AK-74
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (April 2016) |
AK-74 | |
---|---|
Type | Assault rifle |
Place of origin | Soviet Union |
Service history | |
In service | 1974–present[1] 1991–present (AK-74M) |
Used by | See Users |
Wars |
|
Production history | |
Designer | Mikhail Kalashnikov |
Designed |
|
Manufacturer | Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) |
Produced |
|
No. built | 5,000,000+[6] |
Variants | See Variants |
Specifications | |
Mass |
|
Length |
|
Barrel length | 415 mm (16.3 in) |
Width | AK-74M: 70 mm (2.8 in) |
Height | AK-74M: 195 mm (7.7 in) |
Cartridge | 5.45×39mm |
Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
Rate of fire | |
Muzzle velocity | 880–900 m/s (2,887–2,953 ft/s)[9][8] |
Effective firing range |
|
Maximum firing range | 3,150 m (3,440 yd) |
Feed system | 30-round AK-74 and 45-round iron sights , front post and rear notch on a scaled tangent |
The AK-74 (Russian: Автомат Калашникова образца 1974 года, tr. Avtomat Kalashnikova obraztsa 1974 goda, lit. 'Kalashnikov assault rifle model 1974') is an assault rifle designed by small arms designer Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1974. While primarily associated with the Soviet Union, it has been used by many countries since the 1970s. It is chambered for the 5.45×39mm cartridge, which replaced the 7.62×39mm cartridge of Kalashnikov's earlier automatic weapons for the Soviet Armed Forces.
The rifle first saw service with Soviet forces in the Afghanistan conflict from 1979.[10] The head of the Afghan bureau of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the intelligence agency of Pakistan, claimed that America's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) paid $5,000 for the first AK-74 captured by the Afghan mujahideen during the Afghan-Soviet War.[11]
As of 2021[update], most countries of the former Soviet Union use the rifle. Licensed copies were produced in Bulgaria (AK-74, AKS-74 and AKS-74U), and in the former East Germany (MPi-AK-74N, MPi-AKS-74N, MPi-AKS-74NK).[10][12][13]
Design details
The AK-74 was designed by А. D. Kryakushin's group under the design supervision of Mikhail Kalashnikov. It is an adaptation of the 7.62×39mm AKM assault rifle and features several important design improvements.[10][14] These improvements were primarily the result of converting the rifle to the intermediate-calibre high velocity 5.45×39mm cartridge. In fact, some early models are reported to have been converted AKMs, re-barreled to 5.45×39mm.[15] Compared with the preceding AKM, the AK-74 has better effective firing range, accuracy (a main development goal), and reliability. About 50% of the parts in the AK-74 and AKM are the same (including pins, springs and screws).[10][16][17]
Operating mechanism
The rifle's operation during firing and reloading is identical to that of the AKM.[18] After ignition of the cartridge primer and propellant, rapidly expanding propellant gases are diverted into the gas cylinder above the barrel through a vent near the muzzle. The build-up of gases inside the gas cylinder drives the long-stroke piston and bolt carrier rearward and a cam guide machined into the underside of the bolt carrier along with an ejector spur on the bolt carrier rail guide, rotates the bolt approximately 35° and unlocks it from the barrel extension via a camming pin on the bolt. The moving assembly has about 5.5 mm (0.2 in) of free travel which creates a delay between the initial recoil impulse of the piston and the bolt unlocking sequence, allowing gas pressures to drop to a safe level before the seal between the chamber and the bolt is broken. Like previous Kalashnikov-pattern rifles, the AK-74 does not have a gas valve; excess gases are ventilated through a series of radial ports in the gas cylinder. Since the Kalashnikov operating system offers no primary extraction upon bolt rotation, the 5.45×39mm AK-74 bolt has a larger extractor claw than the 7.62×39mm AKM for increased extraction reliability.[19] Other minor modifications were made to the bolt and carrier assembly.
