SKILLS AT ARMS (SAA)
Arms Technical & Ballistic Summary
THE COMMANDER'S FIELD GUIDE
2026 EDITION
AK-47 | TYPE 81-1 | FAZ (FAL) | SMG
Authored by:
Maj. Jason Nshimiyimana
Senior Ballistics & Small Arms Instructor
RESTRICTED — FOR TRAINING & ACADEMIC USE
Target Audience Officers, NCOs, and Firearms Instructors
Classification Restricted — Training Use Only
Platform Optimised for Stuvia & Academic Distribution
Weapons Covered AK-47 · Type 81-1 · FAZ / FAL · SMG (9 mm)
Edition 2026 | SAA Revised & Updated
,SKILLS AT ARMS (SAA) — COMMANDER'S FIELD GUIDE 2026 RESTRICTED — TRAINING USE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Title Page
SECTION 1 Introduction & Purpose of This Guide 3
SECTION 2 General Characteristics of Small Arms 4
SECTION 3 Weapon Profile — AK-47 (7.62×39 mm) 5
SECTION 4 Weapon Profile — Type 81-1 (7.62×39 mm) 8
SECTION 5 Weapon Profile — FAZ / FAL (7.62×51 mm NATO) 11
SECTION 6 Weapon Profile — SMG (9×19 mm Parabellum) 14
SECTION 7 Deep-Dive Technical Comparison: Type 81-1 vs FAZ 16
SECTION 8 Maintenance, Stoppages & Field Drills 19
SECTION 9 Quick-Reference Data Tables 21
SECTION 10 Instructor Closing Notes & Recommended Training 22
Maj. Jason Nshimiyimana | SAA Instructor Page 1
, SKILLS AT ARMS (SAA) — COMMANDER'S FIELD GUIDE 2026 RESTRICTED — TRAINING USE
SECTION 1
Introduction & Purpose of This Guide
1.1 Purpose
This manual is produced for use by officers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and qualified firearms
instructors operating within the framework of the Skills at Arms (SAA) training programme. It consolidates
technical ballistic data, weapon handling procedures, and comparative analysis into a single, deployable
reference document. The 2026 edition has been revised to incorporate updated range data, maintenance
protocols, and climate-specific field observations.
1.2 Scope
This guide covers four primary small arms in operational service: the AK-47, Type 81-1, FAZ (FAL variant),
and SMG (9 mm). For each weapon, the following are addressed:
• Origin, operating mechanism, and action type
• Full technical characteristics including weight, length, caliber, and magazine capacity
• Ballistic data — muzzle velocity, effective range, and maximum range
• Cyclic rate of fire and sustained rate of fire (where applicable)
• Common stoppages and immediate action drills
• Field maintenance schedule and lubrication points
1.3 How to Use This Guide
Each weapon section is self-contained and may be studied independently. The deep-dive comparison in Section
7 requires familiarity with both the Type 81-1 and FAZ profiles. Instructors are directed to the Instructor's Note
boxes throughout — these contain field observations not found in standard armament manuals. Diagram
placeholders indicate where photographic or technical illustrations are to be inserted by the issuing unit.
INSTRUCTOR'S NOTE — Maj. Jason Nshimiyimana: This manual is designed for field conditions. Print on
waterproof paper where possible. Laminate the Quick-Reference Data Tables (Section 9) and issue them
separately to section commanders. A soldier who cannot state the effective range of his weapon has not been
trained — he has merely been issued a firearm.
Maj. Jason Nshimiyimana | SAA Instructor Page 2
Arms Technical & Ballistic Summary
THE COMMANDER'S FIELD GUIDE
2026 EDITION
AK-47 | TYPE 81-1 | FAZ (FAL) | SMG
Authored by:
Maj. Jason Nshimiyimana
Senior Ballistics & Small Arms Instructor
RESTRICTED — FOR TRAINING & ACADEMIC USE
Target Audience Officers, NCOs, and Firearms Instructors
Classification Restricted — Training Use Only
Platform Optimised for Stuvia & Academic Distribution
Weapons Covered AK-47 · Type 81-1 · FAZ / FAL · SMG (9 mm)
Edition 2026 | SAA Revised & Updated
,SKILLS AT ARMS (SAA) — COMMANDER'S FIELD GUIDE 2026 RESTRICTED — TRAINING USE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Title Page
SECTION 1 Introduction & Purpose of This Guide 3
SECTION 2 General Characteristics of Small Arms 4
SECTION 3 Weapon Profile — AK-47 (7.62×39 mm) 5
SECTION 4 Weapon Profile — Type 81-1 (7.62×39 mm) 8
SECTION 5 Weapon Profile — FAZ / FAL (7.62×51 mm NATO) 11
SECTION 6 Weapon Profile — SMG (9×19 mm Parabellum) 14
SECTION 7 Deep-Dive Technical Comparison: Type 81-1 vs FAZ 16
SECTION 8 Maintenance, Stoppages & Field Drills 19
SECTION 9 Quick-Reference Data Tables 21
SECTION 10 Instructor Closing Notes & Recommended Training 22
Maj. Jason Nshimiyimana | SAA Instructor Page 1
, SKILLS AT ARMS (SAA) — COMMANDER'S FIELD GUIDE 2026 RESTRICTED — TRAINING USE
SECTION 1
Introduction & Purpose of This Guide
1.1 Purpose
This manual is produced for use by officers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and qualified firearms
instructors operating within the framework of the Skills at Arms (SAA) training programme. It consolidates
technical ballistic data, weapon handling procedures, and comparative analysis into a single, deployable
reference document. The 2026 edition has been revised to incorporate updated range data, maintenance
protocols, and climate-specific field observations.
1.2 Scope
This guide covers four primary small arms in operational service: the AK-47, Type 81-1, FAZ (FAL variant),
and SMG (9 mm). For each weapon, the following are addressed:
• Origin, operating mechanism, and action type
• Full technical characteristics including weight, length, caliber, and magazine capacity
• Ballistic data — muzzle velocity, effective range, and maximum range
• Cyclic rate of fire and sustained rate of fire (where applicable)
• Common stoppages and immediate action drills
• Field maintenance schedule and lubrication points
1.3 How to Use This Guide
Each weapon section is self-contained and may be studied independently. The deep-dive comparison in Section
7 requires familiarity with both the Type 81-1 and FAZ profiles. Instructors are directed to the Instructor's Note
boxes throughout — these contain field observations not found in standard armament manuals. Diagram
placeholders indicate where photographic or technical illustrations are to be inserted by the issuing unit.
INSTRUCTOR'S NOTE — Maj. Jason Nshimiyimana: This manual is designed for field conditions. Print on
waterproof paper where possible. Laminate the Quick-Reference Data Tables (Section 9) and issue them
separately to section commanders. A soldier who cannot state the effective range of his weapon has not been
trained — he has merely been issued a firearm.
Maj. Jason Nshimiyimana | SAA Instructor Page 2
