The main trend of the global automatic market small arms is predetermined by the competition between the AK and the American M16 assault rifle. Both assault rifles are in service with dozens of armies around the world. We will look at their advantages and weaknesses.
Developers strive to modernize products and add new properties. The goals are to equip the armies of their countries with reliable, reliable weapons, and to strengthen their position in global markets. There are enough opportunities to prove the superiority of products during use in combat conditions. Sometimes the AK47 is used to compare assault rifles. This is due to its use in conflict zones in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. However, objectivity and correctness of assessments can be maintained by comparing the latest modifications of the AK74 and M16. The AK74 is viewed as a new weapon that has only external similarities with its predecessor. Not only has his caliber changed, but also general principle actions.
Main technical characteristics of the machines
The AK74 and M16 use comparable caliber cartridges, 5.45 mm and 5.56 mm, respectively. Changing the caliber from 7.62 mm allowed the AK74 to increase the muzzle velocity by 25%. At the muzzle of the barrel it is 900 m/s, which is comparable to the M16 (960 m/s). But due to the design features of the cartridge, the effective firing range reached 1000 meters, which is 20% more than that of the M16 modification A2.
The M16 has a high destructive power of the projectile due to its destruction in the enemy’s body. The AK74 bullet is also destroyed, but the damaging effect is less.
The M16 has a high rate of fire. In the modernized versions A1 and A2 it reaches 850 and 800 V/m, respectively. For AK it does not exceed 600 v/m. The M16 is unique in terms of accuracy and accuracy of fire. For a short burst from a distance of 100 yards, the spread does not exceed 2-3.5 inches, this is the best indicator for this segment automatic rifles. The AK47 has an accuracy of 6-7 inches. AK74 leveled the disadvantage by reducing the spread by 2 times (3-3.5 inches). At 400 yards using a scope the result is 4 inches. Standard 7.5 inch (20 cm) target, fully covered. The effect is achieved due to the muzzle device, which performs a triple function: flash suppressor, brake and compensator. Barrel displacement and recoil during shooting are minimized.
Key innovations in the AK74 and M16 that strengthened their competitive abilities
The problem with the AK47 was its heavy weight caused by the use of metal. The loaded weight of the AK47 is 5.1 kg, the latest modifications of the M16 are 3.6 - 3.8 kg. AK74 has 4.0 kg. The modernized version of the AK74M uses high-tech polymer composites. The folding stock is made of plastic, the fore-end and the guard are made of fiberglass-reinforced polyamide. Metal products are treated with anti-corrosion coatings. The threaded forend helps to securely hold the weapon. Innovations have reduced the weight of the rifle unit to 3.9 kg. Shooting from it became convenient and comfortable. Reduced risk of burns.
As for the M16, claims about the unreliability of the rifle are not substantiated. In Iraq, it demonstrated high operational strength. It uses innovative materials and unique metal alloys. The unit is not difficult to disassemble, as some analysts believe. The machine's shortcomings are conceptual, not structural. Easy removal of the magazine was intended by the designers. The point that it would be removed from an accidental touch was not taken into account. In the AK74, the magazine is inserted and removed using force. But he is held firmly in the weapon. The M16 has a faster and easier barrel change, and it is possible to install a Picatinny rail. The stock is made in a straight design. On the AK74 it is slightly tilted downwards. This allows you to not stick your head out too much when shooting from cover. But the M16 has higher aiming accuracy and the shooter’s head does not experience negative loads.
Overall, the M16 is reliable, durable, and highly efficient. The main difficulty of the machine is that all the parts are very precisely and tightly fitted. Therefore, the ingress of dirt, sand and other foreign objects can jam the weapon. This implies the need to clean the rifle multiple times. Disassembly of the M16 should be carried out indoors in the absence of dust. Only special materials from a specific company are used for lubrication. In war conditions, it is not always possible to comply with all requirements.
Wars in the Middle East have shown that the AK is preferable to the M16 in the modern period. Its advantage is provided by 3 components:
- Ease of handling weapons. An unintentional fall of a machine gun to the ground or a hit against an armored vehicle does not affect the operation of the weapon.
- Possibility of continuous shooting. Practice has shown that even when hot, an AK is able to continue firing.
