The AK-47 and AK-74 are both iconic assault rifles designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. While they share similar overall designs, there are several key differences between the two:
1. Caliber: The primary difference between the AK-47 and AK-74 lies in the caliber and associated ammunition they use. The AK-47 is chambered in the 7.62x39mm cartridge, while the AK-74 is chambered in the 5.45x39mm cartridge. The AK-47 fires a larger, heavier bullet compared to the smaller, faster bullet of the AK-74.
2. Muzzle velocity: Due to the differing calibers, the muzzle velocity of the AK-74 is higher than that of the AK-47. The higher muzzle velocity of the AK-74's 5.45x39mm cartridge offers better ballistics, specifically in terms of flat trajectory and reduced bullet drop at longer distances.
3. Recoil characteristics: The AK-74's smaller caliber and higher muzzle velocity result in a more controllable recoil compared to the AK-47. The reduced recoil of the AK-74 allows for better accuracy, especially during rapid-fire or sustained bursts.
4. Magazine design: The AK-47 uses a curved box magazine with a capacity of 30 rounds, whereas the AK-74 uses a distinctive transparent plastic magazine, often referred to as the "bakelite" magazine or "plum" magazine. The magazine capacity for the AK-74 also typically holds 30 rounds.
5. Barrel design: The AK-74 features a slightly longer and thinner barrel profile compared to the AK-47. The AK-74 barrel is also equipped with a muzzle brake to help reduce muzzle climb during rapid-fire.
It's worth noting that both the AK-47 and AK-74 have seen several variations and modifications throughout their production history, resulting in some overlap of features and configurations. However, the differences mentioned above generally hold true for standard AK-47 and AK-74 variants.
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