Tactical Arms - The AK-74 (Part 1 of 2)

[@Gaspard129]

Needless to say, I think he knows what he's talking about. There is a reason so many value his opinion. He was an actual trigger-puller in Delta, and has played a large role in recent small arms development.

[@Gaspard129]

Larry Vickers served 20 years in the US Army. Five of those were in US Army Special Forces. The other fifteen were spent in Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta. He was a trigger-puller in Operation Acid Gambit, which was the opening action to the invasion of panama. There is a reason his observations and opinions are very well-respected

[@MrWiggo91]

I think teaching younger children to shoot is a fantastic idea and I'd bet they'd be far more responsive to firearms safety than older children and definitely more responsive than adults. I really can't see why people get such a bee in their bonnet on these matters.

[@chica476]

Those anti-gun nutters can kiss my grits.

[@KoppiOppi]

chica476 Lekker ou SA vlag! :D

[@BalticBuffalo]

i was under impression, that he was going to talk about AK 74...but actually he barely touched that topic...

[@Khalrua]

but hes on tv

[@hohenstaufenz]

Larry's son was shooting a 22LR semi-auto. M&P15-22, a great gun for a young shooter.

[@ДҜ74Џ]

That kid probably was born with the gun.

[@Gaspard129]

What makes the AK great is the fact that Kalashinov decided to use principles from other designs and lessons that worked, and incorporated them together into one weapon. The shortened rifle ammo from germans. The operating system from the M1 Garand. The safety lever that acts as a dust cover and bolt block from the Remington Model 8. The AK was a incorporation of many great ideas. That's what makes it great

[@gewamser]

The AK74 is one of the most underrated sturmgewers on the battlefield. Good review.

[@Dragunov38]

Excellent content... The contrast between an M16 and AK74 is the most accurate, balanced comparison, between these 2 excellent combat rifle platforms.

[@HAROLD-CORE]

"The Soviets need to update it, and should have done it a long time ago," what?

[@pac6010]

Zachary Tunnell Yep, rail mounted optics have been around for a while now. Hence you see the AK-12. Only took em like 20 years to catch on lol.

[@ITmage]

***** Everyone who really needs optics, got optics. Conscripts are not being issued optics unless they are selected to serve in some of the Specnaz branches. Also for all common tasks in the army, good iron sights are all you need. People are starting to depend way too much on electro-optical gadgets, i hope you are aware what happens with most of the reflex sights when temperature hits -35C or even worse lower, and thats not particulary rare in most of the Russian regions east from Moscow. Even Germans have headache with Hensoldt Dual Optic sights that are integrated on G36s and their winters are a joke compared to most parts of the Russia. Also biggest parts of the Japanese defence forces are not equiped with optics, or China, or Turkish or Greece... France, Italy, India... Even Israel which is considered as a an exceptionally high tech and above standard equiped army. Actually only handful of armies almost fully equips their troops with optics, even then its mostly non magnifuing paralx sight for most of the men except special purpose units. 1P29 is fairly often in service on other hand, however its again mostly issued to Guard units or VDV, Naval infantry, recon teams etc. Ratnik system is supposed to come paired with standard issued day/night optics, however again depending on unit different sets will be issued.

[@ITmage]

***** Buying sights is not the problem at all, on big orders their price drops below 300 USD, Russians however issue only domestic production to the regular army, they are waiting for Ratnik to be completed and order sets that will come with it, buying tens of thousands of 1P63 Obzor, Aimpoint or something that will not be standard issued in few years doesnt make much sense. Maybe to an American does, i am not sure, rest of the world has hard time tracking your logic. Equiping whole army with optics doesnt make much sense actually, fact that its arguably easier to use compared to iron sights, doesnt mean you have to distribute it to every conscript. Those that know how to, and are in position to take advantage of optics have them. And yes i said arguably, coz i do know how optics work in field, what happens, and how much headache they can cause. So Turkey shouldnt suprise me? Biggest armed forces in NATO after US? France? Third military budget in NATO? India might be "poor", however their military expenditures are more than significant, actually they are one of the biggest military importers in the world. Israel? Bad equiped too? When its about soldiers in Afganistan, those are not "common" soldiers, they are in combat zone and their lion part is from special purpose units, no more than 20% of soldiers in Italy has optics, feel free to see photos from military exercises. If you knew something, like you clearly do not, i mentioned already Hensoldt Dual Optic, sight on G36 which proved to be rather useless especially during winter. So gz for Germans, they issued sights that do not work. I will stick to iron sights there rather. There are actually more than 10 Russian and Belorusian domestic optics for an AK/SVD/PKM. But how would backyard US warrior know about them when he is too busy trolling on youtube instead of learning some 50 words in Russian so he can browse ru.net. When its about your claim how optic makes soldiers better or whatever was the point of that German/UK comparision, i suggest you to actually pass some military training you will get suprised. Reflex sights make stuff easier, arguably faster, however if it dramatically increases your accuracy and response time, you are doing something wrong.

[@vodkanet7533]

+USN276 transcript ? please learn how to use your own language before posting.

