The Avtomat Kalashnikova model 1947, a selective-fire, gas-operated 7.6239mm assault rifle, was developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov. Variants featuring a folding stock offer increased portability and maneuverability, making them suitable for airborne troops, vehicle crews, and other situations where a compact weapon is advantageous. This design allows the weapon to be more easily concealed and transported while retaining the firepower of a standard rifle.
The compact nature of this firearm variant proved invaluable in numerous 20th and 21st-century conflicts, offering distinct advantages in close-quarters combat and mechanized warfare. The folding stock mechanism, while potentially impacting accuracy compared to a fixed stock, provides a crucial balance between wieldiness and firepower. Its adoption by various armed forces worldwide underscores its practicality and effectiveness. This design contributed to the AK-47 platform’s global proliferation and iconic status.
