The AM-17 assault rifle, developed by the Kalashnikov concern in 2022, is small in size and lightweight. Original design solutions were used here, which made it possible to improve the characteristics of the weapon compared to analogues that are in service. AM-17 was recently presented by the developers. But it is expected that it will be adopted and replace the AKS-74U in law enforcement agencies and when used by crews of various vehicles.
The history of the creation of the Dragunov assault rifle
This machine gun was created by the Kalashnikov concern. It was developed on the basis of an experimental development - the MA machine gun. The purpose of the creation is to provide crews of various types of equipment with weapons for self-defense, as well as arming special forces forces that are engaged in maintaining order. It is believed that it was released to replace the AK-74U. Experts believe that members of security forces and law enforcement agencies will most likely switch to using the Dragunov assault rifle in the near future.
Its predecessor, the MA assault rifle, was created in 2022 by weapons designer Evgeny Fedorovich Dragunov, who is also known as the creator of the SVD sniper rifle. It was created as part of the “Modern” competition announced by the USSR Ministry of Defense in the seventies of the last century. MA did not win, AK-74U took first place. However, many experts believe that the experimental MA model remains underestimated.
When creating this machine gun, one of the most important goals was to create a weapon, most of the parts of which were made of special, highly durable plastic. For its time, such a weapon was unique.
Successful solutions were implemented in MA.
New magazines were developed for it, new ones were used in the design: pistol grip, fore-end, receiver lining, butt. The trigger mechanism was actually hidden in the stock. A receiver that was new in the Soviet Union at that time, consisting of two halves, was used. With this design, the length of the weapon was reduced. The Kalashnikov concern believes that this innovation is one of the most original parts of the prototype weapon. In the MA, the trigger mechanism, barrel, and return mechanism are suspended on a metal plate, which is part of the receiver. The use of such a plate made it possible to make all the main elements of the weapon from impact-resistant plastic.
This weapon was designed in such a way that there were no protruding parts. Thanks to this feature, the machine was very comfortable to wear in almost any position. MA lay in storage for 40 years, as it was considered an insufficiently effective development.
AKS-74U was also a successful model. However, it had significant shortcomings. One of them was the relatively high weight of the weapon, which was 3 kg. The bullet speed of this machine gun is 735 m/sec, but was insufficient for this type of weapon. It should also be noted that this model’s barrel overheated greatly as a result of intense shooting.
The aiming range of the machine gun was 400 m, which was also not enough. Even the use of additional sighting systems did not solve the problem. The AKS-74U did not have a special bracket for using various types of body kit. If the shooter wanted to use one, he had to mount it himself.
The AM-17 corrected most of the shortcomings of the AKS-74U. The compact size of the weapon did not prevent the installation of a Picatinny rail, which can be used to install various types of body kit. It made possible simple and reliable installation of various types of sights - laser, optical or collimator.
The creators of the assault rifle believe that the AM-17 is one of the most effective weapons in urban environments. It helps make the shooter more maneuverable and meets modern requirements. This weapon was designed using the latest digital technology.
Carbine "Sarych"
Designer Alexander Shevchenko has a unique ability to attract attention to his developments. In the mid-1990s, he presented his version of the compact Kalashnikov assault rifle - the Cheetah submachine gun.
Taking the AKS-74U and PP-19 “Bison” as a basis, Shevchenko presented probably the most unusual variation of the Kalash.
But what attracted the most attention was the futuristic design of the carbine. Clad in a polymer body, "Sarych" is more reminiscent of weapons from science fiction films than modern weapons
In addition to a modern appearance, the carbine also has modern functionality - the body has Picatinny rails for installing modern sighting devices, and a skillfully camouflaged bipod is located below. The buttstock is equipped with adjustable cheek and shoulder rests. The designer also proposed a whole range of interchangeable barrels that can turn the Sarych into both a relatively compact assault rifle and a light machine gun.
