From Internet Movie Firearms Database - Guns in Movies, TV and Video Games

The AK-47 is a selective-fire (semi-automatic and automatic), gas-operated 7.62x39mm assault rifle, developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov. It is officially known in the Soviet documentation as 'Avtomat Kalashnikova' (Russian: Автомат Калашникова). Even after seven decades, the model and its variants remain the most popular and widely used assault rifles in the world because of their substantial, outstanding reliability under harsh conditions, low production costs compared to contemporary Western weapons, availability in virtually every geographic region and ease of use. These factors led the AK-47 to be named the "greatest combat rifle of all time" by the Military Channel. The AK-47 has been manufactured in many countries and has seen service with armed forces as well as irregular forces worldwide, and was the basis for developing many other types of individual and crew-served firearms. As of 2004, out of the estimated 500 million firearms worldwide, approximately 100 million belong to the Kalashnikov family, three-quarters of which are AK-47s.

NOTE: Please keep in mind that while "AK-47" is often a catch-all term for 7.62x39mm Kalashnikov rifles, most so-called "AK-47s" in movies - particularly American movies - are actually either Egyptian Maadi ARM copies of the highly improved AKM, or variants of the Chinese Norinco Type 56. Please check carefully to make sure that the rifle in question is a true AK-47 and not an AKM or a Chinese Type 56. When in doubt, it is probably safer to assume AKM or Type 56.

ALSO NOTE: Since the 70s, the AK-74 and its update the AK-74M have been the standard-issue assault rifle of Russian armed forces. Therefore, all fictional depictions of 7.62x39 AK variants as a modern standard-issue Russian military weapon should be considered an anachronism until proven otherwise (for example, some special forces operators and front line soldiers have been known to arm themselves with available 7.62x39 AK rifles and light machine guns as a matter of personal choice).

The AK-47 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:





Soviet/Russian Versions

AK-47

Type 1 AK-47 with slab sided magazine - 7.62x39mm

Type 2 AK-47 with slab sided magazine - 7.62x39mm

Type 2 AK-47 - 7.62x39mm

Type 3 AK-47 with slab sided magazine - 7.62x39mm

Type 3 AK-47 with laminated stock - 7.62x39mm

Poly Technologies AK-47 - 7.62x39mm. This is the commercial clone of the Type 3 AK-47 and is the most used in American films and shows when showing the milled receiver AK-47.

Actual Screen used AK-47 from the film We Were Soldiers (built by Cinema Weaponry) Type 3 AK-47 built from US Receiver - 7.62x39mm. This is anfrom the film(built by Cinema Weaponry)

The name AK-47, as used in English-speaking world, specifically designates the oldest production variants of Kalashnikov's assault rifle design, before the introduction of the AKM. These production weapons are officially designated as the AK in Soviet sources (the AK-74 and its variants were the first to include the year in its original naming), and the name "AK-47" in Russian sources only refers Kalashnikov's pre-production prototypes from 1947. These early production AK variants are divided into several types:

Type 1: The first production model, produced from 1948-1951. The Type 1 AK featured an early stamped receiver. It can be distinguished by a raised section of the stamped receiver underneath its charging handle, as well as a slightly differently shaped pistol grip.

Type 2: The second production model, produced from 1951-1957. The Type 2 AK featured a milled receiver; while it was intended for the AK to use all stamped parts for cost reasons, the Soviet metalworking industry was simply not ready to do this at the time, and the high rejection rate of the early stamped AK receivers led to a switch to milling that lasted until the introduction of the AKM. It can be distinguished by a metal stock mounting bracket on its buttstock.

Type 3: The third production model, produced from 1955-1959. The Type 3 AK is an improved version of the Type 2 AK, and also had a milled receiver. Most milled receiver AKs are derived from the Type 3 design. The Type 3 AK was phased out in 1959 by the improved stamped receiver AKM.

It is noteworthy that the U.S. government had a ban on all weapons imported from Warsaw Pact nations during the Cold War years (1947-1989). Communist nations which were not part of the Warsaw pact, such as Yugoslavia and Mainland China, were allowed to negotiate trade agreements with the U.S., thus the influx of Chinese AK type rifles and Yugoslavian AKs (Zastava). The Maadi ARMs (the US version of the MISR) were allowed because Egypt was never a Communist country nor a member of the Warsaw Pact. But, as a result of this, virtually no U.S. movie has a real original AK-47 prior to a certain date. The exceptions are, custom build ups after the mid 1990s when original AK-47 rifle kits were available (as was done on We Were Soldiers, using original blueprints and US-made milled receivers), and movies filmed overseas where foreign movie armorers had no such restrictions. This is particularly true for films made in Israel and some parts of Europe.

This is not the case now, with the current crop of films made outside the U.S., mostly in the newly democratic Eastern European nations (Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Poland, Czech Republic, etc.) However, Russia has firmly blocked the export of their old AK-47 surplus guns outside of the country, having distributed most of them to client nations and guerrillas throughout the world in the previous five decades. So the AK-47 one 'thinks' one sees may very well be a Poly Technologies Legend series AK (from China) or another AK Variant.

As an additional note, early production AKs used the slab sided magazine featured in Kalashnikov's original design, and the ribbed magazine design was introduced later.