- The AK is quickly brought into combat condition. The machine does not need to be put on safety. The design is designed in such a way that an involuntary shot is practically excluded, even from a strong blow. In street fighting, such weapon capabilities play a key role.
Other characteristics of the machines are identical. The minor differences are academic. They are detected in laboratories and shooting ranges. But they are not decisive. American gunsmiths are aware that their position in world markets is weakening. They protect their interests by creating new types of weapons. For this purpose, it is planned to switch to new caliber cartridges (6.8 mm).
The M16 automatic rifle is, along with the Kalashnikov assault rifle, the most widely used small arms in service with various armies around the world. Over the course of half a century, it has gone through a lot of modifications, although initially it was predicted to have a short life.
Hollywood, Santa Monica Boulevard, #6567
The American M16 automatic rifle has one of the most scandalous and controversial stories in the history of US small arms. It began long before 1962, when the rifle officially appeared in the US Army. Back in 1958, Armalite, a California engineering company based at 6567 Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood, provided a magazine-fed, air-cooled 5.56mm AR-15 carbine. Its developer was the legendary gunsmith Eugene Stoner.
However, due to financial problems, Armalite was forced to sell the AR-15 to the Colt manufacturing plant. Soon in gun stores small-caliber appeared semi-automatic rifle Colt AR-15. However, this name has survived to this day, although only for semi-automatic devices intended exclusively for civilian use.
The rifle was predicted to have a short life
A modification of the Colt AR-15 with single and automatic firing modes received the code M16. In the first years, a behind-the-scenes war was waged around it by powerful competitors, and experts predicted the Stoner rifle would have a short military life, a few years at most. It was hastily adopted as a temporary measure, but it has lasted for more than 50 years.
Its predecessor, the M14, despite good test performance, did not meet the requirements of the time in real combat conditions. The 7.62x51 mm cartridge was heavy and reduced personal ammunition to an unacceptably small amount. It was possible to fire accurately in bursts from the M14 only from a bipod or from a rest. At a distance of 100 meters, the third bullet in the queue went 5-10 meters above the aiming point. And this led to a catastrophic overexpenditure of ammunition.
Shooting tactics
The choice of the M16 rifle was predetermined by research from the Research Office Operations Institute conducted shortly after the Korean War. Among the presentations on this topic, one report turned out to be the most significant. It emphasized that most injuries in the Korean War were sustained by American soldiers in combat at relatively short distances (within 300 meters) and largely at random. Experts suggested increasing aimed shooting distances in order to guarantee hitting the enemy at distances of 500-600 meters. At the same time, it was said that only a bullet of a smaller caliber with a higher initial velocity could increase the probability of a hit compared to the bullet of the 7.62x51 mm cartridge used in the M 14.
Project SALVO
As a result of the discussion of this report, the SALVO project (1952-1957) was initiated, the task of which was to develop and approve a new concept for US military small arms. As part of this document, ballistics scientist Earle Harvey proposed the theoretical basis of the new bullet and calculated the parameters of the future rifle.
As a result, SIERRA BULLETS, based on the 0.222 Remington hunting cartridge, released a combat cartridge of a reduced caliber 0.223 Remington (5.56x45) with a bullet weighing 5.5 grams. This ammunition was designated M193 by the US Department of Defense. The conclusions and assumptions of the experts of the SALVO project turned out to be correct. Reducing the caliber immediately led to an increase in the muzzle velocity to 990 m/s.
In turn, this made it possible to simplify sights. As a result, minor errors in determining the distance to the target turned out to be unimportant. It was for this cartridge that the AR-15 small-caliber semi-automatic rifle was developed, but it was not Armalite that received the laurels and profits, but the managers of the Colt manufacturing plant, who bought Eugene Stoner’s design in time.
First experience
In November 1965, US special forces entered into a brutal and protracted battle with units of the 1st Division of North Vietnam. The commander of the American detachment, Harold G. Moore, said the following about the new rifle: “today the M16 brought us victory.” At the same time, he noted that high efficiency of automatic shooting was achieved at a distance of up to 200 meters, and at a distance of over 300 meters it was not always possible to penetrate the enemy’s steel helmet. “An M14 and 100 rounds weighs the same as an M16 and 250 rounds,” stated Harold G. Moore. “This means every combat Soldier and Marine can hold fire for significantly longer.”
