Project for modernization kit for KM-AK "Obves" assault rifles

It's all about the ammunition

Over the past 200 years, the development of firearms has been accompanied by a decrease in caliber.
If at the end of the 19th century the diameter of bullets was 12-13 mm, then by the 20s of the 20th century military engineers had repeatedly made attempts to reduce the barrel diameter to 7 mm. In the USSR, this issue was taken seriously only in the second half of the century, and the first machine gun equipped with 5.45 mm ammunition was invented in 1974. This is how the ancestor of the AK-74 appeared, giving rise to a whole family of assault rifles. The new rifles were equipped with 5.45x39 mm ammunition, which differed from the previous generation of cartridges (7.62x39 mm) in its light weight, which became 6 grams less. This made it possible to change the fighter's ammunition load from 120 to 180 rounds without increasing the weight of the equipment. In addition, the new ammunition had better penetrating power, greater bullet range and muzzle velocity.

AK-74

We present to your attention 2 assemblies of the Kalashnikov assault rifle AK-74N, AK-74M, 5.45x39 mm for reduced recoil. The first option, so to speak, is for the bourgeoisie, the best in terms of returns, but also the most expensive. The second option is slightly worse in return, but the price is significantly different from the first - about 23,000 ₽! See also the section on penetration of 5.45×39 mm cartridges for AK-74, the information is extremely useful. See also the section “table of cartridges” to find out which cartridges will be more effective to take with you on a raid.

Attention! RSASS stock does not fit new AKs

This version of the machine is not much worse than the first in terms of recoil, but is much cheaper.

Another option for those who like to hang laser laser lights and the like on the machine gun, the returns are the same, but the price is more expensive!

Another more expensive option for assembling the Kalashnikov AK-74N assault rifle to reduce recoil from the Peacemaker, the main difference from the option above is the butt purchased from the Peacemaker. One of the most expensive and useless assemblies, there is almost no difference from the first option, and the return is worse, this option is acceptable, I think for aesthetes :).

Operating countries

Geography of AK-74 distribution: AK-74 operators

• Azerbaijan: in 2010, Russia and Azerbaijan entered into a contract to organize licensed production of modernized Khazri assault rifles in Azerbaijan.
• Afghanistan
• Armenia
• Belarus
• Bulgaria
• Hungary: Replica of the AK-74 designated NGM-81.
• GDR: Clones of the AK-74, AKS-74 and AKS-74U were produced and were in service under the designations MPi-AK-74N, MPi-AKS-74N and MPi-AKS-74NK, respectively.
• Germany: After the reunification of Germany, they were adopted by the Bundeswehr as weapons of a limited standard.
• Georgia
• Greece: AK-74M
• Jordan
• Iraq: Variant Kbk wz. 88 Tantal.
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Cuba
• Moldova
• Mongolia
• DPRK: A copy of the AK-74 under the designation Type 98.
• Poland: Kbk wz variants. 88 Tantal and Kbs wz.96 Beryl.
• Romania: Option PA md. 1986.
• Russia: Several million, it is planned to gradually dispose of weapons that have reached their end of life. But until the planned mass production reaches the required number of the new machine gun, which passed state tests in 2013-2014, the Russian Ministry of Defense is working on a plan to modernize the remaining types of AK-74 to AK-74M3 to extend operation indefinitely.
• USSR
• Syria
• Tajikistan
• Turkmenistan
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan
• Philippines
• Estonia

Machine rating

Comparison of the AK-74M with modern assault rifles around the world

Advantages

Since one of the reasons for the creation of the AK-74 was a change in the caliber of the cartridge used by the machine gun from 7.62x39 mm to 5.45x39 mm, the weapon has less recoil and, accordingly, greater shooting accuracy and a flatter bullet flight path.

Flaws

Compared to the M16A2, the AK-74 has a lower firing accuracy with single fire (1.28 times due to the 1.44 times better accuracy of the SS109 cartridges), but is 1.34-1.43 times superior when firing in bursts, but the M16A2 ergonomics are better and reliability has increased significantly. Compared to the American carbine, the AK-74 has lower accuracy when firing single fire, but the AK-74 has higher accuracy when firing in bursts.

In comparison with assault rifles with balanced automatics AEK-971, AK-107/AK-108, AK-74 has 1.5-2 times lower accuracy of burst fire from unstable positions.

