AKM series rifle but is not another version rather a derivative or variant due to significant changes. The lack of the dimple over the magazine well is a peculiar WASR feature helpful in identification of WASR series rifles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q4q4iqoFDA|title=AK Comparison - SAR 1 vs WASR 10|first=|last=Big Mike's Hobby Channel|date=25 September 2015|publisher=|accessdate=18 October 2016|via=YouTube}}</ref> The WASR series are manufactured in Romania by the arms-maker Cugir and widely imported into the United States for the sporting gun market by importer Century International Arms who modifies them with TAPCO stocks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2010/05/don-gammill-jr/gun-review-century-arms-wasr-10-romanian-ak/|title=Gun Review: Century Arms WASR-10 (Romanian AK) - The Truth About Guns|date=21 May 2010|publisher=|accessdate=18 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/centurys-gp-wasr-10/#centurys-gp-wasr-10-2|title=Century's GP WASR-10|date=15 October 2013|publisher=|accessdate=18 October 2016}}</ref> Century began installing the TAPCO Intrafuse AK G2 trigger group in 2007 to eliminate bolt slap trigger finger injuries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tapco.com/products/ak/index.php?_a%3DviewProd%26productId%3D56 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2016-07-29 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516004928/http://www.tapco.com/products/ak/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=56 |archivedate=2015-05-16 |df= }}</ref>

== Gallery ==
<gallery widths="200" heights="145">
File:Children In iraq-iran war3.jpg|An Iranian child soldier holding an AKM in the Iran–Iraq War
File:Polish AKMS.JPEG|A Kbk AKMS fitted with a MILES laser training device in the hands of a Polish soldier in 1997
File:AKM and MP5K.JPEG|Foreground: A member of the United States Air Force field-qualifying with a USSR AKM in Iraq
File:AKM_automatkarbin,_Ryssland_-_7,62x39mm_-_Armémuseum.jpg|Full version of the page image, showing both sides of the gun. From the Swedish Army Museum in Stockholm.
</gallery>

==Accuracy potential==

The following table represents the Russian method for determining accuracy, which is far more complex than Western methods. In the West, one fires a group of shots into the target and then simply measure the overall diameter of the group. The Russians, on the other hand, fire a group of shots into the target. They then draw two circles on the target, one for the maximum vertical dispersion of hits and one for the maximum horizontal dispersion of hits. They then disregard the hits on the outer part of the target and only count half of the hits (50% or R<sub>50</sub>) on the inner part of the circles. This dramatically reduces the overall diameter of the groups. They then use both the vertical and horizontal measurements of the reduced groups to measure accuracy. This [[Physics:Circular error probable|circular error probable]] method used by the Russian and other European militaries cannot be converted and is not comparable to US military methods for determining rifle accuracy.  When the R<sub>50</sub> results are doubled the hit probability increases to 93.7%.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
!colspan="5"|AKM short burst dispersion with 57-N-231 steel core service ammunition<ref name="мануал">Manual on small business. 7.62-mm modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle (AKM and AKMS). - 3rd ed. - Moscow: Military Publishing, 1983. - 160 p., Ill.</ref><br />
|-
!Range||Vertical accuracy of fire (R<sub>50</sub>)||Horizontal accuracy of fire (R<sub>50</sub>)||Remaining bullet energy||Remaining bullet velocity
|-
|{{convert|0|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|0|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|0|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|2036|J|ftlbf|abbr=on}}||{{convert|718|m/s|ft/s|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{convert|100|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|8|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|11|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|1540|J|ftlbf|abbr=on}}||{{convert|624|m/s|ft/s|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{convert|200|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|15|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|22|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|1147|J|ftlbf|abbr=on}}||{{convert|539|m/s|ft/s|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{convert|300|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|23|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|33|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|843|J|ftlbf|abbr=on}}||{{convert|462|m/s|ft/s|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{convert|400|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|31|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|44|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|618|J|ftlbf|abbr=on}}||{{convert|395|m/s|ft/s|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{convert|500|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|39|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|56|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|461|J|ftlbf|abbr=on}}||{{convert|342|m/s|ft/s|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{convert|600|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|47|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|67|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|363|J|ftlbf|abbr=on}}||{{convert|303|m/s|ft/s|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{convert|700|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|55|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|78|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|314|J|ftlbf|abbr=on}}||{{convert|282|m/s|ft/s|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{convert|800|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|64|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|90|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|284|J|ftlbf|abbr=on}}||{{convert|268|m/s|ft/s|0|abbr=on}}
|}

* <small>R<sub>50</sub> means the closest 50 percent of the shot group will all be within a circle of the mentioned diameter.</small>

