AKMS wz. 1981

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AKMS wz. 1981
An AKMS wz. 1981 reconstructed on a Vulcan Arms US-made receiver.
Type	Assault rifle-folding stock
Place of origin	Poland
Service history
In service	1981 - Present
Production history
Designed	1981
Number built	?
Variants	AKMS wz.1981
Specifications
Weight	Approx. 3 kg
Length	1075 mm
Barrel length	415 mm

Cartridge	7.62 x 39 mm
Action	Gas-actuated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire	600 round/min
Muzzle velocity	710 m/s
Effective range	300 m
Feed system	30, 10
Sights	Adjustable Iron Sights, Optional Mount Required for Optical Scope

The AKMS wz. 1981 is a Polish-produced version of the AKM assault rifle. This rifle is chambered in 7.62x39 caliber, and features an underfolding stock.

1 Design Differences
2 Operation
3 Disassembly
4 See also

[edit] Design Differences

This rifle is identical to Soviet-produced AKMS rifles with Type 4B stamped receivers. There is no significant difference.

[edit] Operation

Operation of this weapon is identical to the AK-47 and all its variants. To fire, the operator inserts a loaded magazine, moves the selector lever to the lowest position, pulls back and releases the charging handle, and then pulls the trigger. In this setting, the gun fires once requiring the trigger be released and depressed again for the next shot until the magazine is exhausted. With the selector in the middle position, the rifle continues to fire, automatically cycling fresh rounds into the chamber, until the magazine is exhausted or pressure is released from the trigger.

Animation demonstrating the AK-47's operating cycle

[edit] Disassembly

Dismantling the gun involves the operator depressing the magazine catch and removing the magazine. The charging handle is pulled to the rear and the operator inspects the chamber to verify the gun is unloaded. The operator presses forward on the retainer button at the rear of the receiver cover while simultaneously lifting up on the rear of the cover to remove it. He then pushes the spring assembly forward and lifts it from its raceway, withdrawing it out of the bolt carrier and to the rear. The operator must then pull the carrier assembly all the way to the rear, lift it, and then pull it away. He removes the bolt by pushing it to the rear of the bolt carrier; rotating the bolt so the camming lug clears the raceway on the underside of the bolt carrier and then pulls it forward and free. When cleaning, the operator will pay special attention to the barrel, bolt face, and gas piston, then oil lightly and reassemble.