Unfortunately, the Sarych exists only in prototype form and the project never reached the stage of creating a full-fledged combat model. “Shooting” from a carbine is possible only in computer games. No information was received about the further fate of the innovative carbine
Nevertheless, this carbine was able not only to attract public attention for a long time with its unusual appearance, but also allows you to imagine what Russian weapons of the future might look like
Performance characteristics of the Dragunov AM-17 assault rifle
| Characteristic | Parameter |
| Caliber | 5.45 mm |
| Trigger type | sa |
| Barrel type | threaded |
| Ammunition type | 5.45x39 |
| Magazine capacity | 30 |
| Weight without cartridges | 2.5 kg |
| Length with stock folded | 49 cm |
| Full length of weapon | 75 cm |
| Rate of fire | 700-850 rounds per minute |
This machine gun weighs 2.5 kg and uses a magazine that holds 30 rounds. This weight is due to the fact that the weapon is largely made of polymer materials. High ergonomics improves shooting comfort. This weapon is equipped with a flame arrester, the use of which allows you to visually mask the flames of shots.
By watching this video, you can learn more about the AM-17 and AMB-17 assault rifles
AN-94 "Abakan"
The Nikonov assault rifle was developed as part of a program to create third-generation automatic weapons.
Then, in the early 1970s, the Soviet army launched the Abakan program, the task of which was to develop weapons for the new 5.45 mm caliber cartridge. In parallel with this, the AK-74 was also being developed. During the competition, the design of Gennady Nikonov, on the basis of which the AN-94 assault rifle was created, was noted. Despite the appearance being similar to the AK, the internal design of the Abakan is significantly different. The AN-94 has a movable receiver that moves in space along with the bolt. The machine also has a two-stage cartridge supply system. All these innovations were designed to increase the accuracy of the machine. The firing mode with a two-round cut-off was also innovative - due to the automatic features, the second bullet flew to the same point as the first. In a Kalashnikov assault rifle, the second and subsequent bullets will inevitably fly higher and to the right. There is also a high rate of fire - the first two bullets leave the barrel at a speed of 1,800 rounds per minute. The same function also works in fully automatic mode - the first two shots are fired at the same rate of 1,800 v/m, and the rest at 600 v/m. Accordingly, the accuracy of firing in long bursts was no different from shooting from an AK-74.
Despite the complicated design, the weapon developers of the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant managed to achieve high reliability of the design, which was not inferior to the AK. The design of the machine also allows the use of any attachments compatible with AKs of those times.
It was originally planned that the AN-94 would become the new main assault rifle of the then Soviet army. But because of its features, the machine gun began to be perceived as a weapon of the elite. This is primarily due to the design - a complex system of rods and levers, a two-stage cartridge supply system and a movable receiver caused difficulties for recruits during maintenance. In order to properly disassemble and assemble the AN-94, training was required for several weeks or even months. Consequently, the machine gun was considered not particularly suitable for use by conscripts. But “Abakan” gained some popularity among special forces units and is still used today.
AM-17 structure
This weapon has compact dimensions, high ergonomics, and intuitive control of the machine. The weapon is easy to use for both right-handed and left-handed people. In it, the safety and firing mode selector are double-sided, the bolt handle can be right or left.
The machine gun contains a compact plastic receiver, which has a U-shaped cross-section and is reinforced with a liner made of steel for strength. The barrel, return spring and other parts are suspended from a steel bar. This design is one way to reduce the overall weight of the machine.
Automation is based on the use of a short-stroke gas piston with locking using a rotating bolt with three stops. The material from which the mechanism is made is a particularly durable plastic reinforced with metal parts.
The receiver has a Picatinny rail on top. It can be used to install sighting devices or various other types of body kit. This part is installed on the bar on which all the most important components of this weapon are fixed. The Picatinny rail is located along the entire length of the receiver.
A trigger mechanism is connected to the receiver on the bottom side. This is done using two pins. The trigger mechanism is made of plastic. The weapon uses a plastic stock that folds to the side.
The buttstock is telescopic, allowing you to adjust the length from 49 to 75 cm. Its basis is a tubular part, which is hinged on the receiver. Inside there is an L-shaped device, the back of which forms a butt plate. A special lock is provided to secure it in the desired position.
