method of operation remains the same in each case and some of

the features and dimensions are identical, there are a number of

clear-cut differences.
The models sent to SGN were an SA M-7 Classic, a reincarnation of the original Soviet AK47 of the third type; SAS M-7
A1, a down-folder type; and the SA M-7 SF, a side-folder of the
type used by the Bulgarian army.

Text and photos

by Peter G. Kokalis

Arsenal AK47s are made with an old style mill-finished

drop-forged receiver, shown with an unfinished receiver
forging and several trigger mechanism components.

The SA M-7 SF has a side-folding stock and represents

the AK configuration currently in service with the
Bulgarian armed forces. Its as rigid as a fixed stock.

n numbers produced, no infantry rifle in the history of modern warfare even comes close to Mikhail T. Kalashnikovs
famous assault rifle. It has been estimated that almost 100
million have been produced by more than a dozen countries,
including Albania, Bulgaria, China, East Germany, Egypt,
Finland, Hungary, Iraq, Israel (the Galil derivative), North
Korea, Poland, Romania, Russia, South Africa (the R4 series)
and the former Yugoslavia.
Chambered originally for the 7.62x39mm intermediate-size
cartridge, the Kalashnikov assault rifle was adopted by the Red
Army in 1949 after more than four years of development.
Between 1948 and 1950, the AK47 (Avtomat Kalashnikova
obrazets 1947gKalashnikov assault rifle model 1947) was
manufactured with a sheet-metal receiver.
By 1951, this type had been replaced by the far more common
variant with a machined, drop-forged receiver (there were two
models of this variant and they differed principally in the
method by which the buttstock was attached to the receiver).

The AKM (Modernizirovanniy Avtomat sistemi

Kalashnikova) version, again with a pinned and riveted sheetmetal receiver, was introduced in 1959. My personal druthers
have always been for the AK47 with its more substantial
machined, drop-forged receiver. The accuracy potential is slightly greater, as there is less twisting of the receiver around the barrels axis during the recoil cycle.
Forged receiver AK47s all have a distinctive rectangular lightening mill cut directly above and forward of the magazine well
on both sides of the receiver.
I have examined and fielded literally hundreds of
Kalashnikovs in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Angola, Afghanistan and
El Salvador. Among the very best are those manufactured by
Arsenal in Bulgaria. Arsenal now has a subsidiary in the United
States, which is in full-scale production of a wide range of semiautomatic-only AK47-type rifles.
SHOTGUN NEWS was recently sent three distinctly different
models of Arsenal rifles for test and evaluation. While the

Each rifle comes equipped with one 30-round magazine, a

sling, black plastic oil bottle, instruction manual and the standard
AK buttstock kit, which includes a nylon bristle bore brush, jag
tip for the cleaning rod, a drift and combination tool with a
screwdriver on one end and a front sight adjustment tool on the
other. All of these Arsenal AK47s have a black satin baked enamel finish very similar to that found on Soviet Kalashnikovs.
The down-folding stock on the SAS M-7 A1 was taken by
Mikhail Kalashnikov directly from the German World-War-IIera MP40 submachine gun, a weapon with which he was probably far more familiar than he ever cared to be.
This stock design does not have a reputation for great rigidity
over time. I examined an early folding-stock AK47 in Angola
that when mounted to the shoulder could be rotated about 20 in
either direction around the bores axis. However, the Arsenal version is the sturdiest I have ever encountered and down-folder
AKs have always been popular with the ground pounders on
either side of the firing line.
The tubular steel side-folding stock on the SA M-7 SF model
is every bit as secure a firing platform as any rigid-stock infantry
rifle. The stock folds to the right and is held in place by a prominent spring-loaded catch/release on the receiver body.
The sheet metal buttplate, welded to the stock struts, has ribs
to provide a secure gripping surface for the shoulder pocket.
Both of these models have black polymer handguards and pistol
grips. All of the furniture on the SA M-7 Classic is made of a
dense, very attractive light beech.

The Arsenal SAS M-7 A1 is a classic example of the AK47

with the down-folding stock that is a perennial favorite
of ground pounders on both sides of the firing line.

The SA M-7 Classic is a reincarnation of the original

Soviet AK47 of the third type. Kokalis suspects that folders will be the most popular versions of these AKs.

