Venezuela’s Kalashnikov Factory to be at full capacity in 2019

The Avtomat Kalashnikova: a weapon that should require no introduction to anyone anywhere in the world. Ubiquitous with warlords, guerrillas, communism, and underground capitalism, its either met with praise by its users or scorn by those on the business end of it. Full of rumors, myths, and legends, it is a weapon that is seldom understood by most in the armchair and cosplay crowd, but in the business of real-world killing, the AK is unparalleled as the small arm of choice. Why? Because it works. That’s why.

There’s also no firearm more prolific in the world than the AK, and in particular, the Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizírovanny, or AKM in for short in 7.62x39mm. With its stamped steel receiver and long stroke action, the weapon is perhaps best known for its ability to withstand hard years of neglect and abuse while still functioning. In Afghanistan it was common to see Cugir AKMs with the finish completely worn off from decades of neglect still in the fight. But that’s not why it’s widespread. The Warsaw Pact nations distributed the weapons to guerrilla groups far and wide, even leasing the tooling to friendly nations all over the world in many places which still use the AK today. As of 2005 the Venezuelan government under the Chavez regime purchased the tooling for a factory in Caracas which should be at full production capacity, despite the tremendous troubles in the nation, in 2019. The Venezuelan army specifically purchased not just the tooling for the updated AKM, the AK-103, but also the means to produce its own 7.62×39 ammo in house. Given the prominence of the AK among guerrillas worldwide and the ostensible socialist learning of the Venezuelan regime which has just been elected to another term, its a safe bet to say AKMs will be in the hands of not just the VZA but several guerrilla groups in the region and likely beyond. The projected numbers alone suggest they’re building for markets other than their own, looking to produce between 25,000 to 50,000 weapons per year.

So why would a national armed service, who’s operating environment is tropical jungle and mountain, pick the AK? And why would they select the dated 7.62×39 when the 5.45 is also on the table? Because it works just dandy in that environment, that’s why. It’s been working. It works in urban environments too, especially when it comes to intermediate barrier penetration and the development of the 8m3. And no matter how many so-called experts jump on bandwagons, simple logistics and common sense dictate one sticks with what works. The bullet is great in a close in fight which is the hallmark of jungle or thick woodland fighting where 50-100m might be considered long range. The 7.62×39 really shines in its intended role; as an intermediate cartridge not good for much past 300m. And with that in mind, it does exactly what its intended to do when paired with effective ammo. Thick vegetation and light jungle hardwoods doesn’t affect the round’s abilities much and more of it can be carried at a slightly lighter payload than the older FAL combat load which was also popular in South America.

What does this mean for you, Joe Prepper?

The Kalashnikov is not only the most widely distributed weapon in the world, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Add that to the fact that the round is very well suited to rural environments where a shot may only be 50-100m at most, an easy case can be made for the platform that’s still relatively cheap to stock up a bunch of ammo for, even if the weapon itself has went up slightly in price. There’s other reasons to like it aside from cheap ammo and solid ballistics. It’s easy to use- the learning curve on the manual of arms is actually pretty simple. Immediate and remedial action is as simple as racking the bolt. Disassembly and maintenance is very simple also, with large internal parts that pretty much anyone with a bit of mechanical intuition can figure out. And although it’s not capable of the accuracy that the AR might be, it’s still easily a minute of man carbine within its parameters if the shooter does his part.

Aside from the weapon however, the fact that Izhmash’s factory will be cranking out so many weapons and ammo is highly significant- as reported, the reason for the factory in the first place is the high cost of importation. Venezuela clearly has aims at arming someone aside from themselves, and despite their national troubles, both Russia and China hold key interests in the region for reasons not limited to just peak oil. Who they’re planning to arm is an interesting question. BRICS is a real thing, with military alliances closely following economic ones. They all have to have a purpose.

Long story short? Get familiar with the AK. Wanna learn how to run one? Contact me and we can set up a class.

 

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37 Comments

  1. NC Scout July 30, 2018 at 08:00

    5

  2. Dirk July 30, 2018 at 11:10

    NC, what optic are those fella’s running, and what kind of picitinny.?