Specifications

(1949 - Present)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 8.5 lbs (3.9 kg) empty, 10.5 lbs (4.8 kg) loaded

Length: 34.3 in (87 cm)

Barrel length: 16.4 in (41.6 cm)

Muzzle velocity: 2,350 ft/s (715 m/s)

Feed System: 10, 20, 30, 40-round box magazine, 75 or 100-round drum magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The Original AK-47 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

Television

Anime

Video Games

Animation

Title Character Note Date Boondocks, The Mrs. Van Heusen . 2005-

AKS-47

Type 1 AKS-47 - 7.62x39mm

Type 3 AKS-47 - 7.62x39mm

Type 3 AKS-47 with stock folded - 7.62x39mm

Poly Tech Model AK-47S Semi-Automatic Carbine - 7.62x39mm

The AKS-47 is a variant of the AK-47 where the rear-trunion is altered with a swiveling mechanism to allow for the under-folding stock. The AKS may feature any of the three AK-47 receiver types.

Specifications

(1949 - Present)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 6.5 lbs (3 kg)

Length: 37 in (94 cm) (stock extended), 27.6 in (70 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 16.3 in (41.5 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The AKS-47 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

Television

Anime

Video Games

Game Title Appears as Mods Notation Release Date 007: The World Is Not Enough Soviet KA-57 2000 Project Reality With optional bayonet 2005 Escape from Tarkov seen on the training poster 2016





AKM

AKM - 7.62x39mm

Maadi ARM - 7.62x39mm. This Egyptian clone of AK is often seen in American movies.

Romanian AKM with synthetic furniture - 7.62x39mm

AKM with GP-25 grenade launcher - 7.62x39mm / 40mm

The AKM is the improved version of the AK-47, featuring a number of refinements such as a stamped receiver (as opposed to the milled receiver of the original Type 2 and Type 3 AK-47), a slant compensator on the tip of the barrel (to reduce recoil), an improved gas tube (without vents), and use of lighter materials to reduce weight and simplify construction.

Most of the AKMs seen in Hollywood movies are actually Egyptian Maadi MISR copies, which were sold in the U.S. as the ARM in the 1980s - such weapons were first procured by Stembridge Gun Rentals for Red Dawn and subsequently re-used in numerous other motion pictures. The Maadi is almost identical to the original Soviet-built AKM, save for the markings, and is nearly impossible to tell apart.

Specifications

(1959 - Present)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg)

Length: 34.6 in (88 cm)

Barrel length: 16.3 in (41.5 cm)

Feed System: 10, 20, 30, 40-round box magazines, 75 or 100-round drum magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The AKM and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

Television

Anime

Video Games

AKMS

AKMS - 7.62x39mm

Basically the same as the AKM, but the rear-trunion is altered with a swiveling mechanism to allow for the under-folding stock. The AKMS nomenclature also indicates that the rifle is not a milled receiver variant and has the AKM style of gas block, top cover, barrel assembly, front sight, and appropriate forearm furniture.

Specifications

(1959 - Present)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg)

Length: 34.6 in (88 cm) (stock extended), 25.8 in (65.5 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 16.3 in (41.5 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The AKMS and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

Television

Anime

Title Character Notation Release Date New Dominion Tank Police 1993 Flag Ru-Pou's followers with shortened barrels 2009 Suisei no Gargantia Sailor 2013

Video Games

AK-101

AK-101 with railed handguard - 5.56x45mm

Modern Russian full-size 5.56x45mm NATO AK rifle based on the AK-74M for export.

Specifications

(1994 - Present)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO

Weight: 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg)

Length: 37.1 in (94.3 cm) (stock extended), 27.6 in (70 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 16.3 in (41.5 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine; 45-round magazine from the RPK-201 also compatible

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The AK-101 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

Title Actor Character Note Date Java Heat Achmed´s henchmen, policemen 2013

Television

Show Title Actor Character Note / Episode Air Date Strike Back - Season 7 Daniel MacPherson Sergeant Samuel Wyatt episode 5 2019

Video Games





AK-102

The AK-102 is a modern AK based on the AK-74M that is the carbine version of the AK-101.

Specifications

(1990s - Present)

Type: Carbine

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO

Weight: 6.6 lbs (3 kg)

Length: 32.4 in (82.4 cm) (stock extended), 23.1 in (58.6 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 12.4 in (31.4 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The AK-102 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Video Games





AK-103

AK-103 with cleaning rod removed - 7.62x39mm

Modern Russian full-size 7.62x39mm AK rifle, based on AK-74M.

Specifications

(1994 - Present)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)

Length: 37.1 in (94.3 cm) (stock extended), 27.6 in (70 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 16.3 in (41.5 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The AK-103 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

Television

Video Games

AK-104

The AK-104 is a modern AK that is the carbine version of the AK-103, based on AK-74M.

Specifications

(1994 - Present)

Type: Carbine

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 6.6 lbs (3 kg)

Length: 32.4 in (82.4 cm)

Barrel length: 12.4 in (31.4 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The AK-104 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

Television

Show Title Actor Character Note / Episode Air Date Black and White Triad gangsters Episode 11 2009

Video Games

Game Title Appears as Mods Note Release Date Dead Island 2011 Medal of Honor: Warfighter Various available modifications AK-104 barrel group attachable to base AK-103 2012 Escape from Tarkov AK-104 7.62x39 assault rifle Tons of the attachments added in v0.8.0.1208 patch (2018) 2016





AK-108

Full-sized AK-107 variant chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, using the Balanced Automatics Recoil System (BARS) similar to the AEK-971.





