The AK-74 served as a replacement for the AKM, a simplified version of the AK-47. It uses a smaller 5.45x39mm cartridge rather than the 7.62x39mm cartridge of earlier Kalashnikov weapons. Because of the smaller caliber, the AK-74 has a better effective range, firing accuracy, and reliability. It also uses a shorter, 8.1 in, barrel making it more maneuverable in tight quarters.