AKM

The AKM is an automatic rifle chambered in 7.62×39mm intermediate cartridge. It is a selective fire, gas operated with a rotating bolt, firing in either semi-automatic or fully automatic, and has a cyclic rate of fire of around 600 rounds per minute (RPM). The gas operated action has a large bolt carrier with a permanently attached long stroke gas piston. The gas chamber is located above the barrel. The bolt carrier rides on the two rails, formed on the side of the receiver, with a significant space between the moving and stationary parts.

File:AKMS and AK-47 DD-ST-85-01270.jpg

Compared with the AK-47, the AKM features detailed 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 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 receiver is stamped from a smooth {{convert|1.0|mm|abbr=on|2}} sheet of steel, compared with the AK-47 where the receiver was machined from a solid block of 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 spot welding. As a weight-saving measure, the stamped receiver cover is of thinner gauge metal than that of the AK-47. In order to maintain strength and durability it employs both longitudinal and latitudinal reinforcing ribs.

The AKM has a barrel with a chrome-lined bore and four right-hand grooves at a 240mm (1 in 9.45in) or 31.5 calibers rifling twist rate. 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. 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 compensator 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 compensator is threaded on to the end of the barrel with a left-hand thread. Not all AKMs have slant compensators; some were also fitted with the older muzzle nut which came from the AK-47. Most AKMs with muzzle nuts were older production models. The AKM's slant compensator can also be used on the AK-47, which had a simple nut to cover the threads.

File:AK-Bolt-Carrier-Bolt-and-Gas piston.jpg

The gas block in the AKM does not have a cleaning rod capture or sling loop but is instead fitted with an integrated 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.

The AKM's bolt carrier has a lightening cut milled into the right side halfway before the handle. The handle has its profile slimmed down as well. The stem of the AKM bolt is fluted in another measure to help reduce weight. The round, fluted firing pin of the AK-47 was also replaced with a flat one on the AKM. All pieces are typically painted black instead of left unfinished ("in the white").

The buttstock, lower handguard and upper headguard are manufactured from birch plywood laminates like the later model AK-47 furniture.{{cite web |url=http://browningmgs.com/T2T3/Kalashnikov.htm |title=Type 2 & Type 3 AK-47 |access-date=18 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026055254/http://browningmgs.com/T2T3/Kalashnikov.htm |archive-date=26 October 2016 |url-status=dead}} 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 trapdoor in the stock's pressed sheet metal butt cap. The stock is socketed into a stepped shaped rear trunnion with single upper tang and two screws. The rear trunnion itself is held to the stamped receiver with four rivets (two on each side). Under folding models instead have a U-shaped rear trunnion that reinforces the locking arms and is held to the receiver with six rivets (see Variants for more info).

The AKM uses a modified recoil/return spring mechanism, which replaces the telescoping recoil spring guide rod with a dual U-shaped wire guide.

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" or "hammer retarder" ({{langx|ru|замедлитель срабатывания курка}}). 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 millimeters 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).{{cite book |author=Edward Ezell |author-link=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 |access-date=5 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511092949/https://books.google.com/books?id=LsYqAQAAMAAJ |archive-date=11 May 2016 |url-status=live }}

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 with the "ears" being angled with the back of the base instead of strait and its bottom portion is more narrow compared with the AK-47. Horizontal adjustment requires a special drift tool and is done by the armoury before issue or if the need arises by an armourer after issue. The sight line elements are approximately {{convert|48.5|mm|in|1|abbr=on|lk=on}} over the bore axis. The "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 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}}

File:Bulgarian SOF prepares for Combined Resolve II (14041726380).jpg

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.Dockery, Kevin (2007). Future Weapons. p. 102. {{ISBN|0425217507}}. 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.{{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 |access-date=2012-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328103151/http://www.scribd.com/doc/38483061/Ak-47-Technical-Description-Manual |archive-date=2012-03-28 |url-status=live}} To further reduce weight a light weight magazine with an aluminium 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/09/17/guest-post-brief-history-kalashnikov-magazine-part-1-metal-magazines/ |title=A Brief History of the Kalashnikov Magazine Part 1: Metal Magazines|date=17 September 2016 |publisher=tfb.com |access-date=2020-01-28|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418112041/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/09/17/guest-post-brief-history-kalashnikov-magazine-part-1-metal-magazines/|archive-date=April 18, 2023 }} As a replacement steel-reinforced 30-round plastic 7.62×39mm box magazines were introduced. These magazines discolour over time from yellowish to rust-coloured shades, weigh {{convert|0.24|kg|lb|abbr=on}} empty and are often mistakenly identified as being made of Bakelite (a phenolic resin), but were actually fabricated from two-parts of AG-4S moulding compound (a glass-reinforced phenol-formaldehyde binder impregnated composite), assembled using an epoxy resin adhesive.{{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 |access-date=10 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923173907/http://www.arsenalinc.com/usa/imgs/articles/BulgarianAK.pdf |archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/09/18/guest-post-brief-history-kalashnikov-magazine-part-2-synthetic-magazines/ |title=A Brief History of the Kalashnikov Magazine Part 2: Synthetic Magazines |date=18 September 2016 |publisher=tfb.com |access-date=2020-01-28|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404072910/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/09/18/guest-post-brief-history-kalashnikov-magazine-part-2-synthetic-magazines/|archive-date=April 4, 2023 }}{{cite journal |title=Elastic characteristics of AG-4S glass-reinforced plastic under short-time and long-time loads |doi=10.1007/BF00867112 |volume=2 |journal=Polymer Mechanics |pages=188–190|author=Grezin V. M.|issue=2|year = 1969|bibcode=1966PoMec...2..188G |s2cid=135895271}}Kokalis, 49 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. A second generation steel-reinforced dark-brown (colour shades vary from maroon to plum to near black) 30-round 7.62×39mm magazine was introduced in the early 1980s, fabricated from ABS plastic. The third generation steel-reinforced 30-round 7.62×39mm magazine is similar to the second generation, but is darker coloured and has a matte non-reflective surface finish. The current issue steel-reinforced matte true black non-reflective surface finished 7.62×39mm 30-round magazines, fabricated from ABS plastic weigh {{convert|0.25|kg|lb|abbr=on}} empty.{{cite web |url=http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/product/akm.shtml |title=фициальный сайт группы предприятий "ИЖМАШ" |access-date=2 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006092719/http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/product/akm.shtml |archive-date=6 October 2014 }}

