Replicas of the rifle selling in open market for even less. The 'toys' can fire more than 300 rubber bullets in a single round. Experts term them potential hazard; small-time Uttar Pradesh gangsters buying them by the dozen
Dangerous games
When MiD DAY spelt out the details of the guns to ballistic experts they expressed concern. "It won't be appropriate to comment without examining the guns. However, I have been hearing about such products in the market. According to the specifications you have told me, I can say with conviction that if a person is shot from close range, the gun can cause severe damage," said Retd Col Ajit Sehrawat.
The Kalashnikov culture
The AK-47 is a selective fire, gas operated 7.62x39mm assault rifle, first developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov. The designation AK-47 stands for Kalashnikov automatic rifle, model of 1947. The low production and materials costs of the AK-47 meant that the Soviet Union could produce and supply client states with this rifle instead of sending surplus ammunitions. As a result, the Cold War saw mass export, sometimes free of charge, of AK-47s by the Soviet Union and Communist China to pro-communist countries andu00a0 groups. The AK design was spread to over 55 national armies and dozens of paramilitary groups.
The proliferation of this weapon is reflected by more than just numbers. The AK is included in the flag of
The Other Side |
Karnail Singh, Joint Commissioner of Police (Northern Range) said, "It is difficult to say anything without having a look at the gun." |
Spot the fake |
The only difference between the original AK47 and toy replicas is in their weight and muzzle velocity. While the original AK47's weight is 4.3 kg, the replica's weight is just 2.78 kg. The muzzle velocity for the two is 715mtrs/sec and 110mtrs/sec respectively. In single trigger press a replica of AK47 fires 300-350 rounds. Other specifications such as length, rate of firing, effective range etc are the same for both. |
