Keeping track of the weapons from the AK family in DayZ can be a bit of a task. Figuring out which one takes what ammunition, or what particular gun is compatible with the 75 Round Drum Magazine will have players Alt-Tabbing for days. Not exactly a wise move while prone in the back room of a barracks trying to assemble a firearm.
To help survivors keep track of the ins and outs of finding, equipping and using AK weapons, we’re going to break down each one, explaining how they can be configured.
AKM
Ammunition Type
- 7.62x39mm Round
Compatible Buttstocks
- AK Polymer Buttstock
- AK Wooden Buttstock
- AK Folding Buttstock
- AK-74 Wooden Buttstock
- AKS-74U Buttstock
Compatible Handguards
- AK Handguard Plastic
- AK Wooden Handguard
- AK Handguard Rail
- AK-74 Wooden Handguard
Magazine Information
- Chamber (1 Round)
- 30 Round Magazine
- 75 Round Drum Magazine
Other Attachments
- PSO1 Scope
- Improvised Suppressor
- Weapon Flashlight
- ATLAS Bipod
- Ghillie Gun Wrap
AK101
Ammunition Type
- 5.56mm Round
Compatible Buttstocks
- AK Wooden Buttstock
- AK Polymer Buttstock
- AKS-74U Buttstock
- AK Folding Buttstock
- AK-74 Wooden Buttstock
Compatible Handguards
- AK Handguard Plastic
- AK-74 Wooden Handguard
- AK Wooden Handguard
- AK Handguard Rail
Magazine Information
- Chamber (1 Round)
- 30 Round Magazine
Other Attachments
- PS01 Scope
- ATLAS Bipod
- Weapon Flashlight
- Ghillie Gun Wrap
- Suppressor East
- Improvised Suppressor
AKS-74U
Ammunition Type
- 5.45mm Round
Compatible Buttstocks
- AKS-74U Buttstock
- AK Folding Buttstock
- AK-74 Wooden Buttstock
- AK Polymer Buttstock
- AK Wooden Buttstock
Compatible Handguards
- None
Magazine Information
- Chamber (1 Round)
- 30 Round Magazine
Other Attachments
- Ghillie Gun Wrap
- Suppressor East
- Improvised Suppressor
AK74
Ammunition Type
- 5.45mm Round
Compatible Buttstocks
- AKS-74U Buttstock
- AK Folding Buttstock
- AK Wooden Buttstock
- AK-74 Wooden Buttstock
- AK Polymer Buttstock
Compatible Handguards
- AK Handguard Rail
- AK-74 Wooden Handguard
- AK Handguard Plastic
- AK Wooden Handguard
Magazine Information
- Chamber (1 Round)
- 30 Round Magazine
Other Attachments
- ATLAS Bipod
- Ghillie Gun Wrap
- Weapon Flashlight
- Improvised Suppressor
- Suppressor East
Notes and Items of interest
The clear winner here is the AKM due to its compatibility with the 75 Round Drum Magazine and larger ammunition type in the 7.62x39mm round. In fact, aside from the very rare M4A1, it might be the most sought after weapon in the game. It can commonly be looted from the barracks found at the Northwest Airfield, Vybor Military Base, as well as several other locations around Chernarus.
Another important point to keep in mind is that the AKS-74U fits into most large backpacks, making it a great alternative to carrying a pistol. Many players believe the Mosin 9130/AKS-74U combination is one of the best in the game, but really, it comes down to player preference.