Barrel
The rifle received a new barrel with a
Sights
Iron sights
The AK-74 uses an adjustable notched rear tangent
Optical sights
While most Russian and CIS armed forces use the AK-74 in its basic configuration with iron sights, many magnified and non-magnified optical sights are available for designated marksmen and other special purpose troops in their respective militaries.[24][25]
For the 5.45×39mm AK-74, the East German Zeiss ZFK 4×25,
The standard Russian side rail mounted optical sight was the 4×26 1P29 Universal sight for small arms. It was copied from and hence similar to the British
The current Russian standard side rail mounted optical sight for the AK-74M is the 2.8×17 1P78 Kashtan, an aiming optic similar to the American
New features
The AK-74 was equipped with a new buttstock, handguard (which retained the
The AK-74 gas tube has a spring washer attached to its rear end designed to retain the gas tube more securely. The lower handguard is fitted with a leaf spring that reduces play in the rifle's lateral axis by keeping the wood tensioned between the receiver and the handguard retainer. The receiver remains nearly identical to that of the AKM; it is a U-shaped 1 mm (0.04 in) thick sheet steel pressing supported extensively by pins and rivets. The internal guide rails on which the bolt carrier travels are stamped and spot welded to the inside of the receiver housing. Minor changes were made to the front barrel and rear stock trunnions as well as the magazine well. All external metal surfaces are coated with a glossy black enamel paint.
Accessories
Accessories supplied with the military version of the rifle include a 6H4 or 6H5 type bayonet, a quick-loading device, three spare magazines, four 15-round stripper clips, maintenance kit, cleaning rod and sling. The bayonet is installed by slipping the muzzle ring around the flash hider and latching the handle down on the bayonet lug under the front sight base. The 6H5 AK-74 bayonet introduced in 1983 represents a further refinement of the 6H4 AKM bayonet. It introduced a radical blade cross-section, that has a flat milled on one side near the edge and a corresponding flat milled on the opposite side near the false edge.[33] The blade has a new spear point and an improved one-piece molded plastic grip making it a more effective fighting knife.[33] It also has saw-teeth on the false edge and the usual hole for use as a wire-cutter.[33]
5.45×39mm cartridge
Relatively small sized, light weight, high velocity military service cartridges like the 5.45×39mm allow a soldier to carry more ammunition for the same weight compared with their larger and heavier predecessor cartridges, have favourable maximum point-blank range or "battle zero" characteristics and produce relatively low bolt thrust and free recoil impulse, favouring light weight arms design and automatic fire accuracy.[34] Tests measured the free recoil energy delivered by the 5.45×39mm AK-74 rifle at 3.39 J (2.50 ft⋅lb), compared with 7.19 J (5.30 ft⋅lb) delivered by the 7.62×39mm in the AKM.[35]
Early 5.45×39mm ballistics tests demonstrated a pronounced tumbling effect with high speed cameras.[36] Some Western authorities believed this bullet was designed to tumble in flesh to increase wounding potential. At the time, it was believed that yawing and cavitation of projectiles were primarily responsible for tissue damage. Martin Fackler conducted a study with an AK-74 assault rifle using live pigs and ballistic gelatin; "The result of our preset test indicate that the AK-74 bullet acts in the manner expected of a full-metal-cased military ammunition – it does not deform or fragment when striking soft tissues".[37] Most organs and tissue were too flexible to be severely damaged by the temporary cavity effect caused by yaw and cavitation of a projectile. With the 5.45 mm bullet, tumbling produced a temporary cavity twice, at depths of 100 mm (3.9 in) and 350 mm (13.8 in). This is similar to (but more rapid than) modern 7.62×39mm ammunition and to (non-fragmenting) 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition.
Magazines
The original steel-reinforced 30-round AK-74 detachable box magazine was similar to that of the AKM, except for minor dimensional changes required by the 5.45×39mm cartridge. These magazines discolour over time from yellowish to
The transition to mainly plastic magazines and the relatively small sized, light weight, high velocity 5.45×39mm cartridge yielded a significant weight reduction and allows a soldier to carry considerably more rounds for the same weight compared with the previous Soviet AK-47 and AKM and later 7.62×39mm chambered AK platform assault rifles.[14]
Rifle | Cartridge | Cartridge weight | Weight of empty magazine | Weight of loaded magazine | Max. 10.12 kg (22.3 lb) ammunition load* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AK-47 (1949) | 7.62×39mm | 16.3 g (252 gr) | slab-sided steel 430 g (0.95 lb) |
30-rounds 916 g (2.019 lb)[44] |
11 magazines for 330 rounds 10.08 kg (22.2 lb) |
AKM (1959) | 7.62×39mm | 16.3 g (252 gr) | ribbed stamped-steel 330 g (0.73 lb) |
30-rounds 819 g (1.806 lb)[45][46] |
12 magazines for 360 rounds 9.83 kg (21.7 lb) |
AK-103 (1994) | 7.62×39mm | 16.3 g (252 gr) | steel-reinforced plastic 250 g (0.55 lb) |
30-rounds 739 g (1.629 lb)[45][46] |
13 magazines for 390 rounds 9.61 kg (21.2 lb) |
AK-74 (1974) | 5.45×39mm | 10.7 g (165 gr) | steel-reinforced plastic 230 g (0.51 lb) |
30-rounds 551 g (1.215 lb)[46][47] |
18 magazines for 540 rounds 9.92 kg (21.9 lb) |
Note: All, 7.62×39mm AK magazines are backwards compatible with older AK variants.
