AK-63

• Name — AK-63 • Origin — Hungarian People's Republic • Type — Assault rifle • Is Ranged — yes • Service — 1977–present • Used By — See Users • Wars — Iran–Iraq War Lebanese Civil War Sri Lankan Civil War Somalian Civil War Gulf War Yugoslav Wars Iraq War Syrian Civil War War in Iraq (2013–2017) • Design Date — 1977 • Manufacturer — Fegyver- és Gépgyár • Production Date — 1977–2001 • Variants — See Variants • Weight — 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) • Length — 34.6 in (88 cm) • Part Length — 16.3 in (41.5 cm) • Cartridge — 7.62×39mm • Caliber — 7.62mm • Action — Gas-operated, rotating bolt • Rate — 600 rounds/min • Range — 500m • Feed — 10, 20, 30, 40-round box magazines, 75 or 100-round drum magazine • Sights — Iron sights

Although the AMD-65 had been the Hungarian service rifle since 1965, it was more expensive to build, and the forward grips had a reputation for being easily damaged in the field. In the late-1970s, the Hungarian Defense Ministry requested that FÉG manufacture a cheaper rifle based on the more traditional Soviet AKM design. By the end of 1977, the AK-63 was adopted by the Hungarian People's Army (beginning with the Ground Forces). In 1978, FÉG added a folding stock AKMS version of the AK-63 to their catalogue; thereafter, the fixed-stock AK-63 became known as the AK-63F (Wooden Stock) and the folding-stock version was designated AK-63D (Descent). All AK-63s in Hungarian military service are expected to be replaced by 2030.

The AK-63 F and D (AMM and AMMS) are both nearly identical externally to the USSR-manufactured AKM and AKMS. The main difference is that the AK-63 series retains the distinctive-looking straight pistol grip of the AKM-63. The forward hand grip of the AK-63 also lacks the palm swells which characterize the Soviet AKM (and most AKM copies made in many other countries). The stepped lightening cut on the bolt carrier is absent and retains the relief ports on the gas tube. The wood on the AK-63, like that of the AKM-63, has a bright, laminated blond finish.

Basic fixed-stock copy of the Soviet AKM, designated as the AMM (Automata Kalasnyikov Modernizált Magyarosított) in Hungarian service.

AKMS copy with an under-folding steel stock, designated as the AMMS in Hungarian service.

Modernized version of the AK-63F, unveiled in 2013.

A semi-automatic-only version intended for civilian sales in the United States; imported by Kassnar (of Harrisburg, PA) in both pre- and post-ban versions. Around 7,000 pre-ban SA-85Ms were imported prior to 1989, it is now considered a collector's item amongst firearms enthusiasts and commands high prices.

Semi-auto version with thumbhole stock produced from 1990 to 1994; around 24,500 imported to the US.

Federal Assault Weapons ban-era version with single stack magazine. Exclusively for the US market.

• Hungary: Main service rifle of the Hungarian Defence Forces. To be replaced by the CZ BREN 2. • Iran: Most likely captured rifles from Iraq used by Iranian Revolutionary Guards. • India: Phase out for replaced by the AK-203. • Iraq • Nicaragua • Somalia • Zambia

• Croatia: Known to be used in Croatian War of Independence.

• Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front former flag.svg Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front • Islamic State • Flag of Kurdistan Workers' Party.svg Kurdistan Workers' Party • Flag of the FSLN.svg Sandinista National Liberation Front • Women's Protection Units

• Illustration — Kurdish PKK fighter holding an AK-63. • Illustration — Hungarian soldier with an AK-63.