Kalashnikov Concern AK-47 vs FN Herstal FAL
Kalashnikov Concern AK-47 and FN Herstal FAL are both rifle & long arms, compared here on public specifications. The FN Herstal FAL leads on effective range (600 vs 350 m). Several Russia-origin figures here are manufacturer or state claims with limited independent verification, so treat this comparison as directional.
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Full data
Full spec sheet
 Kalashnikov Concern AK-47
Wins 3/6 |  FN Herstal FAL
Wins 3/6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Effective range (m) | 350 m | 600 m ✓ |
| Rate of fire (rpm) | 600 rpm | 650 rpm ✓ |
| Muzzle velocity (m/s) | 715 m/s | 840 m/s ✓ |
| Firepower | ||
| Caliber (mm) | 7.6 mm | 7.6 mm |
| Ammunition | 30 ✓ | 20 |
| Physical | ||
| Length (m) | 0.87 m | 1.09 m |
| Empty weight (kg) | 3 kg | 4 kg |
| Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Program | ||
| Unit cost (USD) | $800 | N/A |
| Units built | 75,000,000 ✓ | 7,000,000 |
| Operator countries | 106 ✓ | 90 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper? +
The Kalashnikov Concern AK-47 has the lower public unit-cost figure at 800 USD. Treat this as directional, defense pricing varies by contract and configuration.
Which has the higher effective range? +
The FN Herstal FAL has the higher effective range at 600 m.
Which has the higher rate of fire? +
The FN Herstal FAL has the higher rate of fire at 650 rpm.
Which has the higher muzzle velocity? +
The FN Herstal FAL has the higher muzzle velocity at 840 m/s.
Which has the higher ammunition? +
The Kalashnikov Concern AK-47 has the higher ammunition at 30.
Which has the higher units built? +
The Kalashnikov Concern AK-47 has the higher units built at 75,000,000.
Is the Kalashnikov Concern AK-47 better than the FN Herstal FAL? +
On the public specs we track, Kalashnikov Concern AK-47 and FN Herstal FAL are closely matched, Kalashnikov Concern AK-47 leads on ammunition, units built, operator countries, while FN Herstal FAL leads on effective range, rate of fire, muzzle velocity. See the full spec sheet for the metric-by-metric breakdown.
Where does this comparison data come from? +
Every figure in the table is sourced from public manufacturer pages, defense-ministry releases and reference publications, and is verifiable on each system's spec page. WeaponSpecs does not accept vendor placement.
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