AMD-65

Overview

AMD-65

Right side view of AMD-65 with metal wire folding stock in extended position.
Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin

Hungary

Type

Assault rifle

Entered service

1967

Status

In service

Development

Early to mid 1960's

Developer

Hungary
Karoy Zala

Production

1965 - 1980

Producer

Hungary - Fegyver- és Gépgyár

Number produced

Ten thousands

Designations

AMD-65 / Automata Módosított Deszantfegyver 1965
Hungarian for "automatic modified paratrooper weapon of 1965"

Notable users

Hungary
Afghanistan

Description

Introduction

The AMD-65 is a Cold War era assault rifle of Hungarian origin. It was developed as a more compact weapon for use by paratroopers. The AMD-65 is one of the most distinct looking firearms derived from the Kalashnikov AKM assault rifle.

Design

The AMD-65 is a more compact development of the AKM-63, which is a modified license produced version of the Soviet Kalashnikov AKM assault rifle. The AMD-65 retains the AKM-63 metal forearm with forward angled vertical grip. The barrel is shorter and is fitted with a large double slot muzzle brake. The metal strut side folding stock makes the AMD-65 far more compact than a full size Kalashnikov. However, the ergonomics of the stock are poor and there is no ability to rest your cheek or chin.

Firepower

The AMD-65 fires the 7.62x39mm Soviet round from standard Soviet style 30 round magazines. It is a select fire weapon with cyclic rate of fire of 650 rpm. Despite having the large muzzle brake and forward grip the AMD-65 is reported to be more difficult to operate effectively than the regular full size AKM assault rifle.

Users

The AMD-65 was adopted by the Hungarian military and was mostly issued to paratrooper units. Large numbers were exported to various nations in the Middle East and Africa.