From a tactical point of view, the AK-74 lacks the quick-change barrel capability of the M16 FN SCAR; as well as a fixed-length burst firing mode, which was later added to the “hundredth series” assault rifles.

Unlike Western assault rifles with a “breakable” receiver, in the AK-74 the removable receiver cover does not allow for the placement of Picatinny rails, so you have to use “Dovetail” type brackets, which disrupt the centering of the weapon and increase the weight.

The AK-74 does not have the ability to change fire modes with one hand, like the M4. It is not possible to change the direction of ejection of the cartridge case, like the TAR-21, or change the location of the reloading lever, like the Beretta ARX-160 and G36.

Replacement AK-74

Due to the objective obsolescence of the machine gun and the increased demands of the military in terms of accuracy of fire, a request arose for a new machine gun to replace the AK-74. At the same time, the main struggle took place between the Kovrov A-545 and the Izhevsk AK-12.

As a result, on February 21, 2015, the Ministry of Defense selected the Kalashnikov AK-12 assault rifle as the main machine gun for equipping “Ratnik” military personnel. This choice was due to the lower production cost and lighter weight of the machine gun compared to the A-545..

To modernize existing AK-74M and AK 100 series assault rifles, a “Kit” kit has been developed, which allows you to install a Picatinny rail, a new flash hider and a stock.

Project for modernization kit for KM-AK "Obves" assault rifles

Not long ago it was announced that several new assault rifles would soon enter service with the Russian army. In the distant future, the new weapon will have to replace the existing AK-74 assault rifles and become the main weapon of the troops. However, for obvious reasons, existing assault rifles will remain in the army for a long time, and until a certain time newer systems can only complement them. As a result, it is necessary to modernize existing samples to bring their characteristics to a new level.

Taking into account the current state of affairs, the presence of several promising projects and the expected events of the foreseeable future, several years ago the Russian Ministry of Defense launched a program to modernize the existing AK-74 and AK-74M assault rifles. A technical specification was drawn up, according to which the program participants had to draw up a set of measures to update the existing machine gun with an increase in some of the operational and combat characteristics.

The developers of the new project were required to preserve all the main elements of the existing weapons, but supplement them with new devices and instruments. The military wanted improved ergonomics, fire accuracy, etc., as well as expanded capabilities for using weapons. The new program of the Ministry of Defense received the code “Kit.” People familiar with weapons industry terminology could immediately understand the goals of the project.

According to known data, six domestic enterprises involved in the production of small arms and additional devices for them expressed their desire to participate in the development work of the Body Kit. One of the participants in the project was the recently created Kalashnikov concern, which included various defense industry enterprises. The project for modernizing the AK-74 assault rifle from this organization received the working designation KM-AK (“Modernization kit - Kalashnikov assault rifle”).

As reported, the Kalashnikov concern was developing a new project on its own initiative. The specialists took into account the requirements of the potential customer, but the work was financed only by the concern, without the participation of the Ministry of Defense. Using this approach, the company was able to formulate the basic principles of the new project and determine the new look of the existing machine.

The first public demonstration of AK-74M assault rifles with the KM-AK “Kobves” kit took place on May 9, 2015. Several parade squads that marched along Red Square were armed with existing model assault rifles that had been modernized to a new design. The updated weapon, as expected, attracted attention and became a topic of discussion. However, the interest of specialists and the public in the Body Kit system was much more modest than in the case of other new products presented at that parade.

A few days before the first demonstration of a set of attachments, the Kalashnikov concern revealed some technical details of the project. It was stated that when firing at a distance of up to 300 m at any time of the day and in different climatic conditions, the “hit rate” criterion increases by 1.5 times. The company’s message also mentioned certain features of the project, such as a list of new units, compatibility with additional equipment, the presence of various modifications, etc.

According to reports in the spring of 2015, the KM-AK kit provided the ability to equip the machine gun with various attachments, such as day and night sights, laser designators, flashlights, etc. The possibility of using a bayonet or an under-barrel grenade launcher was retained. Three versions of the Body Kit were offered. The first was developed for combined arms units, the second was intended for military reconnaissance, and the third was planned to be offered to special operations forces. As noted, the products of the KM-AK kit were compatible not only with AK-74M assault rifles. It was alleged that the “Kit” could be installed on weapons with a caliber of 5.45 and 7.62 mm.

