AK-74
The
AK-74 assault rifle is the modernized version of the
AK-47, chambered in a smaller
cartridge (5.45mm vs. 7.62, or .21 vs .30). It was designed by
Mikhail Kalashnikov, and was adopted in 1974. Externally, it looks essentially identical. The
receiver is made of stamped sheet metal, and is extremely durable; the Kalashnikov series of weapons are world-renowned for their reliability. The system of operation is a long-stroke gas system, with a rotating bolt locking mechanism.
See also Guns, weapon