It had to be in the same chambering (7.62x39mm) as the AKM-63 and have the same operating characteristics. AMD-65 Design While the AMD-65 has many unusual components, including a ventilated steel handguard, a two-chamber muzzle brake, a polymer foregrip and a T-shaped folding stock, the carbine is still an AK at heart, with standard sights and controls, such as the paddle-style magazine release lever.ĭesign specs for the AMD-65 indicated that it should be smaller, lighter and easier to carry than the AKM-63. As the designation indicates, the AMD-65 was developed in 1965, though it did not enter mass production until 1967. In fact, the “D” stands for Deszant, which indicates paratrooper usage. Based on the AKM-63, the AMD-65 is a short-barreled weapon designed for Hungarian airborne and motorized infantry units. The one with which I am most familiar is the AMD ( Automata Módosított Deszant) 65. As a result, I was happy to learn that some of the former Warsaw Pact countries had developed their own compact weapons in this chambering. However, it is chambered for the 5.45x39mm, and I always felt a compact 7.62x39mm carbine would be even better. I have always thought highly of the Russian AKSU since I first fired one over 20 years ago.