Foreign Copies & Derivatives

Norinco Type 56

Norinco Type 56, early milled receiver model with bayonet - 7.62x39mm

M22-code) export version made with no factory markings and the selector markings in the latin alphabet (L for full-auto and D for semi-auto). Norinco Type 56, milled receiver model without bayonet - 7.62x39mm. This is the "sanitized" (-code) export version made with no factory markings and the selector markings in the latin alphabet (L for full-auto and D for semi-auto).

Norinco Type 56 with bayonet - 7.62x39mm

Norinco Type 56 - 7.62x39mm. Rather than having the underfolder pig sticker Bayonet assembly, this has the standard Bayonet lug underneath the gas block as the AKM and later variants.

Norinco Type 56-1, early model with milled receiver - 7.62x39mm

Norinco Type 56-1, early model with milled receiver and plastic fittings - 7.62x39mm

Norinco Type 56-1 - 7.62x39mm

Norinco Type 56-2 - 7.62x39mm

Norinco Type 56 with Chinese 75 Round Drum Magazine - 7.62x39mm

The Chinese Type 56 assault rifle (manufactured by China North Industries Corporation, or Norinco) is by far the most commonly-seen AK derivative utilized in Hollywood productions, both film and television. These are frequently seen used as a substitute for Russian AKs in many films, as the Russians never sold a civilian AK model in the U.S. (or Europe) during the latter half of the 20th century. Most of the movie prop rental houses in Hollywood had dozens if not hundreds of Chinese AKs - mostly the Type 56s (7.62x39mm version) or the similar Type 84s (5.56x45mm version). These were usually semi-automatic civilian versions (commonly designated "AK47S" or "AKS47" by the importers), in many cases converted to full-auto by Class III manufacturers.

There are three main variants of the Type 56 - the standard Type 56, which has a fixed stock, the Type 56-1, which has an under-folding stock, and the Type 56-2, which has a side-folding stock. Most fixed-stock Type 56 rifles have an under-folding spike bayonet, known as the "pig sticker"; this rifle is often seen in movies about the Vietnam War, and is correct for NVA throughout most of the conflict. Quite a few of the Type 56s seen in movies also have AKM-style slant compensators fitted; this was a common feature on semi-auto Type 56s exported to the U.S., but NOT the full-auto military model.

The easiest way to tell when an AK-type rifle seen in a movie or TV show is a Chinese Type 56 is by looking at the front sight; Chinese AKs have a distinctive full-circle ("hooded") front sight that no other AKs (excluding the Romanian AK Draco carbines) have.

Film

Television

Anime

Title Character Notation Release Date Gunslinger Girl Padania Terrorists 2003

Video Games

Norinco Type 84S

Norinco Type 84S - 5.56x45mm

Norinco Type 84S-1 Underfolder Model with 16" barrel - 5.56x45mm

Norinco Type 84S "Target" Rifle - 5.56x45mm. Basically a standard Norinco Type 84S with a slightly longer barrel. This variant was ready for market just as the 1989 US import ban was implemented, so it is mostly seen in Canada. It has an 18.5" barrel and was very rarely seen in the U.S. Gun market.

Type 84S Match to countries such as Canada and Australia. Canada would suffer their own import ban on 'frightening looking guns' in 1995. Australian gun owners would suffer such a fate in 1997. Norinco Type 84S-1 "Match" Rifle - 5.56x45mm. Norinco was stuck sitting on a pile of 21" RPK barrels chambered for 5.56mm when the door slammed shut on U.S. imports in 1989. Norinco saved money by mating their 21" long RPK-style barrels to their stockpile of 84S Folding Stock receiver bodies and thus exported theto countries such as Canada and Australia. Canada would suffer their own import ban on 'frightening looking guns' in 1995. Australian gun owners would suffer such a fate in 1997.

The Type 84 rifle is nearly identical to the Chinese Type 56 (seen above), but it is chambered in 5.56x45mm /.223 Remington and manufactured entirely for export. The civilian variants are known as Type 84S, and are semi-automatic only (full auto Type 84s are far rarer than the Type 84S though). It is often seen impersonating the AK-74 in movies and TV shows (particularly Stargate: SG1, where it is carried by Russian SG teams).

The Type 84 was exported and sold with an AK birdcage flash hider and had a deep polished factory blue. Several other variants of the 84S Rifle (that are mostly unfamiliar to American Gun Owners) were victims of the 1989 Import Ban that barred most new 'assault rifles' from entering the United States. These rifles were thus mostly exported to Canada and Australia, and as a result, appeared in television shows or movies that were filmed in those countries. Listed here are two of the variants seen in Canadian or Australian television (the Target and the Match versions). If it were not for Canadian or Australian movie armorers, most Americans would never have known these variants existed.