Note *: 10.12 kg (22.3 lb) is the maximum amount of ammo that the average soldier can comfortably carry. It also allows for best comparison of the three most common 7.62×39mm AK platform magazines and the 5.45×39mm AK-74 magazine.
Variants
The AK-74 series is also available in several "night-fighting" configurations, equipped with a side dovetail rail for mounting optical sights. These variants, the AK-74N, AKS-74N and AKS-74UN can be used in conjunction with NSPU and NSPU-3 (1PN51)[48] night sights, as well as optical sights such as the USP-1 (1P29). The variants designated AK-74N2 and AKS-74N2 can use the multi-model night vision sight NSPUM (1PN58).[49]
AKS-74
The AKS-74 ("S"—Russian: складной; Skladnoy, or "foldable"), is a variant of the AK-74 equipped with a side-folding metal shoulder stock, designed primarily for use with air assault infantry and developed alongside the basic AK-74. Unlike the AKMS's somewhat fragile underfolding stock (modeled after the MP 40 submachine gun stock), the AKS-74 stock is fabricated from stamped sheet metal struts, machine pressed into a "U" shape and assembled by punch fit and welding.
The stock has a triangular shape; it lacks the folding shoulder pad found on the AKMS stock and is folded to the left side of the receiver. The hinged stock is securely locked in its extended position by a spring-loaded button catch located at the rear of the receiver. When folded, the stock is held closed by a spring-loaded capture hook situated on the left side at the front of the receiver housing. A rear-mounted sling swivel is also provided on the right side at the beginning of the stock frame. It retains the pistol grip reinforcement plate the AKMS used, though due to the less complex rear trunnion, only has one riveting hole in place of the three on the AKMS.
AK-74M
In 1991, the Izhmash factory in the city of Izhevsk began full-scale production of a modernised variant of the AK-74—the AK-74M ("М"—Russian: Модернизи́рованный, tr. Modernizírovanny, lit. 'modernised') assault rifle that offers more versatility compared with its predecessor. Apart from several minor improvements, such as a lightened bolt and carrier assembly to reduce the impulse of the gas piston and bolt carrier during firing, the rifle features a new glass-filled polyamide stock that retains the shape of the original AK-74 fixed laminated wood stock, but side-folds to the left like the skeletonised AKS-74 buttstock. As a result, pistol grip reinforcement plates that were once exclusively used on the folding stock variants are standard on all AK-74Ms. Additionally the AK-74M features an improved muzzle device with extended collar and threads to reduce play and a machine cut beneath to allow easier cleaning rod removal, a reinforced smooth dust cover and a redesigned guide rod return spring retainer that allows firing the GP-25, GP-30 and GP-34 underslung grenade launchers without having to use the previously necessary additional receiver cover fastener. To reduce production costs, barrel hardware, such as the front sight base and gas block, are dimple pressed on to the barrel instead of pinned on (commercial semi-auto variants are still pinned on to maintain user serviceability).