All of these rifles have four-groove barrels with a 1:9.45

(1:240mm) right-hand twist. The chambers and bores are
chrome-lined. The barrel length in each case is 16.34 inches
(415mm). The weight, without the magazine, of the SA M-7
Classic is 7.70 pounds (3.50kg). The weight, without magazine,
of the SA M-7 SF side-folder is 7.88 pounds (3.58kg). The
weight, without magazine, of the SAS M-7 A1 down-folder is
7.79 pounds (3.54kg).

Markings found on the SA M-7 SF drop forged receiver:

Kokalis says that the forged receiver is ideal for the
sporting user, as it is stiffer than the stamped.

Overall length of the SA M-7 Classic (of which only 243 were
manufactured) is 34.4 inches
(875mm). The pull length (the distance from the center of the front
face of the trigger to the center
of the buttplate) is only 12.375
inches.
This is quite short by U.S. military standards. However, remember this is a reincarnation of the
original AK47 and while Russians
are in general of the same stature
as Americans, it must be remembered that they often operate in
severe cold with a substantial
thickness of padded clothing.
Overall length of the SA M-7
SF side folder is 38.0 inches
(965mm). The length of pull is 14
inches. Overall length of the SAS
M-7 A1 down-folder is 37.32
inches (948mm). The length of
pull is 12.75 inches. Both the SAS
M-7 A1 down-folder and the SA
M-7 SF side-folder have very
effective sheet metal heat shields
inside the bottom handguard.

The SA M-7 SF side-folder is equipped with the conventional Soviet-type side rail for mounting optical devices.
Kokalis recommends the Kobra red dot sight here.

Fearsome appendages that they are, there are bayonet lugs on

all three of the Arsenal AK47s. The SA M-7 SF side-folder also
has a rail riveted to the left side of its receiver for mounting optical devices.
Within the last five years so-called red dot sights have
become de rigueur on modern military shoulder-mounted
weaponry. The very best red dot sight you can attach to the SA
M-7 SF side-folder is the Russian Kobra. Manufactured by
Motozavod Izhevsk Axion, (website: www.cobra.guns.ru; email: [email protected]) the Kobra is an open collimator
sight currently in use by the Russian military.
The model we attached to the Arsenal SA M-7 SF side-folder
was the second generation EKP-8-02 attached to a solid (previous models were skeletonized) side mount for an AK-type sidereceiver-rail. The Kobra provides extremely fast target acquisition of both static and moving targets.
This version was developed as a consequence of experience
gained fighting the Chechen Islamic terrorists. The EKP-8-02
comes equipped with a camouflage-pattern carrying pouch,
coin-sized cell battery, special adjusting tool, cleaning cloth and
instruction manual. The following 3-volt CR series batteries can
be used to power the Kobra EKP-8-02: 2325, 2330, 2335, 2340
and 2345.
To power on the Kobra EKP-8-02, the operator simply rotates
the switch on the right side of the unit counterclockwise.
Pressing a button to the rear of the power switch sequentially
offers the operator four red reticle patterns: T-bar, red dot over an
arrow pointer, arrow pointer and red dot. A rocker arm switch
provides the operator with 16 brightness levels.
Based upon requests from the Russian military, the windage
adjustment knob has been moved to the right side of the Kobra
body at the rear. The elevation knob remains on top of the units
body at the rear.
Other improvements include a slightly raised optical lens for
an unobstructed field of view and improved weatherproofing.
This is a battle-proven, rugged combat red dot sight.

Arsenal SAS M-7 down-folder: Kokalis says that Russian

down-folding stocks become loose shortly after fielding,
but this one exhibited far better workmanship.

On selective-fire AK rifles there is also an auto-safety-sear

that protrudes through a slot in the right receiver rail. In fullauto, the auto-safety-sear holds the hammer back and it must be
tripped by the bolt carrier in order to free the hammer to fire
another round. The auto-safety-sear has been deleted by BATFE
regulations on semiautomatic-only AKs.

Arsenal AK Specifications
Operation:

Gas-operated without a regulator, locked-breech with a rotary

bolt, fires from the closed-bolt
position.

Feed:

10-, 30- and 40-round stag

gered-column, two-positionfeed, detachable box-type
magazines.