Film

Television

Anime

Title Character Note Date Ghost in the Shell S.A.C. 2nd GIG Dejima refugee sniper Type 84S Target with scope 2004-2005





Norinco MAK-90

Norinco MAK-90 - 7.62x39mm

"Post-ban" version of the Norinco Type 56, made for import for use as a civilian sporting rifle. As such, the MAK-1990 was manufactured in semi-automatic mode only, the rear sight was ground down and the bayonet lugs were ground off. Most rifles are fitted with a 'thumbhole' stock and were manufactured with both milled and stamped receivers. Originally, these rifles were sold for around $180 and were looked down on as "cheap" rifles, but have since been regarded as fine rifles and have gone up in price greatly.

Specifications

(1990 - 1994)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 8.3 lbs (3.7 kg)

Length: 35.1 in (89.2 cm)

Barrel length: 16.3 in (41.5 cm)

Feed System: 10, 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto

The Norinco MAK-90 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

Video Games

Game Title Appears as Mods Notation Release Date Rainbow Six 3: Black Arrow PSO-1 Scope and Dragunov stock Used by Hostile NPCs only 2004





Zastava M70

Zastava M70B1 - 7.62x39mm

Zastava M70AB2 - 7.62x39mm

Zastava M70AB2 - 7.62x39mm (non-standard pistol grip). The military version of the M70AB2 underfolder rifle has a black plastic pistol grip as seen in the image above. However all of the Zastava M70AB2 rifles imported in the U.S. by Mitchell Arms had the wooden pistol grip seen in this photo. So a wooden pistol grip is indicative of a 'Mitchell Arms' rifle.

The Zastava M70 was the Yugoslavian variant of the Russian AK-47 (later AKM), however, it utilized a strengthened lower receiver, more akin to the RPK than the AK-47/AKM. It also has other design variations which make it immediately recognizable from its Russian cousin. M70 has grenade launcher sights (see talk page for detailed images) that when raised cut off gas flow to the piston allowing use of blanks for grenade launching; the rear trunion has a plunger to lock the receiver cover to prevent loss when used with a grenade launcher. Flip-up sights are standard equipment for optional night use: two dot rear and one dot front filled with phosphorescent material. M70 magazines are standard AK-47 type, but have a follower that blocks the bolt open when empty (much like the 30 round M1 Carbine magazine follower). The forearm is distinctly longer and has 3 cooling vents.

Some of the variants also have finned barrels to aid in heat dispersion. It was made by Zavodi Crvena Zastava (Red Banner Plant), now Zastava Oružje / Zastava Arms in a Yugoslavian (now Serbian) city of Kragujevac.

It was most widely used and seen in the Wars in the 1990s of the former Yugoslavian republics - Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro (Slovenia and Macedonia were not a major combatants in the fighting). Yugoslavia also sold them to many countries such as Iraq (which produced a licensed copy known as the Tabuk, which lacked the grenade-launching sight) and Kuwait.

The Zastava M70 was produced in the following variants:

M70 - milled receiver, fixed stock

M70A – milled receiver, underfolding stock

M70A1 – milled receiver, underfolding stock, mount for night or optical sights

M70B1 – stamped receiver, fixed stock

M70AB2 – stamped receiver, underfolding stock

M70AB3 – stamped receiver, underfolding stock, rifle grenade sight removed and replaced with a GP-25 40mm underbarrel grenade launcher

M70B1N – stamped receiver, fixed stock, mount for night or optical sights

M70AB2N – stamped receiver, underfolding stock, mount for night or optical sights

Variants M70B, M70AB and M70AB1 also exist, but they are rare and their specifications are unclear.

Specifications

(1970 - Present)

Type: Carbine

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 8.2 lbs (3.7 kg)

Length: 0 in (0 cm) (stock extended), 0 in (0 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 16.3 in (41.5 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The Zastava M70 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

Television

Video Games

Game Title Appears as Mods Notation Release Date 24: The Game Z85 2006

Zastava M85

Zastava M85 - 5.56x45mm NATO

The Zastava M85 is a compact carbine manufactured by the Yugoslavian Zastava company, similar to the AKS-74U, albeit in 5.56x45mm NATO, with an underfolding stock instead of a side-folder, and a three-holed handguard.

Specifications

Type: Carbine

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO

Weight: 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)

Length: 31.5 in (80 cm), 21.3 in (54 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 10 in (25.4 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The Zastava M85 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Video Games





Zastava M92

Zastava M92 - 7.62x39mm

Zastava M92 pistol - 7.62x39mm

Very similar to the Zastava M85 but chambers 7.62x39mm instead of 5.56x45mm. Note the curved magazine.

Specifications

( - )

Type: Carbine

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)

Length: 31.5 in (80 cm), 21.3 in (54 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 10 in (25.4 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The Zastava M92 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

Title Actor Character Note Date Zero Dark Thirty Terrorist 2012 The Equalizer Andri's henchman 2014 The Fate of the Furious Russian separatists with Magpul MOE handguard and Magpul Zhukov buttstock 2017

Video Games

Game Title Appears as Mods Notation Release Date America's Army Seen in crates with other AK-series weapons, unusable 2002





Zastava M21

Zastava M21S - 5.56x45mm

The Zastava M21 is a family of modern 5.56x45mm firearms developed by Zastava Arms as a replacement for the older M70 series of rifles. The M21 is currently the standard service rifle of the Serbian military, and is also used by security services in Bosnia-Herzgovina, Iraq and Cameroon.

