shorter = more accurate on an AK?
- Thread starter ziadel
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I haven't heard that before, but I'd be interested in knowing if it's true or not myself.
The only things I can think of that might cause that would be the length of the gas piston and that a shorter piston would act as a shorter lever in relation to the bolt carrier, jacking it around a bit less, allowing for more consistent lock-up. Also, a shorter barrel is more rigid, so there's that...
The only things I can think of that might cause that would be the length of the gas piston and that a shorter piston would act as a shorter lever in relation to the bolt carrier, jacking it around a bit less, allowing for more consistent lock-up. Also, a shorter barrel is more rigid, so there's that...
If you've ever seen really slow motion footage of the AK firing, the gas system visibly bends the barrel and gas tube down slightly. I think the gun has an intentionally over powered gas system, probably to make sure it cycles every time, when really cold, or dirty (starting to sound familiar?).
Hmm... Cross caliber, but I can say that my PSL clone in 7.62x54R beats the tar out of the old Norinco 56-S 7.62x39 I used to have way back when. The Norinco was an unscoped underfolder, however, and the PSL is theoretically on an RPK reciever, with a 4x scope, which would have it's advantages. Make of it what you will; I am no longer in a position to do comparison tests.
I think it has to do with the traditional AK system. I have seen the super slo-mo video where the cycling of the gun bends the whole gun.
From what I have read, the Dragunov is based on the shorter Krinkov type action to improve accuracy. I don't know anything about the Krinkov action or how it is different (except that is shorter) but this is probably the reason for greater accuracy out of the shorter barrel. I suspect the Krinkov action is not as heavy or balanced more to the center of the rifle.
From what I have read, the Dragunov is based on the shorter Krinkov type action to improve accuracy. I don't know anything about the Krinkov action or how it is different (except that is shorter) but this is probably the reason for greater accuracy out of the shorter barrel. I suspect the Krinkov action is not as heavy or balanced more to the center of the rifle.
Commissar Gribb
Member
actually the krinkov's bolt carrier travels the same distance as a standard AK74- it jsut has a much shorter gas piston. whether this makes a lot of difference on an 8" barrel is yet to be seen though.
one has to wonder though how a rifle brought into service in 1963 (SVD) could be based on a gun that wasn't introduced until at least 1974 (upwards of 10 years later)
the "big AK" snipers in 7.62 x 54 most definately do not have shorter pistons.
The Dragunov actually uses a short stroke gas piston (the bolt carrier and piston are two separate parts) rather than the usual Kalashnikov-type long stroke piston (in which the piston and bolt carrier are rigidly attached to each other) that the "Krinkov" uses.
Commissar Gribb
Member
this is what I meant to say
thanks ray!
Hoploholic
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Shorter does not equate to more accurate. What shorter gives you is the ability to manipulate the weapon is close quarters. Where room to move is not a factor, a shorter barrel will give you less muzzle velocity, smaller sight picture with open sights, greater muzzle flash and greater recoil. Its a trade off really. Even so, I feel a shortie is still plenty combat accurate.
Commissar Gribb
Member
so basically what an AK needs for accuracy is not a shorter barrel but a longer heavier barrel so that it can be less effected by the movement of the recoil system.
If you take a close look at the slowmo films in question you will see that the action doesnt move untill the bullet has left the barrel (as with most gas guns), i really doubt that it plays much of a role in the accuracy of the weapon.
I don't know the answer on AKs. My experience with FALs however seems to indicate that the 18 inch guns are more accurate than 21s. And when you cut a 21 down to 18, you will get better groups out of that gun than you did with the original length. Standard FAL barrels are pretty light and whippy. That has just been my personal experience, so I may be totally incorrect.
The most accurate AKs I've seen have been Veprs, which have a heavy barrel. I have not however seen a difference between 16 and 20 though.
The most accurate AKs I've seen have been Veprs, which have a heavy barrel. I have not however seen a difference between 16 and 20 though.
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
It's definitely true with mini-14's (shorter barrel = more accurate, all else being equal), and like AK's, mini-14's have a heavy reciprocating assembly and a gas block cantilevered off the barrel. Shorter barrel = lower amplitude harmonics.
It is true that not much movement occurs before the bullet leaves the barrel, but 100% of the barrel bending moment is generated before the bullet leaves the barrel, because peak force on the gas piston (as well as peak backpressure on the gas block surfaces) occurs just as the bullet passes by the gas port.
It is true that not much movement occurs before the bullet leaves the barrel, but 100% of the barrel bending moment is generated before the bullet leaves the barrel, because peak force on the gas piston (as well as peak backpressure on the gas block surfaces) occurs just as the bullet passes by the gas port.
TooTaxed
Member
In my experience, the SKS is more accurate than the AK 
...longer barrel and sight radius.
...longer barrel and sight radius.- Status
