AK-47 vs L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle

1949–Present

1954–1989

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

Approximately 1,000,000

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

1143 mm

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

554 mm

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

4.31 kg

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

20 rounds

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

Gas-operated, tilting breechblock

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

Single-action

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

Adjustable front post, aperture rear