It is possible to fold the butt by turning it to the right and forward. In this case, it remains possible to fire. In the folded position, the butt is located above the pistol grip, allowing for comfortable aiming. In this case, the butt plate is located below the cartridge ejection window, without interfering with its operation.
The receiver is made using two receivers. They are connected using hinges, which are fixed in working position using a pin.
It is interesting to know how the AM-17 assault rifle was designed. Many interesting solutions were used in its design. You can learn more about the interesting details of the creation of this weapon from this video
To service the machine gun, the receiver will need to be separated, and the weapon will need to be “broken.” The upper part of the receiver is intended for mounting the barrel and automation elements that use the energy of waste powder gases. This part simultaneously serves as a forend.
The lower receiver contains the trigger mechanism, as well as a receiving part for cartridges from the magazine. The trigger guard and pistol grip are attached to the lower receiver.
The top strip of steel, which serves as the base to which the mechanism is attached, experiences heavy loads during firing. Therefore, it is made of especially durable metal. The loads on the lower unit are significantly lower. This made it possible to make them from impact-resistant plastic. These features not only reduced the weight of the weapon. But also to simplify the process of its production.
A design feature is the location of the reloading handle. It is located above the shutter, but almost on the same level with it. It is possible to position the handle at the shooter's discretion on any side of the weapon. This makes shooting convenient for both right-handers and left-handers. To implement this possibility, corresponding grooves are made in the upper part of the receiver.
The trigger is made as one piece with the magazine receiver and the pistol grip and trigger guard. Any magazines that can be used for the AK-74 can be used. This weapon can use a tactical shot suppressor. The store has a transparent window, which allows you to visually assess the number of cartridges in it.
This machine gun has certain differences from the well-known AK-74U model. For example, in the latter the structure of the box is U-shaped, in contrast to the U-shaped one used in the AM-17. It is important to note that these machines are almost identical in length: 740 and 730 mm. Thus. It can be argued that the AM-17 is 10 mm longer. However, it also has a longer barrel: 230 versus 206.5 mm. This feature had a positive effect on the ballistic characteristics of the weapon.
This weapon provides the ability to fire with the butt folded. Even when in the stowed position, the AM-17 can be immediately manufactured for use.
AEK-971
Assault rifles designed by Garev-Koksharov have always been the main competitor to the Kalashnikov assault rifle. The first model, AEK-971, was created as part of the Abakan program. A special feature of the AEK design is its balanced gas automation. Unlike the AK, the AEK gas piston is connected to a counterweight, which, when fired, reduces the recoil impulse when firing. The machine gun does not bounce when fired, which significantly improves the accuracy of fire. Compared to the AK-74, accuracy has improved almost twice.
It was also proposed to install an adjustable muzzle brake-compensator - by changing the size of the holes, it was possible to improve the accuracy of shooting from unstable positions, for example on the move. Unfortunately, this idea did not receive the green light - representatives of the Ministry of Defense considered this system too complex.
In parallel with the AK-12, a modernized version of the AEK-971 called A-545 also took part in the 2014 competition for a combined arms assault rifle. History repeated itself - the A-545 again outperformed the Kalash in shooting accuracy, but had a worse price-quality ratio. Nevertheless, the new machine gun, like its large-caliber version A-762, satisfied all the requirements of the Ministry of Defense and were included in the “Ratnik” equipment. According to experts, the A-545 will enter service with the special forces of the Armed Forces, the FSB and the National Guard - the elite of the Russian army.
Advantages and disadvantages of the model
Advantages and disadvantages
Light weight and compact.
Using a convenient telescopic butt.
The presence of a Picatinny rail on the upper side of the receiver.
There is a modification for silent shooting.
When shooting 5.45x39 cartridges indoors, there is a danger of ricochet.
This weapon is considered promising for use by law enforcement agencies. Compared to existing models, it has the following advantages:
- Lighter weight, which became possible due to the fact that the main part of the weapon parts was made of impact-resistant plastic.
- A slightly longer barrel compared to the analogue currently in service with the AKS-74U. This improves the weapon's performance, improving accuracy and firing range.