Length, overall:

Bulgarian caliber 7.62x39mm AK magazines are available

in 10-, 30- and 40-round capacities and are made of a
rugged, durable black fiberglass-reinforced thermoplastic.

This aluminum magazine was replaced by the well-known

magazine featuring a body made of glass-reinforced, rust-colored, AG-4S cellulose resin. This was followed in turn by a magazine with a body of dark-brown butyrate plastic (also called
ABS) of the type commonly used in appliance manufacture in
the United States. The body was injection-molded.
Bulgarian AK magazines, usually marked with a 10 in a
double circle, are made from black, fiberglass-reinforced, thermoplastic (this indicates that it can be injection-molded)
polyamide (epoxy-based resin) with a waffle pattern to add
further structural rigidity.
Injection-molded polyamides are super industrial-strength
synthetics well-known for their resistance to high temperatures,
corrosion, wear, chemicals and radiation. Lighter than steel, they
have a higher tensile strength than aluminum.
With one exception, Kalashnikovs do not have a hold-open
device and thus after the last round has been fired, the bolt group
will travel forward into battery without chambering a round.
There has been some criticism of this, but in the field many operators first load two or three rounds of tracer, if available, to indicate that the magazine is running dry.
Yugoslavian AK magazines have a projection on the follower
that will hold the bolt group rearward. However, when the empty
magazine is removed, the bolt will immediately fly forward.
AK magazines must be rocked into and out of the magazine
well during insertion and removal and tactical reloading
suffers as a consequence. In this area, the M16 clearly wins,
although M16 magazines are distinctly inferior to those of
the Kalashnikov.

The SA M-7 side-folder and SAS M-7 A1 down-folder both

have a removable flash hider, 80 mm in length, with four
longitudinal slots. The Classic has a muzzle nut.

Kalashnikov magazines, among the most reliable ever fielded,

have undergone an interesting evolution. The very first Soviet
AK magazines had plain slab-sided steel bodies. Subsequent
steel-bodied magazines had lighter stamped sheet-metal bodies
with prominent reinforcing ribs.
When the AKM was introduced, a magazine with a lightweight aluminum body was fielded. It proved to be insubstantial
and was quickly withdrawn from service.

7.62x39mm.

Weight, without
magazine:
SA M-7 Classic: 7.7 pounds
(3.50kg)
SA M-7 side-folder: 7.9 pounds
(3.59kg)
SAS M-7 A1 down-folder: 7.5
pounds (3.40kg).

The tubular steel side-folding stock on the SA M-7 SF

side-folder model is every bit as secure a firing platform
as any rigid-stock infantry rifle. Still short, though.

The AK47-type muzzle nut on the SA M-7 Classic can be

removed. The SAS M-7 A1 down-folder and the SA M-7 sidefolder have a removable flash hider, 80mm in length, with four
longitudinal slots.
There are two sling mounting points on the SA M-7 SF sidefolder: an eyelet on the left side of the forearms front retaining
holder, which is pinned to the barrel, and a hinged swivel on the
left side of the receiver to the rear of the scope rail.
Sling mounting points on the SA M-7 Classic are identical.
The SAS M-7 A1 down-folders rear sling mounting point is a
hinged swivel attached to the stock catch/release button on the
left side of the receiver.
The iron sights are essentially those of previous Kalashnikovs.
The front sight is a threaded round post with protective ears that
is adjustable for both elevation and windage zero. While windage
can be altered with a punch and hammer, both Russian and
Chinese armorers tools can be located that were designed specifically for this purpose and prevent marring.
Remember, to move the point of impact up, you must move the
front sight post down. Also, to move the point of impact to the
left, you must move the front sight to the right.
The rear sight is a sliding tangent-type with an open U-notch.
In the European manner, it is adjustable for elevation only to 800
meters in 100-meter increments. There is a battle sight setting
(marked with a Cyrillic P) just behind the 100-meter mark. In
elevation, it is the equivalent of 300 meters.
Bulgarian caliber 7.62x39mm magazines for these rifles are
available in 10-, 30-, or 40-round capacities. No tool is required
to load these two-position-feed, staggered-column, detachable
box-type magazines.