[@vodkanet7533]

+ITmage yeap. its mandatory you use irons. it builds skill.

[@moglinmarine]

THANK YOU! I have thought that looking through hundreds of comments who also seem completely unaware of the Mondragon semi automatic rifle! Its sad kind of that they were so ingenious in their own rights, but no one remembers them anymore.

[@bigro4444]

I thought this was about the SVD and AK. Most of the show was about the American versions.

[@fkujakedmyname]

+ROBERTO OROZCO and bull shit nazi republicunt propaganda

[@SlimRhyno]

Man I miss this show. Yet another LAV classic. Thanks for posting it!

[@RS-nc7ok]

6:29, the SVD doesn't have a AK bolt, the AK bolt is two lugged at is what some might call fluted. The SVD uses the more solid un-fluted three lug bolt with a different rotation than the AK.

[@lukasahmed1271]

i know I'm quite off topic but does anybody know a good website to stream newly released series online?

[@rockybrennan7152]

@Lukas Ahmed meh I'd suggest Flixportal. you can find it thru google:) -rocky

[@lukasahmed1271]

@Rocky Brennan Thanks, I went there and it seems to work :) Appreciate it !!

[@rockybrennan7152]

@Lukas Ahmed Happy to help xD

[@Gaspard129]

First of all, Larry has served 5 years in US Army Special Forces and 15 years in Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta. There are very few people more qualified than him to speak on the qualities of a mid-20th century military small arm.

[@tangomike12]

feels like he made this episode with a preexisting negative opinion.. instead of concentrating on the weapon he was concentrating his attention on comparing it to the m4.. I thought the episode was supposed to be about the 74 and SVD..

[@blue_ridge_shooting762]

Couldn't agree more, LAV as usual is too busy spilling shit out of his mouth to give any useful info

[@Gaspard129]

Well, you have to remember, most Garands saw a lot of use before being sold for surplus. This means parts may be worn out, the most likely of these being the springs. SKS's (other than chicom ones) saw very little use. One can buy a Yugo SKS that have never been issued. As far as cold weather goes, I've heard similar stories from US troops in Korea. I appears a lot of the jamming had to do with excess lubrication grease essentially freezing in the action. Removing the excess lube should help.

[@MrSiLenTb88]

this is why i dont like american gun testers/presenters, they just lick the balls of their guns, way i see it, whats still in use and is the oldest out of all of them is the victor, some thing that still works 50years + means it must have been made right the 1st time round

[@Gaspard129]

Its about torque (or moments when looking at it in the static sense). The side rail needs a fairly long mount/riser to position the optic over the reciever where the operator can use it. This long mount acts like a very long lever-arm, meaning that a force is going to create a greater moment (torque, if you will) on it than with a shorter mount. A greater moment will be more likely to disturb the zero. You can create long side-mounts that are very strong, but they will be much heavier.

[@vinnienauta]

can this m16 shoot underwater, buried in dirt and/or in snow? just curious..thanks

[@mikec8086]

+Franklin Clinton yep it can, look up ian from forgotten weapon. hey did a mud test on the ak as well as the ar15. the ar15 test is in the m1a mud test.

[@akandglockguy9581]

That mud test was totally bogus, don't believe everything you see on TV.

[@MihovIlian]

It can shoot cuz its sealed. But as soon as something gets inside the gun... You're done

[@Strelnikov10]

Your ability to convey that info is more than rare on youtube and it has been a pleasure debating with you. I do agree that the .40 S&W is a phenomenal, middle of the road, best of both worlds cartridge. Were it a more common, economic, and lightweight round, all of my sidearms would be chambered .40. I do know, however, that a 124+P 9mm round is going to get the job done when I need it to provided i put well aimed shots on target. Thanks again for the great info. I will pas it on to others!

[@viperbite5043]

So the SVD's scope mounting system is "over the hill" but the M14's similar system isn't? There's a ton of bias in this show. And then the whole irrelevant teaching your kid to shoot non sequitur...who produced this crap?

[@warzonebrothers5244]

He actually loves Aks and Russian weapons I don't think he was trying to be biased

[@Gaspard129]

Also, two more things. Larry Vickers spent 20 years in US Army Special Forces, 15 of those in Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta. This guy is no armchair general with a television show. He was a real-life trigger puller for many years with some of the toughest guys on the planet. Don't take my word for it, look it up. The M1 Garand is a powerful, reliable, and reasonably accurate rifle that had the advantage of being semi-auto when most rifles were bolt-action. How is that bad?

[@MrMaxwesty]

I not sure if it me or does he seem to bash the Russian rifles slyly

[@TheAnomalos]

I think he is trying to be sly but it is obvious that he has a bias towards the US rifles. He also comes across as needing to make sure the US gets more than its fair share of credit for influencing small arms development. He claims the difference in the US and Russian choices of muzzle devices proves the US is more concerned about the individual soldier but fails to address the lack of reliability of the Stoner design when compared to the Kalashnikov rifles and how that relates to the survival of the individual soldier. This is a much greater factor than flash supression. "We'll give up a little of controlability in a gunfight to mask the visibility of the individual soldier"...what a pile of BS.