In general, this is an improvement with respect to firing accuracy to the AK-47. The vertical and horizontal mean (R<sub>50</sub>) deviations with service ammunition at {{convert|800|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} for AK platforms are.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
!colspan="4"|SKS, AK-47, AKM, and AK-74 dispersion at {{convert|800|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}
|-
!Rifle||Firing mode||Vertical accuracy of fire (R<sub>50</sub>)||Horizontal accuracy of fire (R<sub>50</sub>)
|-
|SKS <small>(1945)</small>||semi-automatic||{{convert|38|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|29|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|-
|[[Engineering:AK-47|AK-47]] <small>(1949)</small>||semi-automatic||{{convert|49|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|34|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|-
|AK-47 <small>(1949)</small>||short burst||{{convert|76|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|89|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|-
|AKM <small>(1959)</small>||short burst||{{convert|64|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|90|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|-
|[[Engineering:AK-74|AK-74]] <small>(1974)</small>||short burst||{{convert|48|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|64|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|-
|}

== Users ==
[[File:DF-SD-03-04442.jpg|thumb|right|Egyptian soldiers in training with Egyptian-made Misr rifles]]
[[File:Romanian AKM Soldier.JPEG|thumb|right|A Romanian sub-officer with a PM md. 65]]
[[File:LCpl Cheema on the AK-47.JPG|thumb|U.S. Marine firing an East German MpiKMS-72 assault rifle]]
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