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.[http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf&AD=ADA046961 Rifle Evaluation Study] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201030728/http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf&AD=ADA046961 |date=2012-12-01 }}, United States Army, Combat Development Command, ADA046961, 20 Dec 1962{{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. |access-date=2 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006101126/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Are+kalashnikov+magazines+as+robust+as+their+reputation%3F+He+tormented...-a0262692779 |archive-date=6 October 2014 |url-status=live}}

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.

Note: All 7.62×39mm AK magazines are backwards compatible with older AK variants.
*10.12 kg (22.3 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.

File:03 akm.jpg

File:NVA AKM Bayonet (2 of 2).JPG}} that has cut an electrical wire.|alt=|left]]

The AKM comes supplied with a different accessory kit that contains a M1959 6H4 or 6H3-type bayonet and comes with synthetic or steel magazines. Both the 6H3 and 6H4 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 GP-25 Grenade launcher can also be fitted onto the AKM. There is also the PBS-1 silencer from the 1960s, designed to reduce the noise when firing, mostly used by Spetsnaz forces and the KGB.

The weapon uses the same ammunition as the AK-47: the 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.

{{More citations needed section|date=March 2020}}

File:AKMS - 7,62x39mm - Armémuseum.jpg

File:AKML.jpg

File:Tishina automatic grenade launcher.jpg 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, and is more inline like the fixed stock AKM. Due to the stamped receiver, it also has a reinforcement plate beneath the pistol grip spot welded in place to prevent damage to the receiver if the gun is dropped on its pistol grip as well as better absorb the recoil with the stock folded.

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 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 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 flash suppressor, which replaces the standard recoil compensator. The AKML can also be deployed in the prone position with a detachable barrel-mounted bipod that helps stabilise 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 1PN51{{cite book|script-title=ru:ИЗДЕЛИЕ 1ПН51 ТЕХНИЧЕСКОЕ ОПИСАНИЕ И ИНСТРУКЦИЯ ПО ЭКСПЛУАТАЦИИ |trans-title= PRODUCT 1PN51 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS|date= January 1992 |pages= 11, 16|language=ru}} and the AKMN2 the multi-model night vision scope 1PN58.{{cite book|script-title=ru: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=ru}}

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 and the AKMSN2 the multi-model night vision scope 1PN58.

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 40 mm wz. 1974 Pallad grenade launcher was developed in Poland and designated the karabinek-granatnik wz. 1974.

Produced locally. Examples include the MPi-KM (fixed stock) and MPi-KMS/MPi-KMS-72 (side-folding stock). East German guns used brown Bakelite furniture in place of wood.

Diseños Casanave International LLC has made an upgraded version of the AKM known as the Diseños Casanave International LLC SC-2026, which has a retractable polycarbonate stock and a railed handguard.{{Cite web|url=http://www.discasanave.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=76&Itemid=300049|title=FUSILES DE ASALTO|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413125030/http://www.discasanave.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=76&Itemid=300049|archive-date=2014-04-13}} It has a range of 400 meters and weighs less than 4 kilograms.

DICI also makes the Diseños Casanave International LLC SC-2026C, a carbine version of the SC-2026 made for vehicle crews/personnel and for special forces operators.