Caliber:

The sliding tangent rear sight is adjustable for elevation

to 800 meters in 100-meter increments. The battle sight
setting (the Cyrillic P) is equivalent to 300 meters.

SA M-7 Classic: 34.4 inches

(875mm)
SA M-7 SF side folder: 38.0
inches (965mm)
SAS M-7 A1 down-folder: 37.3
inches (948mm).

Barrel:

Four-grooves with a 1:9.45

(1:240mm) RH twist. Chromelined chambers and bores.

Barrel length:

16.34 inches (415mm).

Sights:

Front sight: round post with

protective ears adjustable for
both elevation and windage
zero. Rear sight: sliding tangenttype with an open U-notch;
adjustable for elevation only to
800 meters in 100-meter increments. There is a battle sight
setting (marked with a Cyrillic
P) just behind the 100-meter
mark. In elevation, it is the
equivalent of 300 meters.

Finish:

Black satin baked enamel.

Suggested
retail price:

$1,100 to $1,300.

Manufacturer:

When folded to the right, the SA M-7 SF buttstock is

securely retained by a spring-loaded catch/release on
the receiver. This is a study, rugged folding stock.

In the authors opinion, the very best red dot sight you
can attach to the SA M-7 SF side-folder is the Russian
Kobra, developed during fighting against the Chechens.

These are, without doubt, the highest quality and most accurate Kalashnikov rifles I have ever examined and no matter what
we did we simply could not induce a malfunction during our
firing tests.
Yes, you might be able to purchase two or more imported
AKM-type rifles with sheet metal receivers for that price. But,
keep in mind the mechanism of their legal importation into the
United States.
The receivers are manufactured overseas with magazine wells
that accept only single-column magazines. Once imported, the
magazine wells must be hogged out with an end mill to accept a
standard staggered-column AK magazine and then re-finished
and assembled with a required number of U.S.-made components.
These Arsenal semiautomatic-only AK47s are surely an
instance of getting what you pay for.

Arsenal, Inc., Dept. SGN, 5015

West Sahara Avenue, Suite
#125, Las Vegas, Nev. 89146;
phone: 1-888-539-2220;
fax: 1-702-643-2088;
website: www.arsenalinc.com

T&E summary: Highest possible quality in an AK,

with mill-finished drop forged receivers. Close duplicates of the original Soviet AK47. Total reliability, yet
built to closer tolerances than most Kalashnikovs.
The AKs magazine catch/release is a spring-loaded paddle in
a housing at the front end of, and integral with, the stamped
sheet-metal trigger guard.
Conclusions
Accuracy has long been an area of criticism with the
Kalashnikov series. Very rarely will any AK shoot better than 3
to 4 moa. Surely ammunition is usually part of the problem, as
rarely is true match-grade ball ever available in 7.62x39mm.
In addition, the AKs exceptional reliability is partially a result
of manufacturing tolerances designed to maximize reliability
under the adverse conditions. This, without doubt, affects the
rifles accuracy potential. However, the question remains how
much accuracy is necessary, or even desired, for a battlefield
infantry rifle? In most instances the Kalashnikov is more than
good enough for government work.
The manufacturers suggested retail price for these Arsenal
semiautomatic-only AK47-type rifles varies from $1,100 to
$1,300. They are well worth it in my opinion.

The SA M-7 SF side-folder uses a selector much like the

Galil ARMs. A vertical lever on the left side of the pistol
grip can be manipulated to operate the selector.

AKsHow They Operate

Almost all Kalashnikov series assault rifles are gas-operated,
but have no gas regulator. I have never seen a Kalashnikov malfunction as a result of fouling. Two variants, the Polish PMKDGN-60 and Yugoslavian M70B1/AB2, have gas cutoffs to permit firing rifle grenades with ballistite (blank) cartridges. AKs
are locked-breech designs with rotary bolts and fire from the
closed-bolt position.
They operate as follows: After ignition of the primer and
propellant, gases are diverted into the gas cylinder on top of the
barrel. The piston is driven rearward and the bolt carrier,
attached to the piston extension, goes through the necessary
amount of free-travel until the gas pressure drops to a safe level.
A cam-slot milled into the bolt carrier engages the bolts cam
lug and rotates the bolt about 35 to the left to unlock it from its
recesses in the barrel extension. Unlike many other designs, the
Kalashnikov provides no primary extraction during bolt rotation.
Thus, in any of its calibers, an exceptionally large extractor claw
is required.

