At the dawn of the 22nd century the AK-47/AKM still continues to soldier on. Most of the weapons in active use are minifactured or 3D printed replicas, of course, but the Kalashnikov is still a common sight in many of the remoter parts of the world or even off-world. Some have even been forged by village blacksmiths rather than printed!
For many users their choice may be due to tradition, practicality or conservatism. The AK was good enough for granddad and still does the job, so who needs a high-tech, far more expensive weapon? Many isolationist groups prefer weapons with cased ammunition that they can reload. AKMs are favoured by many ceremonial guard units, particularly if the weapon is also featured on the national flag.
“Maku” the street name for a version of the AKM that is manufactured illegally in many urban areas. It is readily recognized by its crude finish. The fore-end is usually a section of plastic pipe and the stock shaped scrap. Sights are often crude affairs and fixed. The foresight may be either mounted at the muzzle or the top of the gas tube. Rear sight also varies in position and may be either a simple notch or aperture. Despite its ugly duckling appearance the Maku is still an AKM inside.
Note: I have changed the Damage of the AKM et al to 4d+4 to represent that compared to the 5.56x45mm, the 7.62x39mm round often exhibits less spectacular but more consistent terminal effects.
GUNS (RIFLE) (DX-4 or most other Guns at -2)
| Weapon | Damage | Acc | Range (yards) | Mass (lb) | RoF | Shots | ST | Bulk | Recoil |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AKM 7.62mm | 4d+4 pi | 4 | 500/3,100 | 8.7/1.8 | 10 | 30(3) | 9† | -5/-5* | 2 |
| Maku 7.62mm | 4d+4 pi | 3 | 500/3,100 | 11/1.8 | 10 | 30(3) | 9† | -5 | 2 |
| APHC ammo | 4d+4(2) pi- | 500/3,100 |