“AK 47 VS M4: Unraveling High-Angle Ejection Secrets from Shark Fin to Plunger Mechanics”
“AK 47 VS M4: Unraveling High-Angle Ejection Secrets
from Shark Fin to Plunger Mechanics”
Extraction pulls the spent casing rim from the chamber using the bolt-mounted extractor claw as the bolt moves rearward. Ejection then flips the casing clear via the ejector’s strike on the opposite rim side. Pivoting it around the extractors fulcrum.
Gas pressure from firing drives the bolt carrier back,
unlocking the bolt after a brief delay in locked-breech designs like the AK and
M4. The Extractor maintains grip during primary extraction (initial unstick
from chamber walls), followed by secondary extraction as travel continues.
Extractor: Hooks rim for withdrawal, acts as pivot; tension
affects reliability but not primary direction.
Ejector: Imparts directional force-plunger (M4) for early
low-angle kick, fixed fin (AK) for late high-velocity throw.
Factors Determining the Ejection Angle:
Ejector Geometry: The shape, length, and angle of the ejector face
directly influence the direction and force of the impact on the case head,
which in turn sets the initial trajectory.
Extractor Tension: Proper extractor tension is necessary to hold the
case firmly against the bolt face until it hits the ejector. If the tension is
too loose, the case might not pivot correctly, resulting in erratic ejection
patterns.
Bolt Velocity: The speed at which the bolt or slide moves rearward
affects how forcefully the case strikes the ejector. Faster cycling generally
results in cases being flung further.
Ammunition Power/Velocity: Different ammunition loads produce varying levels of
gas pressure and bolt velocity, which impacts the ejection force and pattern.
Ejection Port Design: The size and shape of the ejection port can influence
the final trajectory, as the case might strike the edges of the port on its way
out.
The ejection angle of a firearm's spent casing is
determined by the ejector because the ejector provides the final, angled force
and pivot action that flings the case out of the weapon, while the extractor
only pulls the case straight backward.
Pivot Point: The extractor acts as a stationary (or
near-stationary, at the moment of ejection) pivot point on one side of the case
rim.
Force and Direction: The ejector applies force to the opposite side of the
case head, causing it to rapidly pivot or "kick" out from under the
extractor's grasp and through the ejection port.
Design Specifics: The shape, length, angle, and position of the ejector
all influence the exact angle and force of the ejection pattern. Gunsmiths can
tune the ejection angle by modifying the ejector's face or position.
Ak 47 Bolt with shark fin ejector in the receiver
Ejection Pattern of the AK:
The Ak 47, ejects spent casings at a high angle and
high velocity primarily due to its long-stroke gas piston system, which drives
the heavy bolt carrier rearward with significant force and speed. This rapid
movement, combined with a fixed ejector design, imparts substantial energy to
the casing, ofent launching it forward and upward (around 11 o’clock to 12
o’clock position) with vigorous distance. The system lack of adjustability and
tolerance for excess gas further amplifies this high speed ejection.
This delayed but high-energy impact, combined with
minimal interference from a dust cover or deflector, results in the casing
being flung out at high velocity and steep angles (often 12 o'clock or higher).
The AK-47's piston directly couples barrel gas to the
heavy bolt carrier over a long stroke, generating peak rearward speeds of 4-5
m/s early in travel—far exceeding the M4's direct impingement BCG velocity of
2-3 m/s, which builds gradually via buffered gas impulse. This high momentum
slams the casing into the fixed shark fin ejector with greater force, imparting
substantial kinetic energy (often 10-20 feet throw distance).
In the AK-47, the ejector contacts the casing only
after a certain amount of time following unlocking; before unlocking, no
ejector force acts on the case head, with the extractor solely holding the
cartridge rim. The spent case travels at high velocity with the bolt carrier
until the ejector suddenly strikes the rim, causing the force to spike abruptly
from 0 to 100 at the moment of impact. In contrast, the M4's spring-loaded
plunger ejector applies constant pressure after unlocking, delivering a gentle,
sustained push. The AK lacks a plunger ejector like the M4's, so no ejector
force is applied during unlocking; instead, the ejector force is applied
immediately after a period of travel. If you watch closely the dust cover and
the bolt charging handle act as deflector in the AK. The reason behind why the
AK is using the shark fin ejector is the action of the weapon is fast enough
and long enough to kick out the cartridge by itself. Usually ejection is due to
the torque of the extractor pulling back one side and the ejector pushing
forward the other side.
Ak lacks of early plunger force means no initial
“nudge” so the casing relies solely on the aggressive shark fin strike for
ejection energy.
Ejection Pattern of the M4:
In the M4, the ejector contacts the case head before
unlocking and continuously applies force during extraction. As the bolt unlocks
and begins extraction, the ejector force remains active on the case head. The spent case travels at high velocity with the bolt carrier group. Once the
cartridge neck clears the ejection window, the ejector propels the case
outward. This force does not ramp up abruptly from 0 to 100; instead, it
provides a steady, constant push. However, the M4's spring-loaded plunger ejector
maintains constant pressure even after unlocking, delivering a gentler push.
Unlike the AK-series rifles, the M4 employs no delayed
high-energy impact from its ejector. In the AK design, the ejector—typically a
spring-loaded hook or protrusion—remains under tension during the initial
unlocking and extraction phases. It only releases this stored energy abruptly
once the case clears the ejection port, delivering a sharp, high-impulse
"kick" that violently flings the spent cartridge away with
significant velocity and spin.
The M4's spring-and-plunger ejector, by contrast,
avoids this mechanism entirely. It maintains continuous, low-level pressure on
the case head from initial contact (pre-unlock) through extraction and
ejection. This results in a smoother, more controlled expulsion: the case
accelerates gradually under steady force rather than experiencing a sudden
high-energy strike. Without the delayed impact, the M4 reduces case
deformation, minimizes bolt carrier group stress, and produces more consistent
ejection patterns—ideal for suppressed or short-barreled configurations where
violent ejection could cause malfunctions.
Timing and Force Comparison:
|
Aspect |
AK 47 (Shark Fin) |
(M4 Plunger) |
|
Engagement Timing |
Late, post-unlock after fast travel |
Early, right after unlock |
|
Force Application |
High momentum from piston-driven speed |
Moderate from buffered DI impulse |
|
Resulting Ejection |
High angle/Velocity, less predictable |
Low angle/Velocity, Consistent |
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