AK-47 Vs. AK-74: What's The Difference?

Kalashnikov's AK-47: The World's Assault Rifle

The AK-47 is so iconic that even those with little to no firearms knowledge can readily pick this rifle out of a lineup. Known for its rugged reliability and ease of use, the AK-47 (and subsequently, the AKM) has been the preferred infantry weapon for militaries as well as opposition forces for over half a century.

Classic Summary

Nearly eighty years after it was first introduced, the AK-47 is still one of the most popular rifles in the world - with the AK-74 trailing not too far behind.

• Different calibers, same proven design
• Enhanced accuracy and recoil control
• An AK rifle for every type of mission

Kalashnikov's original design was chambered for the 7.62x39 cartridge, an intermediate rifle round with plenty of stopping power and an adequate effective range. Many countries possessed healthy stockpiles of this ammunition, so the AK-47 / AKM was a convenient and cost-effective option for arming troops around the globe.

If there's one drawback with the AK-47 / AKM, it's that the rifle is often considered to be less precise than other designs with tighter tolerances, such as Eugene Stoner's AR-15 platform. The relative "slop" of the AK makes it serviceable regardless of climate or terrain, but also results in diminished accuracy. 

Pioneer Arms Forged Series AK-47 Sporter Rifle, Laminated Wood Stock, 7.62x39, S/A, 2-30 Rd Mags, Polish Mfg, POL-AK-S-FT-W

$695 64

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Forces operating in sandy deserts or muddy jungles have typically accepted this compromise because it enables them to minimize the risk of feed jams and other malfunctions resulting from use under suboptimal conditions.

However, Kalashnikov would eventually set out to develop a more accurate, even more reliable version of his rifle. The result was the new and improved AK-74.

Zastava Arms M70 ZPAP Underfolder Semi-Auto 7.62x39mm AK-47 Rifle, 16.3" Barrel, 1.5mm Receiver, Bulged Trunnion, 30+1, Walnut Handguard - ZR7762UF

$1219 99

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Enter The AK-74 Rifle

The AK-74 was designed around the lighter 5.45x39 cartridge, which allowed shooters to fire shots more quickly and more accurately at greater distances.

Riley Defense AK-74 Semi-Automatic Rifle 16" Barrel 5.45x39 30rd - Fixed Stock W/ Teak Wood Furniture - RAK74-C

$1029 00

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Several key upgrades including a redesigned gas tube and gas cylinder, as well as a tensioned handguard with reduced play, set the AK-74 apart from its predecessor. 

Despite its primary association with the Soviet Union, this rifle actually enjoys extensive service with many of the world's militaries to this day. Some variants, like the shortened AKS-74U, are even issued to special forces for covert actions where maneuverability and precision are of the utmost importance.

Riley Defense AK-74 Semi-Automatic Rifle 16" Barrel 5.45x39 30rd - Side Folding Stock W/ Teak Wood Furniture - RAK74-C-SF

$1179 00

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The AK-47 Or AK-74, Which Is Best?

Choosing between these two rifles really comes down to which caliber you prefer and which features you'd like to have. Modern AKM rifles can run just as effectively as an AK-74, and both may be purchased in a variety of configurations to suit nearly every conceivable use case.

If you still need help deciding which AK-style rifle is best for you, be sure to watch our video with Matt and Aaron covering the benefits of AKs chambered in 7.62x39, 5.45x39, and even .223 Remington.

Shop all AK-style rifles!