Subsequently, the Kalashnikov concern repeatedly demonstrated a new type of kit at various exhibitions and demonstration events. At the same time, one could notice that the machines from different shows had certain differences. This indicated that testing of the developed kit was ongoing, and its individual elements were still being improved. Thanks to this, the most successful version of the KM-AK could enter service in the foreseeable future.

In mid-June 2015, literally a few weeks after the “premiere screening,” new reports appeared about the progress of the project and its prospects. On the eve of the Army-2015 military-technical forum, the Kalashnikov concern announced that a new type of modernization kit will soon be delivered to the army. The general director of the concern, Alexey Krivoruchko, also said that the first order has already been completed, and there is a contract with the Ministry of Defense for the supply of body kits. A few days after this news, the kit was again shown to the public and military.

At the same time, it was announced that the “Kalashnikov” version of the “Kit” system is characterized by maximum simplicity and versatility. All elements of the kit are fully compatible with any existing AK brand weapon. Moreover, the necessary devices can be installed on the machine in a minimum time and under any conditions. This takes no more than 15-20 minutes. All work can be carried out by army units, without sending weapons to the factory.

In November 2015, the new work of the Kalashnikov concern was awarded a prize. The Expert Council of the Union of Scientific Engineering and Public Departments decided to award the concern with the Prize named after. M.T. Kalashnikov for the creation of a promising universal kit for modernizing assault rifles.

In 2016, the development company spoke about possible developments in the foreseeable future. The Kalashnikov Concern planned to receive an order from the Ministry of Defense for the massive modernization of existing assault rifles of existing types. However, the approximate volumes of a possible order were not announced at that time. It is known that in the units and warehouses of the Russian army there are about 17 million assault rifles of the AK-74 and AK-74M type, and all of them are potential carriers of the promising “Kobves”.

Obviously, refining all existing machines does not make sense, and could also lead to unnecessary expenses. However, a certain number of weapons will still have to undergo modernization. Taking into account the quantitative and qualitative indicators of the army, as well as the expected events of the foreseeable future, it can be assumed that the army will receive at least several hundred thousand KM-AK sets. It is advisable to update all machine guns that are in active use, as well as parts of the weapons in storage. The vast majority of AK-74s will retain their original configuration, with some chance of being upgraded in the future.

The first public display of the results of the “Koves” design and development work authored by the Kalashnikov concern took place almost three years ago. In the summer of 2015, the company's management talked about the imminent delivery of new products to the army. As far as is known, the armed forces did receive a certain number of KM-AK kits, but full-scale modernization of existing weapons has not yet begun. However, the modernized weapon has already passed a significant part of the necessary tests.

In November last year, some information was published about the testing of the “Ratnik” combat equipment, within the framework of which the controlled operation of AK-74M assault rifles with the “Kobves” kit was also carried out. It was found that the modernized machine is superior to the basic product in a number of parameters. For example, a 1.3-fold increase in accuracy was obtained. At the same time, weapon maintenance has become more difficult. Partial disassembly of a machine gun with a KM-AK now took an average of 47.5 seconds, with the standard being 12.1 seconds. Assembly after this took 84 s, with the required 18.6 s.

The goal of the Body Kit program and the KM-AK project was to create a set of equipment capable of increasing the basic characteristics of an existing machine gun without the need to redesign it. In fact, a modular approach should have been applied: the machine gun itself turned into a firing module, which needed to be supplemented with “stationary” devices with the ability to install removable and replaceable ones. Due to this, it would be possible to improve the ergonomics of the weapon, as well as increase the potential of its sighting devices.

It should be noted that the current situation on the arms market has to a certain extent made the work of the authors of the KM-AK project easier. The Kalashnikov assault rifle is one of the most popular platforms, and for quite some time now a variety of additional devices and accessories of various kinds have appeared on the market. Thus, participants in the Body Kit program could do without lengthy and complex research to find basic solutions, and take into account the experience of others. The results obtained directly indicate that the kit was created, at a minimum, with an eye on foreign developments.

At the same time, the Kalashnikov concern had obvious advantages over other developers and manufacturers of accessories. Being the creator of the modernized machine and having access to the original design documentation, the company could avoid a lot of problems that could delay the development process.

