The AK-47 fires a 7.62x39mm cartridge. This designation refers to the bullet’s diameter and the cartridge case length. A 7.62mm projectile is roughly .30 caliber, comparable to other intermediate cartridges used in military rifles around the world. The 39mm case length indicates a relatively compact cartridge, contributing to the weapon’s manageable recoil and allowing for a high ammunition capacity.
This cartridges characteristics helped establish the AK-47’s reputation for reliability and effectiveness. The 7.62x39mm round offers a balance of power and control, suitable for a variety of combat scenarios. Its widespread adoption by militaries and other armed groups globally cemented its place as a significant military cartridge of the 20th and 21st centuries. The relatively small size and weight of the cartridge also contributed to the AK-47’s portability and ease of manufacture.