How does an ak47 work?

Answer 1

The AK47 uses a long-stroke gas-operated system. That is, the expanding gases created in the barrel when the bullet is fired are directed up through a hole in the barrel into the gas tube. The pressure in the gas tube forces the piston and bolt carrier back, extracting the empty case from the chamber. Once the bolt-carrier is pushed rearward, it compresses the recoil spring, which expands and drives the bolt carrier back forward, stripping a new round from the magazine and inserting it into the chamber. Upon chambering, the bolt locks itself into the barrel extension.

http://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=_sNDTdKQNVU - This video shows the bolt-carrier movement, in slow motion.

Answer 2

http://www.pbase.com/the_kampfer/image/47449546