Learn how to craft and use the AK-47 Machine Gun
A classic favorite from survival and shooter games alike, the AK-47 Machine Gun in 7 Days to Die is a solid all-around weapon. Modeled after its iconic namesake, this Russian-style battle rifle is a great mid-tier weapon for Fortitude builds and players who need a bit of extra firepower.
This guide will walk you through crafting an AK-47 Machine Gun in 7 Days to Die and offer advice on utilizing it best.
How to craft an AK-47 Machine Gun in 7 Days to Die
Designed with durability in mind, you’ll need some strong materials and basic skills to craft this machine gun. You’ll need to reach the second tier in the Machine Guns crafting skill and have a Workbench before you can successfully assemble this weapon. The amount of crafting materials required will depend on the quality of the weapon being constructed:
| Material | Quality 1 | Quality 2 | Quality 3 | Quality 4 | Quality 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Gun Parts | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Forged Iron | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 |
| Duct Tape | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Scrap Polymers | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 |
| Spring | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Machine Guns Crafting Skill | 11 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 26 |
- Machine Gun Parts can be found by scrapping non-Pipe Machine Guns, searching weapon chests and gun safes, or may be purchased from traders.
- Forged Iron can be crafted at a Forge or salvaged from machines like refrigerators and rusted cars.
- Duct Tape can be crafted by combining Glue and Cloth Fragments or found in parts containers.
- Scrap Polymers may be obtained by salvaging appliances and plastic objects or scavenged.
- Springs can be found in vehicle parts crates or salvaged from machinery and vehicles.
- The Machine Guns crafting skill can only be improved by finding and reading issues of the Tactical Warfare skill magazine.
AK-47 Machine Gun Overview
Base Stats
AK-47 Machine Gun Stats by Quality
| Property | Quality 1 | Quality 2 | Quality 3 | Quality 4 | Quality 5 | Quality 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magazine Size | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Rounds / Minute | 360 | 360 | 360 | 360 | 360 | 360 |
| Effective Range | 45 | 50 | 51 | 56 | 40 | 42 |
| Max Durability | 221 | 306 | 374 | 481 | 581 | 459 |
| Mod Slots | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Ammo
The AK-47 Machine Gun is chambered in powerful 7.62 rounds, of which there are 3 kinds: Standard, HiPower (HP), and Armor Piercing (AP). The damage of each quality of weapon is determined by what ammo the player has loaded into it.
| Ammo Type | Quality 1 | Quality 2 | Quality 3 | Quality 4 | Quality 5 | Quality 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.62 | 40 | 42.5 | 44.6 | 45.4 | 47.6 | 49.8 |
| HiPower 7.62 | 43.6 | 46.2 | 48.5 | 49.4 | 51.8 | 54.2 |
| AP 7.62 | 47.1 | 49.9 | 52.4 | 53.3 | 56 | 58.6 |
Crafting 7.62 Ammo will require a workbench and the following materials:
- 1 Bullet Tip
- 3 Gunpowder
- 1 Bullet Casing
Crafting HiPower 7.62 Ammo will require a workbench, that the player has read the Sniper Vol. 7 perk book, as well as the following materials:
- 2 Bullet Tips
- 3 Gunpowder
- 1 Bullet Casing
Crafting AP 7.62 Ammo will require a workbench, that the player has read the Sniper Vol. 6 perk book, as well as the following materials:
- 2 Bullet Tips
- 5 Gunpowder
- 1 Bullet Casing
Mods
The AK-47 Machine Gun accepts the following mods. Note that only one mod of any category may be attached at a time except accessory mods.
- Barrel: Barrel Extender, Muzzle Brake, Silencer
- Sights: Reflex, Scope x2, Scope x4
- Accessory: Cripple ‘Em, Fore Grip, Bipod
- Tech: The Hunter, Rad Remover
- Trigger Group: Semi, Burst, Full-Auto
- Rail: Laser Sight, Weapon Flashlight
- Magazine: Magazine Extender, Drum Magazine
- Stock: Retracting Stock
Tips and tricks for using the AK-47 Machine Gun
As a member of the Machine Gun weapon class, the AK-47 scales in power with the player’s Fortitude attribute and the Machine Gunner perk.
The AK-47 Machine Gun is capable of both single shots and sustained full-auto fire. This weapon is actually quite accurate at mid-long range, and a skilled shooter can take down most basic enemies with a single shot to the head.
The high durability rating of this weapon actually makes it more reliable than the fragile Tactical Assault Rifle. The additional effective range also makes the AK-47 more viable for long-ranged combat. That being said, it can’t match up to the Tactical Assault Rifle when it comes to damage output and handling.
The controlled but fast firing rate of the AK-47 means this weapon is perfect for handling crowds of enemies or fighting indoors. Outside and at mid-range, however, we recommend the player stick to short 3-5 round bursts to avoid the massive accuracy penalty this weapon gains when firing continuously.
This Machine Gun is a vastly adjustable weapon and may be equipped with various mods to specialize further and improve its performance. Swapping in a drum magazine and recoil-reducing mods like a muzzle brake can make this weapon more capable of handling crowds.
Players who want more accuracy and range may consider attaching a barrel extender, bipod, and scope. More mobility-focused survivors will likely prefer a laser sight and foregrip. This rifle can even be utilized as a stealth or sniper weapon when equipped with a silencer mod.
Final thoughts on the AK-47 Machine Gun
The AK-47 Machine Gun was designed for durability, reliability, and power. The Fun Pimps figured that is exactly what survivors are looking for when choosing an automatic weapon in the apocalypse. After all, what good is a fancy, shiny gun if it jams right when you need it most?
Looking for some more pointers to help you survive Navezgane? Check out our 10 Tips for Getting Started or our in-depth Beginner’s Guide.