{{Further|STL-1A}}

The STL-1A was made by Z111 Factory as early as 2015 by changing parts of used AKMs with new plastic handguards, folding buttstocks, pistol grips and muzzle brakes resembling the AK-74, with an attachment lug for use with an M203 grenade launcher.{{Cite web | url=http://baodatviet.vn/quoc-phong/quoc-phong-viet-nam/lo-dien-hai-mau-sung-cuc-la-do-viet-nam-san-xuat-3345729/ | title=Lộ diện hai mẫu súng cực lạ do Việt Nam sản xuất | access-date=2018-09-27 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927085654/http://baodatviet.vn/quoc-phong/quoc-phong-viet-nam/lo-dien-hai-mau-sung-cuc-la-do-viet-nam-san-xuat-3345729/ | archive-date=2018-09-27 | url-status=live }}{{Cite web | url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/viertnam_has_upgraded_kalashnikov_akm_under_the_name_stl-1a.html | title=Vietnam has upgraded Kalashnikov AKM under the name STL-1A | weapons defence industry military technology UK | analysis focus army defence military industry army | access-date=2018-09-27 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927085529/https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/viertnam_has_upgraded_kalashnikov_akm_under_the_name_stl-1a.html | archive-date=2018-09-27 | url-status=live }} In 2018, an upgrade, known as the STL-1B was developed, which included Picatinny rails, since the 1A uses a side-type attachment.

{{Further| Pistol Mitralieră model 1963/1965}}

[[File:PMmd.1963.jpg|300px|thumb|

Cutaway of the PM md. 1963.]]

The Pistol Mitralieră model 1963 (abbreviated PM md. 63 or simply md. 63) is a Romanian assault rifle chambered in the 7.62×39mm cartridge, patterned after the AKM. It is exported as AIM.

{{Further|AK-63}}

The AK-63 (also known in Hungarian military service as the AMM) is a Hungarian variant of the AKM assault rifle manufactured by the Fegyver- és Gépgyár (FÉG) state arms plant in Hungary. It is currently used by the Hungarian Ground Forces as its standard infantry weapon, and by most other branches of the Hungarian Defence Forces.

{{Further|Type 56 assault rifle}}

The Type 56 ({{lang-zh|c=56式自动步枪}}; literally; "Type 56 Automatic Rifle") also known as the AK-56,{{Cite web|title=Why General Kalashnikov couldn't sell the AK in India|first1=Sandeep|last1=Unnithan|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/why-general-kalashnikov-couldnt-sell-the-ak-47-in-india-222396-2013-12-30|access-date=2021-03-12|website=India Today|date=30 December 2013 |language=en|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006005627/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/why-general-kalashnikov-couldnt-sell-the-ak-47-in-india-222396-2013-12-30|archive-date= October 6, 2022}} is a Chinese 7.62×39mm rifle. It is a variant of the Soviet-designed AK-47 (specifically Type 3) and AKM rifles.Miller, David (2001). The Illustrated Directory of 20th Century Guns. Salamander Books Ltd. {{ISBN|1-84065-245-4}}. Production started in 1956 at State Factory 66 but was eventually handed over to Norinco and PolyTech, who continue to manufacture the rifle primarily for export.

{{Further|Type 58 assault rifle#Type 68}}

The Type 68 also known as Type 68 NK, is a North Korean version of the AKM, adopted in 1968 to replace the Type 58. It has no rate reducer.{{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 |chapter-url=https://fas.org/nuke/guide/dprk/nkor.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402032218/https://nuke.fas.org/guide/dprk/nkor.pdf|archive-date= April 2, 2023}} It has its own bayonet, which is based on the AK-47 bayonet, but it has a different pommel mount for it.{{Cite web|last=Cobb|first=Ralph E.|date=2010|url=http://worldbayonets.com/Bayonet_Identification_Guide/North_Korea/north_korea_2.html|title=Bayonets of North Korea|website=worldbayonets.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409014957/https://worldbayonets.com/Bayonet_Identification_Guide/North_Korea/north_korea_2.html|archive-date=April 9, 2023}} These bayonets were also issued in Cuba, which have green scabbards instead of tan scabbards, which is used in the Korean People's Army.{{Cite web|last=Cobb|first=Ralph E.|date=2009|url=http://worldbayonets.com/Bayonet_Identification_Guide/Cuba/cuba_2.html|title=Bayonets of Cuba|website=worldbayonets.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503032511/https://worldbayonets.com/Bayonet_Identification_Guide/Cuba/cuba_2.html|archive-date=May 3, 2022}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q4q4iqoFDA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/6q4q4iqoFDA |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=AK Comparison – SAR 1 vs WASR 10|last=Big Mike's Hobby Channel|date=25 September 2015|access-date=18 October 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}

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.{{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|access-date=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011004432/http://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/centurys-gp-wasr-10/#centurys-gp-wasr-10-2|archive-date=11 October 2016|url-status=live}} Century began installing the TAPCO Intrafuse AK G2 trigger group in 2007 to eliminate bolt slap trigger finger injuries.{{cite web|url=http://www.tapco.com/products/ak/index.php?_a%3DviewProd%26productId%3D56 |title=TAPCO INTRAFUSE - AK G2 Trigger Group - Single |access-date=2016-07-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516004928/http://www.tapco.com/products/ak/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=56 |archive-date=2015-05-16 }}

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 measures 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 R₅₀) 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 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 R₅₀ results are doubled the hit probability increases to 93.7%.

File:Circular error probable - example.png

• R₅₀ means the closest 50 percent of the shot group will all be within a circle of the mentioned diameter.