As the bolt travels back, it rolls the hammer over and compresses the recoil spring. The bolt group ceases its rearward travel when the carrier slams into the rear end of the receiver. The
recoil spring then drives the bolt group forward, another round is
stripped from the magazine and chambered, and the bolt then
comes to rest.
The bolt carrier itself continues onward for about 5.5mm after
the bolts two locking lugs have engaged their recesses in the barrel extension. The long, single-strand recoil spring is wrapped
around a guide rod consisting of two telescoping steel rods on
Bulgarian milled-receiver AKs.
The front retaining cap permits user separation of the spring
and rods. The rear end of the guide rod assembly slides into a
notch on top of the receivers end piece and serves to hold the
stamped sheet-metal receiver top cover in place.
Soviet AKM and AK74 top covers have a ribbed configuration
for added strength. The SA M-7 SF side-folder uses this cover;
however, most Arsenal AK47 series rifles use the heavier,
smooth top cover characteristic of milled receiver construction.
The trigger mechanism is based upon the .30 M1 Garands.
The hammer has two hooks, and there are two sears: a primary
sear on an extension of the trigger and a spring-loaded secondary sear directly to the rear. When the hammer is in the cocked
position, its left side hook is held by the primary sear. When the
trigger is pulled, the trigger extension rotates forward and the primary sear disengages, leaving the hammer free to rotate forward.
In semiautomatic fire, when the bolt rolls the hammer back, it
is caught by the secondary sear. When the trigger is released, the
trigger extension and primary sear move back to catch the hammer as it is released by the secondary sear.
In a full-auto rifle, a boss on the selector-lever axis pin forces
the secondary sear back so that it plays no role in controlling the
hammer. The trigger mechanisms mainspring is of the multiplestrand type, which lasts longer and offers better performance
under adverse conditions.
The trigger pull weights on the three semiautomatic-only
Arsenal AK47s used in SGNs test and evaluation were exceptionally light. Trigger pull weights on both the SA M-7 Classic
and SAS M-7 A1 down-folder were only 3.5 pounds, while that
of the SA M-7 SF side-folder was 4.0 pounds.

All of the furniture on the SA M-7 Classic is made of a

dense, very attractive light beech, but Kokalis suspects
most users will go for the black synthetic stocks.

The selector lever, a stamped sheet-metal bar on the right side

of the receiver is manipulated by the thumb and remains, in my
opinion, one of the Kalashnikovs few defects. It is noisy, stiff
and difficult to operate, but its firing modes have been located in
a logical manner.
The top position is safe. In this position, the trigger is
blocked, but the bolt can be retracted just enough to see if the
chamber contains a loaded round. The middle position provides
for full-auto fire in selective-fire models. The next position down
is for semiautomatic fire.
Under stress, the operator will invariably push the selector bar
all the way downward into the semiautomatic position. That is
exactly how the weapon should be employed in almost every
instance.
Thus, to obtain full-auto fire, the operator must consciously
push the selector bar back up to the full-auto notch. The SA M7 SF side-folder sent to SGN for test and evaluation has a selector feature taken directly from the selective-fire Galil ARM.
A vertical lever on the left side of the pistol grip at the top can
be manipulated to operate the selector. Pushing the lever forward
rotates the selector lever on the right side of the receiver up into
the safe position. Pulling back on the lever draws the selector
bar down into the fire position. From the operators perspective
this orientation is exactly opposite of what it should be.

Forged receiver AK47s all have a distinctive rectangular

lightening mill cut directly above and forward of the
magazine well on both sides of the guns receiver.

The selector lever and a flapper-type magazine

catch/release are standard AK features. Kokalis counts
the selector one of the AKs weak points, as it is noisy.

Bulgarian Small Arms

The history of small arms design and manufacture in Bulgaria
dates back to the 19th century. In 1878 a factory was established
in Rousse to supply the needs of Bulgarias new army. Called the
Artillery Arsenal, it was originally managed by officers of the
Russian Czarist army. In 1884 General Simeon Simeon Nikolov
Vankov was appointed as the first Bulgarian managing director.
In 1891, the plant facility was moved to Sofia and was named
the Sofia Artillery Arsenal. In Russia, small arms development
to this day has been traditionally the domain of the artillery ministry. In 1924 this manufacturing plant was moved to Kazanlak
and renamed the State Military Factory.