- A magazine with a transparent insert that allows you to visually assess the number of cartridges in it.
- The presence of a Picatinny rail, which allows you to install various types of sights to increase shooting accuracy.
- Telescopic folding stock, which makes it possible to adjust its length in a way convenient for the shooter.
- Possibility of convenient shooting with the butt folded. Its position is made in such a way that it does not interfere with comfortable holding and aiming of the machine gun. The folded stock does not interfere with the extraction of used cartridges.
- When creating the AM-17, the most modern computer technologies were used.
- There is a modification of the machine gun that provides for silent firing.
Since this is a compact weapon, it is inferior in its combat characteristics to larger machine guns. The AM-17 is best suited for effective combat in confined spaces and urban environments.
Pros and cons, or Drawing conclusions
It is too early to talk about serious shortcomings of Izhevsk new products. Ahead are tests in the field, elimination of “childhood sores” and minor defects. Among the objective disadvantages of such assault rifles is their low destructive power and accuracy. These parameters are very modest in comparison with their full-size counterparts. But given the fact that this weapon is used in close combat, this is quite enough.
Assault rifles
- Austria
- Brazil
- Czech
- South Korea
- South Africa
- France
- USA
- Singapore
- Spain
- Russia/USSR
- Australia
- Finland
- Germany
- Türkiye
- Switzerland
- Denmark
- Japan
- Israel
- Sweden
- Indonesia
- Belgium
- Poland
- Ukraine
- Italy
- Croatia
- Iran
- Dominican Republic
- Mexico
- Serbia
- Argentina
- China
- Canada
- Taiwan
- Great Britain
Ammunition for the Dragunov assault rifle
It fires 5.45x39mm cartridges. These cartridges were developed in the Soviet Union under the leadership of S.B. Sabelnikov in the seventies of the last century. They were put into service in 1974. These cartridges are used not only in the AM-17, but also in the AK-74 and its modifications: AK-74, AKS-74, AKS-74U.
Developments were carried out on the basis of the American 5.56x45 cartridge. Despite the lower power, the new cartridge turned out to be similar in efficiency. It has a high initial speed and great destructive power.
A typical bullet for this cartridge contains a mild steel tip inside and is coated with copper. The sleeve has a bottle shape and is equipped with a circular groove at the base. The disadvantage is the tendency to ricochet. This type of ammunition is actively produced in many countries around the world.
Although such cartridges have low penetration power, they are capable of causing more dangerous wounds when they hit soft tissue. There are a large number of varieties of such ammunition. The standard type is the 5.45 PS (7N6) cartridge.
SR3M "Whirlwind"
In the 1990s, designers Borisov and Levchenko presented their development based on the Val assault rifle - a small-sized Vikhr assault rifle, later called SRZ. The developers set themselves the task of creating a reliable and effective, easy-to-use and compact weapon for FSB units. Due to the use of the SP-6 armor-piercing cartridge, the machine gun, despite its small size, had impressive firepower.
The machine was put into service in 1996 and almost immediately the employees of TsNIITOCHMASH received a new task - to modernize the SRZ in such a way that it combines the advantages of the Val and retains its compactness. As a result, the SRZM saw the light - a modernized version, characterized by increased firepower and the presence of a folding handle. Also included with the machine was a removable muffler. With it, SRZM is very similar to “Val”. This similarity is explained by the unification of weapons - the machine gun uses the same cartridges and magazines as its older brother. The machine also has the ability to install optical and night sights.
Modifications
Two modifications of the machine gun are used: AM-17 and AMB-17. The last option fires silently. AMB-17 is similar to AM-17, but does not completely replicate its design. It additionally provides the ability to fire armor-piercing cartridges PAB-9 and SP-5, SP-6. SP-5 uses a steel core in its design. These cartridges have a caliber of 9x39 mm.
AMB-17
Quiet shooting is ensured by a special device that is installed outside the barrel. Its operating principle is based on the fact that the energy of hot powder gases is weakened, preventing the formation of a shock wave from the outside of the muzzle. The weight of the machine gun is 2.9 kg, the rate of fire is 700 rounds per minute. The use of 9x39 caliber cartridges results in the bullet leaving the barrel at subsonic speed, which also reduces the volume of fire.