In general, this is an improvement with respect to firing accuracy to the AK-47. The vertical and horizontal mean (R₅₀) deviations with service ammunition at {{convert|800|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} for AK platforms are.

File:AKM Users.png

{{div col|colwidth=18em}}

• {{flag|Afghanistan}}
• {{flag|Albania}}Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). {{ISBN|978-0-7106-2869-5}}.
• {{flag|Algeria}}
• {{flag|Angola}}
• {{flag|Armenia}}
• {{flag|Azerbaijan}}
• {{flag|Bangladesh}}
• {{flag|Belarus}}
• {{flag|Benin}}
• {{flag|Bosnia-Herzegovina}}
• {{flag|Botswana}}
• {{flag|Bulgaria}}[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] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925055138/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Personal+infantry+weapons%3A+old+weapons+or+new+hardware+in+the+coming...-a09037642 |date=2013-09-25 }}. Thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved on 2014-04-20.
• {{flag|Cambodia}}
• {{flag|Cape Verde}}
• {{flag|Central African Republic}}
• {{flag|Chad}}
• {{flag|Chile}}: Used by Salvador Allende and his personal guard during the 1973 Chilean coup d'état and committed suicide with it.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}}.
• {{flag|China}}: Type 56 variant.{{sfn|Rottman|2011|p=23}}
• {{flag|Comoros}}
• {{flag|Congo-Brazzaville}}
• {{flag|Congo-Kinshasa}}
• {{flag|Cuba}}: Produced locally under license. Also used Type 68s in the 1980s.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/rifles/north-korean-ak-rifles/|title=DPRK's AKs: Inside the Shadowy World of North Korean AK Rifles|date=September 11, 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312213305/https://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/rifles/north-korean-ak-rifles/|archive-date=March 12, 2023}}
• {{flag|Donetsk People's Republic}}: Used by pro-Russian separatists{{cite web | url=https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-thousands-of-newly-mobilised-russian-soldiers-armed-with-barely-usable-weapons-12734991 | title=Ukraine war: Thousands of newly mobilised Russian soldiers armed with 'barely usable weapons' }}
• {{flag|Djibouti}}{{sfn|Rottman|2011|p=60}}
• {{Anchor|EgyptMisr}}{{flag|Egypt}}: The Maadi is an Egyptian copy of the AKM, manufactured by Factory 54 of the Maadi Company for Engineering Industries in Cairo for the Egyptian Army and for export sales.{{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 |access-date=2009-11-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418005958/http://fas.org/nuke/guide/egypt/facility/maadi-54.htm |archive-date=2009-04-18 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.avtomats-in-action.com/pro16.html |title=Exhibits Page 16 |publisher=Avtomats-in-action.com |access-date=2009-11-20| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091225210916/http://www.avtomats-in-action.com/pro16.html| archive-date= 25 December 2009 | url-status= live}}{{cite web|author=Jeff Freeman |url=http://home.comcast.net/~jfreeman16/page_4.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090207015205/http://home.comcast.net/~jfreeman16/page_4.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-02-07 |title=Egyptian Rifles |publisher=Home.comcast.net |access-date=2009-11-20 }}{{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=Small Arms Survey|publisher=Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies|access-date=17 June 2014|location=Geneva, Switzerland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204060217/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/index.php?id=68&q%3D=misr|archive-date=4 February 2015|url-status=dead}}
• {{flag|El Salvador}}: ex-guerilla rifles used by the National Civil Police.{{cite magazine|title=Infantry Weapons of the Salvadoran Forces|magazine=Small Arms Review|volume=3|issue=8|date=May 2000|first=Julio A.|last=Montes|url=http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=3006|access-date=2019-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119230730/http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=3006|archive-date=2019-01-19|url-status=live}}
• {{flag|Equatorial Guinea}}
• {{flag|Eritrea}}
• {{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){{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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090914071815/http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/kalustoesittely/index.dsp?level=63&equipment=39|archive-date=2009-09-14}} along with locally designed AK derivatives (the Rk 62 and the Rk 95 TP).
• {{flag|France}}: 100 Polish made AKM rifles obtained for CENTIAL-51e RI training center{{Cite web|url=https://www.milmag.pl/news/view?news_id=3230|title=Polska broń we Francji|website=www.milmag.pl|date=16 December 2019|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312135708/https://milmag.pl/polska-bron-we-francji/|archive-date=March 12, 2022}}
• {{flag|Gabon}}
• {{flag|Georgia}}
• {{flag|Ghana}}: Used by Ministry of Interior units.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+military+rifle+cartridges+of+Ghana+from+Ashanti+to+AR.-a0318629749|title=The military rifle cartridges of Ghana from Ashanti to AR|last1=Scarlata|first1=Paul|date=February 2013|magazine=Shotgun News|quote=As with many African nations, the ubiquitous AKM series of rifles are used by the Ghanaian police and internal security forces.|access-date=2018-11-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128075328/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+military+rifle+cartridges+of+Ghana+from+Ashanti+to+AR.-a0318629749|archive-date=2018-11-28|url-status=live}}
• {{flag|Guinea}}
• {{flag|Guinea-Bissau}}
• {{flag|Guyana}}
• {{flag|Hungary}}: There is a Hungarian derivative of the AKM called '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}}: Various models of AKM and AKM style rifle in use. A local variant developed and manufactured by the Rifle Factory Ishapore.
• {{flag|Indonesia}}: Indonesian Marine Corps used a modified AKM called {{'}}AKM 556{{'}}, customized AKM rechambered in 5.56×45mm NATO by the Czech arms company Excalibur Army.{{cite web |url=https://www.military-stuff.org/excalibur-army-reveals-new-akm-556-x-45-mm-nato-deep-explanation/ |title=Excalibur Army Reveals New AKM 5,56 × 45 mm NATO – Deep Explanation |website=military-stuff.org |date=10 November 2022 |access-date= 18 March 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://peloporwiratama.co.id/2024/03/18/komandan-pasmar-2-dampingi-wadan-kormar-tinjau-uji-fungsi-senapan-serbu-akm/ |title=

