AK-47 vs M4A1

1949–Present

1994–Present

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

~10,000,000+ 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)

838 mm (33.0 in) stock extended, 756 mm (29.8 in) stock collapsed

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

368 mm (14.5 in) standard; 406 mm (16 in) for the M4A1 SOPMOD variant

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

3.07 kg (6.8 lb) empty, 3.74 kg (8.2 lb) with full 30‑round magazine

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

30 rounds standard STANAG, 20‑round low‑profile, 40‑round drum, 60‑round Beta‑C‑Mag available

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

Short‑stroke gas piston (M4A1 variant) with rotating bolt; original M4 uses direct‑impingement

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

Two‑stage military trigger, full‑auto only selector on M4A1; semi‑auto on standard M4

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

Standard: A2 front post and rear flip‑up aperture; optional: MIL‑STD-1913 Picatinny rail for aftermarket optics, tritium night sights, or holographic sights