Other economic changes include omission of lightening cuts on the front sight block and gas piston as well as a stamped gas tube release lever, replacing the milled one. The bullet guide and bolt guide were also separated, with the bolt guide becoming a simple bump held in place on the left side of the receiver with an additional rivet (often called a "bump rivet" because of this) making it easier to replace in case of wear. Each AK-74M is fitted with a side-rail bracket for mounting optics that is a simplified version of the 74N mount with less machining cuts. The AK-74M would have been adopted by the Soviet Union as the standard service rifle, and has been accepted as the new
AK-74M UUK (Universal Upgrade Kit)
An AK-74M universal upgrade kit consisting of a new safety, dust cover and furniture featuring improved ergonomics and
The Kalashnikov Concern announced it has a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence to deliver upgrade kits for their AK-74M assault rifles.[52]
AKS-74U
AKS-74U | |
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2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine[53] | |
Production history | |
Designer | Mikhail Kalashnikov |
Designed | 1970s |
Manufacturer | Tula Arms Plant |
Produced | 1979–1993 |
Specifications | |
Mass | 2.7 kg (6.0 lb) |
Length | 730 mm (28.7 in) (stock extended) 490 mm (19.3 in) (stock folded) |
Barrel length | 206.5 mm (8.1 in) |
Cartridge | 5.45×39mm |
Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
Rate of fire |
|
iron sights , front post and U-shaped flip rear notch |
In 1973, a design competition (codenamed "Modern"—Модерн) was started[55] for the adoption of a fully automatic carbine.
Soviet planners drew from the unsolicited design AO-46 built in 1969 by Peter Andreevich Tkachev, which weighed only 1.9 kg. The TTT specifications required a weight no greater than 2.2 kg (4.9 lb), a length of 75 cm (29.5 in)/45 cm (17.7 in) with the stock unfolded/folded, and an effective firing range of 500 m (547 yd). The competition was joined by designs of Mikhail Kalashnikov (PP1), Igor Stechkin (TKB-0116), S. G. Simonov (AG-043), A. S. Konstantinov (AEK-958), and Yevgeny Dragunov (who called his model "MA"). Kalashnikov also presented an additional design (A1-75) which differed from PP1 by having a modified muzzle for flash and noise suppression.[56]
In 1977, the
The AKS-74U bridges the tactical deployment gap between a submachine gun and an assault rifle. It was intended for use mainly with special forces, airborne infantry, rear-echelon support units, helicopter and armored vehicle crews. It has been augmented and replaced by various submachine guns, and the less compact AK-105 carbine in Russian military service. It is commonly used by law enforcement; for example, each urban police foot patrol is issued at least one.[citation needed]
The AKS-74U's compact dimensions were achieved by using a short 206.5 mm (8.1 in) barrel (this forced designers to simultaneously reduce the gas piston operating rod to an appropriate length). Due to the shortening of the operating mechanism, the
The sight height above the bore axis is also approximately 3 mm (0.1 in) higher than the AK-74, due to the combined front sight/gas block, rear sight configuration. The AKS-74U has a different rear sight composed of a U-shaped flip sight on the top cover instead of the standard sliding notch tangent rear sight. This rear sight has two settings: "П" standing for постоянная (constant) corresponding to a 350 m (383 yd) "point-blank range" battle zero setting and "4-5" (used for firing at distances between 400–500 m (437–547 yd)).[59] The rear sight is housed in a semi-shrouded protective enclosure that is riveted to the receiver's spring-loaded top cover. This top cover hinges from a barrel trunnion (hinging where the rear sight on a normal AK74 is located), pivoting forward when opened, which also works to unlock the gas tube cover. Both the gas tube and handguard are also of a new type and are wider and shorter than the analogous parts in the AKS-74.
For the AKS-74s combined with the 7N6 or 7N10 service cartridges the 350 m battle zero setting limits the apparent "bullet rise" within approximately −5 to +42 cm (−2.0 to 16.5 in) relative to the line of sight. Soldiers are instructed to fire at any target within this range by simply placing the sights on the center of mass (the belt buckle) of the enemy target. Any errors in range estimation are tactically irrelevant, as a well-aimed shot will hit the torso of the enemy soldier.
