The AK-47 and the AKM are both well-known assault rifles developed in the Soviet Union, but they have several key differences:

1. Design and Development:

   • AK-47: The AK-47, or Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947, was the original model designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. It was first developed in the late 1940s and became the standard issue rifle for the Soviet armed forces.
   • AKM: The AKM, or Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizirovanniy, is a modernized version of the AK-47. It was introduced in 1959 to improve upon the original design.

2. Weight and Materials:

   • AK-47: The AK-47 is heavier, primarily due to its use of milled steel receivers.
   • AKM: The AKM is lighter because it uses stamped sheet metal for the receiver, which also made it cheaper and easier to produce.

3. Accuracy and Recoil:

   • AK-47: The original AK-47 has a slightly higher recoil due to its heavier construction.
   • AKM: The AKM features a slant compensator on the muzzle, which helps reduce recoil and muzzle rise, improving accuracy during automatic fire.

4. Production and Cost:

   • AK-47: The production of the AK-47 was more labor-intensive and costly due to the milling process.
   • AKM: The AKM's stamped receiver allowed for faster and more cost-effective mass production.

5. Features and Improvements:

   • AK-47: The AK-47 had a simpler design with fewer features.
   • AKM: The AKM introduced several improvements, such as a redesigned stock, a modified gas tube, and a new trigger mechanism to prevent accidental discharge.

6. Bayonet and Accessories:

   • AK-47: The original AK-47 had a different bayonet design.
   • AKM: The AKM came with a new bayonet design and could accommodate a wider range of accessories.

Overall, the AKM was designed to be a more efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly version of the AK-47, addressing some of the limitations of the original model while maintaining its reliability and effectiveness.