AKM (Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizirovannyj or “Kalashnikov Modernized”) is a Russian semi-automatic assault rifle. The AKM was introduced in the early 1960s and became a standard firearm for the Soviet Army.
| AKM | AKMS |
| Uses fixed wooden buttstock. | Uses folding metal buttstock. |
| Standard firearm for the Soviet army. | A variant of AKM. |
| Heavier. | Lighter than AKM, as it is meant for portability. |
The AKM was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov and produced by Izhmash (Kalashnikov enterprise). The rifle saw combat during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. In that war, the AKM proved to be very reliable and easy to maintain. It has since become one of the most widely used assault rifles in the world.
The main difference between an AKM and an AKMS is that while both have similar operating systems, they are built differently, have different sights, and fire different ammunition types. Both can be converted to select fire mode (which is known as “semi-automatic only”).
In addition, there are many variants of both models. They are often referred to as “AK-47s” or “AKMs” because they were manufactured by Izhmash (and later Izhmekh). They also share a very similar history and many similarities with the AK-47.
In terms of their combat history, the AKM has been used by many militaries around the world. The primary user of the AKM is Russia, although other countries have also adopted it.
The AKMS is a variant of the AKM. It was designed to be more modern and to improve portability and accuracy when compared to the AKM. The AKMS also differs from the original in its controls and sights.
However, many parts are interchangeable between both models. Both are popular with gun enthusiasts today due to their reliability and high quality construction. In addition, both are available in many different versions with a wide variety of modifications and accessories available for them today.
The AKMs are entirely based on the AKM model, but it differs from the original by the use of a folding metal buttstock in place of the fixed wooden buttstock. The metal butt that is folding onto the back of the rear receiver is hinged on one side of the receiver and when collapsed, makes for a more compact weapon.
There are several variations of both models, including: Type I (AK-47), Type II (AK-74), Type III (AK-74U), Type IV (AK-74 CS), Type V (AK-101), and “B” models (such as an experimental carbine variant). Some other variants include: RPK, SKS carbine, RPK-74/62U series rifles, TKB RK62/74S carbines, AKS series rifles and shotguns.
