AK-47 vs Sturmgewehr 44

1949–Present

1943–1945

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

Approximately 425,000

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

940 mm (37.0 in)

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

419 mm (16.5 in)

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

4.62 kg (10.2 lb) loaded

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

30 rounds

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

Gas-operated, tilting bolt, selective fire

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

Single-stage

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

Hooded front post, tangent rear (adjustable to 800 m)