    Dirk

    • NC Scout July 30, 2018 at 16:30

      It’s a PK-A Venezuela red dot collimator. It mounts to the side plate and co-witnesses the irons. Like all the optics I’ve used made in either Russia or Belarus, it’s built like a tank. Also runs on a AA for a long time.

      • SemperFido July 31, 2018 at 23:57

        Thank you NC. I have been hemming and hawing about what sight I wanted for my old Romanian due to my aging eyes and thanks to your answer I just ordered me a PK-A

    • NC Scout July 31, 2018 at 09:19

      Henry linked the site below- russianoptics.net . It was/is run by a collector and AK enthusiast in TX who used to post a lot on Arfcom. He ran a battery test on the PK-A:

      “PK-A Venezuela lasted 157 days at maximum brightness before the battery finally died.”

      Good stuff- not the newest generation of Aimpoint, but also nowhere near as expensive and simpler to mount if you’re running an AK.

  3. Anonymous July 31, 2018 at 08:21

    3

  4. Anonymous July 31, 2018 at 08:33

    4.5

  5. Henry B July 31, 2018 at 08:37

    Good post on a relevant matter…What to buy if one had to have one weapons platform….The AK and variants are great for intended purposes, and well adapted for taking medium to large game as well, comparable to the venerable 30-30, which has taken it’s fair share of game.

    Tactical tommy can buy an AK, surplus mags, @ approx 10.00 a pop or less, some additional kit, and tons of ammo, and be set ….1000rnds of Wolf at 230.00…i am not an expert on Wolf ammo, but it seems to have a high overall rating…..

    Here’s a link on optics for AK platforms: http://russianoptics.net/reddot.html

    Ask the cops on the receiving end of AK’s in the infamous N Hollywood Bank heist, how it felt to be hammered by that platform…

    Had those two better tactics/training it would have been a bloodbath….

    ps…gotta wonder what Uncle Maduro has up his sleeve…They do have the worlds largest known oil reserves, maybe they just want to protect their assets and what better way than to build your own weapons systems vs relying on others…..

  6. Anonymous July 31, 2018 at 08:37

    5

  7. Ray July 31, 2018 at 11:55

    My IZMASH gives the same range performance as My ban-era “L.E.Only” Bushmaster. About 2 MOA. Slightly better if I use my now diminished stock of Yugo M-68. When I was an 11-B back in the early 70’s I trained with the M-16A1 . The Rifles they issued us sucked balls. I never really trusted the system after that. I have now run an SKS and AKM since the 80’s and love both, If it all went TEOTWAWKI I’d still want my Garand as first choice to take to the field. I have found few things in my life that are as deadly, or as trust worthy, as that 1950’s built war horse. But that 7.62X39 is hard to beat as a bush or urban killer. On a side note. The AK is a “close” range fighter. I’d rather run tritium on mine than optics. Maybe that’s just me being “old school”.

    • NC Scout July 31, 2018 at 12:35

      :) Nah, you’re just well experienced. I like all of them and any of them- when asked the “what would you run” question, the answer comes down to logistics above all else and second, mission.

      And for those not wanting to throw down the cash on a tritium FBP, an old school mod is to paint the post yellow and the ring around it white. It works on any weapon.

      • Henry B July 31, 2018 at 15:47

        or you can boost your grand kids glow in the dark paint and put a few thin layers on front post and call it a day…. :-)

        stuff works great….

        Opa, why did you take my paint? says my 8yr old….

  8. […] but not butter: Venezuela’s Kalashnikov Factory to be at full capacity in 2019 As of 2005 the Venezuelan government under the Chavez regime purchased the tooling for a factory in […]

  9. Brian July 31, 2018 at 20:47

    Well, one could assume that they wouldn’t invest in a rifle AND ammunition plant unless they thought they were going to need them.

    Venezuela is in a shambles. Much like Iraq was after the Iran-Iraq war, and we saw what that got us. Saddam lost face after coming off badly against Iran. Dictators CANNOT afford to lose face. He thought Kuwait would be a very rich pushover, and nothing motivates an army like victory. He was wrong, obviously, but maybe Maduro is thinking along the same lines.

    Or, maybe he`s just worried about an arms embargo when he goes full Pol Pot on his country.

    We`ll see.

