Which AK variants is terrorists/guerrillas most preferred weapon?

[Alin]

We all know AK series is terrorists’/guerrillas’ weapon of choice. But is there a particular model or calibre they prefer?

I know at one time the Warsaw countries intended to replace all the 7.62mm AK with AK-74 until when the Soviet Union suddenly dissolved.

Is there any chance of Ak-74 replacing AK-47/AKM in the future? For me Ak-74 seems to make more sense with its lighter weight, a more ergonomic (collapsible) shoulder stock, lighter recoil and more ammunition per person. Much like how M16 more or less overtook M14.

[Migs]

The question is what weapons don't they use over there.

[CreepingDeath]

They use whatever they have to kill.

[meatyclaws]

im going with the akms, and wow nice avatar creeping death!

[Alpheus]

Why do you care? They use a) whatever they can get and b) whatever works.

Working on your OpFor loadout or something?

[James]

Insurgents' favorite is the one that goes bang when they pull the trigger. It doesn't need a stock, it doesn't even need sights, it just needs to go bang.

[Sayeret]

I can't say it's their favorite but the most widely used AK variant is the Chinese Type 56.


The Type 56 is likely the most widely proliferated AK-47 type rifle in the world having shown up on battlefields in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, South America, etc. While exact production figures are not known, it is commonly estimated that as many as 10-15 million Type 56 rifles have been produced since the 1950s which means they may account for nearly one-fifth of the world's AK production.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_56_assault_rifle

[offspring]

Insurgents' favorite is the one that goes bang when they pull the trigger. It doesn't need a stock, it doesn't even need sights, it just needs to go bang.

what about bullets?

[GazB]

Much like how M16 more or less overtook M14.

The M16 and M14 are vastly different rifles that are capable of doing different jobs. The AK-74 and AKM are much more similar and could be used interchangably for pretty much every role you might want to use them for.
The AK-100 series has 5.45, 5.56, and 7.62 x 39mm versions, and add to that the RPK series now has a 5.56 version added too you can now get almost identical sets of carbines, rifles, and light machineguns in all three calibres. There is only a minor difference in weight between the three different calibre versions.

THe "choice" of weapon for most terrorists/guerillas generally depends more on who is sponsoring their cause than any personal preference of the individuals involved... of course the US has the most money to throw around be even in Afghanistan when the Soviets were there the US money paid for Chinese and ex Arab AKs rather than a more expensive rifle like the M16. It is cheaper to provide AKs, and as they are simpler to look after and abundant in most corners of the world it has become the most popular.

[gaijinsamurai]

This thread is based on the false assumption that guerillas/terrorists somehow have a CHOICE in what weapon they get.

For the most part, they get what is given to them by whoever sponsors them, or whoever they capture it from.

That having been said, during the Cold War-era insurgencies of the '70s and '80s, the most prevalent AKs were AKM-types (stamped receivers, chambered in 7.62x39).

[KVLG]

This thread is based on the false assumption that guerillas/terrorists somehow have a CHOICE in what weapon they get.

For the most part, they get what is given to them by whoever sponsors them, or whoever they capture it from.

That having been said, during the Cold War-era insurgencies of the '70s and '80s, the most prevalent AKs were AKM-types (stamped receivers, chambered in 7.62x39).


Of course. After all, the AKM-types were manufactured longer than the original milled AK-47s, and easier to mass produce.

[ayanami_tard]

off topics but if you see most african conflicts in the sixties they actually use FAL/G3

[Connaught Ranger]

They use what they can get their hands on, its not like they have too much of a choice in the matter of equipment.:roll:

[Soldat_Américain]

whatever is cheap and easy to find ammo for

[Hispeed1]

Insurgents' favorite is the one that goes bang when they pull the trigger. It doesn't need a stock, it doesn't even need sights, it just needs to go bang.

Quoted for truth. What the heck is this poll?

[James]

Quoted for truth. What the heck is this poll?

You know, that's a good question. One I think that few if any of our members are qualified to answer.