[@justosaavedra1423]

Thats because he was in the us special forces

[@Musashiprodigy]

No problem. I don't think the series will tell all that. But the AR is VERY modular, more so than almost any weapon system and you can get the hang of it real quick. That series is good stuff. Its got good info

[@JohnF0X]

that guy knows nothing about the AK it was a design of its own Michael Klashnikov didnt use the STG 44 and M1 Design the Gas system on the AK and the SVD are the same

[@Morrigi192]

The gas system on the AK uses the same mechanism as the StG-44, and also incorporates a double-locking rotating bolt, like the bolts on the M1 Garand and M1 Carbine. The Soviet military did capture StG-44s on the battlefield, and were given a number of M1 Carbines by the American military for evaluation. This is all well-documented. However, it is possible (but unlikely, in my opinion) that Kalashnikov developed the same features on the AK independently. That said, there is no shame in taking the best of other weapons and incorporating them in an even better weapon. That's called engineering, and I believe that Kalashnikov was one of the best firearm designers and engineers in recent history. May he rest in peace.

[@JohnF0X]

well from what i know the STG was taken apart and studied at the same plant but in a completly difrent building where kalashnikov had no entrance

[@Mortablunt]

***** "The gas system on the AK uses the same mechanism as the StG-44" So both of them use long stroke pistons. So do most other self-reloading rifles. "incorporates a double-locking rotating bolt, like the bolts on the M1 Garand and M1 Carbine." No idea what the locking means, but the rotating bolt was very common among rifles of the time, and still is widespread. "That said, there is no shame in taking the best of other weapons and incorporating them in an even better weapon." Garand and AK bolts look very similar. Chances are that Mr. Kalashnikov took some inspiration from different existing weapons and combined it with his own vision to create something new. That's how engineering works; almost nothing is 100% new or innovative.

[@JohnF0X]

no completly wrong the STG has a Short stroke piston and the Gas system of the AK is basicly the same as from the SKS

[@Mortablunt]

Orly? The SKS design uses a TILTING action in the bolt, which is the core component of any self-repeating firearm.

[@anselmoalliegro460]

The the original muzzle brakes had more to do with launching grenades than with suppressing flash or recoil. If you noticed, most of the NATO rifles have a flash hider that is exactly 22 mm in diameter (M16, G3, CETME, GALILL, BERETTA, AUG...). FALs world later be equipped with this type of flash suppressor to use the ENERGA and POLIVALENT rifle grenades of the period. By then the M14 was considered obsolete and we had adopted the M79 grenade launcher. The sound a rifle makes is also very important. In a firefight, specially at night, it is important that the sound your rifle makes does not mimic that of your enemy. Some of the shorter rifles, for instance, may sound like an AK47 or a FAL. You want your rifle to sound just like those of your friends less you become a victim of friendly fire.

[@nejinaji]

nothing has more style than an AK

[@CloneDAnon]

M.Kalashnikov was wounded in combat during the Battle of Bryansk in October 1941 and got released for six months recuperation due to illness. While in hospital, he overheard some fellow soldiers complaining about the Soviet rifles of the time. He also had difficulties with the standard infantry weapons at the time, and so he decided to construct a new rifle for the Soviet military. During this time he designed a submachine gun. His 1st design was not accepted into service, but talent was noticed

[@mandersonmatters3012]

I'm pretty sure that muzzle break Is also a flash suppressor

[@cahsahhhhhhhn]

Manderson matters No, it's pretty bright

[@CPHannigan]

Manderson matters It's one way or the other. A muzzle device either controls recoil, or reduces flash. Unfortunately, we can't have it both ways. A muzzle brake simply cannot function as a flash suppressor.

[@CPHannigan]

DirtyFrigginHarry These so called "hybrids" are marketing ploys. They are a compromise that are just ok for flash and not great for recoil. I've built many rifles with many different muzzle devices, and from my own research, the hybrids are "meh" when it comes to effectiveness.

[@jonathanlangford4291]

CPHannigan the Efab by Precision Armament is the first true hybrid that's good at recoil, flash, and concussion reduction. (Besides a suppressor) put simply: it works.

[@Gaspard129]

-Former Member of the American Pistolsmiths Guild -Recipient of the 2003 NDIA Hathcock Award for "excellence in the end user community for outstanding contributions in small arms training and weapons development." And to top it off, Larry comes from the best-trained Special Forces unit in the World. They train to be able to fight any potential foe effectively. You dont think they knew Russian infantry doctrine?

[@AZ-yo1qd]

This guy doesn't know about Ak ,man you should advertise vacuum machines )))))))))))))))

[@andrewhuch1]

the man was a tier one operator I'm pretty sure he knows more than you

[@Jorigin]

Dunno what you all are talking about. Larry Vickers treats everything intelligently and unbiased. His videos are always good, and I like watching what he has to say. Conversely, go watch what Gunny has to say in his M16 vs AK47 video.. And the part where Larry shows him taking his son to shoot is such a perfect example of good firearms treatment.