The Zastava M21 is produced in the following variants:

M21 A - standard full-length rifle (M21 ABS includes picatinny rail system for the mounting of attachments).

- standard full-length rifle (M21 ABS includes picatinny rail system for the mounting of attachments). M21 S - compact short-barrelled variant of the M21 (M21 SBS includes picatinny rail system for the mounting of attachments).

- compact short-barrelled variant of the M21 (M21 SBS includes picatinny rail system for the mounting of attachments). M21 C - carbine variant of the M21.

Specifications

( 2004 - )

Type: Rifle, Carbine

Caliber: 5.56x45mm

Weight: 9.1 lbs (4.2 kg)

Length: 39.4 in (100 cm), 29.5 in (75 cm) (stock folded)(M21 A), 36 in (91.5 cm), 26.2 in (66.6 cm) (stock folded) (M21 S), 32.5 in (82.5 cm), 22.6 in (57.5 cm) (stock folded) (M21 C)

Barrel length: 10 in (25.4 cm) (M21 A), 14.8 in (37.5 cm) (M21 S), 12.8 in (32.5 cm) (M21 C)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The Zastava M21 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Television





PM md. 63/65/90

PM md. 63 (AIM) - 7.62x39mm

PM md. 65 (AIMS) with cleaning rod removed - 7.62x39mm

PM md. 90 - 7.62x39mm

PM md. 90 with 75-round drum magazine - 7.62x39mm

The Romanian clones of the AKM and AKMS are known as PM md. 63 and PM md. 65. They are identifiable by their distinctive vertical foregrip integrated into the handguard. The foregrip of the PM md. 65 notably slants backwards to accommodate for the underfolding stock. In the west, they are better known under their export names, AIM and the AIMS, which are often applied to export versions of later Romanian AKs, even if they don't officially use these names.

In 1986, Romania adopted the 5.45mm PA md. 86, which featured a side-folding stock similar to the East German MPi-KMS. A few years later, the PM md. 90 was developed. Essentially a 7.62mm version of the PA md. 86, the PM md. 90 is more or less identical to the md. 63 except for being equipped with the same side folding stock as the md. 86.

The PA md. 97 is a 5.56mm version of the md. 86 developed in 1997. The PA md. 2000 is a modernized version with synthetic furniture chambered in 5.56mm.

Carbine versions for all of the aformentioned rifles exist. Export versions of these are collectively grouped under the AIMR name (see below).

Film

Television

Show Title Actor Character Note / Episode Air Date Situation Critical 2007-2008 Black and White Triad gangsters with plastic forend 2009 Tyrant Abbudinian soldiers Episode 1 2014

Video Games

Title As Mods Notes Date Call of Duty Online 2013





AIMR

First model AIMR with crutch style stock and 20 round magazine - 7.62x39mm. The original Romanian designation for this rifle is the PM md. 80.

AIMR - 7.62x39mm. The original Romanian designation for this rifle is the PM md. 90 cu țeavă scurtă (short barrelled).

AIMR (JMAC Customs civilian replica) - 5.45x39mm. The original Romanian designation for this rifle is the PA md. 86 cu țeavă scurtă (short barrelled).

AIMR - 5.56x45mm. The original Romanian designation for this rifle is the PA md. 97 cu țeavă scurtă (short barrelled).

Romanian AK Draco Pistol - 7.62x39mm. This is a US import variant of the AIMR and can be identified by its lack of a stock, a plain handguard without palmswell and 2 position selector switch.

Romanian AK Draco Carbine - 7.62x39mm. This is a Draco pistol fitted with a PA md. 86 folding stock to replicate the original AIMR, however it still lacks the palmswell hanguard and 3 position selector switch.

AK Draco 9mm Carbine - 9x19mm.

Romanian AK Micro Draco Pistol - 7.62x39mm

AIMR is the collective export designation for all Romanian AK-based carbines, regardless of caliber. The majority feature the distinctive side folding PA md. 86 stock and a straight AKM type handguard (the exception being the first model PM md. 80 which has a unique folding stock and an AIM style vertical grip handguard), and all have a 12 inch barrel with the front sight mounted directly to the gas block. They are fitted with barrel threads onto which can be fitted either a standard barrel nut, or a unique birdcage flash hider.

A variant of the AIMR with smooth handguards and the stock removed chambered in 7.62x39mm or 5.56x45mm was imported into the US as the "Champion Pistol". Later the designation of "Draco Pistol" was given to 7.62x39mm weapons, with "Champion Pistol" now referring to only 5.56x45mm weapons.

Specifications

(1980 - Present)

Type: Carbine

Caliber: 7.62x39mm, 5.45x39mm or 5.56x45mm

Barrel length: 12 in (30.5 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The AIMR Carbine and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

Television

Video Games

Game Title Appears as Mods Notation Release Date Killing Floor "AK47" AIMR; gold-plated version available with DLC 2009

Anime

Title Character Note Date Flag Ru-Pou's followers Draco Pistol 2006





Romanian WASR

WASR 10/63 - 7.62x39mm

The Wassenaar Arrangement Semiautomatic Rifles (WASR) are semi-automatic versions of the Romanian PM md. 63 with stamped receivers, intended for the United States market. Although originally constructed from older surplus spare parts for Romanian military AKs, newer WASRs are built from newer parts, some of which are American-made to comply with import restrictions. Although originally constructed with a single stack magazine well to comply with American import restrictions, once the rifles are imported into the United States, distributors cut out the magazine well to allow traditional double stack AK magazines. There are a number of different variants chambered in different calibers; 7.62x39mm (WASR-10), 5.45x39mm (WASR-2), and 5.56x45mm (WASR-3). A WASR can easily be spotted in a film by its distinctive stamped receiver that does not contain the standard AK dimples.