To expand the capabilities of the weapon, the Body Kit project involves the use of new forends and receiver covers. A glass-filled polyamide forend, equipped with four standard Picatinny rails, is now mounted in front of the receiver. Thanks to this, any compatible equipment, such as flashlights, laser designators, etc., can be mounted on the machine. The metal receiver cover was reinforced and also received an integrated strip. Due to this, the standard open sight can be supplemented with any other system that meets customer requirements.

The new handguard can also be attributed to improving ergonomics. Together with it, such problems are solved by an updated pistol grip of an “anatomical” shape. The standard non-adjustable stock has given way to a folding product with a telescopic design. Now the fighter can adjust the length of the butt for maximum comfort. A new belt will be used. It is proposed to use an improved fire switch fuse box. A transverse protrusion appears in the middle part of the flag, making it easier to move.

Recycling of the main parts and assemblies of the machine gun is not provided, however, the KM-AK project contains some means to improve the technical and combat characteristics. Thus, instead of the standard AK-74 muzzle brake-compensator, it is now proposed to use a new device with improved characteristics. It is curious that at the 2015 parade, at later exhibitions and in promotional materials, machine guns with different DTKs appear. This indicated both the development of the project and the emergence of new designs, as well as the possibility of using different products with different characteristics.

It remains possible to install a silent firing device or a muzzle device for firing blank cartridges on the barrel. It was also reported that one of the new compensator brakes can also be used as a launcher for foreign-made rifle grenades.

To date, “Kalashnikov Concern” “Kalashnikov” kits have been delivered in limited quantities only to the Russian armed forces, where they are now undergoing extensive testing. It is likely that a contract will soon appear for full-scale mass production of new devices to modernize existing weapons. But the timing, volume and cost of such an agreement remain unknown.

Quite a long time ago, the question arose about the possibility of supplying KM-AK kits to foreign countries. Kalashnikov assault rifles of various models and modifications are in service with many armies of the world, and some of them may show interest in means of simple and quick modernization of such weapons. During recent exhibitions, foreign military personnel were able to familiarize themselves with the results of the OCD “Kobves” and draw some conclusions. This development also attracted the attention of the foreign public. However, such interest has not yet led to real results. Information about the desire of one or another country to buy Russian modernization kits has not yet appeared.

In the foreseeable future, new assault rifles will enter service with the Russian army, but they will not immediately be able to take the title of main weapon from the existing AK-74. To reduce the negative consequences of such rearmament and increase the combat effectiveness of units, several years ago a decision was made to modernize existing products. To date, a set of new equipment that improves the serial AK-74 has passed a number of main stages and has reached testing by the troops. The exact plans of the military department regarding this development remain unknown, but there is reason for optimistic forecasts.

Based on materials from the sites: https://kalashnikov.com/ https://rg.ru/ https://ria.ru/ https://redstar.ru/ https://russian.rt.com/ https:// vpk-news.ru/ https://vpk.name/ https://bmpd.livejournal.com/

APPLICATION IN THE WORLD

Geography of distribution of Kalashnikov assault rifles: AK operators, operators of only modernized assault rifles in the country, producing/producing their own variants based on AK

AK is so cheap to produce and widespread throughout the world that in some countries it costs less than live chicken. It can be seen in reports from almost any hot spot in the world. The AK is in service with the regular armies of more than fifty countries around the world, as well as countless terrorist groups and just gangs. The AK was and remains the deadliest weapon on Earth: its bullets kill a quarter of a million people every year. During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union competed for spheres of influence around the world, including through arms supplies. The AK was noticeably superior to the American M1 Garand and M14 rifles in terms of reliability and ease of maintenance, making it much more suitable for poor countries that did not have a developed weapons infrastructure.

In addition, “brotherly countries”, for example, Bulgaria, Hungary, East Germany, China, Poland, North Korea and Yugoslavia, received licenses for the production of AKs free of charge. It doesn’t take long to learn how to use an AK (the full army training course in using an assault rifle is only 10 hours), which explains why the assault rifle is so widespread among partisans, rebels and terrorists.

First combat use

The first case of mass combat use of AKs on the world stage occurred on November 1, 1956, during the suppression of the uprising in Hungary. Until this moment, the machine gun was hidden from prying eyes in every possible way: the soldiers carried it in special cases that concealed the outlines, and after the shooting, all the cartridges were carefully collected. The AK has proven itself well in urban combat.

