AKM vs. AK-74 sound differences

[maturin 12]

I just recently noticed that the sounds of an AKM going off are extremely different from that of the AK-74 and its variants. The former is a deep, throaty *thump* sound, while the latter is akin to stick being cracked in half.

I was under the impression that there wasn't a tremendous difference between these weapons. Is it accurate that the sounds aren't at all similar?

[bangtail 0]

I just recently noticed that the sounds of an AKM going off are extremely different from that of the AK-74 and its variants. The former is a deep, throaty *thump* sound, while the latter is akin to stick being cracked in half.

I was under the impression that there wasn't a tremendous difference between these weapons. Is it accurate that the sounds aren't at all similar?

Different calibers.

The AKM is 7.62 x 39 and the 74 is 5.45 x 39.

Eth

[max power 21]

There are similarities and differences between the two weapons.

Same action, same barrel length, same gas system, same casing charge.

Different calibre, different projectile, different muzzle brake.

[That guy 10]

the muzzle break drastically changes how the ak74 sounds. Also it makes the weapon louder

[maturin 12]

the muzzle break drastically changes how the ak74 sounds. Also it makes the weapon louder

Louder? So the faint *snap, snap, snap* sound in the game just sucks?

[Inkompetent 0]

Hard to get it to sound proper. An AK-47 or AKM has more of the loud 'thud', while a 74 got a sharper sound. More of a 'crack'.

Then again sound is so subjective. I'm mainly happy we got a difference between the two so you can hear what rifle is being used. :)

[vilas 477]

AK 700 m/s projectile speed (over 2 mach), AK74 900 m/s (almost 3 mach)

maybe 0.7 mach difference is important too ?

[KingN 251]

From what i've noticed from my shooting experiences with different weapons is that barrel length has a great effect to the sound as well. The shorter barrel, the louder the noice, even if the same caliber is used. I guess it's because in a shorter barrel the gun powder has less time to accelerate the bullet and therefore once the bullet leaves the barrel the excess energy (pressure) is released as noice. But I'm not a gun/ballistics expert, but yes, even if the exact same caliber is used different guns may sound different as far as I know.

[vilas 477]

heh, maybe shorter barrel is closer to your ear ?

with such big noise probably 30 cm makes difference (like with flash and smell)

and concerning accelerate and burn powder - maybe you are right

yes, we need sound engineer to enlighten this issue

but for sure :

AK74 and AK are not the same when it comes to sound

2.2 vs 2.9 mach of projectile 200 m/s of difference in speed, maybe pressure of wave takes some sound bang wave ? i had phisics 10 years ago, but maybe it works this way too ?

shape of projectile

muzzle brake device on AK74 changes way of gas powder flow etc.

in AK you have no device on end of barrel

on AK74 there is device which changes gas pressure and flow

Edited September 22, 2009 by vilas

[Inkompetent 0]

Barrel length *is* very important for the sound of a gun. That the muzzle might get 5" closer to the ear does little in comparison to what it does to the gas pressure.

The excess energy of the gas 'bleeds out' more the longer the barrel is, so the shorter the barrel, the more excess gas pressure is wasted into a muzzle blast.

Also, the supersonic crack of the bullet doesn't do much. I'm not even sure if it technically can be heard by the firer even if there wouldn't be a bang due to the bullet moving away from the firer, without ever passing him. The supersonic shockwave doesn't ought to have much of a rearward effect.

The actual projectile speed isn't really relevant. Rather the amount of propellant, the burn time for it, the calibre of the weapon, the time it takes for the bullet to leave the barrel, the muzzle break, and how the mechanics of the weapon works (delayed blow-back, piston, bolt action, just to name a few)

Edited September 22, 2009 by Inkompetent

[fincuan 0]

Also, the supersonic crack of the bullet doesn't do much. I'm not even sure if it technically can be heard by the firer ...

I don't know either if that should technically happen, but I assure you it doesn't happen in practice :)

[KingN 251]

Also, the supersonic crack of the bullet doesn't do much.

Sure it does, though of course it can be heard louder in front of the gun. Because of the supersonice crack, when using a silencer, you have to use subsonic ammunition with it so that the bullet won't brake the sound barrier. Otherwise using the silencer has not much effect if not at all.