The disadvantages of the M16 were immediately attributed to the difficulty of maintenance.
But the main problems appeared during the sudden stop of shooting at the most inopportune moments. This led to numerous casualties. “Out of 72 soldiers, only 16 remained alive,” one American Marine reported in the magazine “Defense: Under Fire,” “next to each killed lay an inoperative M16 rifle.” It wasn't until 1967 that a redesign succeeded in significantly reducing the failure rate. After this, the new weapon proved itself quite well. So, in 1968, when asked by the US Department of Defense what kind of weapon the Marines would like to have, the majority chose the M16.
M16 vs AK-47
The debate still continues about which weapon is better: M16 or AK. American educational films, as a rule, draw conclusions that are not in favor of Kalashnikov. Meanwhile, a number of experts note that the demonstrated purity of comparative experiments does not stand up to criticism, primarily because old, battered AK assault rifles are involved in the tests. And the US Army soldiers themselves complain that the M16 is too long and inconvenient in the hustle and bustle of urban combat.
In terms of reliability, the M16 is significantly inferior to its Russian competitor. But the accuracy of fire from it is almost two times better than that of the Kalashnikov. However, this also has its pros and cons: the AK open sector sight gives advantages in the smoky and dusty atmosphere of a street battle, while the M16 diopter sight is convenient at considerable distances. Currently, the M16A4, with a 4x Acog optical sight and an AN/PVS-14 night vision sight, is extremely popular among US Army soldiers. This rifle is capable of hitting an enemy at a distance of up to 1300 meters.
Once upon a time a weapon probable enemy it was not available to the vast majority of our compatriots even in the form of high-quality images. Now it is quite possible to purchase “civilian” versions of assault rifles from countries in Europe and the United States, although this is associated with various kinds of difficulties, ranging from the high cost of weapons to purely bureaucratic obstacles during import. And after all, there is little of this shooting exoticism in Russia. But, as usual, there are more than enough of all kinds of fables and myths.
Therefore, it was impossible to ignore the opportunity to compare in practice the legendary “Black Rifle” with our AK-74. And at the same time, optionally, with the lesser-known, but no less interesting German G-3.
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There is no point in describing the design of all three shooting participants - it is known to almost all readers and is available in numerous sources. It was much more interesting to compare weapons according to the main operational criteria - ease of use and efficiency in shooting, and at the same time to analyze the reviews of professionals: army special forces officers and GRU special forces. An important point was the opportunity to “torture” in practice the features of caring for the weapon described in the article.
Request to readers: do not consider the conclusions in this article to be the ultimate truth. We all have our own understanding of the design and operational priorities that determine the subjective assessment of any weapon, so let this article remain only a personal opinion.
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AK-74, M-16 and G-3
On “our” side, a modified AK-74M, chambered for the standard 5.45x39 mm cartridge, took part in the test. It was the cartridge, as a direct competitor to the 5.56 mm NATO one, that determined the choice of this particular AK model for testing.
“Civilian” version of the M-16A3 (we had in our hands the “omnivorous” XR-15, which is superior in barrel quality to the original “Kolt” M-16, designed for firing both “civilian” cartridges. 223 Rem and military 5.56 NATO) does not have the ability to fire in bursts, but this was not critical (given some experience with automatic shooting from the army M-4).
All three copies were modified to one degree or another. The AK-74M was equipped with: an Israeli stock “a la M-4”, a forend with a folding front handle, an ergonomic fire control handle and an American-made “EOTech” holographic sight. Previously, only the domestic “Cobra” collimator was installed on the machine, but now there are many opportunities for “tuning” AK-shaped ones, so we attached everything possible to our copy. However, as the shooting showed, it was not entirely in vain.
The XR-15, also produced by the American-British company SDI, had only a more comfortable fire control handle and a LEAPERS SCP-420M-B optical sight, which was developed specifically for weapons of caliber .223Rem (5.56 NATO). The sight is equipped with a bracket for a Weaver rail and can be easily mounted on any weapon equipped with this rail.
In addition, the sight is equipped with a quick-release Quick Lock Handle mount (on the rail) for installation on self-loading rifles such as M16 (AR-15) and analogues.
The XR-41 was also equipped with a standard optical sight, mounted on the weapon using the original bracket.
