Not so long ago, the future of Kalashnikov assault rifles was vigorously discussed. The Ministry of Defense stopped purchasing AK-74M and demanded to create a new type, more suitable for modern requirements. And so, the first information about the new generation of Izhevsk automatic machines appeared in the press.
The new assault rifle, referred to in a number of sources as the AK-12 (Kalashnikov assault rifle of 2012), has now completed the final stages of development and the production of an experimental series has already begun. They are expected to be shown to representatives of the Ministry of Defense in early December. The details of the project are still classified, but on the basis of various "leaked" facts, some conclusions can be drawn.
Probably, the 12-year Kalashnikov line will consist of several variants of assault rifles and machine guns. We cannot exclude the possibility of creating a sniper rifle based on the AK-12 to replace the SVD. Like the hundredth series "Kalash", the 12th weapon will be created for different cartridges, primarily for 5, 45x39 mm and 7, 62x39 mm. In addition, sometimes in the context of the AK-12, a new cartridge is mentioned, so secret that its caliber is unknown to the general public.
Most likely, the AK-12 will receive updated ergonomics. It is not the first year in the arms industry that there has been talk about the possibility of carrying out all operations with a machine gun with one hand, so that the new Kalashnikov may well get it. In any case, some sources say so. There is also unverified information that the fire control handle and forend on the AK-12 will have an updated "anatomical" shape, and for the convenience of replacing the magazine, the machine will receive a new latch.
The chief designer of the assault rifle, V. Zlobin, claims that the new weapon, like its predecessors, will have gas-operated automation. But at the same time, a number of measures were taken to soften the operation of the mechanism, which should improve accuracy and reduce barrel drift when firing. How this was done is not known exactly, but with a high degree of probability we can talk about the application of the corresponding developments on the themes of AK-107 and AK-108. Recall that on these machines, an increase in the stability of firing was provided by a counterweight piston, which was moving forward under the influence of gases. When moving, the impulse of the counterweight turned out to be equal to the impulse of the piston connected to the gate group, due to which the total impulse of both pistons turned out to be equal to zero. The firing characteristics of the AK-12 have not yet been disclosed. Firstly, the project is still secret, and secondly, it is worth waiting for the tests, where the machine will show its real capabilities.
As with the previous Kalashnikovs, the AK-12 will retain mounts for a bayonet-knife and an underbarrel grenade launcher. The side rail for an optical or night sight will also not disappear anywhere, but Picatinny rails may well appear on the receiver cover and on the forend. There is no official confirmation or denial of these details yet, but many users of machine guns would be happy to receive weapons with such "gadgets". And the export prospects of assault rifles with slats are slightly greater than those of weapons without them. As for the main open sight, it is unlikely that it will undergo any changes besides technological ones. The design has been perfected over the years and is completely satisfactory for both the manufacturer and the customer.
Separately, it is worthwhile to dwell on the store. Practice shows that a box-type with a capacity of 30 rounds is the best option for an assault rifle and allows you to effectively solve most tactical tasks. Nevertheless, in Izvestia, in an article about the AK-12, a certain new box magazine is mentioned with the same dimensions as before, but for 60 rounds. Whether this is true or not, we will not find out until December. Probably, developing a new machine, Izhevsk designers conducted research on the most convenient and efficient store capacity. It should not be forgotten that a larger capacity also implies a greater weight of the equipped weapon and, as a result, less ease of use. Some sources mention a certain possibility of replacing the store on the fly. What exactly is meant by these words is unclear, but a lot of shooters want the new Kalashnikov to finally get a slide delay.
In general, there are more questions than answers about the AK-12. Information that has become public knowledge is extremely scarce, and details are wanted right now. But they still have to wait. Now the assembly of the first prototypes is already underway, they will soon be shown to the military, and the rifle tests of the machine will begin before the New Year. After the presentation, we should expect the first photos of the AK-12, but the exact numbers and data should appear in the public domain a little later.