Komandan Pasmar 2 Dampingi Wadan Kormar Tinjau Uji Fungsi Senapan Serbu AKM |website=peloporwiratama.co.id |date=18 March 2024 |access-date= 18 March 2024 |language=ID}}

• {{flag|Iran}}: From East German manufacturers in the Iran Army, Soviet and Chinese manufacturers in IRGC and Iran Police.{{verify source|date=March 2021}}
• {{flag|Iraq}}: From Soviet, German and Romanian manufactures.{{sfn|Rottman|2011|p=49}}
• {{flag|Kurdistan}}{{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 |access-date=2017-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801101054/http://www.osiegreenway.com/peshmerga-frontlines-in-iraq |archive-date=2017-08-01 |url-status=live }}{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|}}
• {{flag|Israel}}: Captured from Arab armies over the course of the Arab–Israeli conflict.
• {{flag|Ivory Coast}}{{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=UNDP, Commission Nationale de Lutte contre la Prolifération et la Circulation Illicite des Armes Légères et de Petit Calibre and 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|access-date=2018-08-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009102938/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/C-Special-reports/SAS-SR14-CoteIvoire.pdf|archive-date=2018-10-09|url-status=dead}}
• {{flag|Kazakhstan}}
• {{flag|Kenya}}: Kenyan police responding to the 2013 Westgate shopping mall shooting, seen armed with AKM and variant rifles.{{Cite web|url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2013/9/21/gunmen-open-fireatnairobismostupscalemall.html|title=Al-Shabab gunmen remain holed up in Nairobi mall after deadly shooting|website=america.aljazeera.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520022458/http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2013/9/21/gunmen-open-fireatnairobismostupscalemall.html|archive-date=May 20, 2022}}
• {{flag|Kyrgyzstan}}{{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=Oxford University Press|year=2004|author=Small Arms Survey|pages=313|ref={{harvid|Small Arms Survey 2004}}|access-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830004903/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2004.html|archive-date=2018-08-30|url-status=dead}}
• {{flag|Laos}}
• {{flag|Lesotho}}
• {{flag|Liberia}}
• {{flag|Libya}}
• {{flag|Luhansk People's Republic}}: Used by pro-Russian separatists
• {{flag|Madagascar}}
• {{flag|Mali}}: Armed and Security Forces of Mali.
• {{flag|Moldova}}
• {{flag|Mongolia}}
• {{flag|Morocco}}
• {{flag|Mozambique}}
• {{flag|Nicaragua}}{{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|pages=20, 45}}
• {{flag|Niger}}{{cite web |agency=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 |access-date=2017-06-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151216062501/http://www.arabnews.com/world/news/738281 |archive-date=2015-12-16 |url-status=live }}{{better source needed|reason=photographic evidence only|date=September 2018}}
• {{flag|Nigeria}}
• {{flag|North Korea}}: Type 68 variant. The variant does not have a rate reducer.
• {{flag|North Macedonia}}
• {{flag|Pakistan}}: Type 56 variant.
• {{flag|Palestine}}: MPi KmS-72 rifles supplied by East Germany to the PLO{{cite book |last1=Herf |first1=Jeffrey |title=Undeclared Wars with Israel: East Germany and the West German Far Left, 1967–1989 |date=3 May 2016 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-107-08986-0 |page=357 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5C7xCwAAQBAJ |language=en}}
• {{flag|Panamá}}: Used by National Border Service (SENAFRONT) and National Aeronaval Service (SENAN). Both Soviet and East-German made rifles formerly used by the defunct Panama Defense Forces.{{cite book| last = Rottman| first = Gordon| author-link = Gordon L. Rottman| title = Panama 1989-90| publisher = Osprey Publishing| series = Elite| volume = 37| date = 2010| pages = 14, 15, 57, 62, 63| language = English| isbn = 9781855321564}}
• {{flag|Peru}} Paratroopers and military police only.
• {{flag|Philippines}}: Philippine Army. - 5,000 units donated by Russian Federation in 2016. Used by the First Scout Ranger Regiment and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit.{{cite web |title=Scout Rangers receive Kalashnikov rifles |url=https://www.update.ph/2018/01/scout-rangers-receive-kalashnikov-rifles/23635 |website=Update Philippines |date=2 January 2018 |access-date=21 March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321044056/https://www.update.ph/2018/01/scout-rangers-receive-kalashnikov-rifles/23635|archive-date=March 21, 2023}}