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On the firing line
XR-15 (M-16)
Many of those who pick up the M-16 or its analogues for the first time note that the “black rifle,” contrary to all expectations, is not so light and comfortable. It’s certainly not lighter than the AK-74M. Regarding convenience, everything is also relative: the most important positive point (especially for tall people) is usually the long forend of the rifle, convenient for any grip and any palm. Everything is done very high quality and carefully (although the seams from casting on some parts are very visible). The rifle is good, beautiful and aggressive, you can’t take that away from it.
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Our XR-15 had an improved fire control stick, but it didn't feel particularly comfortable. The connection of the standard 20-seater magazine did not cause any difficulties, but it had to be pushed into the shaft with the palm of your hand, otherwise it would simply fall out. The 30-round magazine had to be put aside altogether - it refused to be fixed in the rifle. Then I had to saw it with a file, but, oddly enough, this didn’t help either. But here the fault most likely lies with the store manufacturer.
Gate. Probably, almost every Russian teenager will be able to twist the bolt frame of the M-16 - now everyone plays American computer “shooters”, and there the loading algorithm for any known “shooter” is displayed very well. But the game is a game, and pulling the frame with a two-finger grip from behind and strictly along the axis of the barrel is not as convenient, unlike a weapon with a reloading handle, usually located on the right side - no one has yet canceled biomechanics.
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I didn’t like the descent of the XR-15 – it was hard and not as clear as I would like. Of course, the trigger on a military weapon cannot be “sporty”, but in order to at least partially realize the potential of the “rifle-cartridge” complex, in this case at least minimal skill is required.
After shooting several magazines, we get a lack of firing (the forced shutter locking button justified its presence), and then a sticking. All this can be attributed to domestically produced cartridges (during the famous war of 08.08.08, M-4 failures were also attributed to the “wrong” manufacturer and either Turkish or Greek cartridges). A similar situation was observed on M-1, which we talked about a year ago. But somehow it has long been ingrained in the subconscious that a weapon should fire any more or less high-quality cartridges, of which Russian .223 Rem ammunition is completely included.
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When you first pick up a sample of a weapon about which you have read so many enthusiastic and negative reviews, you expect something special. Interestingly, the author knows of only one positive opinion about the M-16, privately expressed by one domestic designer. Moreover, the positive concerns only the operational properties of the rifle, when firing in bursts, and in shooting range conditions. Of the military acquaintances who are well acquainted with the M-16 and its clones, for some reason no one has the desire to take it “to war.” Of course, the habit of using AKs plays a role here, and the psychological aspect is also not in last place. But... these people cannot be called pragmatic enough, so it’s not that simple.
The disadvantages of the M-16 are known to everyone and there is no point in repeating this for the hundredth time. There are also plenty of advantages, but there is no 100% confidence in this weapon. And this factor is one of the most important.
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XR-41 (Heckler-Koch G-3)
This rifle, with its “oakiness,” is reminiscent of German weapons from the period of the end of World War II: just as heavy, clumsy, with the widespread use of non-standard technical solutions. Our sample differed from the combat G-3 only in the trigger and minor changes in the bolt frame. There are currently two model ranges of these weapons in Germany: the Saber Defense XR-15 from Waffen Schumacher and the OA-15 family from Oberland Arms from Upper Bavaria. Schumacher imports its XR-15 from England, from Saber Defense.
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The magazine lock is akin to Kalashnikov's. The reloading handle is foldable, motionless when firing, located on the left and moved forward. There can be a lot of debate about the benefits of this technical solution, but such a scheme is justified only when shooting from any position, but not lying down or in cramped conditions. And all the now fashionable “gadgets” in shooting techniques that came from practical shooting, to put it mildly, are not always adequate in combat use. Sport is a sport, it should not be confused with war or even hunting. So we will consider the “left-handed” weapon reloading scheme only a feature of the G-3, nothing more.
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The G-3 diopter sight requires a specific attachment, and the ease of use, especially for close and moving targets, is also very controversial point. But the standard optical Hensoldt FERO-Z-24 turned out to be quite good. We must admit that the accuracy of our sample was excellent, and there were no problems with operational reliability (given the shooting conditions, this was not surprising, although the XR-15 “pleased” us here too). Cartridge.308 Win. has noticeable recoil, which is partly mitigated by the 4.5 kg weight of the rifle.
