Russian assault rifles - dive into the world of Russian weapons for army and special forces
For sure, when you hear "Russian assault rifle", you imagine someone from the AK family - most likely AKM or AK-74. However, besides them, there are many interesting samples of Russian small arms that are worthy of attention and have earned the respect of the army or various special forces. Let's dive deeper into this and take a look at Russian assault rifles.
АК-74
The AK-74 assault rifle, the successor to the legendary AK-47, was developed in the early 1970s by Soviet engineer Mikhail Kalashnikov. The main task was to create a more accurate and controllable weapon than its predecessor, because the army was transitioning to small caliber ammunition.
This was for several reasons: the soldier could carry more of the lighter ammunition; accuracy of fire was improved; the enemy received through-and-through, less lethal wounds (the 7.62 had a higher probability of a fatal hit), and the enemy army had to tend to more wounded.
The AK-74 under the 5.45x39mm cartridge effectively replaced the AKM under the 7.62x39mm cartridge and became the standard assault rifle for Soviet troops.
What makes the AK-74 different in design from the AKM, other than the new cartridge? An updated muzzle brake and the use of lightweight materials that greatly reduce recoil and improve control.
The rate of fire is about 650 rounds per minute with an effective range of about 500 meters. Adopted by Soviet forces in 1974, it has participated in various conflicts, including the war in Afghanistan.
AK 100 series
The 100th AK series, developed in the 1990s at the Russian "Izhmash" factory, is a modernization of the classic AK design. The series includes several models such as the AK-101, AK-102, AK-103, AK-104 and AK-105 each designed for different tasks and available in a variety of calibers, including 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x39mm and 5.45x39mm.
What makes the AK 100 series unique? It is the combination of traditional AK reliability with modern technologies such as polymer materials, folding buttstock and improved ergonomics.
This series competes with other modern rifles such as the M16 and FN SCAR. Their adaptability and reliability have earned them a place in the arsenals of various military and law enforcement agencies around the world.
AK-12
The AK-12 assault rifle, developed by Kalashnikov Concern in the 2010s, is the latest development of the AK family. It was designed in accordance with the requirements of the Russian military program Ratnik and is intended to replace the outdated AK-74M. The AK-12 competes with such modern assault rifles as the HK416 and the FN SCAR.
What distinguishes the AK-12 from its competitors? It is a combination of modular design, advanced fire control system and improved ergonomics such as customizable buttstock and Picatinny strips that makes the automatic rifle versatile and easy to use.
It has a rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute and an effective range of 800 meters. Adopted by the Russian military in 2018, the AK-12 is set to become a key player in the future of automatic rifles in the Russian army.
AS «VAL»
The unique AC "Val" assault rifle with integrated silent and flameless firing device was developed in the late 1980s at the Tula Weapons Factory in Russia, based on the VSS "Vintorez" rifle.
The main task was to create a specialized low-profile weapon for covert operations, to replace AK-74 and AKS-74U with silent and flameless firing devices in some specialized units.
What makes the "VAL" AC unique in its design? The built-in suppressor combined with subsonic ammunition makes it one of the quietest firearms available.
In addition, the rifle is gas-operated and has a side-folding buttstock, which increases its compactness and versatility. With a rate of fire of 900 rounds per minute and an effective range of 300 meters, it is the preferred choice for Russian special forces and law enforcement agencies.
9A-91
The 9A-91 compact assault rifle, developed in the late 1980s at the Russian Instrument Design Bureau, was designed as a more affordable alternative to the AS "Val" and SR-3M "Vikhr". Also designed for the 9x39mm cartridge, it was intended to serve as a compact and effective weapon for close combat.
Since the weapon was intended to be used by the Interior Ministry units, the cheaper PAB-9 cartridge was developed for ammunition supply. Special SP-5 and SP-6 ammunition is used for SR-3M and VAL. From interesting points - 9A-91 was supposed to be equipped with underbarrel grenade launcher, but the design turned out to be too light and unreliable for practical use.
What distinguishes the 9A-91 from its analogs? Simple and reliable design, combined with gas-operated automatic rifle and side-folding buttstock makes it a versatile weapon for urban warfare and special operations.
With a rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute and effective range of 200 meters, the 9A-91 has found its place in the arsenals of various Russian law enforcement agencies.
AN-94 "Abakan"
The An-94, also known as the Abakan, was developed in the early 1990s by Russian engineer Gennady Nikonov. The main purpose of the development was to create a more accurate assault rifle than the AK-74 to replace it in some specialized fields.
The uniqueness of the design is that when firing two rounds at a time with a single trigger pull at an incredible rate of 1800 rounds per minute, both bullets hit almost the same point, which increases the probability of hitting the target.
In addition, the AH-94 is equipped with a special recoil mitigation system that allows for more accurate fire in fully automatic mode. It is made on the "laphammer" principle, like in artillery - during firing the movable barrel rolls back together with the bolt, so the recoil "comes" to the shooter's shoulder after the bullet has left the barrel.
With a rate of fire of 600 rounds per minute and an effective range of 700 meters, the An-94 could not replace the AK-74 because of its high cost and complexity, but it has become a reliable companion for Russian special forces.
SR-3M Vikhr
The SR-3M Vikhr is a compact assault rifle developed in the 1990s by the Central Research Institute of Precision Machine Building (TsNIITOCHMASH) in Russia.
The SR-3M was designed for the needs of special operations forces and law enforcement agencies that require a compact and versatile weapon for close combat. It was developed as a more compact and modular alternative to the Val AC, with which it shares a common 9x39mm cartridge.