• {{flag|Poland}}: Used for training and mobilization.
• {{flag|Qatar}}
• {{flag|Romania}}: Produced locally as the PM md. 63.
• {{flag|Russia}}: Still in limited military and police use.{{sfn|Rottman|2011|p=23}} Officially replaced in most Russian military units by the AK-74. Some usage mainly in urban environments due to the ability to penetrate heavy cover.
• {{flag|Rwanda|1962}}: including at least 450 Egyptian-supplied Misrs.{{cite magazine|journal=Human Rights Watch Arms Project|date=January 1994|volume=6|issue=1|title=Arming Rwanda: The Arms Trade and Human Rights, Abuses in the Rwandan War|page=15|url=https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/RWANDA941.PDF|access-date=2018-12-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318054036/https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/RWANDA941.PDF|archive-date=2016-03-18|url-status=live}}
• {{flag|São Tomé and Príncipe}}
• {{flag|Seychelles}}
• {{flag|Sierra Leone}}
• {{flag|Slovenia}}
• {{flag|Somalia}}
• {{flag|Somaliland}}{{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=Cambridge University Press|year=2012|author=Small Arms Survey|page=152|isbn=978-0-521-19714-4|access-date=2018-08-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831002411/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2012.html|archive-date=2018-08-31|url-status=dead}}
• {{flag|South Sudan}}: 40,500 Russian-made bought from Ukraine in 2010, used by security forces.{{cite journal|journal=Sudan Issue Brief|issue=19 April 2011|page=4|title=Reaching for the gun: Arms flows and holdings in South Sudan|url=http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/fileadmin/docs/issue-briefs/HSBA-IB-19-Arms-flows-and-holdings-South-Sudan.pdf|access-date=3 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824082829/http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/fileadmin/docs/issue-briefs/HSBA-IB-19-Arms-flows-and-holdings-South-Sudan.pdf|archive-date=24 August 2016|url-status=live}}
• {{flag|Sudan}}
• {{flag|Suriname}}
• {{flag|Sweden}} A small number of AKM's are used by the Swedish Armed Forces for familiarization training,[http://www.soldf.com/utlvap.html M16 M16a2 Kalashnikov Ak-47 – Utländska Vapensatsen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410075842/https://www.soldf.com/utlvap.html |date=2016-04-10 }}. SoldF.com. Retrieved on 2014-04-20. but they are not issued to combat units.
• {{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} Syria
• {{flag|Tajikistan}}
• {{flag|Tanzania}}
• {{flag|Togo}}
• {{Flagicon|Transnistria}} Transnistria
• {{flag|Turkey}}
• {{flag|Turkmenistan}}
• {{flag|Uganda}}{{cite magazine|title=The military rifle cartridges of Uganda from Arabs to Amin.|last=Scarlata|first=Paul|magazine=Shotgun News|date=July 2013|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+military+rifle+cartridges+of+Uganda+from+Arabs+to+Amin.-a0336491377|access-date=2018-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124105713/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+military+rifle+cartridges+of+Uganda+from+Arabs+to+Amin.-a0336491377|archive-date=2018-11-24|url-status=live}}
• Lord Resistance Army{{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=Oxford University Press|year=2006|author=Small Arms Survey|page=283|isbn=978-0-19-929848-8|access-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830005010/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2006.html|archive-date=2018-08-30|url-status=dead}}
• {{flag|Ukraine}} still in limited use, officially replaced in most Ukrainian military units by the AK-74. AKMS used by Ukrainian Security Service.
• {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}
• {{flag|Uzbekistan}}
• {{flag|Venezuela}}{{cite report |title=SALW Guide − Venezuela Country Report |url=https://salw-guide.bicc.de/pdf/countries/239/venezuela.std.en.pdf |publisher=Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies |access-date=19 September 2023}}
• {{flag|Vietnam}} Russian AKM, Chinese Type 56{{cite book|title=North Vietnamese Army Soldier 1958–75|series=Warrior 135|first=Gordon L. |last=Rottman|date= 10 Feb 2009|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=9781846033711|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iC21CwAAQBAJ|page=28}} and North Korean Type 68 variants.US Department of Defense, North Korea Country Handbook 1997, Appendix A: Equipment Recognition, TYPE-68 (AKM) ASSAULT RIFLE, p. A-77. Standard infantry rifle of the Vietnamese Army.
• {{flag|Yemen}}
• {{flag|Zambia}}
• {{flag|Zimbabwe}}