The ammunition used in SGNs test and evaluation of the

three Arsenal AK47s was imported by Wolf Performance
Ammunition. Its reliable, accurate and cost-effective.

The round post front sight with protective ears is

adjustable for both elevation and windage zero. It can be
drifted, but the proper armorers tool is the better choice.

Its prime directive was to produce and repair all military

equipment necessary for the army, the police, the border troops
and all state security organs, as well as the testing of new models. During this time frame, rifles, pistols and small arms
ammunition were produced at Kazanlak.
After World War II, the manufacturing base of the plant was
diversified and it commenced production of agricultural equipment, diesel engines, electric motors, batteries and other products. In 1948, the State Military Factory was transferred from the
Defense Ministry to the Ministry of Industry and Crafts and designated as Factory 10.
Between 1956 and 1958, Factory 10 commenced manufacture
of a recoilless cannon (B10) and the AK47 assault rifle under
Soviet license. The first AK47 came off the assembly line in
1958. The 1 millionth Bulgarian AK47 was assembled in 1982.
Several of its derivatives are still fielded by the Bulgarian military.
In 1964, the plant was renamed again as the United Industrial
Plant Friedrich Engels. Production facilities were expanded to
include facilities to produce springs, CNC machinery, a computer center and the ability to manufacture propellants, primers and
pyrotechnic material.

Left to right: Arsenal semiautomatic-only SA M-7 SF sidefolder, SA M-7 Classic and SAS M-7 A1 down-folder AK47
types. Kokalis says these are the best AKs ever made.

Between 1977 and 1989, the factory added the licensed production of the following military products: Makarov pistol and
9x18mm ammunition, PK, PKM and PKT (tank version) caliber
7.62x54R General Purpose Machine Guns, Zu23-2 23mm antiaircraft cannon, 5.45x39mm ammunition and the AK74 series of
rifles and the 122mm howitzer.
Today the company is known the Arsenal Corporation (Dept.
SGN, 58 Simeonovsko Shosse Boulevard, BL-1700, Sofia,
Bulgaria). The Bulgarian defense-marketing agency, Kintex
(Dept. SGN, 66 James Boucher Street, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria),
offers the largest variety of AK47 and AK74 rifles and squad
automatics in the world. Available calibers include 7.62x39mm,
5.45x39mm, 5.56x45mm NATO and .22 LR. The Bulgarian
armed forces issue a substantial number of the variants available.
In December 1999, Arsenal, Inc. opened a facility in the U.S.
(Dept. SGN, 5015 West Sahara Avenue, Suite #125, Las Vegas,
Nev. 89146; phone: 1-888-539-2220; fax: 1-702-643-2088; website: www.arsenalinc.com). Many of the personnel at this facility were trained at Tula Arsenal in Russia. The quality of semiautomatic Kalashnikov-type rifles manufactured here duplicates at
every level the products produced in Russia and in many
instances exceeds them.
M43 CartridgeHistory and Wound Ballistics
Attributed to designers Nikolai M. Elizarov and Boris V.
Semin, Soviet historians contend that work on the M43 (model
1943) 7.62x39mm cartridge began in 1939, was temporarily suspended because of The Great Patriotic War and then re-commenced and finalized in 1943.
Others have stated that it was derived from the German
7.92x33mm Kurz Patrone (short cartridge) developed for the
worlds first assault rifle produced in significant quantities, the
World War II MP43/44 (StG44/45).
This latter scenario is highly unlikely, as the Soviets would
have required specimens of 7.92x33mm Kurz ammunition at
least a year or two prior to their adoption of the 7.62x39mm
round in 1943well before the MP43 was fielded on the Osten
front (first reported use was December 1942).
Whatever the case, the Soviet M43 cartridge is a true intermediate-size assault rifle round. First prototypes featured cases
40.29mm in length (thus: 7.62x41mm). The case was trimmed to
38.6mm as the original projectile proved unsatisfactory and a
new bullet was adopted that required a shorter case.
(It has been proposed by writer J. Hartikka that the M43 cartridge was cloned from the Genschow & Co. [GECO]
7.75x39mm cartridge of 1935, but it cannot be demonstrated that
this is anything other than internet chat room speculation.)
The following countries have manufactured ammunition in
this caliber: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cuba,
Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Egypt, Finland, France,
Hungary, Iraq, Israel, Netherlands, North Korea, Norway, Peru,
Poland, Portugal, Peoples Republic of China, Romania, South
Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Syria, United States, USSR, West
Germany, and Yugoslavia.
In addition to ball ammunition, it has been produced with hollow point, tracer, API (Armor-Piercing Incendiary), and IT
(Incendiary Tracer) projectiles.
Special-purpose loads include heavy subsonic ball (for use
with sound suppressors), practice blanks, short-range loads and
drill rounds. Ball ammunition will be encountered in two configurations. Most prevalent is a 123-grain boattail bullet that usually consists of a copper-washed steel jacket, lead and antimony
sleeve, and a mild steel core (Soviet Type PS).
Yugoslavias M67 ball ammunition, as well as that of several
other countries, uses a flat-based bullet of approximately the
same weight, with a copper-alloy jacket and lead core. Muzzle

