In Russian terminology, the AK is an “avtomat” - a type of automatic rifle but of an intermediate caliber, combining the functions of the sub machine gun (“pistol machine gun” in Russian terminology) and an intermediate caliber carbine.
It’s meant for relatively short-range engagements and relatively high rates of fire to overwhelm adversaries much the same as the German StG-44/MP44.
Its philosophy of design is directed towards the average conscript and parallels our army’s “hit probability” model vs the “aimed fire over maximum engagement ranges” model that more highly talented and trained troops are able to employ.
I probably owe my life to the “to whom it may concern” nature of AK fire.
Compact spray an pray LOL
But the things are not that inaccurate, and are world reknowned for not failing like that Eugene Stoner thing.
My AR jammed and it was a doozy of a jam, Smokingfrog had a look at it and said when was the last time you cleaned this thing?
I said “couple thousand rounds ago, I was conducting a reliability test”
Happy with that AR but that was a ***** to clear
Same here, having a full company come under a dug in battalion of NVA fire and having to run over 200 yards of open rice paddy to the only depression available for cover showed thankfully how inaccurate rock n roll fire can be. Didn't lose any guys in the runup, but definitely learned how fast I could run under full battle rattle with a prc25 strapped on in a zig zag. Adrenalin is a wonderful thing.