• {{GDR}} Produced locally. Examples include the MPi-KM (fixed stock) and MPi-KMS-72 (side-folding stock).[http://world.guns.ru/assault/as01-e.htm Modern Firearms – AK-47 AKM] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080306135325/http://world.guns.ru/assault/as01-e.htm |date=2008-03-06 }}. World.guns.ru. Retrieved on 2014-04-20.
• {{flag|Grenada}}{{cite book|title=Grenada 1983|series=Men-at-Arms 159|first=Lee E.|last= Russell|date=28 Mar 1985|isbn=9780850455830|publisher=Osprey Publishing|pages=41&44}}
• {{flag|Oman}}: used by the Dhofari rebels.{{cite book |last=McNab |first=Chris|title=20th Century Military Uniforms |year=2002 |edition=2nd |publisher=Grange Books |location=Kent |isbn=978-1-84013-476-6|page=57}}
• {{flag|Panamá}}: Used by the disbanded Panama Defense Forces (PDF).
• {{flag|Rhodesia}}: Captured AKM rifles were issued primarily to helicopter crews.{{cite book|pages=26|title=Rhodesian Light Infantryman: 1961–1980|author=Neil Grant|year=2015|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=978-1-4728-0962-9}}
• {{USSR}}{{sfn|Rottman|2011|p=23}}
• {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Confederation of Caucasian Mountain People.svg}} Confederation of Mountain Peoples of the Caucasus
• {{flag|United States}}, captured rifles were used in Vietnam and other conflicts.{{cite book|page=[https://archive.org/details/operationiraqifr00boyn/page/110 110]|title=Operation Iraqi Freedom: What Went Right, What Went Wrong, and Why|author=Walter J. Boyne|year=2003|publisher=Macmillan |isbn=978-0-7653-1038-5|url=https://archive.org/details/operationiraqifr00boyn/page/110}}
• {{flag|North Vietnam}} used by PAVN forces.
• {{flag|South Vietnam}}, the ARVN were supplied with captured AKM rifles.{{cite book|title=Inside the LRRPs: Rangers in Vietnam|year=1988|author=Col. Michael Lee Lanning|isbn=978-0-8041-0166-0|publisher=Presidio Press}}

It is used by many organizations defined as terrorist organizations.

• {{flagicon image|Frente Farabundo Martí para la Liberación Nacional.svg}} Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front: Received Type 68s in the 1980s.
• {{flagicon image|Flag of the FARC-EP.svg}} Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia{{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=Cambridge University Press|year=2008|author=Small Arms Survey|pages=115, 120|isbn=978-0-521-88040-4|access-date=2018-08-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830174225/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2008.html|archive-date=2018-08-30|url-status=dead}}
• {{flag|Islamic State}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.calibreobscura.com/the-weapons-of-isis-wilayat-al-qawkaz-north-caucus/|title=The Small Arms of ISIS in the North Caucasus|date=October 28, 2018|website=www.calibreobscura.com|access-date=October 23, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003123149/https://www.calibreobscura.com/the-weapons-of-isis-wilayat-al-qawkaz-north-caucus/|archive-date=October 3, 2022}}

{{div col end}}

{{more citations needed section|date=February 2025}}

• Vietnam War (1955–1975)
• Laotian Civil War (1959–1975)
• Guatemalan Civil War (1960–1996){{Cite journal |last=Bolding |first=Damon |date=2015-12-04 |issue=V7N5 |volume=7 |title=Police Small Arms Arsenals in the Northern Central American Triangle |journal=Small Arms Defense Journal |url=https://sadefensejournal.com/police-small-arms-arsenals-in-the-northern-central-american-triangle/ |access-date=2023-05-08 |language=en-US |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325131151/https://sadefensejournal.com/police-small-arms-arsenals-in-the-northern-central-american-triangle/ |archive-date=2023-03-25 }}
• Portuguese Colonial War (1961–1974)
• Eritrean War of Independence (1961–1991)
• The Troubles (Late 1960s–1998)
• Rhodesian Bush War (1964–1979)
• South African Border War (1966–1990)
• Six-Day War (1967)
• Cambodian Civil War (1967–1975)
• Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia (1968)
• Sino-Soviet Border Conflict (1969)

• Yom Kippur War (1973){{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.com/books?id=_7MODAAAQBAJ|isbn=9781472813305|access-date=2018-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930232108/https://books.google.fr/books?id=_7MODAAAQBAJ|archive-date=2018-09-30|url-status=live}}
• Ethiopian Civil War (1974–1991){{cite magazine|title=Ethiopian military rifle cartridges: Part 2: from Mauser to Kalashnikov|last=Scarlata|first=Paul|magazine=Shotgun News|date=March 1, 2009|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Ethiopian+military+rifle+cartridges%3A+Part+2%3A+from+Mauser+to...-a0195134991|access-date=November 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124055029/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Ethiopian+military+rifle+cartridges%3A+Part+2%3A+from+Mauser+to...-a0195134991|archive-date=November 24, 2018|url-status=live}}
• Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990){{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=[https://archive.org/details/uniformsofsoldie00thom/page/145 145]|url=https://archive.org/details/uniformsofsoldie00thom/page/145}}
• Angolan Civil War (1975–2002){{sfn|McNab|2002|pp=18, 50}}
• Insurgency in Aceh (1976–2005)
• Mozambican Civil War (1977–1992)
• Nicaraguan Revolution (1978–1990)
• Chadian–Libyan War (1978–1987)
• Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978–present)
• Cambodian–Vietnamese War (1978–1989)
• Sino-Vietnamese War (1979)
• Salvadoran Civil War (1979–1992)
• Soviet–Afghan War (1979–1989){{cite book|title=Soviet Paratrooper vs Mujahideen Fighter: Afghanistan 1979–89|series=Combat 29|publisher=Osprey Publishing|first=David |last=Campbell|date=30 Nov 2017|isbn=9781472817648|pages=21–22}}

• Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988){{sfn|McNab|2002|p=138}}
• Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005)
• Sri Lankan Civil War (1983–2009)
• United States invasion of Grenada (1983)
• Lord's Resistance Army insurgency (1987–present)
• First Liberian Civil War (1989–1997)

• Gulf War (1990–1991)
• Rwandan Civil War (1990–1994)
• Somali Civil War (1991–present){{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=Cambridge University Press|year=2012|author=Small Arms Survey|page=338|isbn=978-0-521-19714-4|access-date=2018-08-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831002411/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2012.html|archive-date=2018-08-31|url-status=dead}}
• Yugoslav Wars (1991–2001)
• Georgian Civil War (1991–1993){{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=Oxford University Press|year=2003|author=Small Arms Survey|pages=197|access-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829175229/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2003.html|archive-date=2018-08-29|url-status=dead}}
• Algerian Civil War (1991–2002)
• First Chechen War (1994–1996)
• Eritrean–Ethiopian War (1998–2000)
• Second Liberian Civil War (1999–2003)
• Second Chechen War (1999–2009)

• War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
• First Ivorian Civil War (2002–2007)
• Iraq War (2003–2011)
• War in Darfur (2003–2020){{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=Cambridge University Press|year=2009|author=Small Arms Survey|page=111|isbn=978-0-521-88041-1|access-date=2018-08-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830174357/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2009.html|archive-date=2018-08-30|url-status=dead}}
• Mexican Drug War (2006–present)
• Russo-Georgian War (2008)
• Boko Haram insurgency (2009–present)

• Second Ivorian Civil War (2010–2011)
• First Libyan Civil War (2011)
• Syrian Civil War (2011–present)
• Central African Republic Civil War (2012–present){{cite news|title=Centrafrique : le Soudan a-t-il armé les ex-Séléka ?|language=fr|work=Jeune Afrique|date=17 December 2013|url=https://www.jeuneafrique.com/166718/politique/centrafrique-le-soudan-a-t-il-arm-les-ex-s-l-ka/|first=Laurent|last=Touchard|access-date=29 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130111716/https://www.jeuneafrique.com/166718/politique/centrafrique-le-soudan-a-t-il-arm-les-ex-s-l-ka/|archive-date=30 January 2019|url-status=live}}
• War in Iraq (2013–2017)
• Second Libyan Civil War (2014–2020)
• Russo-Ukrainian War (2014–present)
• Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)
• Insurgency in Cabo Delgado (2017–present)
• Ethiopian civil conflict (2018–present)

• Second Nagorno-Karabakh War (2020){{Cite web|url=https://asiatimes.com/2020/10/a-tour-of-transcaucasias-troubles/|title=A tour of Transcaucasia's troubles|first=M. K.|last=Bhadrakumar|date=October 6, 2020|website=Asia Times|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628102559/https://asiatimes.com/2020/10/a-tour-of-transcaucasias-troubles/|archive-date=June 28, 2022}}
• 2021 Taliban offensive
• Tigray War (2020–2022)
• Kyrgyzstan–Tajikistan clashes (2021)
• Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022–present)
• Banjska attack (2023)
• War in Amhara (2023–present)
• Gaza war (2023–present)
• 2024 Israeli invasion of Lebanon

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:AKMŁ NTW 4 92 3.jpg|AKM with NSP-3 night sight, and PBS-1 silencer.

File:DF-SD-03-04442.jpg|Egyptian soldiers in training with Egyptian-made Maadi.

File:Romanian AKM Soldier.JPEG|A Romanian sub-officer with a PM md. 65.

File:LCpl Cheema on the AK-47.JPG|U.S. Marine firing an East German MPi-KMS-72.

• Comparison of the AK-47 and M16
• List of most-produced firearms
• Saiga semi-automatic rifle

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book|title=The Military Balance 2016|date=February 2016|volume=116|isbn=978-1-85743-835-2 |publisher=Routlegde|ref={{harvid|Military Balance 2016}}|author=International Institute for Strategic Studies|author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies}}
• {{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=Ej23CwAAQBAJ |isbn=978-1-84908-835-0}}

• {{Commons category-inline}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20150319065100/http://www.meinehp.com/gunsmoke/AKM%20RR.html AKM rate reducer (and full-auto sear) functional routine]

{{AK47 derivatives}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Akm}}

Category:7.62×39mm assault rifles

Category:Kalashnikov derivatives

Category:Rifles of the Cold War

Category:Infantry weapons of the Cold War

Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1950s

Category:Assault rifles of the Soviet Union

Category:Izhevsk machine-building plant products

Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1959

Category:Assault rifles of Russia

Category:Long stroke piston firearms