Film

Title Actor Character Note Date 24: Redemption Sangalan Rebels 2008 Derailed Terrorists 2002

Television





MPi-KM/MPi-KMS-72

MPi-KM-72 - 7.62x39mm. This was the transitional MPi-KM-72 that still used the wooden lower hand grip from the MPi-KM. These were common from 1965-1972. The side folding stock was not widely distributed until 1973.

The MPi-KM/MPi-KMS-72 are East German license-manufactured versions of the AKM/AKMS. Early versions of the rifles had wooden furniture, but later models have distinctive stippled brown buttstocks and pistol grips. The MPi-KMS also has a side folding single strut "coat hanger" stock, a feature which is shared with the later Romanian rifles. After the German reunification, all variants of the MPi were removed from service, with most rifles being sold as surplus to the militaries of such countries as Finland and Turkey.

Note: The chance of seeing a 100% original East German MPi-K series of rifle in a movie or television show is extremely unlikely. Most of the "East German" AKs that are seen in visual media are regular AKMs using East German Parts kits.

Film

Television

Anime

Title Character Note Date Schwarzesmarken Sergeant Major Kurt Griebel MPi-KMS-72 2017 Second Lieutenant Katia Waldheim NVA soldiers and East German border guards





AKM-63/AMD-65

AMD-65 with wood furniture - 7.62x39mm

The AKM-63 and AMD-65 (Automata Módosított Deszantfegyver; loosely "Automatic Modified Paratrooper Weapon") are Hungarian variants of the AK-47, manufactured by FÉG. Hungary originally adopted a domestically manufactured milled receiver AK as the AK-55. In the early 60s, the Hungarian Army decided to modernize their rifles into the AKM-63. The AKM-63 featured a distinctive perforated sheet metal handguard, a stamped receiver, a foregrip, and was manufactured in either wood or polymer furniture. The AKM-63 was further modified into the AMD-65 in 1965, which was a compact version with a shorter barrel and side folding stock, intended for paratroopers and vehicle crews. The AMD-65 is the most famous variant of the Hungarian AKs.

Specifications

(1963 - )

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) (AMD-65)

Length: 33.3 in (84.7 cm) (AMD-65, stock extended), 24.6 in (62.4 cm) (AMD-65, stock folded)

Barrel length: 12.5 in (31.7 cm) (AMD-65)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The AKM-63 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

Television

Show Title Actor Character Note / Episode Air Date The Professionals Quinn AMD-65, "A Man Called Quinn" , PSO-1 scope 1983

Video Games





AMM/AMMS

AMMS - 7.62x39mm

FEG SA-85 Underfolder - 7.62x39mm

In the late 1970s, the Hungarian government decided to improve and develop a new rifle for simplification, unification with their allies, and exportability. The confusingly-named AK-63 was adopted in 1977 as the standard Hungarian infantry rifle. Two versions of the AK-63 were produced, the AK-63F with a fixed stock, and the AK-63D with an underfolding stock. The two weapons were adopted as the AMM and AMMS (spelt AMMSz in Hungarian) respectively. Another variant, the AK-63MF, was a modernized version of the AK-63D with telescopic stock and Picatinny rail. A rare semi-auto only version of the AK-63F, known as the SA-85M, was made for export to the lucrative US civilian market, which was affected by the 1989 ban.

The Hungarian AK-63 is almost completely identical to the Soviet AKM. The main differences between the two is that the AK-63 rifles retains the distinctive straight pistol grip of the AKM-63, and that the handguard of the AK-63 lacks the palm swells of the Soviet AKM. The wood also has has a bright, laminated blond finish like the AKM-63.

AMM stands for Automata Kalasnyikov Modernizált Magyarosított, which loosely means "Hungarianized AKM".

Film

Title Actor Character Note Date Rambo (2008) Burmese Junta soldiers SA-85M underfolder 2008

Television

Show Title Actor Character Note / Episode Air Date Lady Cop (Die Kommissarin) - Season 1 Marek Wlodarzcyk Wadim Gubanow AMMS, "Das Lied vom Freund" (S01E07) 1994





FÉG NGM-81

FÉG NGM-81 with original PKM style flash hider - 5.56x45mm

The Hungarian FÉG NGM-81 was a domestic rifle based on the indigenous Hungarian AK, but built for export. For that reason, it was chambered in 5.56x45mm, though some 5.45x39mm variants exist. The Rifle was built between 1981-1990. The original rifles were only offered with a fixed butt and a wooden fore-end, made in the same Hungarian Blonde wood as the SA-85M export rifle. The folding stock version of this rifle was called the NGV-81.

