Various Spetsnaz weapons used in Soviet-Afghan War

[hist2004]

Pistols

Pistols, in the course of of fulfillment THE SPECIAL FORCE of combat missions, in essence were used as auxiliary (second) weapon. In the companies THE SPECIAL FORCE pistol [PM] was the regular weapon of commander and officers of the administration for company, pistol [PB] - commanders of groups, and pistol [APB] (AO -44) - squad leaders. All categories of soldiers enumerated above, besides the pistol, were armed by Kalashnikov automatic rifle. In contrast to the automatic weapon, or another small arms, the pistol was not the required object of armament with the fulfillment of combat mission. In the rare cases, with one pistol were only armed the intelligence officer- radio operators, the calculations of heavy weapon or other specialists of subdivisions THE SPECIAL FORCE.

9[mm] noiseless pistol [PB]

Pistol [PB] is transferred in the holster with the disconnected nozzle (it is packed in the separate section), but in the majority of the cases intelligence officers they preferred to transfer noiseless pistol to ready to application into any minute, in the specially [obrezanoy] regular holster of pistol [PM] or in the pocket of breastplate for the stores.

9[mm] pistol [PM]

Makarov pistol was used in the course of the accomplishment of reconnaissance and special objectives very rarely. “Makarovs” were convenient only as the weapon of self-defence with [ubytii] into the mission in the limits of Afghanistan, not connected with the fulfillment by the soldier of combat mission (directly conducting military operations).

In spite of a certain formal resemblance 9- mm of pistol [PM] to the pistol [PB], general in them appears only cartridge, store and the separate parts of fast and well- trigger mechanism.

Base model with the creation of pistol [APB] (plant cipher AO -44) was the automatic pistol Of [stechkina] [APS].

The automatic pistol Of [stechkina] [APS]

Detachable nozzle made possible for intelligence officers to use a pistol in the version of noiseless or conventional weapon. Pistol with the connected nozzle was transferred on the belt in the breastplate (in the pocket for the automatic store) or in the independently prepared by intelligence officers holster. In the regular holster AO -44 it is transferred with those disconnected “by muffler” and butt.

Automatic weapons

“Old” automatic weapons [AKMS] and [AKMSL] (with the lath for fastening of night sight) enjoyed in THE SPECIAL FORCE larger popularity than 5,45- mm automatic weapons. Reason to that were better stopping action of 7.62-mm bullet and that the 7.62-mm Chinese model of Kalashnikov automatic rifle was basic small arms of the mujahadeen. With the relative independence of the actions of intelligence agencies THE SPECIAL FORCE, the presence in the enemy of uniform ammunition, it made possible for intelligence officers to use in the progress of combat the seized in enemy 7.62-mm cartridges (Chinese, Egyptian and the rest). Intelligence officers commanded the possibility of completing the fire unit of its automatic weapon by captured cartridges with “explosive” bullets (armor-piercing incendiary), since by analogous domestic cartridges the Soviet troops in Afghanistan because of the considerations “of humanity” (!?) practically they were not supplied. By serious argument into [polzuvybora] the intelligence officers of 7.62-mm Kalashnikov automatic rifle was the presence to it of the instrument of noiseless and flameless shooting [PBS]-1.

7.62-mm Kalashnikov automatic rifle [AKMS]



Bayonet- knives to the automatic weapon [AKMS]

5,45- mm Kalashnikov automatic rifle was greatest mass-use weapons of the subdivisions of the limited contingent of the Soviet troops in Afghanistan. In arsenal OF THE SPECIAL FORCE consisted the automatic weapons [AKS]-74, [AKS]-74[N] (with the lath for fastening of night sight) and [AKS]-74[u] (shortened). 5,45- mm Kalashnikov automatic rifle differ significantly from its 7.62-mm predecessor in terms of a quantity of transferred by intelligence officer ammunition with their equal weight, in terms of the best accuracy of shooting and in terms of other ballistic data. Unfortunately [AKS]-74 possesses the smaller stopping action than old good [AKM], which is quite significant in the close battle.