The AKS-74U is significantly more maneuverable in tight
In the United States, the AKS-74U is often called a "Krinkov".[60] The origin of this term is uncertain. A hypothesis was circulating that the name came from the Mujahideen who supposedly had captured a high-ranking Soviet officer armed with an AKS-74U, and that they had named it after him. However, investigation by Patrick Sweeney could not confirm this hypothesis, for no Soviet officer with a resembling name was captured in Afghanistan.[61] US journalist C. J. Chivers reported that the gun was nicknamed "the Osama" in jihadist circles, after Osama bin Laden was photographed next to an AKS-74U.[11] Research by The Firearm Blog published in 2016 suggests that the name "Krinkov" is a Pashtun invention that came to the United States with accounts of the Mujahideen.[62]
The AKS-74U is approximately 3 oz (85 g) lighter than the NATO equivalent
AKS-74UB
The AKS-74UB ("B"—
Post AK-74M developments and successors
AK-100 series
The modernised variant of the AK-74 — the AK-74M — was used as the technical basis for the new Russian AK-100 family of Kalashnikov firearms:
Chambering | Assault rifle | Carbine |
---|---|---|
5.56×45mm NATO | AK-101 | AK-102 |
7.62×39mm | AK-103 | AK-104 |
5.45×39mm | AK-74M
|
AK-105 |
9×39mm | OTs-12 Tiss | AK-9 |
Even with the differences in the above table all of these firearms are made to similar specifications.[64]
These original AK-100 series firearms were introduced in 1994 and are categorized by all having black polymer
Additionally, the 5.45×39mm
AK-100M/200 series
The
Chambering | Assault Rifle | Carbine |
---|---|---|
5.45×39mm | AK-200
|
AK-205 |
5.56×45mm NATO | AK-201 | AK-202 |
7.62×39mm | AK-203 | AK-204 |
As of 2018, the AK-200 series rifles are offered for export sales and for domestic law enforcement users in Russia.[69][70][71][72]
AK-12
In 2010, the AK-12 series of proposed prototype models were unveiled. They differed in weight, introduced a new recoil compensation technology and improved ergonomics. The rear iron sight element was rail-mounted and moved to the back of the upper receiver to lengthen the sight line, and the full length of the weapon featured a Picatinny rail for mounting accessories such as aiming optics on top. The hand guard features Picatinny rails on both sides and its underside for mounting accessories like tactical lights, laser sights and grenade launchers. Throughout its development and evaluation stage the multiple modifications were applied to meet Russian military standards, as well as to improve upon the "range of defects" that were discovered on prototype models and to address concerns regarding the cost of earlier prototypes. In September 2016 the prototype models were replaced by the final production models of the AK-12 (chambered in 5.45×39mm) and AK-15 (chambered in 7.62×39mm) assault rifles.
Parallel developments are the RPK-16 light machine gun and the AM-17 compact assault rifle (both chambered in 5.45×39mm). The AK-12, AK-15 and RPK-16 technically strongly resembles the AK-74M, AK-100 series and RPK-74M than the earlier prototypes and the arms manufacturer Kalashnikov concern hopes they will replace these Russian service guns.
In late 2016 it was reported the AK-12 production model was undergoing troop trials with the Russian Army, where it competes against the Degtyarov A-545 balanced action assault rifle in Ratnik program trials. The AK-12 completed its operational testing and passed military field tests in June 2017, paving the way to Russian Army adoption, potentially under the Ratnik program.[73][74][75] Both AK-12 and AK-15 completed testing in December 2017. In January 2018 it was announced that the AK-12 and AK-15 have been adopted by the Russian military.[76]
Users
- Afghanistan: Nicknamed the "Kalakov".[77][78]
- Angola[78]
- Armenia[78]
- Azerbaijan:[78] AK-74M manufactured under license by the Ministry of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan.[79][80][81]
- Belarus[78]
- Bulgaria: AR-M1 (variation of AK-74) and AKS-74U are manufactured locally.[82]
- Burundi: Used by Burundian rebels.[83]
- Chad[78]
- Cyprus: AK-74M used by the Cypriot National Guard[84]
- Cuba: Standard issue assault rifle.[85]
- Estonia[78]
- Georgia: In use alongside the M4 carbine in service in Georgia. Being phased out by AR-15 platform rifles.[78]
- Greece: AK-74M [78]
- Guatemala: AKS-74U[78]
- Ivory Coast[86]
- Kazakhstan[78]
- Kyrgyzstan[78]
- Latvia[78]
- Lebanon: Used by police.[87]
- Lesotho[88]
- Libya[78]
- Lithuania: AKS-74 and AK-74M[78]
- Madagascar[78]
- Moldova[78]
- Mongolia[78]
- Myanmar: Some received from Russia, possibly supplied for trials[89]
- Nigeria[78]
- North Korea:[90] Manufactured locally as the Type-88.[91] Sources suggest that it was made with technical assistance from China.[92]
- Pakistan[78]
- PA md. 86.[93]
- Russia: AK-74M is currently the main service rifle in the Russian Army,[93] and being supplemented by the newer AK-12.[94]
- Rwanda[78]
- Somalia: AK-74 and AK-74M [78]
- Syria: AK-74M,[95] AKS-74U,[96] AKS-74 and AK-74. Most AK-74s given to the Syrian Armed Forces by Russian forces deployed in Syria.