    • NC Scout July 31, 2018 at 20:54

      Your last point is a great one. The deal was struck while Chavez was alive, and he obviously had designs on becoming a regional power. He even labelled himself the present-day Simon Bolivar. Maduro no doubt looks to continue that trend and if he can’t, another strongman will soon. What we’re not told is the political-economic alliances with the other nations in the region. Relations with Cuba are very good and will continue to be so as they transition into the policies of Diaz-Canel.

  10. TheBohunk August 1, 2018 at 03:30

    What are the long odds that we could see Venezuelan AKs imported here?

    The current AK market is a complete mess. Sanctions against Russia put Saigas and Veprs out of our reach. Word on the streets is that Century is not going to import NPAPs anymore. That leaves just the Bulgarian made Arsenal and Romanian WASR shipments coming in at irregular intervals. At least the Poles are sending parts via WPB.

    So this Seems like a no brainer if they can get them past the ATF’s “sporting” rules. Venezuela needs money, we need more AKs.

    • NC Scout August 1, 2018 at 08:42

      It would be cool indeed. I don’t think that’s the end goal but…maybe we should hope for the best. :)

      • Ray August 1, 2018 at 19:44

        When old Comandante Hugo put the plant in to manufacture both the AK103 and the upgrade Russian ammo and mag’s I remember wondering at the time if he wasn’t looking toward an export plan. BTW for any of you how haven’t had a chance to shoot the 103 with it’s AK74 type vertical gas block. It REALLY changes the way the old girl shoots IMO. I have never put optics on my Izzy but I wouldn’t be at all surprised to get a near 1 moa group with the right ammo if I did put a scope on it. Like the 1903 Springfield. In new condition with the right ammo and a bit of training they are much more accurate than most people think. The iron sights on both were designed with very specific outcomes in mind. The AKM was designed as an open CQB sight. The 1903 was designed as an open long range target sight. Your 98K was designed to be a bomb proof mud hunter. My point is that if you use the tool the way it was meant to be used, you can turn in a workman like job with the tool at hand…and after all that is the whole point for an irregular. Put together the best gear you can, no matter its style or age , get the best weapons with the most ammo. Then use aggression and brains to get the job done.

        • NC Scout August 1, 2018 at 20:06

          Absolutely- the Saigas and Veprs (Izhmash and Molot, respectively) both use vertical gas block as opposed to the older AKM pattern found on WASRs, AMDs, Yugos, etc. It does make a difference in both accuracy and felt recoil. Good AK ammo is actually not terribly hard to find- Golden Tiger has performed well consistently and Lapua makes excellent brass cased rounds. The Yugo M67 was good all around stuff too (although corrosive and getting harder to find).

          Maybe I should do a post on accurizing the AK. Even an off the rack WASR 10 can do fairly well with a couple of basic DIY upgrades.

          • wry762 August 2, 2018 at 20:58

            I would really like to see a post on accurizing AKs – especially the WASR 10. :-)

          • Dirk August 4, 2018 at 12:02

            NC, the WASRS, need a lot of help, anything you can offer would help. I got ” stuck” with three of those piles of crap. Upgraded the triggers, and the furniture, the sights, well you get it.

            Got one WASR that the front sight is as far left as possible, via adjustment, it hits at 100y feel like I can shoot around corners with that one. Garbage, pure and simple.

            What would be very helpful is an overview on MagPul,furnature, and how to make that furnature solid, I’m almost embarrassed for MagPul, the stocks are held on via a very very short 1/4 ish threaded bolt and expanding plastic.

            Any idea on where to find stocks for the Valmet machined receivers, I think their the model 62s. I bought a few back in the 80s, for nothing as they were missing the stocks. The rest of the rifle is awesome, the best ak’s on the market.

            Thinking a Galil, early stock might work, any thoughts?

            Dirk

          • NC Scout August 4, 2018 at 12:38

            Not a fan of Magpul AK furniture. What I suggest is Russian polymer handguards and the Galil folding stock from Bonesteel Arms (https://bonesteelarms.com/Ak-Saiga-Folding-Galil-style-stock-AKFSGL.htm). They should have one to fit the Valmet slant back- I think its similar to the Vepr.

