Why the AK-47 is Considered an Assault Rifle, Not a Battle Rifle

The classification of the AK-47 as an assault rifle rather than a battle rifle is often misunderstood and often misinterpreted. This article aims to clarify this by delving into the definitions and the reality behind these distinctions.

Understanding the Terminology

The term "assault rifle" is a misnomer that has been propagandized to mislead. It is a term crafted for political, rather than technical, purposes. The MP43 and MP44, which were later renamed StG 43 and 44, were originally designated with the purpose of promoting a "Hitlerian" propaganda slogan. Today, the term has become distorted, and its usage is primarily influenced by political agendas.

The Concept of Intermediate Cartridges

The classification of the AK-47 as an assault rifle is primarily due to its use of an intermediate cartridge, the 7.62x39mm. Similarly, the M16 family, which uses the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge, is also classified as an assault rifle. These cartridges are smaller in both caliber and power compared to full-size battle rifle cartridges like the 7.62x51 NATO, .308, .30-06 Springfield, and 7.62x54R.

The smaller cartridge is designed to provide greater portability and sufficient stopping power, making it more suitable for rapid, semi-automatic or fully automatic fire. This makes it ideal for close and medium-range combat, where rapid bursts of fire are essential.

Modern Military Terminology

In modern military terminology, the distinction between assault rifles and battle rifles is further blurred by the evolution of light machine guns (LMGs) and general-purpose machine guns (GPMGs). LMGs fire the same intermediate cartridges as assault rifles, whereas GPMGs use the larger cartridges traditionally associated with battle rifles.

Historically, LMGs used to fire full-sized cartridges, but as technology progressed, they adapted to fire the same smaller, intermediate cartridges. This shift reflects evolving combat needs and innovation in firearm design.

The AK-47 in Context

The AK-47 is the second assault rifle to be fielded, following the StG-44. It adopted a shortened, reduced-power version of a previous Soviet cartridge. This design choice is a hallmark of assault rifles, emphasizing portability and effectiveness in urban or close-quarters combat. The term "battle rifle," on the other hand, is a retroactive categorization used to describe full-power service rifles that were synonymous with pre-assault rifle times.

The key distinction lies in the cartridge used. Any fully automatic military rifle that fires an intermediate cartridge is classified as an assault rifle, regardless of the specific model or design. The AK-47's reputation for reliability and versatility is a direct result of its intermediate cartridge design.

In conclusion, the classification of the AK-47 as an assault rifle is not a deviation from technical standards but a recognition of its design purpose. Understanding this context helps in appreciating the true capabilities and historical significance of this iconic firearm.