How to field stripp the Kalashnikov AK47 AKM AK74 and similar guns. (original) (raw)

the Ak47, AKM and AK74 series.

By O. Janson

Positions of the safety lever:

The safety lever is located on the right side of the receiver. It has three positions.

In the upper it is safe and the lever works as a protection against dirt. The operating handle can not be withdrawn.

When the safety lever is in the middle position the gun is set for full automatic fire.

This is an AKM from China. full automatic fire is marked with �L� on these guns.

When the safety lever is in the middle position the gun is set for full automatic fire.

This is an AK74 from Russia.

Full automatic fire in Russian language is marked with �AB�

Full automatic fire in Polish language is marked with �C�

When the safety lever is in the middle position the gun is set for full automatic fire.

The AKM here is set for semi automatic fire

Semi automatic fire is marked with �D� on these guns.

When the safety lever is in the middle position the gun is set for full automatic fire.

The AK74 here is set for semi automatic fire

Semi automatic fire in Russian language is marked with �DA�

Semi automatic fire in Polish language is marked with �P�

The splendid idea for these guns is to have the position for lever in semi-auto as the bottom position. The normal action for a soldier who lacks battle experience when he comes under fire is to squeeze the gun and the trigger as hard as he can. He will simply empty his gun with full automatic fire. When he has overcome his first chock he finds his gun empty! That is why the Russians positioned the semi auto position in the far end. When a soldier remove the safety he normally hits the lever with the side of his hand and the gun is ready to fire � in semi automatic! US Army had similar experiences of the soldiers behaviour but they changed their M16 to shoot three shot burst in one position. Russian weapons are simpler and more crude but still effective.