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The descent is disgusting. Here we can draw a direct parallel with the myths about the “bad” trigger of our three-ruler and the “good” trigger of the Mauser rifle mod. 1898. In practice, the Mauser trigger usually works at least no better than the release of our three-ruble gun. So here too - the “oaky” and unpredictable descent of the G-3 forced us to focus more on fighting it than on aiming. But here “the West will help us” - “sports” triggers have already been ordered for both “foreigners”, which, if it does not improve shooting performance, will at least save the shooters’ nerve cells in the future.
Just in case, I’ll mention the “Revelli grooves” in the XR-41 chamber, for which our SVT-40 is so vehemently criticized, considering their presence as a sign of design imperfection. Apparently, the presence of Revelli grooves in German weapons is not so critical...
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AK-74M
The AK is familiar to many readers thoroughly, so I’ll immediately give a few facts and figures: from a machine gun with an installed holographic sight, from a “standing” position (using a belt), standard army chest and height targets were confidently hit at distances up to 600 m inclusive. To hit small targets it was enough to take a more stable position. With open sights, of course, more effort and ammunition were required to hit distant targets, but this was true for all rifles tested.
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Optionally, the AK-74M was fired in automatic mode, as well as with rapid fire, transferring fire along the front and in depth. As expected, when shooting at single targets at distances greater than 100 m, burst fire loses its meaning, but you also shouldn’t expect miracles from the M-16 and its clones when conducting automatic fire.
Thanks to its traditional layout, the AK-74M is easy to control and reload. Compact, well weighted, with good ergonomics (this also applies to the standard configuration) and absolutely normal weight. Nothing superfluous, no small buttons or knobs, everything is logical and intuitive. Minimal recoil and minimal barrel bounce. At distances up to 500-600 m, it is not inferior to the M-16 in practical accuracy. What else is needed?
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Summary
It was difficult to draw conclusions here. If only because it was clear that they would not be objective, although they were a kind of generalization of many opinions about the tested weapons. But there was also no reason to repeat the hackneyed “perestroika” cliches about the “American miracle rifle”.
Everything is clear about the AK-74M - simple, reliable, familiar and accurate. No less accurate than an American rifle. Once again there is no point in talking about ease of maintenance. The AK-74 is much more convenient and lighter than the G-3, although the latter has some advantages, but this is only due to the .308 Win cartridge. It is the German rifle, equipped with optics, that can be seriously considered as a kind of analogue of our SVD: in this incarnation, the G-3 is, first of all, interesting due to its compactness and cartridge. Firing in bursts from the G-3 can only be interesting from an educational perspective.
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It is unlikely that anyone will deny that victory is often achieved not by the design of the weapon, but by the level of training of the fighter and his competent control on the battlefield (it is also obvious that the level of training of the shooter is one of the most important in hunting).
At distances further than 100 m, usually few people shoot in bursts even from the M-16, so it is worth objectively evaluating the tested rifles based on the results of firing with single fire. And here, even when shooting in “greenhouse” conditions, some of the advantages of the M-16 design are reduced, if not to zero, then greatly minimized.
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In practice, the “obsolescence” of the AK scheme acquires advantages that cannot be overestimated. Here, the words of one of my acquaintances are very appropriate, who briefly and succinctly described the emotions of a fighter who, located in an open area, is being “pounded by an inaccurate Kalash.” Let me mention once again that those of our specialists who have the opportunity to choose weapons when going to “combat” stubbornly prefer AKs.
Of the three rifles we talked about today, the M-16 inspires the least confidence among those who constantly use weapons to carry out their tasks: reliability in weapons and in people has been and remains the most important criterion.
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Yuri Maksimov
Master gun 03 - 2012
- Articles» Assault rifles / Assault rifles
- Mercenary 3882 0
After the end of World War II, two fundamentally different approaches to the question of how to arm infantry arose. FIRST APPROACH assumed arming troops with a machine gun and self-loading sniper rifle chambered for a rifle cartridge, a machine gun chambered for a special intermediate cartridge, and a pistol chambered for a weakened cartridge.
This adopted in Soviet army the concept was based on the need to arm the bulk of soldiers for combat at a distance of up to 600 m (the line for dismounting infantry) with a universal assault rifle. The focus was on not very targeted fire from 200-400 m. All targets at a greater distance were hit by armored vehicle fire.
