AK-47


 * For the gun of a similar nature, see AKS-74U.

The AK-47 is an assault rifle used by the Soviet Army and by Naked Snake during Operation Snake Eater and the San Heironymo Takeover.

Overview
The AK-47, (Russian: Автомат Калашникова образца 1947 года, Avtomat Kalashnikova obraztsa 1947 goda), or Kalashnikov's automatic rifle, model of 1947, is a Soviet made assault rifle, reliable, durable, and highly precise. While not the first of its kind, the AK-47 is most certainly the most prolific and iconic assault rifle (or possibly firearm in general) in the world. It was created in response to the Russian experience of the Second World War; bolt-action rifles previously issued to troops were now considered obsolete, since they were awkward to use in close-quarters. Most combat, the Soviet Army noticed, took place within 300 meters' range of the enemy. Although fast-firing submachine guns were effective in close quarters, there were some occasions where the accuracy and power of a rifle was needed. The AK-47 attempts to combine the execellent accuracy of a rifle with the rapid-fire capabilities of a submachine gun.

The AK-47 uses 7.62 x 39mm ammunition in a 30-round detachable box magazine. It is capable of semi-auto or full-auto fire. It is the standard-issue weapon among the Soviet armed forces and FOX Soldiers under Gene's Command.

While the AK-47 is very powerful, especially on full-automatic mode, it is also noisy, heavy, and possesses strong recoil. In close quarters, full-automatic mode is enough to bring down several enemy soldiers before reloading; at a distance, however, semi-automatic shots aimed at the head should be used to preserve ammunition and accuracy. The AK-47 is a decent mid-to-long ranged weapon in semi-automatic mode, and can even pass as a sniping weapon until the SVD is found.

The model of AK-47 used in Metal Gear Solid 3 is actually the AKM, a modernized variant of the original AK-47 appearing in 1959. The AKM is lighter than the original model, weighing in at 3.5 kg (7.71 lbs), and is more easily mass-produced; in fact, the AKM is actually more common than the original AK-47.

There were other variants of the AK-47 as well. One example was the Pistol Mitralieră model 1963, which was developed for the Romanian Military, and the Pistol Mitralieră model 1965, a Carbine version of the previous model, although they are also called the AMD63 and AMD65 for the Hungarian forces.

The Ninth Directorate of the KGB stationed in Tselinoyarsk utilized AK-47s while attempting to guard Sokolov from Volgin's rogue GRU unit. GRU Operatives, as well as the Ocelot Unit, utilized AK-47s as well as the AMD65 in the latter group's case. Naked Snake also procured an AK-47 during Operation Snake Eater.

Various FOX Soldiers and Red Army members utilized AK-47s during the San Hieronymo Takeover in 1970. Colonel Skowronski also attempted to kill Python using this rifle, but failed mostly due to Python's Liquid Nitrogen armor. It was frozen by Python in return, which resulted in Skowronski's arm being frozen in the process. Big Boss and his resistance utilized this weapon via recruits.

During the Peace Walker Incident, Big Boss and the Militaires Sans Frontieres managed to procure AK-47s, renamed RK-47s, after procuring design specs while rescuing a prisoner at the Banana Fruta de Oro. Additional modifications were made by the MSF's R&D Team after procuring design specs for additions for a Smoke Grenade and Grenade launchers while doing operations outside of Costa Rica/Nicaragua. In addition, the MSF procured design specs for the Hungarian/Romanian model of the AK-47/RK-47, the AMD63 (renamed ADM63), after managing to completely infiltrate Puerto de Alba without detection, and later the carbine version, the AMD65 (renamed ADM65) during missions outside of Costa Rica/Nicaragua. Designs for the RPK variant were also procured during a holdup excercise. The Peace Sentinel soldiers also utilized AK-47s/RK-47s.

Post Peace Walker
During the Liberian Civil War, Raiden utilized the AK-47 as his first gun at the age of six, or at least the first gun he actually remembers.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
"The first model of this automatic military rifle was produced in 1946; it was adopted as the official rifle of the Soviet military three years later in 1949. Its austere and rugged construction allows it to endure even the roughest treatment in battle. The AK-47 is a soldier's best friend, performing reliable everywhere from the freezing Arctic to the scorching Sahara. Supplied to and licensed for production in countries throughout the Communist world, the AK-47 is not unique to the Soviet Union. An extensive number of replicas are also vastly produced. It is now one of the most widely known military rifles in the world. Anywhere there is a conflict, the AK-47 is present. Uses 7.62x39mm ammo."

- Official description of this weapon.

This assault rifle is the most common weapon next to the M16A1 used by male soldiers in Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops making acquisition of this weapon easy and favoured by many online in multiplayer. This is a highly dependable weapon for gunfights although this is not an ideal weapon for stealthy take downs as there is no suppressor available for this weapon.

Colonel Skowronski attempted to kill Python using this rifle, but he couldn't even scratch him thanks to his liquid nitrogen armor. As a result, Python froze his AK-47, as well as freezing one of his arms in the process.