Due to Cold War prohibitions against Combloc weapons within the U.S. (except those exempted by treaty), the vast majority of the export NGM-81 rifles went to Europe and Africa. Most versions omit the large PKM style flash hider, opting instead for the standard AK-47 style muzzle nut. The FÉG NGM rifle was noteworthy in that it kept the AK-47/Type 56 style of gas block system, with the gas relief holes in the gas tube, not the gas block (as is the case with the AKM and later style rifles). The Gas block itself and the front sight is the AKM style in shape and the rifle takes a Hungarian stamped metal 5.56mm magazine similar but not identical to the Wieger style AK magazine.

Film

Television

Title Actor Character Note Date Ultimate Force Various soldiers and terrorist 2006





Bulgarian Arsenal AR

Arsenal AR - 7.62x39mm

Arsenal AR-F - 7.62x39mm

Arsenal AR-1F - 7.62x39mm

Arsenal AR-SF - 7.62x39mm

Arsenal AR-SF - 5.56x45mm NATO

Arsenal AR-M1 - 5.56x45mm NATO

Arsenal AR-M1F - 7.62x39mm

Arsenal AR-M4SF - 5.56x45mm NATO

Bulgarian Arsenal AR M7F - 7.62x39mm

The Arsenal AR is the name given to the Bulgarian manufactured AK clone (Built by the Bulgaria gunmaker ARSENAL JSCo.). These modern day copies of the AK-47 have milled receivers and are chambered in 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm in various configurations. As time goes on, Arsenal JSCo. builds more variants for export as civilian, military and law enforcement models.

Specifications

(2000 - Present)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x39mm, 5.45x39mm

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The Bulgarian Arsenal AR and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

Television

Video Games

Title Appears as Mods Notes Release Date F.E.A.R. 3 w/ R.I.S., fore-grip, reflex scope and skeletal butt-stock Unusable, 7.62x39mm AR model 2011





Radom-Hunter

The Radom Hunter is a Polish "sporterised" version of the AKM. The Hunter can be seen with proprietary sight-mount/receiver cover (pictured) or, more common, the standard AKM side rail.

Radom Hunter - 7.62x39mm

Specifications

(1987 - 2000)

Type: Hunting Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 11.4 lbs (5.2 kg)

Length: 40 in (101.5 cm)

Barrel length: 20 in (50.8 cm)

Capacity: 5 (Or any AK-type magazine)

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto

The Radom-Hunter and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film





AKU-94

Maadi ARM in AKU-94 bullpup kit - 7.62x39mm

AK variant in AKU-94 bullpup kit with polymer magazine - 7.62x39mm

The AKU-94 is a bullpup conversion kit for the AK type rifle, originally created and sold by American company K-VAR Corporation. Both the European style AKs (like the Romanian AKs or Egyptian Maadis) and the Chinese style of AK rifle (Type 56) can fit into the kit. In the Mid-2000s, KVAR stopped making and selling the AKU-94 conversion kit. All remaining kits were purchased by Century Arms International, and subsequently used to 'spruce up' AK rifles with a futuristic bullpup look. Currently various imported AK rifles (mostly WASRs) with kit installed, is sold by Century Arms International. This bullpup configuration retains the standard barrel length but the design makes the AK rifle more compact making it more suitable for close quarters battle.

Specifications

( - )

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The AKU-94 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

Television

Show Title Actor Character Note / Episode Air Date Star Trek: Voyager Robert Beltran Chakotay "Nemesis", Dressed up as alien weapons 1997 Kradin soldiers The X-Files - Season 7 Ryan Todd 'Mixer' Fitted with Trijicon ACOG scope / "First Person Shooter" (S7E13) 2000 Firefly guards "War Stories" (S1E10) 2002

Video Games

Title As Mods Notes Date Medal of Honor: Warfighter AK-103 Bullpup w/ various attachments 2012 Call of Duty Online "AKBP" w/ various attachments 2015

"AKMSU"

"AKMSU" in the National Firearms Centre, with thumbhole foregrip and an AKMS-style stock, fitted with a bakelite magazine - 7.62x39mm. This model has a muzzle brake containing an expansion chamber, required for the correct cycling.

Tropic Thunder, Three Kings, and numerous other movies and TV shows. Converted AKM pistol - 7.62x39mm. This is a blank adapted full auto transferable AKM pistol that was converted into a Krinkov via parts kit. Guns just like this one have been used in, and numerous other movies and TV shows.

Converted AKM pistol with RIS handguard - 7.62x39mm

The AKMSU is a chopped and shortened version of the AKM, in the same vein as the AKS-74U. The weapon is very rare, and the origin of the weapon is very strongly disputed. Some sources describe the weapon as a rare prototype carbine intended for Russian airborne troops, before being found to be inconvenient to use and phased out by the AKS-74U. Other sources, including most Russian sources, say the weapon does not exist, never made in any capacity by the Soviet Union, and any chopped and shortened AKM carbines are foreign-made custom models.

One alleged genuine AKMSU is in the possession of National Firearms Centre (of the Royal Armouries) in Leeds, United Kingdom, gifted to them in 2005 by UK's MOD Pattern Room; the Pattern Room received the weapon in June 1986. This model is identified to have been a custom model made from a Type 56 receiver and AKS-74U parts (with the rivet positions at the rear of the receiver being one telling sign that it is originally a Type 56), and is often cited as originating from the Khyber Pass. Given that the only alleged genuine AKMSU is conclusively identified as a custom model, no genuine Russian AKMSUs are known to exist, supporting the idea that the term does not describe a production weapon.

