The AK-47 is the original Kalashnikov model and has a milled receiver. It is a select fire assault rifle that fires the intermediate power 7.62x39mm round from a highly curved 30 round magazine. The AK-47 was produced until the mid 1950's at which time the production shifted towards the AKM. The AKS-47 has a metal underfolding stock to make the weapon more compact for mechanized infantry and paratroopers. The S stands for Skladnoy, Russian for folding.

The AKM is the modernized version of the AK-47. The M stands for Modernizirovanniy, Russian for modernized. It is a simpler and lighter version of the AK-47. The main differences are the stamped receiver, improved trigger design, different angle of the stock and muzzle device. The majority of the Kalashnikovs that have been produced are of the AKM type, but they are often simply referred to as AK-47. The AKMS is an AKM with a similar metal underfolding stock as the AKS-47.

The RPK is a gas operated, air cooled selective fire light machinegun based on the product improved Kalashnikov assault rifle. It fires the same medium power 7.62x39mm round. RPK stands for Ruchnoy Pulemyot Kalashnikova, which is Russian for Kalashnikov light machinegun. The RPK differs from the AKM in having a longer chrome lined barrel, bipod, redesigned stock and thicker receiver. The RPK uses 75 round drum magazines and 40 round box magazines. The drum magazine proved rather heavy and expensive to produce. The Soviet army decided to issue one drum and several 40 round box magazines to every RPK operator, with the drum magazine to be used at the start of the battle. The RPKS is the folding stock variant of the RPK. Unlike the folding stock AKMS the stock is not a metal one that folds under the weapon. The stock is made of solid wood and folds to the side.