Machine rating

Many armies around the world evaluate the AK-74M positively. The characteristics of the weapon, coupled with high reliability, low cost and simple design, made it one of the most popular means of firing. Separately, the possibility of installing various body kits was noted, as well as a plastic magazine with transparent side edges, which allow you to monitor the amount of remaining ammunition.

M4A1 rifles.

To solve this problem, a body kit was developed, which makes it possible to install a Picatinny rail, as well as a new flash suppressor and an upgraded buttstock.

Choke tubes

In order to reduce recoil force and reduce barrel bounce, a muzzle brake-compensator is used. Also, its use makes shooting less noticeable at night. Reducing recoil and barrel bounce makes the weapon more controllable and improves accuracy and accuracy of fire. Another type of tuning is mufflers and flame arresters. They also allow you to hide the shooter's location during combat. The camouflage function of a flame arrester is to suppress the flash from a shot through complete combustion of powder gases.

As a rule, installing the DTK does not cause any difficulties: the tuning is screwed onto the barrel behind the front sight (on the thread).

When choosing tubular handguards for AK, it is important to find a tuning with mounts that will fully meet your needs.

Options

Soviet and Russian variants

From the very beginning, the machine was produced in four versions:

AK-74

AKS-74

• AK-74
  is the main option.
• AKS-74
  (GRAU index -
  6P21
  ) - a variant of the AK-74 with a framed metal stock folding to the left. Created for use in airborne troops.
• AK-74N
  is a “night” version of the AK-74 with a side rail for attaching night sights (for example, 1P78).
• AKS-74N
  is a “night” version of the folding AKS-74, with a side rail for attaching night sights (for example, 1P78).
• AK-74M

  (GRAU index -
  6P34
  ) - AK-74 modernized. It is equipped with a polymer stock that folds on the left side and a universal mount (dovetail strap) for attaching sights, both optical and night, on the left side of the receiver. Thus, the AK-74M replaced four models at once: AK-74, AKS-74, AK-74N and AKS-74N.

  AK-74M with underbarrel grenade launcher GP-25()

The handguard and the gas tube receiver lining are made of impact-resistant glass-filled thermoset plastic AG-4V. Metal parts are also protected from corrosion by a special coating. The changes also affected the muzzle brake, which received open chambers, which allows it to be cleaned without removing it.

To reduce the likelihood of mechanical damage to the receiver cover, its fastening was strengthened. A lock has been added to the design of the return spring guide rod, which allows firing from the GP-25 or GP-30 under-barrel grenade launcher without the use of additional fastening of the receiver cover, which is necessary in such cases for the AK-74.

With the new assault rifles it is possible to use the PK-A and PK-01 collimator sights, as well as COBRA and 1P78. In 1991, the AK-74M was put into service and its serial production began at the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant. Currently mass-produced by the Kalashnikov concern

AK-74M3 is an exhibition model created for display at MAKS-2011 as part of the “Ratnik” combat equipment. It was a slightly modified version of the AK-74. However, there was a problem with the name of the new model: traditionally, modernized assault rifles are coded with the letter “M” (for example, AK-AKM), but the AK-74M assault rifle already existed. Then, without further ado, the weapon was given the postfix “MZ”. There is no official decoding of this abbreviation. Changes include mounting the receiver cover on a hinge, Picatinny rails on the forend and receiver cover, on which a laser pointer, a collimator sight, and a night sight attachment can be installed. The GP-34 underbarrel grenade launcher is used. It was assumed that data from the machine gun to the helmet’s monocular would be transmitted either via Bluetooth or via wires.

Foreign options

• - Bulgarian series.
• Kbs wz.96 Beryl - Polish version, created on the basis of Tantalum and chambered for 5.56x45 mm.
• Kbk wz. 88 Tantal - Polish version.
• ČZ 2000 - Czechoslovak version, which was not adopted for service.
• K-3 is an Armenian bullpup based on the AK-74.
• MPi AK-74N - variant produced in the GDR. The variants MPi-AKS-74N were produced - with a folding stock, MPi-AKS-74NK - with a folding stock and a shortened barrel 317 mm long.
• NGM-81 - Hungarian version.
• PA md. 1986 - Romanian version. Export designation AIMS-74.
• AK-101-105 is an export line of assault rifles with different barrel lengths and chambered for various cartridges, created on the basis of the AK-74M.
• Khazri is an assault rifle developed for Azerbaijan by the Izhevsk plant based on the AK-74M. Produced since 2011 under Russian license.
• Vepr is a Ukrainian bullpup based on the AK-74, development has been frozen.