5,45- mm Kalashnikov automatic rifle [AKS]-74

5,45- mm Kalashnikov automatic rifle with the folding butt, shortened [AKS]-74[u] with the instrument of noiseless shooting [PBS]-4 entered subdivisions THE SPECIAL FORCE since 1985. Shooting from [AKS]-74[u] with [PBS]-4 was conducted by single and automatic fire, and from [AKS]-74 with [PBS]-4 only by single with the manual recharging. For the shooting from 5,45- mm of automatic weapon with [PBS]-4 is used the cartridge of the reduced force US with the special bullet.

5,45- mm Kalashnikov automatic rifle [AKS]-74[u]

The snipers of subdivisions THE SPECIAL FORCE in Afghanistan were armed by the sniper rifle Of [dragunova]. With fire SVD snipers effectively struck covered among the cliffs and in [zelenke] enemy at the distance to 400 meters. In the open country, as showed the experience of the combat employment of SVD, sniper fire was effective, also, at the long range. The basic task of sniper was in combat destruction most important of individual targets and the suppression of the calculations of the heavy weapon of enemy.

Sniper rifle Of [dragunova] SVD




Machine guns

5,45- mm light machine gun Kalashnikov with the folding butt [RPKS]-74 adapted in THE SPECIAL FORCE only in some forces. In particular machine gun [RPKS]-74 armed the part of the intelligence officer- machine gunners in the companies 334 OO Of [spN]. Which was caused by the need of decreasing the total weight of weapon and ammunition of the reconnaissance subdivisions of force, [Kunar] acting in the alpine province.

5,45- mm light machine gun is Kalashnikov with the folding butt [RPKS]-74

In each group THE SPECIAL FORCE were three machine guns [PKM] (on one in the department). Powerful [PKM] with its equipped mass is more than ten kilograms, it required from the machine gunner of force, endurance and… mental acuity. In combat on the skillful actions of machine gunner much depended, and to this post commanders assigned the best soldiers.
The sighting range of shooting [PKM] to 1500 meters made possible for intelligence officers to destroy enemy on the average and large distances and to avoid the tied by the mujahadeen close battle. Close battle limited the application of artillery and aviation, the maneuver of reconnaissance units THE SPECIAL FORCE excluded their safe evacuation by helicopters.

7,62[mm] the machine gun of Kalashnikov modernized [PKM]

The heavy machine gun of the construction of Nikitin, Sokolov, Vladimirov on the machine tool [NSVS]-12,7 in Afghanistan adapted BY THE SPECIAL FORCE, mainly, for the neutralization of heavy machine guns and another heavy weapon of [bandformirovaniy], and also for the defeat of the motor transport of the mujahadeen. The aimed fire from “the rock” is conducted on the distance to 2000 meters. Shooting from the machine gun with the optical sight by the single shots or by short (2-3 cartridges) turns, on its effectiveness was made level to the sniper fire. So in the progress of combat 14.11.1986 g. (154 OO Of [spN]) several short bursts at the distance 600-700 m were destroyed three moved fighters.

12,7- mm THE MACHINE GUN OF [NSVS]-12,7 “ROCK”

[hist2004]

cont'd

In the retention time of the limited contingent of the Soviet troops in Afghanistan, the general military subdivisions and THE SPECIAL FORCE replaced three types of armored carriers. In the different time on [BTR] warred 2 and 3 companies THE SPECIAL FORCE, the company [AGS] and the company of mining the individual forces Of [spN]. [BTR]-60[PB] replaced [BTR]-70 (both with two carburetor engines), and “[semidesyatku]” was replaced WITH [BTR]-80, already with the forced diesel KamAZ (Kama Automobile Plant). “[Shestidesyatki]”, “[semi]-[desyatki]” and “[vosmidesyatki]” were equally armed by 14,5- mm by the heavy machine gun of Vladimirov [KPVT] and coupled with it 7.62-mm machine gun [PKT]. On [BTR]-70[G] additionally was established [sokursnyy] with the machine guns 30 mm automatic grenade launcher AG -17, and [BTR]-70[D] had the additional diverse armoring of boards. The machine-gun armament of armored carriers was inferior in the firepower to armament [BMP], but wheel [BTR] demonstrated large vitality with the undermining of machine on the antitank mine.