            For the vast numbers of the AKs out there, the slant brake is the culprit of about 70% of the accuracy issues. Take it of and throw it away. Anything from CNC Warrior is a huge upgrade. As for irons, the older WASRs were very hit-or-miss. This was due to a lot of reasons, namely the shoddy build of the kits once they were imported. They came here as incomplete weapons and Century contracted the lowest bidder to ‘build’ them. The new WASRs (since 2015 or so) are new weapons, and imported as complete rifles. What I would do for the older rifles is pull the gas tube and install an Ultimak, top it with a decent red dot, and it’s good to go.

  11. […] will make moves to rearm the FARC or stand up a new guerrilla movement in neighboring Colombia. After all, those AKs they’re building have to go somewhere. When you have a surplus population of scared, hungry and angry people fueled by rhetoric blaming […]

  12. […] modernization appears to be at several levels, going beyond the AK-103 factory built in Caracas which will be at full capacity soon. Both Russia and China appear ready, through their buildup of arms and support structures in the […]

  13. […] If you’re interested in an AK-specific class, I’ve got one on the schedule in February. Even if the Kalash is not your first choice for a weapon, the Russians building a lot of them in Venezuela; you might want to get familiar with them, just in case. […]

  14. […] influenced the decision to switch to the newest 7.62×39 Kalashnikov variant. The AK-203, like the 103 being produced in Venezuela, is chambered in the venerable 7.62×39. While the move might confuse some in the armchair […]

  15. […] between Washington and Russian/Chinese interests. Given Russia’s support for Maduro and their decision to build an arms factory capable of churning out 25,000 to 50,000 AKM and AK-103 rifles, it does not look likely that they will abandon their support in the near […]

  16. […] Such a destabilization would would be incredibly bad, and spillover effects would definitely be felt along the southern border. But the move would fit with the numbers of Kalashnikovs being produced in Caracas, to the tune of 50…. […]

  17. […] what would happen if someone armed the mob. Its not like they’re already getting violent, have top cover from a complicit media, or have […]

  18. […] That said, in several conversations I’ve had with people either from the region or who’ve worked there, any shot at peace will be short lived, especially taking into account the political climate of neighboring Venezuela. The FARC itself was in bad shape logistics-wise, with their aging AKMs and Canadian C7s (a Colt-licensed M16A2 with a collapsible stock) showing signs of severe outer wear; there’s no doubt the barrels are shot out. In short…in order to rearm, you first appear to disarm. Not a problem, since their neighbors are now cranking out more AK-103s in a year than they have people in their Arm…. […]

  19. […] So with those few simple mods, you can turn the AK from that disheveled peasant gun to a potent and practical weapon. With a pile of decent mags from Magpul or X-Tech and cheap ammo, the Kalash can be a heck of a lot of fun and owning at least one makes sense. It’s not like there’s a huge factory kicking out 50,000 of them down in Venezuela arming our adversaries. […]

  20. […] Expat ‘Fred’ has collected a series of news articles covering the incidents in real time. At this time it appears the real players have unfolded- Maduro (and Russia, and China) are seeking to destabilize the entire region, piece by piece. Still wondering where those 50K AK-103s being built per year in Caracas are headed? And where will t… […]

  21. […] Expat ‘Fred’ has collected a series of news articles covering the incidents in real time. At this time it appears the real players have unfolded- Maduro (and Russia, and China) are seeking to destabilize the entire region, piece by piece. Still wondering where those 50K AK-103s being built per year in Caracas are headed? And where will t… […]

  22. […] Expat ‘Fred’ has collected a series of news articles covering the incidents in real time. At this time it appears the real players have unfolded- Maduro (and Russia, and China) are seeking to destabilize the entire region, piece by piece. Still wondering where those 50K AK-103s being built per year in Caracas are headed? And where will t… […]

  23. […] Expat ‘Fred’ has collected a series of news articles covering the incidents in real time. At this time it appears the real players have unfolded- Maduro (and Russia, and China) are seeking to destabilize the entire region, piece by piece. Still wondering where those 50K AK-103s being built per year in Caracas are headed? And where will t… […]

  24. […] Expat ‘Fred’ has collected a series of news articles covering the incidents in real time. At this time it appears the real players have unfolded- Maduro (and Russia, and China) are seeking to destabilize the entire region, piece by piece. Still wondering where those 50K AK-103s being built per year in Caracas are headed? And where will t… […]

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