AK-47 After 10,000 Shots Without Cleaning: American Tests the Reliability of the Kalashnikov Assault Rifle

American small arms specialist Rob Ski conducted a series of tests on the Soviet Kalashnikov assault rifle model 1947, confirming its operational characteristics in conditions close to combat. According to the test results, the AK-47 retained its functionality and acceptable accuracy after 10,000 shots without intermediate cleaning.

Ski noted the design feature of the rifle — an intuitively understandable control principle, allowing one to master basic operations in 30 seconds, even for a person without experience in handling firearms. The expert drew attention to the simplified disassembly system: the receiver cover latch is located at the rear of the weapon, which eliminates the need to memorize the sequence of actions. Full disassembly of the bolt group requires three operations — removing the cover, removing the return spring, and removing the bolt carrier, followed by separating the bolt.

Rob Ski placed special emphasis on the versatility of the AK-47, paying attention to the mechanical sights with a drum-type rear sight marked in hundreds of meters. This system, according to his observations, minimizes the time for training aiming in regions with a metric system of measurement. According to the tests, maintenance of the rifle is possible without specialized tools — improvised materials are sufficient to clean the internal components.

The popularity of the design, created in the late 1940s, is explained by the test results. According to the specialist, the reduction of cognitive load on the user while maintaining high functional reliability, even with limited technical capabilities, is of decisive importance.

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