AK-47 vs M16

1949–Present

1964–Present

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

8,000,000+ units (including all variants and licensed production)

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

990 mm (39 in) with stock extended; 860 mm (33.9 in) with stock collapsed (carbine)

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

508 mm (20 in) standard; 406 mm (16 in) for carbine variants

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

3.26 kg (7.2 lb) empty, standard rifle; 3.40 kg (7.5 lb) carbine

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

30 rounds standard STANAG; 20, 40, 60 round options and drum magazines available

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

Direct‑impingement gas system with rotating bolt, short‑stroke operation

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

Single‑stage military trigger; three‑round burst mechanism on A2/A4 models

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

Standard: detachable carrying handle with integrated rear aperture (M16A1) or flat‑top receiver with Picatinny rail and removable iron sights (A4); front post fixed