* {{flag|Afghanistan}}{{sfn|Rottman|2011|p=60}}
* {{flag|Albania}}<ref name="jones2009">Jones, Richard D. ''Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010''. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). {{ISBN|978-0-7106-2869-5}}.</ref>
* {{flag|Algeria}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Angola}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Armenia}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Azerbaijan}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Bangladesh}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Belarus}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Benin}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Bosnia-Herzegovina}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Botswana}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Bulgaria}}: Produced locally.<ref name="jones2009" /><ref name="armadaint">[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Personal+infantry+weapons%3A+old+weapons+or+new+hardware+in+the+coming...-a09037642 Personal infantry weapons: old weapons or new hardware in the coming decades? – Free Online Library]. Thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved on 2014-04-20.</ref>
* {{flag|Cambodia}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Cape Verde}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Central African Republic}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Chad}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Chile}}<ref name="gander1995">Gander, Terry J.; Hogg, Ian V. ''Jane's Infantry Weapons 1995/1996''. Jane's Information Group; 21 edition (May 1995). {{ISBN|978-0-7106-1241-0}}.</ref>
* {{flag|China}}: Type 56 variant.{{sfn|Rottman|2011|p=23}}
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the FARC-EP.svg}} Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia<ref name ='SAS 2008 4'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2008.html|chapter-url= http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2008/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2008-Chapter-04-EN.pdf|chapter=Deadly Deception: Arms Transfer Diversion|title=Small Arms Survey 2008: Risk and Resilience|publisher={{wipe|Cambridge University Press}}|year=2008|author=[[Organization:Small Arms Survey|Small Arms Survey]]|page=115, 120|isbn= 978-0-521-88040-4}}</ref>
* {{flag|Comoros}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Congo-Brazzaville}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Congo-Kinshasa}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Cuba}}: Produced locally under license.<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Cyprus}}<ref>{{cite web|author=South Front |url=https://southfront.org/military-analysis-cyprus/ |title=MILITARY ANALYSIS: CYPRUS |publisher=South Front |date=2011-11-15 |accessdate=2017-08-23}} </ref>
* {{flag|East Germany}}: Produced locally. Examples include the MPi-KM (fixed stock) and MPi-KMS-72 (side-folding stock)<ref name="popenker">[http://world.guns.ru/assault/as01-e.htm Modern Firearms – AK-47 AKM]. World.guns.ru. Retrieved on 2014-04-20.</ref>
*  <!-- Anchor is linked from redirect Misr assault rifle. --> {{Anchor|EgyptMisr}}{{flag|Egypt}}: The '''Misr''' is an Egyptian copy of the AKM, manufactured by Factory 54 of the Maadi Company for Engineering Industries in [[Place:Cairo|Cairo]] for the Egyptian Army and for export sales.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/nuke/guide/egypt/facility/maadi-54.htm |title=Maadi Company for Engineering Industries (Factory 54) Special Weapons Facilities – Egypt |publisher=Fas.org |date= |accessdate=2009-11-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/egypt/maadi-54.htm |title=Maadi Company for Engineering Industries (Factory 54) |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |date=2005-04-27 |accessdate=2009-11-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avtomats-in-action.com/pro16.html |title=Exhibits Page 16 |publisher=Avtomats-in-action.com |date= |accessdate=2009-11-20| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20091225210916/http://www.avtomats-in-action.com/pro16.html| archivedate= 25 December 2009 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Jeff Freeman |url=http://home.comcast.net/~jfreeman16/page_4.htm |archive-url=https://archive.is/20090207015205/http://home.comcast.net/~jfreeman16/page_4.htm |dead-url=yes |archive-date=2009-02-07 |title=Egyptian Rifles |publisher=Home.comcast.net |date= |accessdate=2009-11-20 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Search the Small Arms Survey Website and Resources [Results for Misr]|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/index.php?id=68&q%3D=misr|website=[[Organization:Small Arms Survey|Small Arms Survey]]|publisher=[[Organization:Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies|Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies]]|accessdate=17 June 2014|location=Geneva, Switzerland}}</ref>
* {{flag|Equatorial Guinea}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Eritrea}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Estonia}}: Still in limited military/police use. Replaced by [[Engineering:AK-74|AK-74]].<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Ethiopia}}{{sfn|Rottman|2011|p=26}}
* {{flag|Finland}}: Holds stocks of imported AKM clones for wartime reserve service (the Chinese Type 56 known as the '''RK 56 TP''' and the East German MPi-KM as the '''RK 72'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/kalustoesittely/index.dsp?level=63&equipment=39 |title=Puolustusvoimat: Kalustoesittely |publisher=Mil.fi |date=2009-05-20 |accessdate=2009-11-20}}</ref>) along with locally designed AK derivatives (the '''Rk 62''' and the '''Rk 95 TP''').
* {{flag|Gabon}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Georgia}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Grenada}}<ref>https://wwiiafterwwii.wordpress.com/2015/10/18/urgent-fury-1983-wwii-weapons-encountered/</ref>
* {{flag|Guatemala}}<ref>{{cite web|author=World Armies |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/world_armies/6657856223/in/album-72157624622197278/ |title=Guatemalan Special Forces|website=flicker.com |date=2011-12-06 |accessdate=2017-04-06}}</ref>
* {{flag|Guinea}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Guinea-Bissau}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Guyana}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Hungary}}:<ref name="jones2009" /> There is a Hungarian derivative of the AKM called '[[Engineering:AK-63|AK-63]]' manufactured by FÉG. The AK-63 comes with a fixed wooden or plastic stock, but there is a version with an under-folding metal stock called AK-63D.
* {{flag|India}}<ref name="jones2009" /> Various models of AKM and AKM style rifle in use. A local variant developed and manufactured by the Rifle Factory Ishapore.
* {{flag|Iran}}<ref name="jones2009" /> from Chinese manufactures
* {{flag|Iraq}}<ref name="jones2009" /> from Soviet, German and Romanian manufactures{{sfn|Rottman|2011|p=49}}
** {{flag|Iraqi Kurdistan}}<ref>{{cite web|author=Osie Greenway |url=http://www.osiegreenway.com/peshmerga-frontlines-in-iraq |title=Kurdish Peshmerga forces of 10th Brigade 3rd Battalion prepare to defend a newly adopted base they arrived at a week ago days after the Islamic State militants offensive swept through Iraq. |publisher=Osie Greenway |date= |accessdate=2017-07-04}} </ref>
* {{flag|Israel}}:<ref name="jones2009" /> Captured from Arab armies over the course of the Arab–Israeli conflict.
* {{flag|Ivory Coast}}<ref name = 'SAS RCI 2012'>{{cite report|language=fr|title=Enquête nationale sur les armes légères et de petit calibre en Côte d'Ivoire: les défis du contrôle des armes et de la lutte contre la violence armée avant la crise post-électorale|first=Savannah |last=de Tessières|publisher=[[Organization:United Nations Development Programme|UNDP]], Commission Nationale de Lutte contre la Prolifération et la Circulation Illicite des Armes Légères et de Petit Calibre and [[Organization:Small Arms Survey|Small Arms Survey]]|date= April 2012|series= Special Report No. 14 |url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/C-Special-reports/SAS-SR14-CoteIvoire.pdf|ref=harv}}</ref>