[BTR]-70

Subdivisions THE SPECIAL FORCE [OKSV] in Afghanistan had regular armament, what required the first combat experience of the use OF THE SPECIAL FORCE [GRU] against the irregular armed units. In each group of the company Of [spN] on [BMP] of individual forces THE SPECIAL FORCE were three combat vehicles of infantry - on one to the department. Of the beginning of the 80's [BMP]-1 and [BMP]-1[D] were in service 1 and 2 companies 154 and 177 OO Of [spN]. Later (in 1983-1984) into service OF THE SPECIAL FORCE began to enter new machines - [BMP]-2[D] (with exception of 2 companies, “reseated” on [BTR]-70). Into Afghanistan the combat vehicles of infantry entered with the additional armoring of bottom, boards and tower and had in the name a marking “D”. The stabilized by 30- mm automatic gun with the adjustable rate of fire and by sighting range to 4000 meters, and also reliable Diesel engine [UTD]-20 ensured [BMP]-2 in Afghanistan good fame and respect. Of the friendly soldier disputes intelligence officers 1 of company always attempted to convince their opponents of 2,3 or 4 companies in the fact that [BMP] are better than [BTR], although both types of combat vehicles in are their own way good.

[BMP]-2

The combat vehicle of landing [BMD]-1 is in service airborne troops. During the first years “Afghan war” OF [BMD]-1 it was in service of 3 companies Of [spN] 154 and 177 individual forces THE SPECIAL FORCE. The complexities, caused by simultaneous operation by force THE SPECIAL FORCE of three types of armament ([BMP]-1, [BMD]-1 and [BTR]60[PB]) and adoption to the armament [VS] of the USSR new equipment models led to the replacement OF [BMD]-1 on [BTR]-70. One of the deficiencies [BMD]-1, revealed in Afghanistan, was its weak vitality and protection of crew (landing) with the undermining of machine on the antitank mine.

[BMD]-1

Combat reconnaissance vehicle [BRM]-1[K] (commander) was the machine of commander 1 of company THE SPECIAL FORCE on [BMP]. Basic armament [BRM]-1 to 73- mm the smoothbore gun of 2[A]28 “thunder” (fire unit of 20 shots). The special equipment of machine includes radar of the reconnaissance of ground targets, quantum (laser) range-finder, navigation aid and other technical equipment for reconnaissance and transmission of information.

[BRM]-1[K]

Zenith self-propelled unit [ZSU]-23-4 was in service of the antiaircraft-artillery group of individual forces THE SPECIAL FORCE. “Afghan” version “Of [shilki]” entered without expensive radar equipment and apparatus for the fire control. Those modernized “under [Afgan]” of machine had the increased fire unit. For their crushing firepower the perfumes called [ZSU]-23-4 - the shaitan of [arba] (devilish cart - Persian).

[ZSU]-23-4 “Of [shilka]”

Trucks “Ural-4320” and the captured pick-ups “Of [toyota]”, “[Semurg]” and “[Datsun]” used forces THE SPECIAL FORCE basing in the South provinces of Afghanistan. In “the Urals” the intelligence officers established 23- mm antiaircraft sites ZU -23-2,12,7 and 14,5- mm heavy machine guns, 82- mm mortars and another heavy weapon. However, captured pick-ups were armed with captured 12,7- mm by the machine guns OF [DSHK] or domestic “rocks” and with 30- mm by [avtomatieskimi] grenade launchers [AGS]-17. On “combat” automobiles acted the reconnaissance parties of 370 OO Of [spN] and other forces of 22 [obr] Of [spN]. Going deeply to hundreds of kilometers into deserts Of [registan] and yes -[shti]-[Margo] THE SPECIAL FORCE it appeared, where his enemy in no way it expected. Acting on the combat automobiles intelligence officers they hunted for the transports of rebels and the band- groups moving on the automobiles, tractors and motorcycles.

