AK-74 Magazines

About the AK-74

Since being adopted by the Soviet Army in 1949, the AK-47 has become synonymous with reliability and ease of maintenance. Since its inception, the AK-47 has evolved over time with many variants and copycat models across the globe. The AK-74 was designed under the supervision of Mikhail Kalashnikov, the developer of the AK-47, and improved upon its predecessor’s design and was engineered to be the answer to the United States' newly developed 5.56 cartridge. The biggest change was converting from 7.62x39mm to the 5.45x39mm cartridge. The 5.45x39mm cartridge is a lightweight, high-velocity cartridge that allowed soldiers to carry more ammunition while still having an effective weapon. The AK-74 boasts a better effective firing range and accuracy and features adjustable iron sights. What’s more, this rifle features a stamped receiver with a pistol grip and standard forend and is built to continue to carry on Kalashnikov’s reputation for reliability. Further, this rifle features a long-stroke piston-driven system to help create a reliable rifle that can handle a significant number of rounds through it over a lifetime of use at the range or in the field.

What is a long-stroke piston gas system?

A long-stroke piston gas system is a type of gas system used by the AK series of rifles. When you fire a round, the force of the gases push a piston back to cycle a new round into the chamber. This type of gas system is designed to help prevent powder residue and carbon from impeding the action of the rifle. The piston is located inside the gas tube and as gas is siphoned into the gas tube, the gas piston is sent rearward. While the gas piston is sent reward, the bolt, that is attached to the gas piston, is unlocked and ejects the spent casing. When the gas piston and bolt reach the rearmost position of the receiver, the recoil spring pushes them forward and loads a new round in the process. This cycle happens every time you pull the trigger. Many argue that a long-stroke piston gas system is one of the better gas systems because everything is assembled in a single part and moves together during the whole firing cycle. This increases momentum and increases reliability without adding additional weight.

Why choose the AK-74

When it comes to reliability you can’t go wrong with an AK. Chambered in its original 5.45x39mm or the ever-popular 5.56/.223, this classic rifle is built for long-lasting field use with its stamped receiver, improved iron sights, and always reliable gas system. GunMag Warehouse is your one-stop shop for classic steel AK mags, lightweight polymer magazines, drum magazines, or collectible and hard-to-find magazines like the Russian Bakelite mags. We offer the largest selection of AK-74 mags from trusted and best-selling manufacturers, including Bulgarian mags, KCI®, Magpul®, US Palm®, Arsenal®, and more. Shop our full collection of AK magazines today!