* {{flag|Kazakhstan}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Kyrgyzstan}}<ref name ='SAS 2004'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2004.html|chapter-url= http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2004/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2004-Chapter-10-EN.pdf|chapter=An Anomaly in Central Asia?: Small Arms in Kyrgyzstan|title=Small Arms Survey 2004: Rights at Risk|publisher=[[Organization:Oxford University Press|Oxford University Press]]|year=2004|author=[[Organization:Small Arms Survey|Small Arms Survey]]|pages=313|ref={{harvid|Small Arms Survey 2004}}}}</ref>
* {{flag|Laos}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Latvia}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Lesotho}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Liberia}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Libya}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Lithuania}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Madagascar}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Mali}}<ref name="jones2009" /> – Armed and Security Forces of Mali
* {{flag|Moldova}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Mongolia}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Morocco}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Mozambique}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Nicaragua}}<ref>{{cite book|first=Carlos Caballero|last= Jurado|title=Central American Wars 1959-89|series= Men-at-Arms 221 |publisher=Osprey Publishing|place= London|year= 1990 |isbn=9780850459456|ref=harv|pages=20, 45}}</ref>
* {{flag|Niger}}<ref>{{cite web|author=THE ASSOCIATED PRESS |url=http://www.arabnews.com/world/news/738281 |title=Boko Haram attacks Niger Army base |publisher=arab news |date=2015-04-27 |accessdate=2017-06-14}} </ref>
* {{flag|Nigeria}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|North Korea}}: Type 68 variant.<ref name="jones2009" /> The variant does not have a rate reducer.<ref name="Weapon">{{cite book|title=North Korea Country Handbook 1997, Appendix A: Equipment Recognition|chapter=TYPE-68 (AKM) ASSAULT RIFLE|page= A-77|author=US Department of Defense |url=https://fas.org/nuke/guide/dprk/nkor.pdf}}</ref>
* {{flag|Oman}}: Some captured from Dhofari rebels.<ref name="mcnab2002">{{cite book |last=McNab |first=Chris|title=20th Century Military Uniforms |year=2002 |edition=2nd |publisher=Grange Books |location=Kent |isbn=1-84013-476-3}}</ref>
* {{flag|Pakistan}}: Type 56 variant.<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Peru}}<ref name="jones2009" /> Paratroopers only.
* {{flag|Poland}}: Produced locally. Replaced by Kbs wz. 1996 Beryl and soon by MSBS.<ref name="armadaint" /><ref name="popenker" />
* {{flag|Qatar}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Republic of Macedonia}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Rhodesia}}: Captured AKM rifles were issued primarily to helicopter crews.<ref name="RLI">{{cite book|pages=26|title=Rhodesian Light Infantryman:  1961–1980|author=Neil Grant|year=2015|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=1-4728-0962-9}}</ref>
* {{flag|Romania}}: Produced locally as the PM md. 63.<ref name="jones2009" /><ref name="armadaint" />
* {{flag|Russia}}:<ref name="jones2009" /> Still in limited military and police use.{{sfn|Rottman|2011|p=23}} Officially replaced in most Russian military units by the [[Engineering:AK-74|AK-74]]. Some usage mainly in urban environments due to the ability to penetrate heavy cover.
* {{flag|São Tomé and Príncipe}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Serbia}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Seychelles}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|South Sudan}}{{cn|date=August 2018}}
* {{flag|Sierra Leone}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Slovenia}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Somalia}}<ref name="jones2009" />
** {{flag|Somaliland}}<ref name ='SAS 2012 4'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2012.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2012/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2012-Chapter-05-EN.pdf|chapter=Between State and Non-state: Somaliland's Emerging Security Order|title=Small Arms Survey 2012: Moving Targets|publisher={{wipe|Cambridge University Press}}|year=2012|author=[[Organization:Small Arms Survey|Small Arms Survey]]|page=152|isbn= 978-0-521-19714-4}}</ref>
* {{flag|Sudan}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Suriname}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Sweden}} A small number of AKM's are used by the Swedish Armed Forces for familiarization training,<ref>[http://www.soldf.com/utlvap.html M16 M16a2 Kalashnikov Ak-47 – Utländska Vapensatsen]. SoldF.com. Retrieved on 2014-04-20.</ref> but they are not issued to combat units.
* {{flag|Syria}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Tajikistan}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Tanzania}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Togo}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Turkey}}<ref name="jones2009" /><ref name=militaryfactory>{{cite web|title=Kalashnikov AKM|url=http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=180|website=Military Factory|accessdate=4 June 2014}}</ref>
* {{flag|Turkmenistan}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Uganda}}<ref name ='SAS 2006 11'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2006.html|chapter-url= http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2006/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2006-Chapter-11-EN.pdf|chapter=Fuelling Fear: The Lord's Resistance Army and Small Arms|title=Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business |publisher=[[Organization:Oxford University Press|Oxford University Press]]|year=2006|author=[[Organization:Small Arms Survey|Small Arms Survey]]|page=283|isbn=978-0-19-929848-8}}</ref>
** Lord Resistance Army<ref name ='SAS 2006 11'/>
* {{flag|Ukraine}}<ref name="jones2009" /> still in limited use, officially replaced in most Ukrainian military units by the [[Engineering:AK-74|AK-74]]. AKMS used by Ukrainian Security Service
* {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|United States}}, captured rifles were used in Vietnam<ref name="LRRPs" /> and other conflicts.<ref>{{cite book|page=110|title=Operation Iraqi Freedom: What Went Right, What Went Wrong, and Why|author=Walter J. Boyne|year=2003|isbn=0-7653-1038-4}}</ref>
* {{flag|Uzbekistan}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Venezuela}} Purchased in 2005<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/venezuela/army.htm|title=Venezuela Ground Forces or Army (Fuerzas Terrestres or Ejercito)|first=John|last=Pike|publisher=|accessdate=18 October 2016}}</ref>
* {{flag|Vietnam}}<ref name="jones2009" /> Chinese Type 56 variant and North Korean Type 68 variant. Standard infantry rifle of the Vietnamese Army. Upgrades made by Z111 Factory as early as 2015 by changing parts of used AKMs with new plastic handguards, folding buttstock, ergonomic pistol grip and updated muzzle brake resembling the AK-74 with an attachement lug for use with a M203 grenade launcher known as the '''STL-1A'''.<ref>http://baodatviet.vn/quoc-phong/quoc-phong-viet-nam/lo-dien-hai-mau-sung-cuc-la-do-viet-nam-san-xuat-3345729/</ref><ref name="AR">https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/viertnam_has_upgraded_kalashnikov_akm_under_the_name_stl-1a.html</ref> A future upgrade, known as the '''STL-1B''', will include Picatinny rails since the 1A uses a side-type attachment.<ref name="AR"/>
* {{flag|Yemen}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Yugoslavia}}: Several variants based on the AKM built by Zastava Arms factory, most notably the '''[[Engineering:Zastava M70|M70]]''' and '''M70B'''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zastava-arms.co.rs/images/vojni/7_62/762_engleski.htm |title=Automatic Weapon Family – cal. 7.62x39mm |publisher=Zastava-arms.co.rs |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624030012/http://www.zastava-arms.co.rs/images/vojni/7_62/762_engleski.htm |archivedate=June 24, 2009 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Zambia}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Zimbabwe}}<ref name="jones2009" />