The sandbags were plotted for increasing the protection of personnel on the bottom of the body of automobile, and on board and the cabin doors of machine hung up bulletproof vests. In the body of automobile was placed the fuel capacity, water, foodstuffs and ammunition, necessary for the prolonged autonomous actions in the desert of harbor group or force.

Ural-4320

The reconnaissance parties of the special designation of 22 [obr] Of [spN] with conducting of reconnaissance- search actions in 1986-1988 widely used the captured pick-ups “Of [toyota]” and “[Semurg]”. For final deception of enemy the intelligence officers changed clothes in the Afghan national clothing. In the composition OF THE RHO Of [spN] were included maneuverability group and [bronegruppa]. Maneuverability group consisted of several combat captured automobiles. [Bronegruppa] contained [BTR] ([BMP]) and “combat” “Urals”. Maneuverability group acted at a certain removal from [bronegruppy], after being covered from the eyes of rebels in the barkhans or the dry riverbed - [mandekhe].

Toyota “Of land Of cruiser”

[TTKH] “combat” automobile “[Toyota]”
The crew of automobile consisted of 6 people: commander, driver, the machine-gun crew (2 intelligence officers) and two intelligence officers of grenade throwers (flamethrower operators). Armament:
- 12,7- mm machine gun [DSHK] ([b]/[k]- of 300-500 cartridges) or 30- mm automatic grenade launcher [AGS]-17 (87-116);
- [RPO]- A “bumblebee” - 2-4 pcs; - [RPG]-18 (22) - 2-6 pcs;
- automatic weapons - in each crew member;
- [podstvolnye] grenade launchers [GP]-25 - 1-2 pcs;
- smoke grenades [RDG]-2[b] (the X) - 2-3 pcs;
- VHF radio station R -392 or R -159 - 1 cinema.

[asch]

they preferred to transfer noiseless pistol to ready to application into any minute, in the specially [obrezanoy] - /custom cut/ regular holster of pistol [pm] or in the pocket of breastplate for the stores.

“makarovs” were convenient only as the weapon of self-defence with [ubytii] - /this word means "killed", which is strange/ into the mission in the limits of afghanistan

because of the considerations “of humanity” (!?) - /more correct will be "humanism", more adequate translation as "mercy"/

for the neutralization of heavy machine guns and another heavy weapon of [bandformirovaniy] - /bandit forces/, and also for the defeat of the motor transport of the mujahadeen.

123123123123

[Hispeed1]

Don't forget their super-special hand axe! Which they can throw with incredible precision while doing backflips, cartwheels, shining their boots, smoking, breaking bottles with their teeth, etc. all at the same time. Good 'ol Toyota's and Technicals.

[hist2004]

Don't forget their super-special hand axe! Which they can throw with incredible precision while doing backflips, cartwheels, shining their boots, smoking, breaking bottles with their teeth, etc. all at the same time.

Perhaps you should travel to Russia this August (On Paratroopers Day) so you can express this same sentiment.
I suggest you do it late in the afternoon….they will love you.

[STEPAN1983]

You have a problem with names of weapons
"Of Stechkin", "of Dragunov" (in english without "a") or (better) to say "Stechkin pistol", "Dragunov rifle", "Kalashnikov machine gun" - use designer's name in the beginning of a weapon name. Just dont use "of" word, ok?

"automatic rifle" - its better to call it "assault rifle", it is a proper translation.

"THE SPECIAL FORCE" - "special forceS" AND WHY THE BIG LETTERS?