- Tajikistan[78]
- Turkmenistan[78]
- Ukraine[78]
- Uzbekistan[78]
- Vietnam[78]
- Yemen[78]
- Zambia[78]
Former users
- Chechen Republic of Ichkeria: AK-74, AKS-74 and AK-74M[78]
- Croatian Armed Forces, obtained from Germany.
- East Germany: Manufactured locally as the MPi-AK-74N, MPi-AKS-74N, and MPi-AKS-74NK.[98] 171,925 AK-74s in 1991.[99]
- Germany: In storage.
- Soviet Union: First used during the Soviet–Afghan War in 1979.[100]
States with limited recognition
- Abkhazia[101]
- Donetsk People's Republic[102]
- Luhansk People's Republic[102]
- South Ossetia[103]
- Transnistria[104]
Non-state users
- Aum Shinrikyo :Manufactured locally as the nadi[105]
- Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant: Used by Islamic State terrorists (also seen in many Islamic State Propaganda videos)[106][107]
- Kurdistan Workers' Party[2]
- Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam: During the Sri Lankan Civil War between 1983 and 2009.[108]
- Lord's Resistance Army[109]
- Provisional IRA[110]
- Syrian opposition: AK-74, AKS-74 and AK-74M [111]
See also
Notes
- Izhmash. 2 December 2005. Archived from the originalon 4 August 2011.
- ^ a b War Noir [@war_noir] (15 January 2024). "#Turkey / N. #Iraq 🇹🇷🇮🇶: #PKK released video of their attack on TAF position which resulted in death of several soldiers of Commando Brigade. The group used several AK-74 rifles with a rare AGM Rattler TS50-640 thermal scope. MPT-55 rifles and a PKM machine gun captured" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 4 February 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ Small Arms Survey (2003). "Dangerous Supply: Small Arms and Conflict in the Republic of Georgia". Small Arms Survey 2003: Development Denied. Oxford University Press. p. 197. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
- ^ Mullins, Julie (10 September 1992). "Arms cache may contain Russian – AKS-74 automatic rifles". Graphic News.
- ^ "The Commanding Officer assigned to Kilo/Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment (Kilo 3/23), US Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR), examines an 7.62mm AK-47 assault rifle at Blair Field in al Kut, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM". Omnia. 21 August 2003.
- ^ "АВТОМАТЫ" [Automatic Weapons]. Militaryparitet.com (in Russian). Archived from the original on 1 March 2012. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
- ^ "AK74 / AKS74 / AK74M". Modern Firearms. 27 October 2010. Archived from the original on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
- ^ a b "5.45 mm Kalashnikov assault rifles AK74M, AK105". Izhmash. Archived from the original on 21 February 2015. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
- ^ TRADOC DCSINT Threat Support Directorate. September 2001. pp. 1–3. Archived(PDF) from the original on 25 April 2015 – via fas.org.
- ^ ISBN 978-8-31109-149-8.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-4391-9653-3. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
- ISBN 978-0-87364-993-3.
- ISBN 978-1-86227-116-6.
- ^ Izhmash. 2 December 2005. Archived from the originalon 21 February 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
AK-74 – Kalashnikov assault rifle, caliber 5.45 mm. In 1967, pursuant to the Resolution of the CPSU Central Committee and the USSR Council of Ministers, a competition was organized to design an assault rifle fit to use the new 5.45-mm cartridge. The AK-74 was designed by А. D. Kryakushin's group under the designer supervision of M. T. Kalashnikov. Based on the competition results, this assault rifle was included in the inventory in 1974 as part of the 5.45-mm small arms complex. The cartridge used in the AK-74 weighs 1.5 times less as compared with the 7.62-mm cartridge. The soldier can carry 1.5 times more cartridges without increasing the weight of the portable reserve ammunition. In addition, the bullet speed of the 5.45-mm caliber is higher.