This approach was designed for a mass army in a global war, where conscripts do not know how to handle overly complex weapons. The leaders of third world countries also liked it: partisans (and government troops, who were not much different from partisans) could take full advantage of the AK at optimal distances for this weapon, where the shorter aimed firing range than rifles and accuracy were compensated by the density of fire.
SECOND APPROACH intended to arm the troops with a machine gun and an automatic rifle chambered for a single rifle cartridge, as well as a submachine gun and a pistol. The concept relied on a well-trained soldier who, with accurate, rapid single fire, hits the enemy at long distances. In the event of a close approach, the rifle switched to automatic fire.
The crews of combat vehicles and soldiers of supporting units were armed with submachine guns that were convenient for self-defense at short distances. This idea was implemented in NATO countries and a number of third world countries. Rifles: M14, FN FAL, G3, SETME, designed mainly for single fire, were inferior to the Soviet SVD only in quality of execution. Well, their cartridge is a little weaker.
This concept underwent major changes in the 60s and 70s when these rifles were replaced by new 5.56x45mm weapons. The reason was that the wars of the 50-60s were of a somewhat unexpected nature for Western strategists.
In particular, African and Asian partisans did not conduct long-range fire combat in open areas, but immediately approached at short distances, convenient for fire from submachine guns, in large quantities left over from the last war and generously supplied from the USSR. An automatic rifle, forced to fire in bursts in this situation, produced too low accuracy.
Thus, according to official American statistics of the Vietnam War, in the vast majority of cases, fire contact occurred at a distance of up to 25 meters. At the same time, for one killed Viet Cong, 50,000 rounds of ammunition were spent! It is no coincidence that the symbol of the European mercenary in Africa became not a rifle, but an effective Uzi submachine gun in close combat. However, when it spread across the continent, the partisans replaced the PPSh, Stan and Vigneron with the AK-47. In guerrilla warfare he was unrivaled. In the same Vietnam, American soldiers willingly armed themselves with captured Kalash rifles instead of the “native” M14 and M1 carbine.
From Uncle Sam's stash
Vietnam became a “moment of truth” for the American military, revealing all the problems of the military machine, including those related to small arms. The question of adoption assault rifle, similar in its characteristics to the AK-47, stood up with all its sharpness.
Over the past quarter century, more has probably been written about the Kalashnikov assault rifle and its creator, Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov, than about any other world gunsmith of the 20th century. Moreover, not only in Russia. Foreign press for a long time believed that a Soviet designer with that name did not exist, and “Kalashnikov” was a kind of collective pseudonym for a group of gunsmiths who developed and continue to work on the most popular small arms in the world.
But at the same time, in the era of market relations, which have reigned in Russia for more than two decades, the famous designer never became a “market” person. At one time, especially after meeting with Eugene Stoner(creator of the second most popular automatic weapon in the world - the M16 rifle), journalists constantly asked Mikhail Kalashnikov whether he regretted that, unlike Stoner, he did not receive royalties (percentage payments) from the sale of the weapons he invented. “Stoner was a friendly person and a wonderful designer. Really rich. And he came up with a good weapon. But I didn't feel jealous. He lived in America, and I lived in Russia. To each his own. Yes, Eugene got rich from every new rifle percentage of deductions, but did not receive a single government award. And I feel like a twice Hero Socialist Labor during his lifetime they erected a bronze bust in his homeland. And a museum named after me was built in Izhevsk. Of course, if I were paid five kopecks for each sample of my machine gun, I would probably build it myself. But I lived in a time when we all worked for the state,” the creator of the AK philosophically answered such a question in an interview at the turn of the century.
The new economic relations that have developed in Russia and new opportunities for obtaining funds have not changed Mikhail Timofeevich. He did not become a “merchant”, but remained a GUNSMAN with a capital letter, and a patriot of his country. Therefore, when the question arose of what to name the new arms concern, which should become one of the world leaders in the arms industry, Mikhail Kalashnikov without hesitation gave it his name free of charge.
“We all supported my father in this decision,” said Mikhail Timofeevich’s son on behalf of the family – Victor Kalashnikov.
