The Armscor AK22 is a semi-automatic .22 LR Kalashnikov rifle designed in 1987 by Ruko Products (later KBI), and sold by Armscor (Arms Corporation of the Philippines).[1] Sales of the AK22 and other .22 LR Armscor rifles were "very strong in the local market", due to a relaxation of gun laws, after the end of martial law under Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.[2]
| Armscor AK22 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic rifle |
| Place of origin | Philippines |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1987 |
| Manufacturer | Ruko Products |
| Variants | AK22F |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 7 lb (3.2 kg) (unloaded) |
| Length | 36 in (910 mm) |
| Barrel length | 18.25 in (464 mm) |
| Height | 8 in (200 mm) |
| Caliber | .22 LR |
| Feed system | 10, 15, or 30 round box magazine |
| Sights | Post front sight, open U-notch fully-adjustable rear |
Design edit
In order to save costs, the AK22's design is based on the Model 20, a previous .22 LR design by Armscor. The AK22 uses a clamshell which holds the receiver and trigger housing together.[2] The clamshell design increases the weight of the weapon, and requires the usage of a screwdriver in order to be field stripped.[3] The stock, forend and foregrip are all made out of mahogany, which further increased its weight, and made the rifle disproportional, with some gunsmiths choosing to cut them down.[2] It has a 4–6 lb (1.8–2.7 kg) trigger pull.[4]
The AK22F, a variant with a folding stock modeled after the one on the FAL PARA, was also produced to compete with Kalashnikov clones from other countries such as Italy, France, and Germany.[2] It was discontinued in 1995.[5]
Magazines for the AK22 are compatible with other Armscor designs, such as the Armscor M16 22 and Galil-22. 10-, 15-, and 30-round magazines were made, with the 15-round magazine being discontinued some time before 2015.[5]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Peterson, Phillip. Gun Digest Book of Modern Gun Values: The Shooter's Guide to Guns 1900 to Present (16 ed.). p. 277.
- ^ a b c d Ramos, J.R. "Armscor Rimfire Battle Guns". Small Arms Review. Small Arms Review V7N7 (April 2004). Retrieved August 30, 2013.
- ^ "Manual for Model AK22" (PDF). Gun Knowledge. p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2012-03-28. Retrieved 2021-05-08.
- ^ "MAK 22". Armscor USA. Archived from the original on 2013-05-10. Retrieved 2021-05-08.
- ^ a b "AK-47 Copies in .22-caliber". 031d26d.namesecurehost.com. Retrieved 2021-05-08.