The name AKMSU is regularly cited as "Автомат Калашникова Mодернизированный Складной Укороченный", or "Kalashnikov's shortened modernized assault rifle with a folding stock". The origin of the name "AKMSU" is ultimately uncertain, due to Russian sources disowning the weapon. It was believed that the name was first attached to the National Firearms Centre model, being spread through firearm encyclopedias and airsoft replicas.

Despite the muddied history of the "genuine AKMSU", AKMSU-like firearms (i.e. 7.62x39mm AK derivatives resembling the AKS-74U in overall form) do exist as production weapons outside of Russia. The Bulgarian Arsenal AR-SF, Romanian AIMR, and Yugoslavian/Serbian Zastava M92 all fit the description to some extent.

On IMFDB, "AKMSU" currently designates custom modified AKM carbines that exist in recognizable quantities in Hollywood productions, such as Three Kings, Tropic Thunder, Bad Boys II, etc. These are full-size AK variants that have been converted with Krinkov parts kits; many feature side-folding AKS-74U-style stocks.

Film

Television

Video Games

AK-Alfa

AK-Alfa with 16.3" barrel, 90 degree gas block and Hartman MH1 reflex sight - 7.62x39mm

AK-Alfa with 12.4" barrel, 45 degree gas block, KeyMod forend and MH1 reflex sight - 7.62x39mm

AK-Alfa with suppressor and MH1 reflex sight - 7.62x39mm

The AK-Alfa is a modernized version of the AK design made by Kalashnikov USA/Israel (CAA). The core of its design is actually based on the Saiga rifle series, a semi-automatic rifle series based on the AK design.

Specifications

(2016 - Present)

Type: Assault Rifle, Battle Rifle (7.62x51mm)

Assault Rifle, Battle Rifle (7.62x51mm) Calibers: 7.62x39mm M43, 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x51mm NATO

7.62x39mm M43, 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x51mm NATO Barrel lengths: 16.3 in (41.5 cm), 12.4 in (31.4 cm)

16.3 in (41.5 cm), 12.4 in (31.4 cm) Length (with 16.3" barrel) : 37.4 in (95 cm), 27 in (68.5 cm) with stock folded

(with 16.3" barrel) 37.4 in (95 cm), 27 in (68.5 cm) with stock folded Weight (with 16.3" barrel) : 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) empty

(with 16.3" barrel) 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) empty Capacity: 30-round box magazine, AK-47 type magazines (7.62x39mm)

30-round box magazine, AK-47 type magazines (7.62x39mm) Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The AK-Alfa and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Video Games

Game Title Appears As Mods Notes Release Date America's Army: Proving Grounds "CZ Alpha" Added in a 2018 update 2013 Warface "AK Alpha" 2017 World War 3 "Alpha" 2018





Century Arms C39 V2

Century Arms C39 V2 - 7.62x39mm

The Century Arms C39 V2 is an American AKM clone with milled receiver design made by Century Arms.

Specifications

(??? - Present)

Type: Assault Rifle, Pistol, SBR,

Assault Rifle, Pistol, SBR, Calibers: 7.62x39mm M43

7.62x39mm M43 Barrel lengths: 16.5"

16.5" Length 37.25"

37.25" Weight 8.05lbs

8.05lbs Capacity: 30-round box magazine, AK-47 type magazines (7.62x39mm)

30-round box magazine, AK-47 type magazines (7.62x39mm) Fire Modes: Semi-Auto

The Century Arms C39 V2 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Television

.22 LR Caliber Versions

Adler-Jäger AP-80

An Italian-made AK replica that first debuted in the 1980s, seen in productions filmed in Europe and chambered in .22 LR.

Adler-Jäger AP-80 - .22 LR

Film

Video Games

Game Title Appears as Mods Notation Release Date Grand Theft Auto III "AK47" 2001





Firing Replicas of the AK-47

Bollywood Replica AK-47

Commonly seen in Bollywood productions due to Indian firearms restrictions, these replica AK-47s are designed to fire blank ammunition and are most likely custom fabricated by Indian armorers. Virtually all "AK-47s" seen in Bollywood movies (excepting films made with the help of the Indian military) will be such blank-firing replicas.

AK-47 replica, commonly seen in Bollywood productions. Photo from Ekta Enterprises.

Film

Title Actor Character Note Date Shootout at Lokhandwala Criminals and Mumbai Police 2007 LOC Kargil Pakistani Soldiers 2003 Zero Dark Thirty Pakistani Gunmen 2012





Non-Firing Replicas of the AK-47

Hudson AK-47

The most common of all movie AK-47s in scenes where a real firearm was not used, is the all metal Japanese "Hudson AK-47". Hudson, a replica gun company like Model Gun Corp. (MGC) made many metal replicas in the 1970s and 1980s.

Hudson AK-47, a Japanese Replica firearm based on the original Type III AK-47, seen here with AKS-style underfolding stock

Television

Show Title Actor Character Note / Episode Date Stargate SG-1 - Season 8 Russian soldiers "Full Alert" (S8E14) 2005





See Also