Originally Posted by
NutLoose
Well for one, Russia is still using the same basic assault rifle that was designed during WW2, we are now looking at another having gone through 3 or 4 different weapons and amunition sizes since then.
They may all look the same and share the same design principles but they have upgraded. The AK-47 was in use from 1949 to 1974 chambering 7.62x39mm. From 1974 to 1991, they used the AK-74 chambering a smaller 5.45x39mm round. Since 1991, they have been using a modernised version designated the AK-74M (same ammo).