[@JuanDeSoCal]

Oh, so it's evidence that the Soviets placed no value on the lives of its soldiers when it fielded a rifle with insufficient flash suppression, but America was better when it fielded a finicky, failure-prone rifle with little prior testing? Also, best get to the gym before you throw your back out, Larry.

[@Musashiprodigy]

That was on the politicians not the engineers, if you knew your history you would know better. The M16 was extensively tested before being issued during Vietnam, the problem was that before fielding it they changed the powder of the ammo and it caused malfunctions. The Soviet union main battle tactic was flood the battle field with untrained conscripts for DECADES. Literally their theory was it didn't matter how many of them died, it only mattered that they won the battle, that's why the Soviets lost 10 million troops in WW2. While the Nazis lost 5 million fighting on two fronts. Modern Russian troops are well trained and very lethal. So get some history before spouting off ignorance

[@JuanDeSoCal]

Musashiprodigy Um, self-proclaimed warrior/genius, your rebuttal to what I posted in regard to the original fielding of the M16 only serves to reinforce my point. Now fast forward a bit; around 2006, there was an article in the LA Times regarding frequent M4 failures in the field; it's STILL an issue, a fundamental design issue, and don't try to blame it all on "politicians." In regard to WWII, what you said is a simplification borne of decades of propaganda. Also, your German military casualty figures are way off. Watch this lecture by America's foremost historian on the subject and learn something: /watch?v=7Clz27nghIg

[@Musashiprodigy]

JuanDeSoCal Not self proclaimed at all. The LA times? Are you shitting me? Look at the filthy 14 article and the big M4 myth. Both articles written by REAL warriors who have gone to war with these weapons. Show me evidence saying otherwise. Also have you used an AR/M4s personally? What experience do you have? Or are you just repeating what you hear? What is the design issue? Fouling? All weapons regardless of piston or impingement get dirty. Show me facts saying that my figures are off. Look at every figure and it is around 4 to 5 million Nazi KIA. Dude even the Soviets talked about getting away from conscripted warfare. All their weapons, strategies, etc were based on conscripted warfare. They started getting away from it in the 60s/70s with the adoption of new weapons and strategies such as the AK-74. Show me facts and studies proving otherwise. In that video you provided, he says at 9:28 soviets losses were close to 14,000,000 by the end of the war. Wikipedia has 5 million he states 10 million nazis. So that's a toss up

[@JuanDeSoCal]

Sorry, but I'm not going to do your research for you. Google a phrase like "M4 failures" and you get an avalanche. Usually where there's smoke there's fire, and there's a hell of a lot of smoke there. And, regarding the original M16, I have spoken to VN vets who are extremely bitter to this day about their personal war-time experiences with that weapon. You'll excuse me if I tend to give credence to what they said. Also, I loved how you shit on the LA Times, but then cited wikepedia as if it's a credible source! Look, Col. Glantz is today perhaps the foremost Western authority on the subject of the Soviet-German war. He was one of the first Westerners to be granted access to the Soviet war archives following the collapse of the Iron Curtain. He is a Ph.D historian who has researched this for decades, and written several well-respected tomes about it. So, there is no fucking "toss up" with wikipedia in regard to the casualty figures, I'm afraid. Finally, I recommend that you eschew overuse of the word "warrior," as it as corny as hell, and simply use "soldier" instead. Good day to you, sir.

[@Musashiprodigy]

JuanDeSoCal Again you didn't answer have you ever used an AR/M4 at all? Or are you just repeating what has been said? Again show me a REAL study showing its unreliability or give me a personal experience. I for one can tell you to read FILTHY 14 by Pat Rogers and THE BIG M4 MYTH by Mike Pannone. Both with show your that it's ignorance. Also I own more than one of both, I have shoot tens of thousands of rounds through both weapon system. There is definitely something to say about failures during Vietnam. That was due to the wrong powder being used, non chrome lined chambers and barrels and lack of training on the gun. After that was remedied it was one of the most favored weapons by special operations of the day. Some SOG teams preferred it over the AK, when they could use anything they wanted, those guys were out in the jungle for a week to two weeks at a time. Sometimes fighting the whole time. The AR//M4 is the most widely used weapon by special operations forces in history there are over 100 SOF units who use it today. Some like the Polish GROM or Romanian BAT choose it over the military adopted AK in 556. Wonder why? Do you know something they don't? Why would they use it if it would be prone to failure? Look at this video right here! /watch?v=dHwoZ6SS_pY then watch this video /watch?v=zrdfbqoRyI8 Not a whole lot different in performance. I think it is EXTREMELY ignorant to think that the weapon is "unreliable" when it has been used by units like Delta/CAG, the SEALs, sayeret matkal, and countless other units for decades.

[@Gaspard129]

Just like most people don't realize that the AK-74 is capable of 2-2.5 MOA out to 500 meters. The M16 series is much more reliable than most give it credit for, and the AK series is much more accurate than most give it credit for.

