Watch this video and read this story by American Rifleman Field Editor Martin K. A. Morgan regarding the function and history of the AK-74 select-fire rifle, chambered in 5.45x39 mm.

The M16, like the AK-47, is also a gas-operated rifle and features a rotating bolt with direct impingement. The M16 had a higher rate of fire, 700-950 rounds-per-minute (rpm), ...

However, the WAC47 (the M16 version to be produced by Ukraine) is designed for 7.62×39 mm ammunition used by Soviet weapons such as the AK-47 and the AKM assault rifles.

However, the WAC47 (the M16 version to be produced by Ukraine) is designed for 7.62×39 mm ammunition used by Soviet weapons, such as the AK-47 and the AKM assault rifles.

Like the M16 and many other rifle arms since the early 1900s (and a few pistols, most notably Israel’s Desert Eagle), the AK-47 is gas operated.