Assault Rifles
AK-100 Series
The AK-100 series is based on the AK-74 assault rifle but features weapons with a range of different calibres. The weapons are visually very similar to the AK-74 (see Weapons ID Sheet for AK-74). The design of the folding stock is one obvious distinguishing feature, however. The 100 series features a solid folding stock, while earlier AK-74 weapons feature either a solid fixed stock or a folding skeleton stock.
Heckler & Koch HK33
Heckler & Koch developed the HK33 assault rifle from the 7.62 x 51 mm G3 rifle. The weapon is similar in appearance to the G3 but fires the smaller 5.56 x 45 mm cartridge. The basic operating systems of the HK33 are the same as those of the G3.
Kalashnikov AK-47
The designation AK-47 is often used, generically, to refer to all Kalashnikov-pattern assault rifles. However, the AK-47 is a specific model of Kalashnikov. Later Kalashnikov-pattern weapons retain many design features of the AK-47. Those listed in this Weapons ID Sheet are the closest to the original design.
Kalashnikov AK-74
The AK-74 was designed in the early 1970s. Mechanically, it is almost identical to the AKM but is designed to fire the smaller 5.45 x 39 mm cartridge. The standard model differs visually from the AKM in having a prominent, cylindrical flash hider/compensator attached to the muzzle and a broad groove in the stock.
Kalashnikov AKM
The Kalashnikov AKM was developed from the AK-47. The rifle entered service in 1959. It differs from the AK-47 in having a pressed, rather than forged, receiver. This feature is visible in the number of rivets on the sides of the receiver. The weapon is also distinguishable from the AK-47 because it usually features a slanted ‘cutaway’ compensator fitted to the muzzle.