[hist2004]

You have a problem with names of weapons
"Of Stechkin", "of Dragunov" (in english without "a") or (better) to say "Stechkin pistol", "Dragunov rifle", "Kalashnikov machine gun" - use designer's name in the beginning of a weapon name. Just dont use "of" word, ok?

"automatic rifle" - its better to call it "assault rifle", it is a proper translation.

"THE SPECIAL FORCE" - "special forceS" AND WHY THE BIG LETTERS?

STEPAN1983,

I would hope that you realize that the "text" that your reading was the
end result of a "translation" Russian to English...not my formatting....

Hist2004

[STEPAN1983]

"SpN" is "Spetsnaz" (Special forces)

specially [obrezanoy] regular holster -specially [cut] regular holster

[ubytii] into the mission - [going, deploying] to mission

By serious argument into [polzuvybora] - By serious argument for [choosing it]

[avtomatieskimi] grenade launchers - [automatic] grenade launchers

[Bronegruppa] - [armor group]

[podstvolnye] grenade launchers - [underbarrel] grenade launchers

[STEPAN1983]

I hope it will help to improve text

[Hispeed1]

Perhaps you should travel to Russia this August (On Paratroopers Day) so you can express this same sentiment.
I suggest you do it late in the afternoon….they will love you.

LOLZ! Yeah, let me bring LAWB along-he loves all things Russ1an. (Thanks for posting the pics and info)

[GazB]

I had a video on Spetsnaz from the late 1980s that was a mishmash of various bits of video... mostly VDV rather than confirmed Spetsnaz footage, but one part did show soldiers getting ready to go to Afghanistan and one was armed with what appeared to be an AS suppressed assault rifle.

Will look for it and try to confirm.

[hist2004]

Grenade launchers

The reactive antitank grenades OF [RPG]-18 “fly” and [RPG]-22 “of net” THE SPECIAL FORCE [OKSV] in Afghanistan used for the destruction of the motor transport of enemy and his living of SI. [ly], which is found in the buildings and the fortifications. “Single-time grenade launchers” recommended well themselves with the conducting BY THE SPECIAL FORCE of attacks in the Central Asian village zone, they were irreplaceable, also, in the mountains. The wide application OF [RPG]-18 and [RPG]-22 was not rarely limited to stoppages in the supply by them of the troops, which caused in intelligence officers valid dissatisfaction. Light and practical reactive antitank grenades proved to be more effective than manual anti-tank grenade launchers with conducting of close battle (in the Central Asian village zone or the high mountain region).

[RPG]-18 “fly”



[RPG]-22 “of net”

After judging, that the mujahadeen do not have armored technology, cadre members did not provide in the composition of subdivisions THE SPECIAL FORCE of the grenade throwers of armed [RPG], after forgetting that [RPG] they were intended for the destruction of the live enemy target of that locating in buildings and field type shelters (shelters, entrenchments, SPS, caves the rest). Intelligence officers used in Afghanistan nonstandard [RPG] and for the destruction of the motor transport of [bandformirovaniy], destruction of different structures, making of breaches in the walls of buildings and [duvalov]. For these purposes THE SPECIAL FORCE in Afghanistan used the grenade launchers OF [RPG]-16 “impact”, (it was in service [VDV] [VS] of the USSR), [RPG]-7 and its Chinese version [RPG] type “67” (captured), and also reactive antitank grenades [RPG]-18 and [RPG]-22, considerably being inferior to grenade launchers in the firing distance.

