Similarities/differances AK47/74?

[ozarkgunner]

If this is already out there redirect or delete.

I'm thinking of getting an AK47 of some sort, and see the 74 listed. What are the similarities/ diferances? Advantages to eitther one? i've seen ammo diferances, but that is not my concern.

 

[Crawfish141]

The ammo is the main difference. Ak-74's are usually chambered in 5.45x39.5mm, while Ak-47's/AKM's are usually chambered in 7.62x39mm. Some parts aren't interchangeable. However, I believe the furniture, fire control groups, sights, and many other small parts are interchangeable. Basically everything but the magazine, bolt, bolt carrier, and barrel.

 

[Maverick223]

What Crawfish said, but I believe the bolt carrier is interchangeable in most cases. Keep in mind that their are a few variants (like milled AK-47s and Tantals) that have less compatible parts, but that is generally the case.

 

[benEzra]

In practical terms:

5.45x39mm (civilian AK-74 derivative):

• More accurate than 7.62x39mm models, all else being equal;
• Recoils less;
• Flatter trajectory;
• Rounds typically penetrate less in building materials (may be an advantage for defensive purposes if you don't live in a brick or masonry home and have close neighbors);
• Ammunition and loaded magazines are considerably lighter;
• Ammunition is slightly cheaper but may be harder to find outside of a good gun shop, gun show, or mail order (buy in bulk and it's not an issue).

7.62x39mm (civilian AK-47 derivative):

• Slightly more powerful (just barely powerful enough to hunt deer with, actually, as long as you keep the range under 100-125 yards);
• Less accurate than 5.45, all else being equal;
• Recoils considerably more;
• Lower-velocity round results in a great deal of drop past 200 yards;
• Heavier rounds penetrate more (HD in the suburbs requires forethought and careful load selection; more penetration may be useful in some defensive scenarios in a rural area);
• Ammunition and magazines are heavy (loaded 30rd mags are just under 2 pounds each);
• Ammunition costs a little more (but is still cheap), and the more expensive brands can often be found at Walmart.

So think about your own needs, and choose accordingly. Personally, I own and enjoy a 7.62x39mm, but knowing what I know now, I think a 5.45 would have fit my own needs a little better. They're both very good little rifles.

 

[ozarkgunner]

That's about what i was looking for. Thanks for the info.