[SGMGSG9]

A retired Army Ranger Major (veteran of both gulf wars) whom I shoot with from time to time. Told me his last visit to the Mosul area most AK's captured or confiscated where mostly of Chinese origin. Most everything was chambered in 7.62X39. It was rear to find 5.45 weapons, but if found the ODA's would snap them up quickly. If you get my drift. B)

[OwenMcCann]

They use whatever they can, as long as they can get hold of it and it shoots they will be happy with it.

[Flecktarn92]

which ever they can get their hands on

[Alin]

Insurgents' favorite is the one that goes bang when they pull the trigger. It doesn't need a stock, it doesn't even need sights, it just needs to go bang.

This thread is based on the false assumption that guerillas/terrorists somehow have a CHOICE in what weapon they get.

For the most part, they get what is given to them by whoever sponsors them, or whoever they capture it from.

As I understand, back during Soviet-Afghan war while the 7.62mm AK were the predominate weapons among the Mujahedeen (than again I’ve seen a picture of those guys armed with a few other oddities like HK G3 and Lee-Enfield MK3), the AK-74 were much sought after because of its supposedly superior terminal ballistic (the Afghans called the 5.45mm×39mm “poison bullet” because of it), maybe even more so than the 7.62mm AK.


What the heck is this poll?

This poll is about what will happen after the current AK rifles wore-out. AK will last, that I understand, but I doubt they will last forever. What will the replacement be as more and more AK-47, AKM (and their fold-stock variation) reach the end of their service life? Will there continue to be more 7.62mm AK or will they be replaced by 5.45mm AK as the Soviets always intended.

[G-AWZT]

which ever they can get their hands on





...........and blessed by their imam.

[budgie]

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=802&pictureid=12063

[KVLG]

As I understand, back during Soviet-Afghan war while the 7.62mm AK were the predominate weapons among the Mujahedeen (than again I’ve seen a picture of those guys armed with a few other oddities like HK G3 and Lee-Enfield MK3), the AK-74 were much sought after because of its supposedly superior terminal ballistic (the Afghans called the 5.45mm×39mm “poison bullet” because of it), maybe even more so than the 7.62mm AK.


Suppsedly, ol' Mikey T. Kalashnikov himself felt that the Soviets adopting a small cailbre round was unecessary. He felt that a modified version of the M43 round would serve Soviet military needs quite adequately. However, the West had a small calibre round, and the Sov. didn't want to be behind.



This poll is about what will happen after the current AK rifles wore-out. AK will last, that I understand, but I doubt they will last forever. What will the replacement be as more and more AK-47, AKM (and their fold-stock variation) reach the end of their service life? Will there continue to be more 7.62mm AK or will they be replaced by 5.45mm AK as the Soviets always intended.

Well, AK-47s and AKMs could probably be refurbished by many arsenals throughout the world. However, I suspect that most AK users already have plenty of 7.62 models, so they may go with that calibre. After all, even Russia is manufacturing the AK-103.

[GazB]

As I understand, back during Soviet-Afghan war while the 7.62mm AK were the predominate weapons among the Mujahedeen (than again I’ve seen a picture of those guys armed with a few other oddities like HK G3 and Lee-Enfield MK3), the AK-74 were much sought after because of its supposedly superior terminal ballistic (the Afghans called the 5.45mm×39mm “poison bullet” because of it), maybe even more so than the 7.62mm AK.

The vast majority of AKs used by the resistance in Afghanistan were supplied by their sponsors... Pakistan, US, Saudi Arabia etc. They didn't supply western weapons simply because the Afghans had been trained on AKs and they were good enough and there was no problem with ammo supply. The point of giving them AKs was also to make it appear that they had captured them. Most were Chinese made copies of AKs.

The Russian Armed forces still has a mix of Ak types in service and in combat you still tend to see a mix. Their special forces, who have a choice of small arm still carry a mix of calibre weapons so I really don't think the smaller calibre version is completely superior to the older larger calibre model. Each has advantages and disadvantages and in use having both types might be complimentary within a unit.