Weapons on base

MPI-KMS-74

• AKS-74U
  is a shortened assault rifle for police and armored vehicle crews.
• AK-107/AK-108 - assault rifles with balanced automatic action, taken from the design of the AEK-971 assault rifle.
• RPK-74 is a light machine gun developed on the basis of the AK-74.

And when it's dark all around...

Of course, all this beauty would also include a NVD (night vision device) - but, alas, there is not enough space. Therefore, they fight darkness, first of all, by installing an under-barrel flashlight on the weapon.

AKMoid with a lot of things installed and a “Klesch” under-barrel flashlight

If light exposure is undesirable, “operators” use “night vision goggles.” They can be used either together with a collimator sight, setting the glow of the mark to a minimum, or together with a dual-mode laser pointer (laser designator). True, this does not use a red laser beam, but an infrared one, with a wavelength of 850 nanometers or more. It cannot be seen with the naked eye, but in NVGs it is clearly visible. Moreover, advanced laser lasers have an additional function: you can configure the laser so that the beam blinks at a certain frequency - this allows you to distinguish your aiming mark from someone else’s.

Dual-mode laser pointers for AK and HK416

But there is one unpleasant feature. AKMoids are poorly suited for mounting alternative sights, and the weapon must be “upicatinized” - that is, equipped with Weaver/Picatinny rails. You have to change the forend, attach brackets to the barrel or to the side rail, abandon the standard receiver cover in favor of a folding one, etc. And this, at a minimum, is additional weight.

New generation of weapons

The new machine gun with a caliber of 5.45x39 mm was produced in two versions - with a regular and folding stock (AKS-74). The demand and effectiveness of the new ammunition is also proven by the fact that, simultaneously with the automatic rifle, the production of RPK-74 and RPKS-74 light machine guns of the same caliber began.

During production, individual weapons underwent some changes, new developments were introduced, which were then embodied in the AK-74M model. The first thing they changed was the material of the forend and butt - if previously they were made of wood, they were now made of black plastic. Subsequently, a mount for installing a night sight began to be attached to the receiver. This is how the AK-74N and AKS-74N (“night”) models appeared.

In the early 1990s, it was decided to implement all these “innovations” in one weapon, which would later become universal. So, in 1991, a new machine with the letter “M” appeared.

Ammo

Ammo used:

• 7N6 (1974, bullet with a steel core, lead jacket and bimetallic jacket).
• 7N10 (1992, bullet with increased penetration, with a heat-strengthened core).
• 7U1 (subsonic bullet for silent shooting, not currently used).
• 7N22 (1998, armor-piercing bullet with a core made of high-carbon steel U12A by cutting with subsequent grinding of the ogival part). Armor penetration - 5 mm from a distance of 250 m (grade 2P), 1.9 times better than 7N6.
• 7N24 (increased manufacturing precision, heat-strengthened tungsten carbide core)
• 7T3 - cartridge with a tracer bullet. The bullet has a recess in the bottom, which is filled with a pyrotechnic charge that ignites when fired, making it possible to observe the direction of flight of the bullet. As a rule, they are used to observe and correct the results of fire and target designation.
• 7X3(M) - blank cartridge.
• 7X4 - training cartridge. It is distinguished by a punctured capsule, four longitudinal compacts, and the absence of gunpowder and pyrotechnic charges.
• 7N39 - an experimental cartridge with a tungsten carbide bullet core, provides penetration of a 5mm (2P) steel plate at a distance of 550 m.

A bullet with a steel core of a 5.45 mm cartridge when fired from an AK-74 provides the following penetrating effect [ source not specified 3217 days

]:

• Penetration with a probability of 80-90% of a steel helmet at a distance of 300 meters;
• Penetration with a probability of 75-100% of body armor at a distance of up to 550 meters;
• Penetration of 50-60 cm into a parapet of dense compacted snow at a distance of 400 meters;
• Penetration of 20-25 cm into an earthen barrier made of compacted loamy soil at a distance of 400 meters;
• Penetration with a probability of 50% of a wall made of dry pine beams with a cross-section of 20x20 cm at a distance of 650 meters;
• Penetration of 10-12 cm into brickwork at a distance of 100 meters.