velocity of both types is between 2330 and 2400 fps.

In its boattail configuration, the 7.62x39mm bullet travels
point-forward about 10 inches in soft tissue before significant
yaw occurs. At that point the bullet will yaw to less than 90, then
come back down to a point-forward position, and finally yaw
180 and end its travel in a base forward position.
Bi-lobed yaw cycles of this type are commonly observed with
pointed, non-deforming bullets. Total penetration in living tissue
is almost 29 inches.
Abdominal shots usually exhibit no greater tissue disruption
than that produced by a .38 Spl. pistol bullet since, after 10
inches of travel without yawing, the bullet has generally
passed through the abdominal cavity. However, of course, this
round is capable of inflicting such damage at far greater ranges
than a handgun.
While I was working at the Wound Ballistics Laboratory at the
Letterman Army Institute of Research in San Francisco, we tested the lead-cored, flat-base Yugoslav bullet and found it to be
considerably more effective.
It commences its yaw cycle after only 3 to 4 inches of penetration. Once again, the yaw cycle is generally bi-lobed. The bullet reaches its maximum penetration of 23 to 26 inches traveling
base-forward, somewhat flattened and retaining almost all of its
original weight (two or three small fragments are shed in the area
of maximum cavitation).
Although the flat-based 7.62x39mm bullet is shorter (.93)
than the more common boattail projectile (1.040 inches), it will
be expected to cause more damage to the abdomen, liver, spleen
or pancreas because the bullet passes through these organs at a
large yaw angle.
Remember, if we have neither mushrooming nor fragmentation, yawing is all that remains to maximize tissue disruption and
enhance the bullets performancealways provided we do not
sacrifice adequate penetration.

Mikhail Kalashnikov clearly took the down-folder buttstock

on the AK47 from the German MP40 submachine gun. It
has been carried and used in all corners of the world.

The ammunition used in our test and evaluation of the three

Arsenal AK47s was imported by Wolf Performance Ammunition
(Dept. SGN, 1225 North Lance Lane, Anaheim, Calif. 92806;
phone: 888-757-9653; fax: 714-632-9232; Email: info@wol
fammo.com; website: www.wolfammo.com) and manufactured
at Tula Cartridge Works in Russia.
Headstamped 7.62X39 WOLF, the lacquered steel case has
a red case mouth sealant and primer annulus. This ammunition is
Berdan primed. Boattail projectiles in the standard weight, 122123 grains, are available in either Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) or
Hollow Point (HP) types.
In this weight, the muzzle velocity is approximately 2400 fps.
Testing of 7.62x39mm HP projectiles, designed originally to
meet U.S. importation regulations, indicated that most often the
bullets became frangible upon contact with the tissue simulant or
else exhibited no expansion at all.
A loading with a 154-grain Soft Point (SP) bullet, designed
specifically for hunting, is also available. This projectile features
a muzzle velocity of approximately 2100 fps. In all calibers,
Wolf ammunition has proven to be reliable, accurate and competitively priced.