Automatic weapons are represented by firearms solutions, where operations for reloading cartridges are made thanks to the energy of the exhaust gases that are released during the shot. In this material, we single out the most popular names for automata, reveal their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
Kalashnikov assault rifle - AK-74
5.5 mm automatic weapons, the development and improvement of which was carried out in the 70s of the last century. The model entered the arsenal of domestic army units in 1974. The creation of weapons is directly related to the need to switch to firing with low-pulse cartridges.
The AK-74 Kalashnikov assault rifle differs from the base model in the ability to use small-caliber ammunition and the presence of a massive muzzle compensator. All this allowed to increase the accuracy of weapons and accuracy of fire. Despite the high efficiency of the model with rapid firing, the sample is characterized by a relatively low penetration ability, which is not surprising due to the use of small-caliber cartridges.
In the late 90s, the machine underwent refinement. Thus, automatic weapons began to be released under a new name - AK-74M. The specified sample retained the functionality of previous versions and acquired relatively compact dimensions.
Self-loading rifle Fedorov
The development of automatic weapons was carried out by a renowned designer, starting in 1906. A rifle was designed for a three-line standard cartridge of 7.6 mm caliber. Initially, the Fedorov assault rifle was equipped with stores with a capacity of 5 units.
The status of the machine was assigned to a self-loading rifle in the 20s of the last century. At this time, shooting tests of a new model were carried out. Serial production started already in the post-revolutionary period at the Degtyarev plant. As of 1924, the total circulation of the issued base model rifles was about 3200 copies.
Subsequently, the Fedorov assault rifle was repeatedly modernized. Especially for the complete set of the model, new sights were developed, more capacious stores and reliable percussion elements were produced.
In the 30s, Fedorov, in collaboration with Degtyarev, developed on the basis of the base model a whole series of improved models of small arms. In particular, the built-in aviation, light and tank machine guns were presented to the high army command. The obtained samples, according to many parameters, anticipated the concept of creating small arms not only of the USSR army, but also of Western states as of the 40s of the last century.
Shpagin submachine gun
The sample was developed in 1941. Almost immediately, the model was adopted by the infantry units of the Red Army.
The Shpagin submachine gun was a truly innovative development for its time, as it had a capacious drum, which housed 71 rounds, and also allowed firing with standard 7.6 mm rounds. The rate of fire of the weapon was about 900 rounds per minute, and the striking ability was 200 meters.
The PPSh submachine gun was an inexpensive and easy-to-use weapon, quite effective for wartime. The sample was produced in large batches. During World War II, more than 5 million copies were produced. In the 50s, the machine was withdrawn from service. However, the model continued to be supplied to countries loyal to the Soviet regime, up to the 80s.
STG 44
The appearance of some models of automatic rifles gave a significant impetus to the development of weapons. Considering the names of the machine guns that made a real revolution in this area, one can not fail to note the German assault model STG 44.
Development really ahead of its time. For the first time in history, a barrel grenade launcher and other additional attachments were successfully implemented in the design.
If we consider the names of the elite class machines developed in the last century, STG 44 occupies one of the most honorable places in this list. In wartime, a night vision scope was released under an automatic rifle . The latter contained an infrared sensor and a battery. Although the range of the device was no more than 100 meters, it was actively used in the last years of the war.
M16
Considering the names of machine guns that have influenced the history of weapons development, it is worth noting the American M16 assault rifle. At one time, the model was one of the most popular and common examples of small arms around the world.
As of the 60s of the last century, when the release of the rifle was put on the conveyor, only a Kalashnikov assault rifle could compete with its characteristics at a decent level.
For the first time, the M16 assault rifle was used by special units of the British army during the Malaysian-Indonesian conflict of 1962-1966. However, gained world fame during the Vietnam War.
Fn fal
One of the main competitors of the Russian AK, in addition to the M16 rifle, is the Belgian development FN FAL. It was this machine gun that was contrasted as a worthy alternative to the above models in numerous armed conflicts of the end of the last century.
The main advantage of the FN FAL is the possibility of using a cartridge of 7.62x51 mm, which acts as a powerful ammunition with impressive energy. However, the relatively small weight of the weapon does not allow for really effective shooting with such a cartridge, even when the sample is equipped with a heavy barrel.
Despite some disadvantages, the FN FAL remains a reliable, easy-to-use weapon. The rifle has high accuracy and accuracy in firing single series. The submachine gun is especially effective when firing at long distances. Thanks to a complete set of modern optics, today the model continues to fulfill the functions of the SVD for numerous army formations of NATO countries.