The main reason is that the Val and the Vintorez could not fire without an integrated silencer (PBS). What was required was a package that could be used both as a compact weapon without a silencer and a silent assault/sniper rifle.
Based on this, the main design change is the detachable silenced silencerless firing device, without which the SR-3M can also be used as a compact weapon.
The rifle can fire in semi-automatic, burst and automatic modes with a rate of fire of 900 rounds per minute. Effective range of fire is 300 meters. It is a powerful and versatile weapon, ideal for use in special operations and law enforcement agencies.
AEK-971
The AEK-971 is an assault rifle developed in the 1970s at the Russian Degtyarev factory. The main purpose of the AEK-971 was to create a more accurate rifle for the Russian military to compete with the AK-74.
The AEK-971 is known for its unique balanced recoil system, which reduces barrel recoil and improves accuracy in automatic mode.
Design features of the AEK-971 include gas operated automatic rifle, side-folding buttstock, and 900 rounds per minute rate of fire. The rifle is chambered for the standard 5.45x39mm cartridge, which provides a good balance between killing power and recoil.
The AEK-971 has limited use in the Russian military, but due to its controlled recoil and high rate of fire, it remains popular among law enforcement and special forces.
AK-9
The AK-9 is a compact assault rifle developed in the early 2000s by the Russian company Concern Kalashnikov. The AK-9 was designed for the needs of special operations forces and law enforcement agencies, which require a compact and powerful weapon for close combat.
The AK-9 is a subsonic 9x39mm cartridge, like the Val and Vintorez, which is extremely effective at short ranges and can be used with a silencer for stealthy combat.
Design features of the AK-9 include gas-operated automatic rifle, side-folding buttstock, and Picatinny rail for mounting additional equipment such as optics or laser sights.
The weapon is capable of firing in semi-automatic and automatic modes with a rate of fire of 600 rounds per minute. Due to its compact size, powerful cartridge and versatility, the AK-9 is very popular with special forces and law enforcement agencies.
OK-14 "Groza"
The OK-14 "Groza" (Thunderstorm) is a unique automatic grenade launcher system developed in the early 1990s at the Russian Instrument Design Bureau (KBP).
The GC-14 was designed as a universal weapon for special forces, capable of performing various functions in combat. The rifle is available in 9x39mm subsonic cartridge, which is intended for engagement, and the more common 7.62x39mm cartridge, which has a longer range.
The OC-14 rifle is a bullpup rifle, which is not standard for Soviet and Russian weapons, and is very compact, but retains a full-size barrel.
In addition, the rifle is gas operated and modular in design, allowing it to be easily adapted to different applications. The OC-14 can be used as an assault rifle, special silenced rifle or grenade launcher, making it a versatile tool for any situation.
APS
The APS underwater assault rifle was developed in the early 1970s at the Tula Weapons Factory (Russia). The APS was designed specifically for underwater combat, providing submariners and naval special forces with means of self-defense and defeating the enemy underwater. The rifle is made for a unique 5.66x39mm cartridge, designed specifically for underwater combat.
APS rifle is gas operated and has a detachable box magazine with 26 rounds capacity. Due to the unique properties of water, the range of the APS underwater is limited, and its effectiveness decreases with increasing depth.
On land, the APS can be used as a conventional firearm, but its unique cartridge and design make it less effective than traditional rifles. Despite all its shortcomings, the APS remains an interesting piece of military hardware and a testament to the ingenuity of Russian small arms designers.
ASH-12
The ASh-12 rifle, developed by the Russian TsKIB SOO, is a unique assault rifle designed for FSB special forces and law enforcement agencies that require a powerful and compact weapon for close combat.
The rifle is chambered for the 50 caliber (12.7x55 mm) cartridge, a large-caliber round that provides significant stopping power at short ranges. The ASh-12 is suitable for use in urban environments, where close-range combat is possible.
Design features of the ASh-12 include gas operated automatic rifle, bullpup layout, and Picatinny rail for mounting additional devices such as optics or laser sights.
In addition, the rifle is equipped with a large muzzle brake to reduce recoil and improve controllability during automatic fire. Due to its powerful cartridge, compact design and adaptability, the ASh-12 is a popular choice for special operations units and law enforcement agencies.
AM-17
The AM-17 is a relatively new assault rifle developed by the Russian concern Kalashnikov. It was designed to be a lightweight and compact weapon for airborne troops and other special units. The AM-17 is chambered for the 5.45x39mm cartridge, a popular Russian military weapon, and is intended to replace the outdated AKS-74U in some units.
Design features of the AM-17 include polymer frame for weight reduction, side-folding buttstock and integrated Picatinny rail for mounting accessories.
In addition, the rifle is gas operated and has a rate of fire of about 700 rounds per minute. Due to its lightweight design, compactness and versatility, the AM-17 is a promising new addition to the Russian compact assault rifle lineup.
Conclusion
Russian assault rifles have a rich history and have been used in various conflicts around the world. From the iconic AK-74 to the unique AC "Val" - all these weapons were created for the needs of the Russian military and law enforcement agencies, as well as to compete with foreign samples.
Each sample has its own unique properties and characteristics, which allows it to be used effectively in specific situations and scenarios. The evolution of Russian assault rifles reflects the changing nature of combat operations and the constant need for adaptable and effective firearms. As technology advances, we can expect further developments and innovations in this area.
I hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of Russian assault rifles, their unique features and characteristics.