In 1986, new bullets were developed with a heat-strengthened core of increased hardness, providing a significant increase in penetration: the new bullet pierces a steel helmet at a distance of 960 meters, and body armor with titanium plates at a distance of 200 meters.

Another improvement of the bullet in 1992 again increased armor penetration (the army body armor Zh85-T penetrates at a range of 200 m, and the heavy Zh95-K at a range of 50 m) with a constant initial speed. The new cartridge, which is 1.84 times superior in armor penetration to the 7N6, received the index 7N10. 7N10 provides 5 mm penetration at a distance of 50 meters.

Muzzle devices

Recoil when firing from an AK consists of two primary factors: the energy of the shot and the impact of the bolt frame on the receiver. Only athletes can afford to fight a frame impact; in law enforcement units, tricks involving lightening the bolt frame and installing an adjustable gas outlet are traditionally looked at askance: the reliability of the weapon decreases. So the “special forces” rely on advanced DTK (muzzle brake-compensator). Also held in high esteem are various mufflers, afterburners and other attachments that help cope not only with recoil, but also with muzzle flash and the sound of a shot.

Various muzzle devices for AKs

There is plenty of this goodness: domestic manufacturers not only invent themselves, but also diligently copy the latest overseas developments. It turns out very well, and also cheaper.

Vietnam War

The AK also became one of the symbols of the Vietnam War, during which it was widely used by soldiers of the North Vietnamese army and partisans of the National Front. In the unfavorable conditions of the jungle, the M16 “black rifles”, due to the command’s economy on the quality of gunpowder, quickly broke down, and their repair was difficult, as a result of which American soldiers sometimes replaced them with captured AKs.

Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, the 56th Air Assault Brigade,

The war in Afghanistan has accelerated the spread of AKs throughout the world. Now rebels and terrorists were armed with it. The CIA generously provided the Mujahideen with Kalashnikov assault rifles, mostly Chinese-made (in the PRC, AKs under the designation Type 56 were produced in huge quantities under license), through Pakistan. The AK was a cheap and reliable weapon, which is why the US preferred it.

Even before the withdrawal of Soviet troops, Western media paid attention to the large number of AKs in the region, and the concept of “Kalashnikov Culture” entered the lexicon. After the last Soviet units left Afghanistan on February 15, 1989, the developed weapons infrastructure of the Mujahideen did not disappear anywhere, but, on the contrary, was integrated into the economy and culture of the region

For example, almost the entire shadow economy of Pakistan (groups of robbers and kidnappers, drug lords, village arms dealers) was directly dependent on AK. It should be noted that the leader of the Afghan Mujahideen and sworn enemy of the Soviet troops, Ahmad Shah Massoud, when asked: “What weapon do you prefer?”, answered: “Kalashnikov, of course.”

After the entry of NATO troops into Afghanistan, the Americans were forced to face the same AKs that the CIA purchased for the Mujahideen. According to the Washington Post, Sergeant 1st Class Nathan Ross Chapman, who was shot with a Kalashnikov assault rifle by an Afghan teenager, became the first American to die in this war from enemy fire (according to the independent Internet site iCasualties.org, the first American to die in Afghanistan from enemy fire, was Johnny Spann

Iraq War

To the surprise of the coalition forces, the soldiers of the newly created Iraqi army refused the American M16 and M4, demanding AKs. According to Walter B. Slocombe, a senior adviser to the Coalition Provisional Authority, "anyone in Iraq over the age of 12 can take it apart and put it back together with their eyes closed and shoot it pretty well."

US Marine with MPi-KMS-72, the East German equivalent of the AKMS

After the collapse of the USSR

After the collapse of the USSR, many ATS countries began to sell off their arsenals, but this did not lead to a collapse in AK prices. A noticeable decrease in the cost of a machine gun from approximately $1,100 to $800 at the turn of the 1980s–1990s occurred only in the Middle East; in Asia and America prices even increased (from approximately $500 to $700), and in Eastern Europe and Africa they remained virtually unchanged ( about 200-300 $)

Venezuela

In 2005, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez decided to sign a contract with Russia for the supply of 100 thousand AK-103 assault rifles. The contract was completed in 2006, but Hugo Chavez is already talking about his readiness to purchase another 920 thousand assault rifles and is negotiating the establishment of licensed production of the AK-103 in the country. Hugo Chavez calls the main reason for increasing arms purchases “the threat of an American military invasion.”

