title: The U.S. M-16 rifle versus the Russian AK-47 rifle. A comparison of terminal ballistics.
abstract: The standard U.S. military rifle (M-16) is substantially more destructive than its Russian counterpart (AK-47) when fired at short range into clay blocks, despite the fact that the AK-47 is of larger caliber and fires a much heavier bullet with a kinetic energy (muzzle) 25% greater when compared to the M-16. The decisive factor is the 40% greater muzzle velocity of the M-16.
mesh_terms: D005554:Forensic Medicine