This poll is about what will happen after the current AK rifles wore-out. AK will last, that I understand, but I doubt they will last forever. What will the replacement be as more and more AK-47, AKM (and their fold-stock variation) reach the end of their service life? Will there continue to be more 7.62mm AK or will they be replaced by 5.45mm AK as the Soviets always intended.

Probably largely depends on who is supplying the weapons. The Russians are making both calibres which means the larger calibre model would have greater appeal as its ammo is more widely available. The Chinese have not adopted the new small calibre Russian round and the round they have adopted is one that only they use so it will not likely be exported much. They will most likely export old AKs and their new bullpup rifle in 5.56mm NATO and 7.62 x 39mm Russian because that is the available ammo.
These weapons will likely be paid for by third party sponsors with the fact that these third party sponsors don't use these weapons hiding the fact that they are supplying them. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out who is paying the bills however...


Suppsedly, ol' Mikey T. Kalashnikov himself felt that the Soviets adopting a small cailbre round was unecessary. He felt that a modified version of the M43 round would serve Soviet military needs quite adequately. However, the West had a small calibre round, and the Sov. didn't want to be behind.

The Soviets were experimenting with a 5.45mm calibre round before WWII. The war knocked it on the head but it was taken out and looked at in the 1970s.
The whole concept behind the smaller bullet is regarding reducing load, reducing recoil, and maximising lethality by making a projectile that does something on target that older ball rounds don't do. The 5.56mm round breaks apart. The 5.45mm round tumbles on impact but remains intact.
The heavier 30 cal bullets are less effected by twigs and leaves. In both cases bullet placement is the most important thing and the smaller calibres shoot flatter so range estimate errors are less important.
When combat takes place within 200m then the difference in trajectory is not really important. If you need to shoot through branches or bushes then the heavier larger calibre round is better.

[Varlat Opiat]

what about bullets?

Good point. Bullets also must go bang.

[OMON]

shouldn't terrorists vote in this poll?

[kongman]

any AK that could shoot bullets ...and even some that cant

[click]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/beegaler/Funnies/7699Useless-Crap-Posters.jpg

[ferguson]

A guerilla or terrorist takes what he can get or is gven by his master and makes the best of it.
Most of those savages do not have the luxury of owning the concept of preference.

[Lasse]

Yo terrorists are taci-cool too, I talked to one and he said that this is his favourite:
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5646/ufcx47rsl.jpg (http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ufcx47rsl.jpg)

[Hilbert]

Yo terrorists are taci-cool too, I talked to one and he said that this is his favourite:
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5646/ufcx47rsl.jpg (http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ufcx47rsl.jpg)

Terrorists are toting airsoft guns now? :|

[Soldat_Américain]

Yo terrorists are taci-cool too, I talked to one and he said that this is his favourite:
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5646/ufcx47rsl.jpg (http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ufcx47rsl.jpg)
question...are there legitimate tacticool AKs out there or is it just some airsoft phenomenon.

[Hilbert]

question...are there legitimate tacticool AKs out there or is it just some airsoft phenomenon.

Eh I guess it depends on just what you mean by "legitimate tacticool AKs." I remember seeing some customized AK's with Picatinny Rail Platforms and do-dads being used by Spetsnaz members in the Russian Photos thread. Then there are plently of examples of poles carrying AK's with rails and foregrips. And I've seen plenty of civilian AK's with rail platforms and collapsing stocks at local gun shows.

[JoaMei]

Terrorist/Guerillia forces use every weapon they can get their hands on, they dont have much choice usually. AK variants are the most easy to get so they use mostly these.

[Basillicus]

I also think they probably use everything they can find, and if they have choise they'll chose the one to which it's easiest to get ammunitions.

But hypothethically, which would be better for ambushing unarmored or lightly armored vehicles, and which would have better wall penetration in urban areas: 7.62x39 or 5.45x39? I know 7.62 goes through a lot of things and still does damage but how about 5.45?