What model/caliber AK? are in these media vids showing insurgents?

[Bexar]

We're pre-conditioned for the AK47S 7.62X39 platform but I was wondering if the current insurgent "supplied" AK is the AK74 5.45×39mm model.

I've seen plenty of 7.62 X39 ammo at Wally's place but I've never seen 5.45×39mm ammo.

Thanks...Bexar

 

[crazysccrmd]

I'd say probably 98% of the rifles I have come across in person were variants of the AK47 in 7.62x39.

 

[krupparms]

The 7.62× 39mm will be around for years to come!.

 

[Sam1911]

Not hard to tell, if you've got a picture.

You got a picture?

 

[Edarnold]

The pro-Russian insurgents in Ukraine seem to be carrying AK74s, which figures if their equipment is being supplied by Russia. Though Putin says they all just farmers...

 

[USAF_Vet]

The AKs I came across in Iraq were all 7.62 variants. From the looks of them, they were veteran rifles of many conflicts, probably stemming as far back as the Iran/Iraq war or before.

 

[Bexar]

Is China still using the 7.62X39 for their "regular" military cartridge?

Thanks y'all so very much for those that have had a personnel relationship with the AK platform while putting it all on the line for us defending freedom.

 

[03teufel]

The 7.62x39mm AK is probably the most common weapon being used right now by the Taliban. Stamped receivers, milled receivers, fixed stocks, under folding stocks, no stocks at all. With that being said, I've never seen an AK-74 type rifle in Afghanistan, although I recall seeing a popular Bin Laden video with him firing an AKS-74. I've even seen some Mosin-Nagants and one Lee-Enfield rifle we found in a small cache.

 

[Edarnold]

Bexar: according to 'Cartridges of the World', the Chinese developed a new cartridge in the 1990's, the 5.8x42. They also created a series of conventional and bullpup configured rifles for it, which were first issued to elite units. So, depending on how fast they are re-equipping their huge army, the 7.62x39 may be obsolete in their service, though I'm sure they will keep a few million around just in case.
The projectile is semi-AP, like the SS109, and has a 62gr weight at about 3050fps.

 

[gunnutery]

OP, some links or pics would help narrow the dicussion to the conflict you're describing.
I'm curious myself as I like to see which AK is more previlent in various conflicts. Militaryphotos.net has some great threads with pics and vids from Syria and Ukrain right now on the "strictly videos and pics" forum.