AK-47 vs AKM

1949–Present

1959–Present

Approximately 100,000,000+ units (including all variants and licensed copies)

~10,000,000+ (Soviet/Russian production excluding licensed copies worldwide)

870 mm (34.3 in) with stock extended, 640 mm (25.2 in) with stock folded (rifle with folding stock)

880 mm (34.6 in) stock extended

415 mm (16.3 in) standard, 375 mm (14.8 in) for AKM shortened models

415 mm (16.3 in)

3.47 kg (7.7 lb) empty, 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) loaded with 30‑round magazine

3.1 kg (6.8 lb) empty

30 rounds standard detachable box, 10‑round magazine for civilian use, 40‑round drum, 75‑round drum (rare)

30 rounds standard, also 40-round box and 75-round drum

Gas‑operated, long‑stroke piston, rotating bolt, closed bolt

Long-stroke gas piston, rotating bolt

Single‑stage military trigger with selector lever for safe, semi‑auto, and full‑auto

Single-stage military trigger with fire selector (safe, semi, full auto)

Adjustable rear notch (range 100–1000 m) and hooded front post; some models equipped with side‑mounted night sights

Adjustable iron sights: tangent rear sight (200–1000 m range), hooded front post