[@alexcronin41]

The guy is biased. This degrades him as a professional. By the way an interesting fact such as Kalashnikov was inspired by Sturmgewehr, the Sturmgewehr was based on SVT 40. The guy should of say that anything that not made in USA is piece of shit and call it a day, but he goes on and on. Annoying.

[@patriot2980]

The host, Larry Vickers is an experiences firearms instructor, and of multiple occasions, has sung the praises of the Kalashnikov rifle system. He certainly does not believe that only US made hardware is worthwhile, otherwise he wouldn't teach classes focused on weapons systems from outside of the states. Read up on material before you jump in.

[@alexcronin41]

patriot2980 Maybe. His praises have a lot of "but". He is experience, no doubt. Thus, some of his comments are made on purpose. Example, he compared 5.45 x39 and 5.56x45. He claimed that since they have similar deformity on impact how come Russians claims more damage. He should know that Russian bullet tumble a lot causing more damage. He did not mentioned that. He is experience, but if he is honest? ( in his show)

[@msiley]

Alex Cronin All spitzer bullets tumble. Not just the 5.45x39.

[@alexcronin41]

msiley My comment says " tumble more that nato one". I have seen combat wounds from M16 and Ak 74. Was more impressed with Ak.

[@Mortablunt]

Look at his newer vid about the PKM. He's gotten LOADS better.

[@LoveMyCountryAussie]

Larry Vickers ,,,Thank You for your service mate ,from Mick AUSTRALIA ,,good video ,

[@Dragon3it]

Yankee's used this gun over there M16 in vietnam massacre

[@Gaspard129]

Do a little reading on the dust-test. Some of the stoppages counted for the M4 were inappropriate. The M4 has a 3rd burst cam. If one releases the trigger early on a burst, firing 2 shots, the next trigger pull would only fire one shot, completely the cams cycle. Not only did the testers count this as a malfunction, they counted it as 2 malfunctions. The problem is, its not a malfunction. The gun worked exactly as designed, and kept firing.

[@Gaspard129]

The M1 Garand uses a gas operated long-stroke piston/bolt carrier with a cammed two-lug bolt. The AK-47, which came around after the Garand (the Garand entered service in 1936), uses a gas operated long-stroke piston/bolt carrier with a two-lug bolt. Thats A LOT in common and that's not coincidence. Kalashnikov knew the Garands operating system was very reliable and deemed it to be appropriate for his design.

[@rogerdinhelm4671]

I`m really impressed! No kidding! This is the first american gun expert, know to me, that called AK it actual name (not AK47! read official russian manuals for AK). You, sir, deserve more respect than I can give!

[@Turgz]

ak74 is a different gun so why would someone call it an ak47?

[@rogerdinhelm4671]

Callum Turner He mentions AK during video. Many people call AK and AKM as AK47, but he named it correctly - just "AK".

[@Gaspard129]

Assuming the same level of relative quality, to be as rigid as an M1913 mount an AK mount will have either have to be heavier (beefed up, if you will), or made out of a stronger material. Increased weight and/or cost

[@AbyssalHunt3r]

That was his design for a new SMG during WW2. The AK was put into a competition to see which rifle would become the next small arm of the soviet union. The SKS won. He made the design even simpler and decided to show it again. They accepted his rifle this time and began testing it.

[@Strelnikov10]

Your research is impeccable and you clearly know your stuff. I have only one critique of your last comment and that is that the amount of blood loss has more to do with where the person is hit and less on the size of the caliber. A human is not a big bag of blood where the bigger the hole you punch in it the more blood comes out. You need to hit arteries. I can see where the .40's larger diameter makes it more likely to hit major vessels.

[@Gaspard129]

The Garand is gas-operated with a long-stroke piston/bolt-carrier driving a cammed two-lug bolt. The AK's is the exact same type (gas-operated, long stroke piston/bolt-carrier, cammed two-lug bolt) except it is upside down (the piston and gas tube are above the barrel). Larry is correct when he says that the AK-47 used design features from the M1 Garand.

[@Gaspard129]

Second, if you even did a cursory search of Larry Vickers, you would know that he is very familiar with the 7n6 projectile. Larry has served in US Army Special Forces for 5 years, and US Army Special Forces Detachment - Delta for 15 years. While in Delta, he qualifed Special Forces sniper and later served as the SMALL ARMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT NCO for his Unit. He had a direct hand in the developing the HK416 to meet Delta's needs. And this is only a small part of his accomplishments

[@PencilProper]

I also noted how he is talking up the M14 as being great because it is still in service today. Newsflash the M14 has similar characteristics as the SVD like, side rail mounted scope, and a charging handle that needs to be pulled back to release the bolt on a fresh magazine.

[@Guntank214]

because context is important, the AK series was not developed in a vacum. They were looking at what we were doing just as hard (if not harder) as we were looking at what they were doing.

