AK-63


The AK-63 is a Hungarian variant of the AKM assault rifle manufactured by the Fegyver- és Gépgyár state arms plant in Hungary. During the Cold War and afterwards, the AK-63 series was widely exported to a number of nations in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.

History

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.
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 and the folding-stock version was designated AK-63D. All AK-63s in Hungarian military service are expected to be replaced by 2030.

Features

The AK-63 F and D 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. 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.

Variants

AK-63F

Basic fixed-stock copy of the Soviet AKM, designated as the AMM in Hungarian service.

AK-63D

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

AK-63MA

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

SA-85M

A semi-automatic-only version intended for civilian sales in the United States; imported by Kassnar 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.

SA-85S

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

SA-2000S

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

Users