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Kalashnikov AKS-74 - 5.45x39mm Soviet - Russia/CIS - 650 RPM - In the mid '60s, the Soviet Union began efforts to develop a small-bore assault rifle cartridge along the lines of the US 5.56x45mm. Starting with the .220 Russian target cartridge, the diameter of the case was reduced to nearly the same diameter as the 5.56x45mm. The projectile was designed with an air pocket between the front of the core and the nose of the jacket, creating a relatively long bullet for its weight. This design would have a high ballistic coefficient, giving a relatively flat trajectory, but it also meant that the bullet would destabilize quickly upon striking flesh, earlier than even the then US issue M193 projectile. However, the 5.45x39mm projectile typically remains intact in flesh, and thus does not exhibit the severe wounds caused by the fragmentation of 5.56x45mm projectiles. It is this tumbling in flesh that made me think that an AK74 was the weapon when that boy was shot in the chest and the round exited his abdomen.

Essentially an AKM rechambered for the new caliber, the AK74 also introduced a few new features. The large muzzle brake is reportedly quite effective in reducing dispersion during automatic fire; however, it also serves to enhance flash and blast. Even the Soviet military medical establishment became worried as to the possibility of hearing damage during range qualification. Another distinct change was the use of metal reinforced fiberglass magazines; early examples are distinctive due to their red color. For additional visual reference, AK74 magazines are slightly shorter and less curved than the earlier AK47/AKM magazine. On weapons equipped with wood laminate furniture, the AK74 can be recognized by the addition of a horizontal finger groove on each side of the buttstock and forearm. Internally, the bolt has been lightened and altered for the smaller case rim of the 5.45x39mm cartridge. On the other hand, the extractor was strengthened in response to complaints of the occasional extractor breakage in the AKM.

Tactics: A decent weapon, but there are much better choices. Notch and post iron sights.

Man not to many people are very bright when it comes to weapon laws, so to clarify for a few people.

1) 100% fully automatic weapons are allowed and avalible for purchase in the United States of America, you must have a class III weapons permit from the FBI, if you think it's impossible to aquire these, then please, tell me how hollywood gets all these real weapons to fire real blanks? Digitaly impose them into the actors hands? Give me a break.
( NOTE: Some guns are still restricted because of calibur, or certan specific modifications )

Still don't beleive me? Go do a search for Class III weapons on google.

2) There are other permits ( not that this applies to this post, but I see people often who don't beleive/know that there are these permits ) that allow united states citizens to carry handguns hidden on thier person, check your local laws for them, I'm sure more than one of you live in a state with these permits.

Again, if you don't beleive me look for CCW permits on google or whatever search engine you use.

Peace.