[@CloneDAnon]

His winning entry, the "Mikhtim" (so named by taking the first letters of his name and patronymic Mikhail Timofeyevich) became the prototype for the development of a family of prototype rifles. This process culminated in 1947, when he designed the AK-47 (standing for Avtomat Kalashnikova model 1947). In 1956, the AK-47 assault rifle became the standard issue rifle of the Soviet Army and went on to become Kalashnikov's most famous invention, the AK-47 the worlds most used Assault rifle even today

[@Musashiprodigy]

That was my first impression, but once you run a 249 for extended periods, you can get an idea of where they are going with it. The IAR would decrease operator displacement time, decrease reload time, increased accuracy, increase modularity, better ergonomics, more reliability and durability. Plus they said they might start fielding Surefires high cap mags which are great, and try to make a functional beta mag, which could negate most of firepower issue. 249s are just taking on a different role.

[@Gaspard129]

Standard Soviet infantry doctrine was based an massed automic fire from infantry small arms. So yes, they were more concerned with getting bullets downrange than with concealing their troops.

[@mynameisazhul]

I will add that I have nothing personal against the man or what he is trying to accomplish. I fully support spreading knowledge of guns and find it admirable that he is helping others to properly teach kids the fundamentals of firearms/marksmanship. I just found this video useless in trying to research more about the specific details of the AK74. Could be the fault of whoever uploaded and titled this video.

[@Gaspard129]

Velocity is part of the issue, but remember, the projectile is just as important. The Mk.262 and the M855 are both 5.56 projectiles that behave entirely differently. The Mk.262 will expand/fragment/deform down to impact velocities as low as ~2100 fps. Because of this, it has poor performance against barriers. The M855 will fragment/deform down to impact velocities of ~2500 fps. If you want a wealth of information on the topic of terminal ballistics, visit the firearms tactical website.

[@MrSKSkill]

Thanx for posting my Video Response Brother. ~MrSKSkill

[@CPHannigan]

You're correct, except for one thing. The STG 44 came into service in 1943, as the MP 43. It was kept from Hitler, he didn't like the design, and wanted more smg's. So the factories hid it under its name... the Machine Pistol '43. In '44, Hitler saw the rifle, changed his mind, and renamed it in 1944 to the STG 44.

[@Strelnikov10]

Also the reduced recoil down from a .45 makes follow up shots easier. However, these changes are pretty small. If you are planning on knocking someone out of the fight via blood loss, don't expect it to be instantaneous. In that case I'll take a higher mag capacity, regardless of caliber. My only source of info is that I have a degree in biology and I am a med student so I understand the cardiovascular system well. I am no expert though and I am blown away by your research.

[@neutronsponge]

The primary purpose of a flash suppressor is to prevent loss of night adjusted vision, not concealment - you can still see the flaming jets from a flash hider from a good distance. So the more appropriate comparison is lower recoil vs. loss of night vision.

[@bryancalhoun2501]

For all of you guys who aren't aware of MSgt. Vickers background he was a U.S. Army soldier for 20 years and served as a green beret weapons Sgt. He knows his business he's good to go. His opinions are based upon training and experience. But as always form ur own opinions from your own life experiences.

[@Mauserc96]

This is true in the fundemental design, my statement was merely saying that both weapons have come a long way since their early versions that revolutionised modern warfare, to be more then a match for each other in their various fields and both the USA and Russia like both guns for their different abilities. It all comes down to the personal preferance of the shooter, and the caliber of ammo that is available for resupply.

[@Gaspard129]

Wider, deeper feed ramp cuts extending into the receiver, specific cut out in barrel for M203 band, and a host of other small specifications distinguish the M4 from other AR's

[@DieOnlyifITellU2]

No, by tuning, I mean tightening its construction. The russian issued weapons have everything from rattling barrels and bolt groups and carriers, or something as small as a couple of loos nuts(generally speaking, there's much more than just that issue in the construction of issued AKs that haven't been messed with).

[@Gaspard129]

To be fair, it wasn't the most impressive mount on the market (~ $70), but it was already heavier than a comparable M1913 mount and less durable. You can get AK mount that will hold zero from a hit like that, but they start getting heavier and more expensive.

[@JamesmoellerX]

make sure it is a non stressful environment;does it while people are filming and putting it on tv

[@Gaspard129]

And how exactly would that help? Now you have a gun without a flash hider or muzzle break, and STILL has a huge flash signature at night. Btw, Larry Vickers is not just some armchair warrior with a television show. He served 5 years in the Green Berets and 15 years in SFOD-D. He has also been major force in recent small arms development. Needless to say, he has more insight into and experience with small arms than the vast majority of us ever will.

[@PATRONSKiii]

Derivatives of M14 as sniper rifles are used for long mate, XM21 and M21 used since vietnam. M1C/D used before. M25 used in USMC/SEALS for almost 2 decades. SR25 and M110, based on AR-15 are used now (25 for years). At squad level, M16A4 derivatives are used as marksman rifles, and a lot of riflemen are equiped with ACOG sights on their M4 or M16A4. Snipers use M24,M110 in USARMY and M40A3/A5 in USMC.

[@GLUSCKMC]

Ol Uncle Larry. Guy’s a champ man

[@Gaspard129]

Of course. They are fairly similar in many regards but are in no way have the same ballistics behaviour. Im not sure what point you are trying to drive home. Could you elaborate further?

