Its incredible to see the differences between the construction of the AR-15 and the AK-47. The AR relies on extensive use of forgings, extrusions, and machining (like those seen in 2A’s video). On the other hand, the AK uses as little of that as possible, using stamping wherever possible.
The same can be said for modern magazines. Injection-molded high-fiber polymers rule the day versus the AK which continues to sport stamped magazines (yes, there are injection-molded polymer magazines, but they come at higher cost and typically at the cost of some durability/reliability.
Matra Group, a company out of Bosnia and Herzgovina, has released a video showcasing just about the entirety of manufacturing AK magazines. Using sheet metal, stampings, and basic welds, the magazines come together quickly and easily with only the most basic of milling requirements.
Interestingly, there is some real hand-work involved making the magazine where I would have expected some automation. All the welds on the magazine are placed by hand (though nothing to the extend of Holland and Holland.)
For those interested in magazines made by the Matra Group, they are available in the United States from Gibbs Rifle Company. Gibbs offers them for wholesale or retail customers can pick them up from Old Western Scrounger at $11.95 per magazine. The magazines come with an “unlimited 5-year warranty.”
– See more at: http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/12/07/making-ak-47-magazines/#sthash.uaaSV3DR.dpuf
Interesting stuff. I might have to check out a few of these. However, Magpul’s new steel-reinforced polymer AK mags (not the original all-polymer ones) are probably going to be as good as mags get for the AK.
While we’re on the subject…
I own an AK and like it a lot, but I’d take one of my ARs over an AK any day as long as I had access to lube (even just motor oil) and spares for the high-wear parts (especially the extractor and its spring, the action spring, and the bolt). Certain parts in an AR should be changed every 5K-10K rounds to ensure reliability. This is more important in carbines than in rifles with 20″ barrels. If I had no access to lube and had no spare parts, I’d take the AK.
A well-made AK is a decent short-range weapon as long as its accuracy is acceptable (to me, that means it’s capable of headshots within 200 yards, or roughly 3-4 MOA).
7.62×39 FMJ is not a very damaging round, but good softpoints like the Federal Fusion are supposed to do a lot of damage — almost certainly more than any 5.56 round.
On the other hand, 7.62×39 AP rounds (NOT the mild steel core) are nearly impossible to find in the US, and 5.56 NATO green tip punches through most armor better than non-AP 7.62×39 (and even non-AP .30-06). This is a big point in favor of the 5.56.