It is worth paying attention to the design of the top box. Its front part is slightly larger in size. This makes installing additional devices more convenient. There are large gaps here for the supply of atmospheric age. They help cool the weapon when firing.
This weapon weighs 2.5 kg. The length of the AMB-17 is 50 cm, provided that the butt is folded.
Disassembling the machine
Disassembly may be required for machine maintenance: cleaning. Lubrication or repair. This operation is also carried out to study the structure of the weapon or to perform this action for a while.
To carry out the work you need to prepare a clean place. It is convenient to disassemble and assemble on a clean table. If this is not possible, then you need to cover it with a piece of clean cloth. The parts are arranged in the order they were removed. It is not recommended to place some of them on top of others. This may lead to their damage. Complete disassembly is usually performed in exceptional cases. This situation could, for example. Occurs if the machine is heavily soiled and therefore needs proper cleaning.
Partial disassembly is performed as follows:
- The magazine is disconnected.
- You must make sure that there is no cartridge in the chamber.
- The base of the sight is also a latch. It needs to be unscrewed. After this it will be possible to break the barrel. In this position, disassembly will continue.
- The return mechanism is removed from the upper part of the receiver. Then the return spring is separated.
- Then remove the bolt frame along with the bolt. Then the shutter is separated.
- There is a lock on the front side of the receiver. You need to press on it to be able to remove the flame arrester. It must be carefully unscrewed.
- At the front, the forend ring is removed, securing the front part of the receiver.
- The front part of the receiver (receiver pad) is removed.
- Now we have to remove the gas engine. To do this, you need to press the piston head from the front, rotate it 90 degrees and remove it in the forward direction.
- Remove the piston by removing it through the front hole in the front sight block.
This completes the disassembly. Assembly is performed in reverse order.
Alternative to YouTube in Kalashnikov style
— Let’s take a step away from listing new small arms products. Information has emerged that the Kalashnikov concern intends to create a new media platform for weapons lovers. Allegedly, this network platform will be an alternative to the well-known YouTube platform, which is not distinguished by its loyalty to weapons topics. How true is this information?
— Indeed, we are creating such a media platform. It will be called GunsTube. In fact, we are already starting to collaborate with the authors of video materials on shooting topics and publish their work on Kalashnikov Media. Our task in general is to foster a culture of handling weapons. Naturally, this needs to be done using the most effective modern methods, including supporting those who produce video content on relevant topics, as they now like to call it. There are many talented bloggers and video reviewers of weapons who, by publishing their materials on YouTube, now find themselves in a very difficult situation. A channel with tens of thousands of subscribers can be deleted on this platform without any explanation. Facebook also doesn't really encourage gun-related content and has a complex system that sometimes doesn't even allow you to predict how many views you'll get.
- And therefore?..
- Therefore, we want to offer an alternative - a platform where videos will not be deleted for some political or far-fetched reasons. GunsTube is a platform that we offer to both Russian and foreign bloggers. It will be as open and loyal as possible to its users within the framework of Russian legislation. On GunsTube you will be able to make reviews and provide links to specific products. It will be possible to monetize your content. That is, doing what YouTube prohibits and is trying to fight. Of course, there will be some information about our weapons. The information, again, is as open as possible. Will there be justified complaints about our products? - Great! This will be another opportunity for us to identify and eliminate deficiencies.
— Will your project be of interest not only to domestic but also to foreign users?
- Definitely. We are seeing a lot of interest from serious foreign gun media who are also looking for a platform that allows them to not worry about the creativity they have created and not think that their content could disappear any day without explanation.
- Last question. Is GunsTube already up and running?
— The platform is now being prepared for launch, but we are already starting work on Kalashnikov Media in trial mode. Now a pool of competent and well-known authors in their field is being formed who are interested in writing about weapons, about modern technologies, about all those topics that are currently being reviewed on our Kalashnikov Media website. I think that in the coming months we can expect publications from many famous, respected authors.
