As a firearms expert with a deep understanding of the history and mechanics of various weapons, I can provide a detailed and accurate answer to your question regarding the AK-47.

The AK-47, officially known as the Avtomat Kalashnikova, is a selective-fire, gas-operated 7.62×39mm assault rifle. It was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the late 1940s and is one of the most widely used and recognized firearms in the world. The term "automatic weapon" can be a bit misleading, as it encompasses a range of firearms that can fire multiple rounds with a single trigger pull, but let's delve into the specifics of the AK-47's operation.

Firstly, it is important to clarify the difference between fully automatic, semi-automatic, and burst-fire modes. A fully automatic weapon can continuously fire rounds as long as the trigger is held down, ejecting spent casings and loading new rounds automatically. A semi-automatic weapon, on the other hand, fires one round per trigger pull, automatically ejecting the spent casing and loading a new round, but requires the trigger to be pulled for each shot. Burst-fire is a mode where the weapon fires a preset number of rounds with a single trigger pull, typically two or three.

The AK-47 is designed with a selector switch that allows the user to choose between these firing modes. The standard AK-47 can be set to fire in semi-automatic mode, where each trigger pull results in a single shot, or in fully automatic mode, where holding down the trigger will result in continuous fire. Some variants of the AK-47, such as the AKM, have a burst-fire mode, which is a compromise between fully automatic and semi-automatic firing, providing better control and accuracy while conserving ammunition.

The AK-47's design is renowned for its reliability, durability, and ease of use. It operates on a long-stroke gas piston system, which is a key factor in its ability to function in a wide range of conditions. The gas system harnesses the energy from the fired cartridge's propellant gases, directing them to push a piston that in turn operates the bolt carrier group, cycling the action and chambering a new round.

The 7.62×39mm cartridge used by the AK-47 is intermediate in power, providing a balance between the stopping power of larger rounds and the manageable recoil and weight that allow for prolonged periods of fire. This intermediate cartridge was a significant development in small arms design, as it allowed for lighter and more maneuverable rifles that were still effective at medium ranges.

The widespread use of the AK-47 and its variants, with estimates ranging from 75 million to over 100 million Kalashnikov-family weapons produced, has made it a symbol of both military power and resistance movements around the world. Its simplicity and robustness have contributed to its enduring popularity and widespread adoption.

In conclusion, the AK-47 is not simply an "automatic weapon" in the sense that it only fires in a fully automatic mode. It is a versatile firearm that can be operated in semi-automatic, fully automatic, or burst-fire modes, depending on the model and configuration. Its design, reliability, and the intermediate power of its cartridge have made it one of the most iconic and influential firearms in history.

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-- 75 million AK-47s, 100 million Kalashnikov-family weapons. The AK-47, or AK as it is officially known (Russian: ---ӧ--ާ-?-- ---ѧݧ-?--ߧڧܧ-ӧ-, tr. ... Kalashnikov's Automatic Rifle), also known as the Kalashnikov, is a gas-operated, 7.62--39mm assault rifle, developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov.read more >>