58,3- mm the manual anti-tank grenade launcher OF [RPG]-16 “impact”

Anti-tank grenade launcher [RPG]-7 and [RPG]-7[D]

“[Podstvolnik]” OF [GP]-25 entered into service OF THE SPECIAL FORCE at the beginning of the 80's. With the fire [podstvolno]- GO of grenade launcher intelligence officers could easily strike the mujahadeen, which are located even beyond the reverse slopes of heights, the clay fences - [duvalami], in the accomodations (fire through the windows and the doors), and also in the ravines, the clefts and the entrenchments. Fire from the [podstvolnogo] grenade launcher by high-angle tajectory because of the shelter, deprived the enemy of the possibility to conduct reciprocal aimed fire according to the one shooting. Usually in [razvedgruppe] THE SPECIAL FORCE were several [podstvolnikov] [GP]-25.

5,45- m m automatic weapon [AKS]-74 with [GP]-25
Flamethrowers

In Afghanistan in arsenal of parts THE SPECIAL FORCE consisted reactive infantry flamethrowers [RPO]- A “bumblebee” and [RPO]- B “lynx”. Reactive infantry flamethrowers [RPO]- A and [RPO]- B were in service of the grenade-throwing- flamethrower platoons of the companies Of [spN] of individual forces THE SPECIAL FORCE. Firing regulations from [RPO] trained each intelligence officer, which ensured the complete interchangeability of personnel of subdivision in combat.

[RPO]- A “bumblebee”

[RPO]- B “lynx”

[AGS]

In Afghanistan automatic grenade launcher [AGS]-17 was the regular weapon of the fire support of subdivisions THE SPECIAL FORCE. Initially grenade launchers were found in arsenal of the company [AGS] of individual forces. Subsequently company was disbanded, but in the state of each company THE SPECIAL FORCE appeared grenade-throwing-flamethrower- ache platoon (two grenade-throwing departments on three calculations [AGS]-17 and flamethrower departments). The fire of automatic grenade launchers did not rarely make possible for small RG Of [spN] to successfully resist superior forces of the mujahadeen. To shooting from [AGS]-17 was trained entire personnel of reconnaissance units THE SPECIAL FORCE. Since 1986 each reconnaissance party or force THE SPECIAL FORCE, that diminishes to the fulfillment of independent combat mission obligated were to contain calculation [AGS]-17 or heavy machine gun [NSVS]-12,7.

30 MM AUTOMATIC GRENADE LAUNCHER ON THE MACHINE TOOL OF [AGS]-17 “FLAME”


The effective actions of the Soviet SPECIAL FORCE, in the regions of Afghanistan controlled by rebels it is difficult to present without their timely air support. The air support OF THE SPECIAL FORCE was laid on the army and front aviation. The helicopters of army aviation and THE SPECIAL FORCE carried out combat missions in close cooperation as united combat organism, in spite of a certain departmental dissociation. The folding friendly relations between the officers by Special Forces soldiers and [vertoletchikami] now and then meant more than gotten down from above “the instructions”. Helicopter squadrons, components and crews, which act in the interests of intelligence agencies THE SPECIAL FORCE, in the critical situations always could design also for the aid of Special Forces soldiers. THE SPECIAL FORCE rarely did not participate in the search relief operations on the search and the evacuation of the crews of those biased “by perfumes” and the completed emergency landing flight vehicles.

Combat helicopters Mi-24 adapted in [Afgane] for the defeat of personnel, fire means and transport of [bandformirovaniy], patrolling of locality, and in certain cases also for the special evacuation of personnel (injured). Aircraft armament Mi-24[D] includes four-band 12,7- mm machine-gun installation [USPU]-24, and helicopter Mi-24[P] - 30- mm the coupled gun [GSH]-[ZOK]. Suspension armament “twenty fours” it consisted of the blocks OF BUNKS (53- mm S -5 or 80 mm S -8), OF [PTUR] “Sturm- V”, suspension containers with the machine-gun and cannon armament, and also aircraft bombs.

For the defeat of the air defense weapons of the mujahadeen, without the approach of helicopter into the zone of the antiaircraft fire, “[dvadtsatchetverki]” used [PTUR] “Sturm- V” with the cumulative or volumetrically- detonating warhead. During capture the base regions of rebels THE SPECIAL FORCE revealed the firing positions of the anti-aircraft weapons of enemy, and helicopters destroyed their [PTUR] from the range of controlled fire of 800-5000 meters, without going in the zone of the antiaircraft fire.