{{div col end}}

=== Former users ===
* {{GDR}} Produced locally. Examples include the MPi-KM (fixed stock) and MPi-KMS-72 (side-folding stock)<ref name="popenker">[http://world.guns.ru/assault/as01-e.htm Modern Firearms – AK-47 AKM]. World.guns.ru. Retrieved on 2014-04-20.</ref>
*{{flag|South Vietnam}}, the ARVN were supplied with captured AKM rifles.<ref name="LRRPs">{{cite book|title=Inside the LRRPs: Rangers in Vietnam|year=1988|author=Col. Michael Lee Lanning|isbn=0-8041-0166-3|publisher=Presidio Press}}</ref>
* {{USSR}}{{sfn|Rottman|2011|p=23}}
* {{flag|Yugoslavia}}: Several variants based on the AKM built by Zastava Arms factory, most notably the '''[[Engineering:Zastava M70|M70]]''' and '''M70B'''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zastava-arms.co.rs/images/vojni/7_62/762_engleski.htm |title=Automatic Weapon Family – cal. 7.62x39mm |publisher=Zastava-arms.co.rs |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624030012/http://www.zastava-arms.co.rs/images/vojni/7_62/762_engleski.htm |archivedate=June 24, 2009 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Engineering:AK-74|AK-74]]
* [[Engineering:RPK|RPK]]
* List of Russian weaponry
* [[Engineering:List of assault rifles|List of assault rifles]]
* [[Engineering:Comparison of the AK-47 and M16|Comparison of the AK-47 and M16]]
* Saiga semi-automatic rifle

==References==
* {{cite book |last=Rottman |first=Gordon |title=The AK-47: Kalashnikov-series assault rifles |date=24 May 2011 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qK9Nn-2xocUC |isbn=978-1-84908-835-0 |ref=harv}}
{{reflist|35em}}

==External links==
* [http://world.guns.ru/assault/as01-e.htm Modern Firearms article]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131113225655/http://www.kalashnikov.ru/upload/medialibrary/570/016_025.pdf На замену АК-47…Юрий Пономарёв] {{ru icon}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Akm}}
[[Category:Assault rifles]]

{{Sourceattribution|AKM|1}}