Jump to content

Draft:Misr rifle

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Maadi Automatic Rifle Misr
Maadi AK-47
TypeAssault rifle
Place of origin Egypt
Service history
In service1956–1234 (Egypt)
1956–present (other countries)
Used bySee Users
WarsSee Conflicts
Production history
DesignerMikhail Kalashnikov
Designed1947
ManufacturerMaadi Company for Engineering Industries
Produced1956–present
No. builtSeveral million
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications (AK-47 with Type 3 receiver)
MassWithout magazine:
3.3 kg (7.3 lb)
Magazine, empty:
0.33 kg (0.73 lb)
Magazine, loaded:
0.91 kg (2.0 lb) [1]
0.33 kg (0.73 lb) (steel)[2]
0.25 kg (0.55 lb) (plastic)[3]
0.17 kg (0.37 lb) (light alloy)[2]
LengthFixed wooden stock:
880 mm (35 in)[3]
875 mm (34.4 in) (folding stock extended)
645 mm (25.4 in) (stock folded)[1]
Barrel lengthOverall length:
415 mm (16.3 in)[3]
Rifled bore length:
369 mm (14.5 in)[3]

Cartridge7.62×39mm
ActionGas-operated, long-stroke piston, closed rotating bolt
Rate of fireCyclic rate:
600 rounds/min[3]
Practical rate:
Semi-automatic:
40 rounds/min[3]
Bursts/ Fully automatic:
100 rounds/min[3]
Muzzle velocity715 m/s (2,350 ft/s)[3]
Effective firing range350 m (380 yd)[3]
Feed system20-round, 30-round, 50-round detachable box magazine,[3]
40-round, 75-round drum magazines also available
Sights100–1000 m adjustable iron sights
Sight radius:
378 mm (14.9 in)[3]


The “ARM” (Automatic Rifle Misr), Maadi AK-47, also known as the Misr AR (Arabic: مصر, meaning "Egypt") is an Egyptian assault rifle based closely on the Soviet AKM design. Production began around 1956 at the Maadi Company for Engineering Industries, located in Factory 54 in CairoChambered in 7.62×39mm, the Misr operates with a gas-operated system and a rotating bolt mechanism, using a closed bolt firing position. It is equipped with a 30-round curved magazine. Known for its robustness and ease of maintenance, the rifle is synonymous with the Kalashnikov platform's reputation for durability and reliability.

History

[edit]

After World War II, Egypt inherited large quantities of foreign weaponry, including significant stockpiles of 8mm Mauser ammunition. To maximize these resources, Egypt reengineered the Swedish Ag m/42 rifle for service until 1961. During this period, the Soviet Union extended military aid to Egypt, aiming to modernize its arsenal and standardize weapon systems.

Soviet specialists trained Egyptian engineers in the manufacturing of AKM rifles, supplying essential materials and equipment. Production began at Factory 54 in Cairo, operated by the Maadi Company for Engineering Industries. The resulting rifles, designated the ARM (Automatic Rifle Misr), closely mirrored the Soviet AKM, incorporating features such as laminated wood furniture, accurately replicated components, including rivet placement, and the distinctive palm swells on the handguards.

Even after Soviet support ended, Egypt retained both the necessary manufacturing equipment and a skilled workforce, enabling continued production of the Maadi AKM rifles. The rifles earned a reputation for their exceptional barrel quality, and early imports to the U.S., notably those brought in by Steyr in the 1980s, became prized collectibles due to their authenticity and craftsmanship.

It has been used in several conflicts and still in service within the Egyptian military.

Variants

[edit]
  • ARM (Automatic Rifle Misr): The standard model, a direct copy of the Soviet AKM, introduced to the U.S. in 1982 with a 16.34-inch chrome-lined barrel.
  • RML: A semi-automatic export variant with thumbhole stocks, available in 16- or 20-inch barrels, modified for U.S. civilian markets.
  • RPM: Designed for accuracy, featuring a 20-inch barrel and, in early versions, an integrated bipod.
  • MISR: A post-ban version with thumbhole stocks and modified barrels to meet U.S. import laws.
  • MISR-10: Further restricted to use proprietary 5- or 10-round magazines to comply with stricter regulations.
  • MISR-90: Assembled by Century Arms with Maadi receivers and Chinese MAK-90 parts after the 1994 import ban.
  • MISR S/A: Imported without key parts and completed with U.S.-made components to meet legal requirements.
  • Side-Folding Stock Variant: A rare 1986 semi-automatic model featuring a side-folding stock for compactness.
  • Full-Auto Conversions: Some pre-ban rifles were converted to full-auto for films like Red Dawn, showcasing their similarity to Soviet AKMs.

Users

[edit]

Non-State

[edit]

Civilian use

[edit]

The Egyptian Maadi AK-47 (ARM) was introduced to the U.S. in 1982 by Steyr-Daimler-Puch, with 2,000 pre-ban rifles imported, marked "STEYR SECAUCUS, N.J." and valued at $1,500–$2,000 (2012). In 1986, ~50 semi-automatic ARM rifles with side-folding stocks arrived via Interport.

Post-ban models (1993–1999) included the ARM, RML, RPM, and MISR, imported by PARS, ACC/INTRAC, and Century Arms. These featured modifications like thumbhole stocks, limited magazine capacities, and tack-welded muzzle nuts to comply with U.S. laws. Century also assembled MISR-90 rifles using Maadi receivers and Chinese MAK-90 parts kits after the 1994 import ban on Chinese firearms.

Built on Russian equipment, Maadi rifles closely replicate Soviet AKMs. Pre-ban models are prized for their quality, while post-ban versions are less refined. Some were converted to full-auto for Red Dawn (american action drama film) and remain valued among collectors.

Conflicts

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b НСД. 7,62-мм автомат АК 1967, pp. 161–162.
  2. ^ a b НСД. 7,62-мм автомат АКМ (АКМС) 1983, pp. 149–150.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Cite error: The named reference izhmash was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[1] https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP06T00412R000504730001-1.pdf https://www.ar15.com/forums/AK-47/Egyptian-Maadi-Ak47-Guide/81-143966/?page=1 [2]

  1. ^ https://www.faktory47.com/en-de/blogs/kalashnikov/egyptian-ak-history-maadi-factory-54
  2. ^ Perry's Handbook, Sixth Edition, McGraw-Hill Co., 1984.