In the U.S., the AK-47 is a popular platform for firearms enthusiasts, and several manufacturers produce versions based on the original Soviet design. Below is a list of USA-made AK-47 variants and models:
1. Century Arms C39V2
- 100% made in the USA.
- Milled receiver.
- Chrome-lined barrel.
2. Century Arms RAS47
- A more affordable AK-47 variant.
- Stamped receiver.
- Made in the USA with common AK platform compatibility.
3. Palmetto State Armory (PSA) AK-47
- Various models (e.g., PSAK-47 GF3, GF4, and GF5).
- Built with different receiver types (stamped and milled).
- Known for being affordable and customizable.
4. Riley Defense RAK-47
- 100% U.S. manufactured.
- Offers both stamped and milled receiver options.
- Various configurations with wood and polymer furniture.
5. Kalashnikov USA KR-103
- Semi-automatic rifle based on the Russian AK-103.
- American-made, maintaining many traditional AK features.
- Popular for its reliability and modern design.
6. Arsenal, Inc. SAM7R
- Bulgarian heritage but manufactured in the U.S.
- Milled receiver with higher-end build quality.
- Known for longevity and reliability.
7. I.O. Inc. AKM247
- American-made AKM-style rifle.
- Affordable option with a stamped receiver.
8. Zastava Arms USA ZPAP M70
- Serbian design but available through U.S. production.
- Built on a stamped receiver with high-quality craftsmanship.
9. James River Armory (JRA) AK-47
- Built with a focus on quality craftsmanship.
- Uses traditional AK parts with U.S. components.
10. FIME Group VEPR
- Originally based on the Russian VEPR platform.
- U.S. legal versions with thick-walled receivers and barrels.
These variants vary in price, quality, and features, but all maintain the classic AK-47 reliability and design principles. Many offer compatibility with standard AK parts and accessories.
The AK-47, originally developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the late 1940s, has gone through numerous iterations and variants. Here’s a list of key versions and variants of the AK-47 and its derivatives:
Main AK-47 Versions:
- AK-47 (Type 1): The original version from 1948, with a stamped sheet metal receiver.
- AK-47 (Type 2): Introduced in 1951, with a milled receiver for increased durability and better manufacturing.
- AK-47 (Type 3): A refined milled receiver version that became the standard for many years.
- AKM: Introduced in 1959, this modernized version replaced the AK-47 with stamped metal parts for easier mass production and lighter weight.
- AKMS: Folding-stock variant of the AKM, designed for paratroopers and vehicle crews.
Foreign Variants:
- Type 56: Chinese version of the AK-47, widely exported and used.
- Zastava M70: Yugoslavian variant, featuring a grenade launcher option and other modifications.
- RK 62: Finnish variant with improved accuracy and quality materials.
- AK-63: Hungarian variant, similar to the AKM but with some local adaptations.
- Maadi AK-47: Egyptian licensed variant, closely follows the original Soviet designs.
- MPi-KM: East German variant of the AKM.
- Type 58: North Korean variant based on the Type 56.
- AK-74: A derivative chambered in 5.45×39mm, introduced in 1974 as an improvement over the AKM.
- AKS-74: Folding-stock variant of the AK-74.
- AK-74M: Modernized AK-74 with polymer components and a folding stock.
- R4 Rifle: South African variant of the Israeli Galil, which is based on the AK design.
- Galil: Israeli rifle developed from the AK, chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO.
Special Variants:
- AKS-47: Folding-stock version of the AK-47, designed for paratroopers.
- AK-12: A modern, modular version of the AK platform developed for the Russian military.
- AK-103: AK-74-based variant but chambered in the original 7.62×39mm cartridge.
- AK-104: Carbine version of the AK-103, designed for special forces.
- AK-105: A carbine version of the AK-74M, chambered in 5.45×39mm.
Civilian Versions:
- Saiga Rifle: Civilian version of the AK, produced by Kalashnikov Concern, chambered in various calibers like .223, 7.62×39mm, and .308.
- WASR-10: Romanian civilian variant, often found in the U.S. market.
- VZ. 58: Czechoslovakian rifle that is often confused with the AK-47 but is a different design using the same 7.62×39mm round.
These variants reflect the global influence of the AK-47 design, with each country modifying it for its specific needs.