[@Ereyner426]

Wish my dad was cool and had the same interests as I do. We share nothing in common lol. Good to see father and son doing things together.

[@oldannyboy37]

Before the rest of the youtube experts write him off, Larry Vickers is dialed in professional who's probably fired more rounds in his lifetime than all of you combined. You can call him on his slight error in the weapon history, but do know that the man really does know his stuff when it comes to shooting and tactics. You have to understand that these shows are dumbed down for TV audiences, so a lot of things are overly simplified, thus you get rough comparisons.

[@Gaspard129]

Actually, FrankDaTank1218 has a point. All other variables held the same, some cartridges are inherently more accurate than others. This is because the shape of the cartridge case dictates certain specifications about the gun and action. Chambers for cartridges with sloping side walls (a la 7.62x54R) have to have looser tolerances. Large rims take material out of the bolt-face, making it less rigid. Longer cartrides mean longer bolts that are less rigid than shorter ones.

[@DieOnlyifITellU2]

I've fired one in the original calibre. I found it to be quite the comfort weapon. Only problem I find is that the handguard is made of metal, and gets hot after a few rounds.

[@CloneDAnon]

From 1942 onwards Kalashnikov was assigned to the Central Scientific-developmental Firing Range for Rifle Firearms of the Chief Artillery Directorate of RKKA. In 1944, he designed a gas-operated carbine for the new 7.62x39 mm cartridge. This weapon, INFLUENCED by the M1 Garand rifle, lost out to the new Simonov carbine which would be eventually adopted as the SKS; but it became a basis for his entry in an assault rifle competition in 1946:

[@psionicevasion]

The AK74 is highly controllable not only because of the muzzle break. You can look up the test data showing that the 5.45 fired from AK74 has much lower free recoil energy then the 5.56 fired from the M16, as for the flash they also use low flash propellant. The AK74 has a 16 inch barrel and the M16 a 20 inch barrel, you can speculate that the M4A1 has even more free recoil energy then the M16 because of it's 14 inch barrel.

[@Gaspard129]

Larry talks most about what he knows, and considering his 20 years in Special Forces, he is intimately familiar with the M4 carbine. In fact, he has been instrumental in the last 15 years developing and upgrading it. So you will see that when he talks about other firearms, he will usually compare it to a baseline with which he is familiar. In many cases that is the M4. Its not misplaced patriotism. Its him comparing to his wealth of knowledge and insight on the most popular SF weapon.

[@tactical2bagpipes]

keep it clean it will run all day. The tolerances of the Kalash platforms are indeed looser which lends itself to better inherent functionality when fouled up, but both are exceptional platforms in most environments.

[@8166PC1]

That's true, but the 5.56x45's FMJ tend to have erratic and inconsistent performance compared to the military rounds judging by many lab reports and anecdotal accounts. However, the newer 5.56x45 rounds be fielded claim to have fixed those problems. I haven't seen any testing on how these new rounds perform though.

[@vaninec]

you should start from first semi-auto The Fedorov Avtomat (tested in 1900-1906) is a short recoil operated, locked-breech weapon which fires from a closed bolt Commission in Russian army in 1911

[@christopherj5788]

I was introduced to shooting at around 8 years old and I was told to shoot a .44 magnum, and for rifle training was a 300 weatherby. What a treat, but now that I'm grown, I'm not impressed by any guns recoil.

[@TheTabellarius]

The flash produced from any AK is blinding to the frontal observer & simply lights up the area for the shooter also it helps identify your comrade in CQB. The M4 still has major problems with buffers & sub quality components. Something no AK suffers from since its just meant to be abused. The AK steel core round has better long range penetration on steel & is noted for the severity of the wound it causes, where the M4 round is doubtful over 200m

[@Eddie5767]

when my uncle took me shooting when was the same age but my first rifle i ever shot was a 22-250 yea it scared me when.i first went off then it got to the point i got sad because we ran out of ammo and he put it up lol. great video!!

[@menacinggesture]

I think it really depends largely on what report you read. One guy will tell you the 7n6 will cut a man in half, and another will tell you they are a glorified .22. The 5.56 M193 was nasty with a 1:12" twist. The M193 isn't standard issue anymore. They are now loading a 77gr. Sierra MK (also not "standard") because the M4 with a short barrel, and fast twist rate isn't super effective. I'm planning an unbiased test on my other channel and will hopefully have that up soon.

[@ZombieTex1]

First time I shot a gun it was a 12 gauge, and I was so small that I couldn't reach the trigger while shouldered, so I had to hold the shot gun like a bazooka on top of my shoulder. So I pull the trigger and POW! The gun come slamming back right into my eye. Got a big fat black eye, but it was so fun I kept shooting over and over again. I was a great shot. We were shooting at beer cans (freshly emptied by my dad and uncle, possibly not the safest environment).

[@hitlerscow]

Nope, just my online persona! Though I don't see how that pertains to my response to your question. To answer your other question: Yes. All AK74 rifles use the 5.45x39 "poison bullet" round.