Combat helicopter MI-24[D]

In the interests of the actions of reconnaissance subdivisions THE SPECIAL FORCE, transport- combat helicopters Mi-8 (Mi-8[T], Mi-8[MT], Mi-8[TV]) carried out combat missions in their conclusion and evacuations, to the air patrolling of locality with inspection RG Of [spN] aboard, the evacuation of the injured and killed intelligence officers. It is not rare, “eights” achieved fire support of the landed subdivisions, destroying enemy by aircraft armament - the fire of course machine gun [PKT] and by rockets S -5 or S -8.

In the high mountain region and into the summer heat the helicopter lift Mi-8 in Afghanistan was limited by ten-twelve intelligence officers. It is not rare, [vertoletchiki] risking by its own lives, consciously dispatch for the disturbance of flight instructions, taking out “infantry” of the serious alterations under the conditions of the fire action of small arms and grenade launchers of enemy.

Transport- combat helicopter MI-8

[Difool]

After judging, that the mujahadeen do not have armored technology, cadre members did not provide in the composition of subdivisions THE SPECIAL FORCE of the grenade throwers of armed [RPG], after forgetting that [RPG] they were intended for the destruction of the live enemy target of that locating in buildings and field type shelters (shelters, entrenchments, SPS, caves the rest). Intelligence officers used in Afghanistan nonstandard [RPG] and for the destruction of the motor transport of [bandformirovaniy], destruction of different structures, making of breaches in the walls of buildings and [duvalov]. For these purposes THE SPECIAL FORCE in Afghanistan used the grenade launchers OF [RPG]-16 “impact”, (it was in service [VDV] [VS] of the USSR), [RPG]-7 and its Chinese version [RPG] type “67” (captured), and also reactive antitank grenades [RPG]-18 and [RPG]-22, considerably being inferior to grenade launchers in the firing distance.

58,3- mm the manual anti-tank grenade launcher OF [RPG]-16 “impact”

Transport- combat helicopter MI-8

I read that the RPG-16s purpose has been more or less long range shots on soft targets and fortified positions.
Does anybody know if this weapon is still in use?

[big_les]

Nicely laid out post.

Unfortunately [AKS]-74 possesses the smaller stopping action than old good [AKM], which is quite significant in the close battle.

In fact the wounds from 7.62x39 are typically clean and calibre-sized. Whereas the 5.45's tumbles much sooner, causing a more severe wound and therefore having more "stopping action", not less.

Although the Yugoslavian 7.62 is supposedly better than both.

[hist2004]

Here's an observation made by a Spetsnaz veteran interviewed on that point (5.45mm vs 7.62).

SP: Did you think that there was any difference in effectiveness between the 7.62x39 AKM's and the 5.45x39 AK-74's?

Andrei: As a matter of fact the AK-74's was something new that they had just started to issue only a few years before. Everybody was under the impression that this things got a special bullet with a offset centre of gravity that would leave a devastating blow and we were under the impression that this was a superior weapon because of the special bullet.

SP: So when you underwent training they made a point to indicate that the 5.45x39 ammunition had special characteristics.

Andrei: That's right, they indicated that it was an offset centre of gravity round.

SP: Did its effect in combat bear that out? Did you feel it was more effective than the 7.62x39?

Andrei: That's hard to determine, you've got stuff from all over coming. You don't go over there and look at this hole and say, "look what this did and look what that did," I think that both of the guns did their job and did their job quite well. But the guy who carried the AKM was a special guy cause he had the PBS. But then again when you're talking about the load he still had to carry 600 rounds and that's 30% heavier than 5.45. The 5.45x39 did its job perfectly though, it shot in the direction it was pointing in, it hit what you needed to hit, and killed what you wanted to kill, and that was it.

Hist2004