By and large, the entire history of the development and production of small arms in the world over the past 60 years is the story of the confrontation between the Kalashnikov assault rifle and the American M16 (AR15) automatic rifle by Eugene Stoner. Modifications of these two types of weapons have become the most popular on our planet. The founder of the AK series, the AK-47, was adopted by the Soviet Union in 1949. The first batch of 1 thousand AR15 rifles was sold by Colt, which by that time had bought the rights to produce these rifles from Fairchild Corporation, and where Stoner had already gone to work, to the American Advanced Projects Research Agency (DARPA) in the early summer of 1962.
The technical characteristics of the M16A1 were better than both the AK-47 and the AKM (developed in 1959). So, for example, the range of a direct shot at the chest figure of an American rifle was 1.2 times greater than that of a Soviet machine gun, and it was 1.5 times greater in accuracy of fire, while having 1.5 times less recoil impulse . At the same time, with equal weight of equipment, an American Marine could take 1.7 times more ammunition than his opponent with an AKM.
However, when it came to the direct use of both types of these weapons in combat conditions - in the jungles of South Vietnam in the 70s of the last century, all the technical “perfections” of the M16 disappeared, and the amazing reliability of Mikhail Kalashnikov’s product came to the fore. “I confess that I personally would prefer your weapon in battle. I had the opportunity to fight in Vietnam, commanding a unit there. And I really wanted to have an assault rifle of your design as a personal weapon. One circumstance stopped it - it had a different rate and sound of fire than the M16. And if I had fired from it, my soldiers would have opened fire on me, believing that the enemy was next to me,” the general cited the opinion Coffield, a meeting with which took place in the early 90s of the last century at one of the unit bases Marine Corps USA, Mikhail Kalashnikov in his book “From someone else’s threshold to the Spassky Gate.”
“In 1965, the scope of the Vietnam War expanded. American troops poured into the jungle and problems began with the M16. The rifle jammed with alarming regularity and as a result young soldiers died,” the American Discovery channel confirms these words, placing the “incredibly tenacious and hardy” AK-47 in first place in the ranking of the ten best small arms of the 20th century (American M16 rifle TV crews put it in second place). “If I needed to train an American soldier in combat conditions to disassemble, clean and maintain a Kalashnikov assault rifle, I would do it in four hours. For the M16 rifle it would take me a week. Like this..." he says Dr William Atwater from the US Army Arms and Ammunition Museum.
Over the past 50 years, such “competitions” between modifications of the AK and M16 have occurred regularly. And wherever it came to using weapons in real, combat conditions, Kalashnikov showed an undeniable advantage. That is why, obviously, more than 70 million units of Kalashnikov assault rifles have been produced in the world over the past 60 years, and four times less M16s. The word “Kalash” (ka-lash-ni-kov, kalash) entered the world’s languages without translation, along with the concepts vodka, Kremlin, sputnik, tsar. And in the Pashto and Farsi languages, the word “automatic” is generally pronounced as “Kalash”. The popularity of Mikhail Kalashnikov’s product is such that Mozambique has included the image of the AK in its state emblem and flag since 1975, Zimbabwe in its coat of arms since 1980, and Burkina Faso used it in its coat of arms in 1984-1997. One of Mozambique's banknotes also contains the image of an AK. And in 2004, Playboy magazine named the AK-47 one of the 50 products that changed the world, along with the Apple Macintosh computer, the birth control pill and the Sony Betamax VCR.
And now, when I hear talk that the Kalashnikov is outdated, that the time of “brilliant simplicity” in weapons is gone, and the modern soldier requires only “sophisticated” rifles and machine guns, in which there is no need to even pull the trigger - everything will be done by automation, I remember this story and the words of an American writer and weapons historian Richard Venola. “If I had to go to some unknown planet and I had to choose the only weapon, I would take the AK-47 with me. When Western civilization declines, I want to have an AK-47,” he once said.
The Kalashnikov assault rifle is constantly being improved. The next generation of Kalash is now being tested - the AK-12, which, of course, is much technically and structurally more advanced than their “great-grandfather” AK-47. However, the AK-12 is based on the same amazing reliability, which has captivated, in the good sense of the word, millions of people around the world. And while this great simplicity and reliability will be preserved in the products of Russian gunsmiths, the work of the creator of the most legendary machine gun in the world, Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov, will live on.
