AKM

The AKM (Автомат Калашникова Модернизированный) - (Automatic Kalashnikov Modernized) is a Soviet assault rifle, introduced in 1959, and heavily exported around the globe. In addition to the USSR, Many countries produced variants of the AKM, some of which are still in production today.

Service History
Although production of the AK rifle began in 1949, it proved slow and difficult to produce in large numbers. This was largely due to it's milled receiver, which, although of high quality, was time-consuming to make. This resulted in the introduction of the AKM, which was constructed largely of stamped steel. Many other minor changes were also made to the rifle, but the basic design remained the same. Early models featured a wooden handle - later in production, this was switched to a Bakelite design.

The AKM was adopted in 1959, and would remain the primary rifle of the Soviet Army until the introduction of the AK-74 in the mid-1970s. However, the AKM was used as a second-line weapon into the 1990s, and remains in use as a reserve and special-purpose weapon in the Russian Army today.

Warsaw Pact nations and other Communist countries were eager to produce AKM rifles locally, usually with modifications to suit the requirements of their own military. Some notably variants include the Hungarian AMD-65, East German MPi KM, and Romanian PM. md. 63.

The AKM was widely exported to Soviet client states, and in many nations, it is still the primary service rifle.

Since the fall of the Soviet Union, large numbers of AKMs and other derivatives have fallen into the hands of Guerrilla and Terrorist groups all over the world.

Magazines
The AKM initially used stamped-steel 30-round magazines. 40 and 75-round RPK magazines could also be used.

In the 1970s, lightweight glass-reinforced plastic magazines were introduced. These were rust-brown in color and are often mistaken for being made out of Bakelite. These magazines slowly replaced metal magazines, though both types can still be found in use today.

The AKM is both backwards, and forwards, compatible with other 7.62x39mm AK magazines.

Variants
AKM - Standard production model

AKMS - Model with underfolding stock

AKML - Model fitted with a sight rail for night vision scopes. A flash suppressor and bipod can also be fitted

AKMN - Model fitted with a rail for night vision scopes.