Russia selects new assault rifles

SSG Norman Lihou — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 13:58:48 -0500

The AK-12 is a fifth generation AK-pattern rifle, featuring several ergonomic improvements, a bolt catch, accessory rails, and a telescopic buttstock. The AK-12 is also has a lower recoil impulse than the AK-74M. Design work on the AK-12 began in August 2011 with the first prototype unveiled on 24 January 2012. The rifle is fed from 30 round AK-74 box magazines, but 60 and 95 rounds magazines are also available.

The 7.62 mm chambered AK-103-4 is the newest revision of the AK-47. It is also equipped with a Picatinny rail, telescopic folding buttstock and effective muzzle device.

The AK-12 is set to be used by only the elite Russian units equipped with Ratnik system. The remainder of the Army is expected to use an upgraded AK-74M, developed by Kalashnikov under military requirements and was shown for the first time at the Oboronexpo fair in August 2014.

Read more:
http://www.janes.com/article/48463/russia-selects-new-assault-rifles

Russia selects new assault rifles - IHS Jane's 360

The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has selected two assault rifles manufactured by Kalashnikov Concern as new standard issue firearms for the Russian Ratnik soldier modernisation programme. "We have already made a deal and selected assault rifles from Izhmash. It won in cost to

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 2:19 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 14:19:09 -0500

I really don't see a huge difference with this. The top is milled as one piece to cover the whole top. It should be it able to receive optics better. It will also elongate the distance between the sights. So it should be more accurate in theory, merely by having a better sighting system. But my concern with this is that they are altering the operation of the weapon. By adding a bolt catch and changing the upper it may alter operations. It could be putting stress in areas of the rifle that were never exposed to stress before. By doing this you could be shortening the life of the weapon system. This is the same as turning a 9mm platform into a 45. It was not intended to handle the additional stresses of the larger caliber. It will work and operate fine but not for long.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 2 at 2015 2:20 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 14:20:42 -0500

Does it have a distinct sound when fired?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 2 at 2015 3:39 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 15:39:29 -0500

When do the free samples come out?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 2 at 2015 6:57 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 18:57:04 -0500

So if these two rifles have standard Picatinny rails, can the Russians swap their optics and our optics?

Response by SGT Richard H. made Apr 14 at 2015 11:27 PM

SGT Richard H. — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 23:27:23 -0400

It's the same thing....with rails.