Location in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Snake finds the AK-47 on top of a flight of stairs in Rassvet during Operation: Snake Eater, the first automatic weapon available in that mission. If Snake misses the AK-47 there, he can also find it at the north-west munitions hut at Bolshaya Past Base.

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
The AK-47 was also utilized during the Peace Walker Incident, although it was referred to as the RK-47 in-game, for unknown reasons (although the Model viewer does once refer to it as an AK). There are several variants of the weapon, and the MSF procured the design specs for the regular version of the weapon were procured while rescuing a POW researcher at Banana Fruta de Oro while searching for the prisoner. The MSF later procured design specs upgrades that allowed it to carry grenade launcher and smoke grenade launchers while participating in outer operations involving defending a base/eliminating enemy troops. The MSF also procured design specs for the Romanian/Hungarian model of the RK-47, the ADM63, while attempting to sneak around the del Alba area without either getting caught or leaving any evidence that they were around, and procured the Carbine version, the ADM65, during their Outer Operations while eliminating enemy troops or even an enemy base. The MSF later procured designs for a light machine gun variant of the RK-47, the RPK, during a hold-up excercise.

RK47
The primary infantry assault rifle of the Soviet Union, rival superpower to the United States. Supplied by the Soviets to satellite states, allies, and communist revolutionary movements alike, this gun has become the "poster child" for armed conflict worldwide.

The RK47 is both sturdy and lightweight, but above all its design emphasizes reliability. It uses large-caliber, high-recoil ammo, rendering it somewhat less accurate than its rival the M16. That said, when you need to stop an enemy advance in a hurry, the AK's heavy-hitting firepower can be a godsend.

RK47 (w/ Grenade Launcer)
The primary infantry assault rifle of the Soviet Union, rival superpower to the United States. Supplied by the Soviets to satellite states, allies, and communist revolutionary movements alike, this gun has become the "poster child" for armed conflict worldwide.

The RK47 is both sturdy and lightweight, but above all its design emphasizes reliability. It uses large-caliber, high-recoil ammo, rendering it somewhat less accurate than its rival the M16. That said, when you need to stop an enemy advance in a hurry, the AK's heavy-hitting firepower can be a godsend.

A grenade launcher has been added to this model, improving its performance in combat against groups of enemies and larger, armored targets.

RK47 (w/ Smoke Grenade Launcher)
The primary infantry assault rifle of the Soviet Union, rival superpower to the United States. Supplied by the Soviets to satellite states, allies, and communist revolutionary movements alike, this gun has become the "poster child" for armed conflict worldwide.

The RK47 is both sturdy and lightweight, but above all its design emphasizes reliability. It uses large-caliber, high-recoil ammo, rendering it somewhat less accurate than its rival the M16. That said, when you need to stop an enemy advance in a hurry, the AK's heavy-hitting firepower can be a godsend.

A smoke grenade launcher has been added to this model, which not only increases its direct attack power but also degrades the enemy's ability to track and engage targets, resulting in a much more versatile weapon.

ADM63
A modified version of the RK47, produced at the request of the Romanian military. The grip is attached to the forestock, giving it improved controllability compared to the original RK during sustained fire.

The ADM63 uses the same ammo as the RK and is equally effective at stopping targets in their tracks. A good addition to your arsenal if you anticipate facing an enemy charge.

ADM65
A carbine version of the ADM63, it features a more lightweight design created with airborne and commando units in mind. It is fitted with a large muzzle compensator for improved firing accuracy.

The ADM65 is a hidden masterpiece, deftly balancing stopping power with precision and accuracy. Exactly the kind of weapon you want to have with you on a sneaking mission.

RPK (Rank 4)
A light machine gun (squad support weapon) designed as an modified, expanded version of the RK47. It is similar in performance to the RK, but delivers greater firepower and more reliable operation at the cost of lower accuracy. It has a longer barrel than the RK, which somewhat reduces shaking during sustained fire. Think of it as a slight heavier, more precise RK.

When choosing whether to carry an RK or an RPK, consider the tradeoff between ease of handling and firing accuracy and pick the best gun for your needs

RPK (Rank 5)
A light machine gun (squad support weapon) designed as an modified, expanded version of the RK47. It is similar in performance to the RK, but delivers greater firepower and more reliable operation at the cost of lower accuracy. It has a longer barrel than the RK, which somewhat reduces shaking during sustained fire. Think of it as a slight heavier, more precise RK.

When choosing whether to carry an RK or an RPK, consider the tradeoff between ease of handling and firing accuracy and pick the best gun for your needs

This model has been modified to accommodate a drum magazine, significantly boosting its ammo capacity. Hence, it doesn't need to reload as often, giving it a tactical advantage over models that use standard magazines.

In-game descriptions
"It was adopted as the official rifle of the Soviet military in 1949. Its austere and rugged construction allows it to endure even the roughest treatment in battle. The AK-47 is a soldier's best friend, performing reliably everywhere from the freezing Arctic to the scorching Sahara. It is now one of the most widely known military riflesin the world. Anywhere there is a conflict, the AK-47 is present. Uses 7.62x39mm ammo."

- In-game weapons description from Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops

Appearances

 * Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
 * Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
 * Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (albeit under the name RK-47)