The Soviet AK-47 assault rifle in 7.62 mm caliber and the American M16 assault rifle (5.56 mm) are iconic weapons. Experts still argue about which one is better. Bulgarian Military compared the characteristics of the assault rifle and the rifle.
The legendary assault rifle was developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1947. The weapon was used in many hotspots. The AK-47 is designed for a 7.62 mm caliber cartridge, so the M16 should be compared with the AK-74 (5.45 mm caliber, a modernized version of the AK-47).
As journalists of Bulgarian Military emphasize, compared to the AK-47, the AK-74 has increased range, speed and accuracy of fire.
Kalashnikov is known all over the world, but few people know the name of the creator of the M16 automatic rifle, Eugene Stoner. Usually only military personnel and weapons enthusiasts from the USA. It is believed that the American rifle is 25% superior to the AK-74 in terms of shooting accuracy.
M16 is an expensive and capricious rifle
The M16 is very demanding on cleaning and lubrication of mechanisms. This weapon is expensive and difficult to operate. The rifle cannot be repaired in the field.
But legends are made about the reliability of the AK. Thanks to its low price, reliability and maintainability, the assault rifle has become the most popular in the world.
AK-74 specifications:
- Weight when loaded — 3.6 kg
- Cartridge — 5.45 mm by 39 mm
- Rate of fire — 650 rounds per minute
- Initial bullet speed — 900 m/s
- Maximum bullet range — 3150 m
- Sight — adjustable open, no mount for optical sight
M16 specifications:
- Weight without belt and magazine — 2.88 kg
- Cartridge — 5.56 mm by 45 mm
- Rate of fire — up to 750 rounds per minute
- Initial bullet speed — 990 m/s
- Effective bullet range — 600-800 m
- Sight — diopter
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