If the AK-74 is the new AK-47, why is the AK-74 practically unknown outside of knowledgable circles?

Answer 1

The difference between the AK-47 and the AK-74 is the caliber that is used. The AK-47 is chambered to shoot a round that 7.62mm in diameter and is 39mm (7.62 x 39mm) in length while the AK-74 is chambered for a round that is 5.45mm in diameter and 39mm in length (5.45 x 39 mm). Also, the AK-47 was developed in the year 1947 by Mikhail Kalashnikov.
During the Cold War, the technology and materials to produce the AK-47 and ammunition was freely given to any government after they declared themselves Communists and an ally of the Communist Russian government. After the Cold War ended, there were dozens of countries who had and have the means to make their own AK-47's.
In 1974, the Russia started building the AK-74. Though I was not able to find out why, I suspect that it was do to the fact that the it is cheaper to produce the smaller caliber bullets and parts for the rifle. It has also been proven that the smaller round has remarkably better ballistics (range and accuracy) than the AK-47.
Due to the fact that the AK-47 has been around for a much longer period of time and has been made by more countries than the AK-74, in the news, in movies, and on rifle ranges, you are more likely to see an AK-47 than the AK-74. Though that might be changing as the western hemisphere starts getting and producing more of the AK-74.

Answer 2

The AK-74 is not new. It has been around for over a quarter of a century. The reason for the prevalence of AK-47 variants is the quantity of them in existence. There are tens of millions of them.

The USSR figured that the US was on to something with the 5.56mm M16 series rifles, so they adopted a 22 caliber version of the Kalashnikov with a new cartridge they called the 5.45 mm.

As an interesting sidelight, the US is now looking at going to a heavier caliber. Apparently, the 5.56mm M252 round doesn't have enough penetration against light armor or barricades. Some M14 were sent over to Iraq (I saw some Marines with them). Also, there is a new cartridge called the 6.8mm. This could be utilized as a conversion of existing M16 series rifles.

Answer 3

Because the AK-74 is nothing but a pretty AK-47. It isn't as reliable as the older model. Personally they aren't that good, I've fired both and been offered the chance to use both while deployed, No thanks. There are a lot of NATO weapons far superior to any AK model. Most people in knowledgable circles know the AK are very cheap, reliable, capable of throwing a lot of rounds in the general direction of the target, not accurate, and heavy as crap.

Answer 4

This is hardly the right place to launch a marketing campaign for a gun.
And those circles you are talking about are probably the only ones who NEED to know about something like a successor to the AK-47 or could have an interest in it.
Your point is moot because of that.

Answer 5

The USSR kept it a pretty tightly guarded secret until they went into Afghanistan. It's been pretty common knowledge ever since to anybody that keeps up even a little with res militariae. But your average American, who thinks himself perfectly able to judge whether we're winning or losing in Iraq by watching TV news and internet postings, is a complete ignoramus when it comes to the military, firearms, or anything vaguely related. I've even seen posts saying the AK47 round is extremely high-powered!
Of course, everybody knows about the 47 because the USSR, China, and a slew of other countries have dumped gazillions on the market at bargain-basement prices.

Answer 6

What knowledgeable circles is that. The AK 47 is one of the deadliest assault rifles in the world and used widely in a lot of countries, because of its reputation. Especially in any war zone and Special Operations team.

Answer 7

Because normal people don't use an AK.

Answer 8

It is basically the same rifle with a smaller round. If it is not known I guess there is no need for the knowledge.

Answer 9

shouldnt they call it the ak-472 then