[@wysoft]

I think it's funny that he makes this claim and then immediately goes on to talk about the M14/M1A, which uses an extremely similar optic mounting system. The AK/SVD rail can be used to attach Soviet or western optics via a picatinny rail mount. There is really no reason for it to be replaced, and it's incredibly hard to do without redesigning the dustcover area of the AK, or adding a bar over it. This approach was taken with the Polish Beryl and the recent AK-12.

[@quinxxer]

haha, larry is such a cool guy. he really makes the guns more loveable

[@Gaspard129]

AK has very little in common with the SVT40. SVT locks uses a tipping bolt, while the AK uses a rotating bolt. The SVT uses a short-stroke piston, where the AK uses a long-stroke piston. The AK wasn't based off of anything, but was an amalgamation of principles from other weapons. The long-stroke, gas-operated rotating bolt from the M1 Garand. The intermediate cartridge from early russian and german testing, and production techniques learned from wartime smg's like the PPsh.

[@wysoft]

The M14 fills exactly the same role the SVD does. It may be able to be worked on to make a more precise rifle, but that's not what it's for. It's been used as a DMR rifle ever since it was dropped as a standard issue arm - same as the SVD.

[@Gaspard129]

The difference is that the US has adapted since then. The EBR stock, the new m110, etc. The point is, yes, the M21 and the SVD were comparable back in the day, but the US has moved on, while the SVD still soldiers on as Russia's main marksman weapon virtually unchanged.

[@AbyssalHunt3r]

No, the original AK was chambered in the M43 7.62x39mm. That was the biggest part of that competition. To create a controllable, reliable, carbine for soviet troops chambered in that new caliber.

[@ruski1945]

The rifle makes all the difference sometimes. Even when comparing a .44 between a shot barrel revolver and a lever action rifle both shoot the same round but the longer barrel give it nearly twice the velocity. What does matter just as much as that is how much energy does the semi automatic or fully auto weapon use to cycle. Moving a big bolt assembly is harder then a much cleaner M14 action.

[@shhinobii]

Absolutely...Reliability of AK rifles is out of a question. M16 (we are not talking about model from Vietnam...it was piece of junk) can work properly if you maintain it daily, but it's far more sensitive on mud and sand than AK. AK can jam ONLY if you use bad ammo and even then all you have to do is to jump on bolt carrier and you're good to go.

[@noelsoong777]

Had no idea who he was thanks for telling me this information.

[@wysoft]

Believe it or not, the SVD is largely hand-made - moreso than other Kalashinov type rifles. In fact, there is quite a lot of manual/skilled labor still involved into the manufacture of all Kalashnikovs. Most assembly and parts fitting is done by hand.

[@Gaspard129]

The AK uses the exact same type of operation as the M1 Garand (gas, long-stroke piston/bolt carrier, cammed two-lug bolt)

[@PATRONSKiii]

5.45x39 is really easy to control, it has a lot of advantadges over more powerful cartidges, even 5.56. For short range warfare, it's perfect. Overall good cartridge, yeah, should be 6-7 mm. Cz 7.62x45 was a good idea, 6.5 grendel and 6.8 SPC are good too.

[@Max_Da_G]

Which agrees with my statement that "IN HANDS OF A GOOD SHOOTER" it'll hit targets. I know a man personally who served in West Germany and was hitting full-size standing targets at 350 yards with an AKM. If by tuning you mean to zero it then it applies to ALL weapons. AKs sights are adjustable for windage and elevation. Maybe he wasn't too good a shooter? I wasn't too good when in RAAF and we used AUG with a x1.5 optic with a 5.56 round. But then I wasn't extensively taught.

[@Gaspard129]

The big reason the AK series is used worldwide is because of availability, and limited funds, not because of any inherent superiority. And beyond that, you should know that 80 countries worldwide use a member of the M16 family, and that it is the choice of many special forces world-wide.

[@terradactyl1]

Now I am on television .. thats a clue! Love it!

[@tactical2bagpipes]

I have no degradation in accuracy. I have Romanian, Russian and Bulgarian Aks. One particular SAR-1 has in excess of 25,000 rounds through it and shoots as tight as it did when I got it years ago. Which equates to about 3 inch groups at 100 yards. I dont bench rest because my experience and training is of a tactical nature.I am old enough to have seen a few evolutions of the AR platform and have used and own them as such. MANY failures as well as use of the AK platform during Desert Storm.

[@Max_Da_G]

I meant that the round won't be in contact with the got gas system regulator long enough to cook off the round if all you do is adjust the setting. I've also seen machine gun unable to stop firing as rounds cooked off. THe only way to stop is to remove the mag/box but then its a machine gun. SVD is a semi-auto sniper rifle. It won't get that hot to start with.

[@Gaspard129]

I saw that, and you should see what Fackler has to say about other rounds going through thin extremities. Few are very impressive. Extremities simply are large enough for most rounds to start yawing before they exit out the other side. The M193 is no different. Again, please go take a look at "Military rifle bullet wound patterns - by Martin L. Fackler" Its really good stuff.