Tactical grips

Tuning Kalash and Vepr with the help of an element such as a tactical handle increases the comfort of the grip. The shape and coating of the handle prevents the palm from slipping, no matter what the weather is like outside. The handle is hollow inside and can accommodate a set of spare parts and other accessories.

An example of high-quality tuning is a tactical plastic handle from Fab Defense, which is available in several colors. Installation is simple - the weapon part is screwed to the receiver with a bolt from the inside. The brand also produces similar-shaped handles with a rubberized surface. The technical characteristics of various models of the Kalashnikov assault rifle in its basic configuration can be improved with the help of modern tuning. Modernization will make the weapon more relevant and modern. The Hartman online store sells application systems for AKs, Kalash-based carbines, and airsoft weapons. We also specialize in the development and production of weapon accessories. Here you will find high-quality tuning from well-known domestic and foreign brands: spare parts, handles, forends, stocks and other accessories.

Story

The positive experience of using the US small-caliber cartridge forced the USSR to begin work on developing a similar machine gun cartridge, but there were already proposals for the development of a small-caliber cartridge. In 1966, the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate issued an order to develop a new machine gun for the 5.60 mm caliber - this was the designation of the caliber of the low-impulse cartridge based on the bottom of the rifling. After the measurement of caliber adopted in the USSR by the fields of rifling, it was designated as 5.45 mm. This cartridge was developed at TsNIITochmash. Reducing the caliber resulted in a reduction in the mass of the cartridge by more than 1.5 times. The initial speed of the bullet increased significantly, the flight trajectory became more flat, the range of a direct shot increased by about 100 m, the time of flight of the bullet to the target and its drift by side winds, the recoil impulse decreased - all this contributed to improved accuracy, especially when firing in bursts. That is, it was not just about improving the accuracy of fire, but about a general increase in the combat effectiveness of the cartridge-weapon complex. The design of the elongated bullet made it possible to provide a combination of trajectory stability with a lethal effect no worse than that of the 1943 model cartridge bullet.

A number of designers and design groups from the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant, TsNIITochmash, and Kovrov Mechanical Plant took part in the competition for a new machine gun; several options for a small-caliber machine gun were worked on. M. T. Kalashnikov and A. D. Kryakushin created it on the basis of the AKM assault rifle that was in production. Of the 10 samples submitted for competitive testing, the following made it to the final military tests: the Kovrov assault rifle SA-006 by A. S. Konstantinov with balanced automatics and the Izhevsk assault rifle A-3 with “classical” automatics. Rigorous tests revealed that A. S. Konstantinov’s model had advantages in terms of firing efficiency, but in terms of service, operational and production-economic characteristics, the A-3 had advantages. By Decree of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR No. 54-29 of January 18, 1974 and the subsequent Order of the Minister of Defense of the USSR No. 49 of March 18, 1974, a new unified Kalashnikov assault rifle complex was adopted for service, which included four basic models of the assault rifle and the same number of light machine guns. In the conditions of the “arms race,” the ability to quickly put a new family of weapons into production and simplify their development and operation by the troops played an important role. Along with the previous one, a new bayonet-knife with a simplified shape of a reinforced blade and a more comfortable handle was adopted for the machine guns.

Performance characteristics

The combat properties of the machine gun are much higher than those of many foreign automatic rifles. It is largely thanks to them that he is so popular in the world. AK-74M has the following technical characteristics:

• barrel diameter – 5.45 mm, type of ammunition – 5.45x39 mm;
• total length of the weapon – 940 mm (1089 mm with bayonet);
• weight without magazine - 3.07 kg (4.1 with a bayonet and a filled magazine);
• specific kinetic energy of the bullet – 1377 J, flight speed – 410 m/s;
• combat rate of fire: single shots – 40 rounds per minute, in automatic firing mode – 100 rounds;
• the target range for a chest figure is 440 meters, for a person standing at full height - 625 meters.

The only modification of the AK-74MZ assault rifle, developed specifically for the Permyachka-M and Ratnik combat protective suits, has the same characteristics.