- ISBN 978-1-58160-122-0.
- ^ "Firearms E-book" (PDF). Military-Today.com. 2010. p. 25. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 May 2015.
The AK-74 has improved firing accuracy over the AKM. This weapon retains all advantages and disadvantages of Kalashnikov design, including reliability, ruggedness, simplicity of operation and maintenance. This weapon does not jam or misfire in the worst conditions possible. Also, it has reliable extraction even with dirty chambers and cases. Its drawbacks are poor balance and ergonomics, as well as inferior firing accuracy to most Western weapons.
- ^ "AK-74 Assault rifle". Military-Today.com. Archived from the original on 9 January 2015.
The AK-74 has improved firing accuracy over the AKM. This weapon retains all advantages and disadvantages of Kalashnikov design, including reliability, ruggedness, simplicity of operation and maintenance. This weapon does not jam or misfire in the worst conditions possible. Also, it has reliable extraction even with dirty chambers and cases. Its drawbacks are poor balance and ergonomics, as well as inferior firing accuracy to most Western weapons.
- ^ Woźniak, p. 26.
- ^ Kokalis, p. 46.
- ISBN 0-87341-824-7.
- ^ "AK-74 Muzzle Brakes/Compensators". K-VAR Corp. Archived from the original on 10 January 2019. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-84908-835-0. Archived from the originalon 3 January 2014. Retrieved 24 December 2011.
- ^ "Using a 400 meter zero with 5.45x39". RussianOptics.net. 2010. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
- ^ "5.45x39 Optics". RussianOptics.net. Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved 27 March 2015.
- ^ "Red Dot and Collimator Optics". RussianOptics.net. Archived from the original on 25 March 2015. Retrieved 27 March 2015.
- ^ "1P29 4.0x Magnification". RussianOptics.net. Archived from the original on 4 December 2013.
- ^ "1P29 Universal sight for small arms". NPZ Novosibirsk Instrument-Making Plant. Archived from the original on 6 December 2013. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
- ^ "1P29". ra.spetsnaz.su. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
- ^ "Dedicated 5.45x39 Optics". RussianOptics.net. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
- ^ "1P78 Kashtan 2.8× Magnification". RussianOptics.net. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013.
- ^ "1P78 rifle sight". NPZ Novosibirsk Instrument-Making Plant. Archived from the original on 10 December 2013. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
- ^ "Боевые полимеры для АК". warspot.ru. 17 March 2022. Archived from the original on 4 January 2023.
- ^ a b c Cobb, Ralph E. (29 December 2013). "AK Bayonets 101 – The Four Basic Types". Worldbayonets.com. AK74 Bayonet. Archived from the original on 24 March 2015. Retrieved 17 March 2015.
- ^ Williams, Anthony G. (November 2014). "Assault Rifles and Their Ammunition: History and Prospects". Military Guns & Ammunition. Archived from the original on 5 November 2017. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
- ^ Bodinson, Holt (1 September 2008). "The Russians are coming! The Russians are coming! Or maybe the Polish". Guns. Archived from the original on 20 October 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014 – via The Free Library.
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References
- Cutshaw, Charlie (1998). The New World of Russian Small Arms & Ammo. Boulder, Colo.: Paladin Press. ISBN 978-0-87364-993-3.
- Kokalis, Peter (2001). Weapons Tests and Evaluations: The Best of Soldier of Fortune. Boulder, Colo.: Paladin Press. ISBN 978-1-58160-122-0.
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- Monetchikov, Sergei (2005). История русского автомата [The History of Russian Assault Rifle] (in Russian). St. Petersburg: ISBN 978-5-98655-006-0.
External links
- Kalashnikov Concern/Izhmash—manufacturer's website 5.45 mm Assault Rifle AK74M
- Tula Arms Plant—makers of the AKS-74U carbine
- Modern Firearms – AK-74/AKS-74/AK-74M
- Modern Firearm – AKS-74U
- Zastava M92
- Technical data, instructional images and diagrams of the AK-47M (in Russian)
- russianguns.ru Archived 2016-08-08 at the Wayback Machine
- 1985 East German AK-74 and RPK-74 Manual