It is known about the new machine that the 200th series will have an advantage in application efficiency by 40-50% in comparison with the previous models. As follows from Grodetsky's statement, the new machine will have a bar that is designed to mount additional equipment - laser designators, scopes and a flashlight.
The modernized Kalashnikov with markings 74 and a caliber of 5, 45 mm has a side-folding plastic stock and a dovetail bar, which is designed to mount optical sights. The rate of fire of the AK-74M is within 600 rounds per minute. This machine gun was adopted in 1995.
The initial model of the Kalashnikov assault rifle was developed in 1947 and just two years later the Soviet Army adopted it. Over the course of time, Kalashnikov improved, new modifications appeared, the newest was still considered the "hundredth series" (includes models from AK-101 to AK105), which appeared in the 90s. Kalashnikov assault rifles were adopted in 55 countries. Some states, for example, China, are engaged in the manufacture of "Kalashnikovs" without a license.
Below are two views, two positions on this world famous machine. The first glance at the assault rifle will be an examination of the modified Kalashnikovs, which were produced by the American company Krebbs custom guns. The order for this company was made by, hitherto unknown, entrepreneurs from Iraq. The second glance will be the local Izhevsk automaton, the consideration of the models will be provided with comments by com. Fox. The aforementioned comrade. Lis, was a member of the Afghan company and worked for a long time at the Rzhevsky test site.
Comrade Lees notes that during his service in Afghanistan he used a Krebbs Kalashnikov, which was brought from the enemy's camp. According to him, the impressions of using this machine can be compared with the impressions of using a new imported car after the Russian one. However, the estimated cost of such weapons is quite high.
There were no comments regarding Kalashnikovs produced at the Izhevsk plant, but the silence was significant.
So we see:
A certain number of picattini slats have been added to the new machine, the handle is made more or less ergonomic, a fuse has been added under the right thumb, which, unfortunately, is in no way connected with the standard fuse-translator, but simply locks the trigger.
The machine is made simply and, probably, a little rough, as they say, assembled on the knee. The production of such products is acceptable for a small company that creates its models in small rooms and does not have competent personnel. However, this is simply unacceptable for the development plant. It should be noted the normal and fairly rigid fit of the strip on the gas outlet tube.
The receiver cover, which is located on the other side of the strip in the front part, is planted on an axle, and in the rear part there is a lock, somewhat reminiscent of the structure on the SVD or Valmet.
Taken together, this should ensure a consistent fit of the receiver cover after opening. Most likely, this design eliminates the need to align the sights installed on the cover strip each time after cleaning. Colored dots are located on the bar, which indicate the seats for different types of scopes.
Fitting the cover to the axle is made possible by a redesigned open sights assembly. The block of the machine remained the same, but the bar was shortened and instead of the clamp and the curved sector, a drum with an eccentric was installed. In this regard, the bar became shorter and it became possible to install the receiver cover hinge.
The new model has a ramrod in the stock. In addition, a swivel was added to the butt.
It is necessary to distinguish between the desire to correct the shortcomings of the AK and the desire to make from the machine only an external likeness of foreign MASADA, AR15, Stg552. Based on this, and it is necessary to engage in the development of future models.
For example, the Krebs company creates an external likeness of AR15 from AK, and this is due to the nature of demand in the American civilian market.
It would be appropriate to recall the words of Gabe, Suarez: “you don’t need to make an M16 rifle out of AK”. This quote suggests that you should not confuse the purpose and technology of different types of weapons. It should not be added to the Kalashnikov, a heavy non-ergonomic body kit, just for show.
What are the fundamental shortcomings that should be pondered over in the new millennium, does AK have?
Low shooting accuracy (compared to Western rifles) with single shots.
Significant kickback and toss, especially at 7.62
Difficulty installing optics.
Non-ergonomic standard handle.
Lack of the neck of the store.
No automatic shutter lag.
Non-ergonomic stock
Unergonomic fuse
Imperfect stock mechanical sight (although this point may be controversial).
So, let's take a closer look at each point
Accuracy of a single fire. This point is determined not so much by the flaws of the model as by poor-quality production, since you can find specimens that are both heapy and very not boring. So the whole thing is in the quality of factory production, which needs to be improved.
Recoil and toss. Changing the mass of moving parts, caliber or automatic operation scheme will lead not to improvement, but to the creation of a new rifle. To reduce recoil and toss, it is necessary to use active and reactive muzzle devices to reduce recoil. These devices are well developed in the Russian FPSR, and many are used on 7.62 machines. Therefore, the introduction of the optimal expansion joint into serial production is the best solution.
Installation of optics. Since the AK46-1 "rolled over" and acquired the classic layout, this issue has been problematic for the AK. However, this is a solvable problem, but for a solution it is necessary to understand what kind of optics will be used. The most optimal collimators are considered Aimpoint T1 and Aimpoint H1, the newest versions of EOTech (but they are inferior to the previous ones in terms of size and power consumption). How to install such a sight? The answer is clear - an Ultimak gas outlet is needed, and in order to make an analogue of Ultimak from steel, only desire is needed. Thus, you can get a sight that is located on the sighting line of the mechanics and through which the mechanic is visible. At the same time, installing a flashlight is a completely solvable issue, the solution is, for example, installing a flashlight on the Ultimak using a VTOR adapter.
It is absolutely incomprehensible the mania with which the whole modern world hangs Kalashnikov with rails. For what? Do you have so many Picatinny mount optics? Or are you going to hang on the AK Hyperon with the help of an adapter from a dovetail? Or, even funnier, a Cobra on a Weaver, which has the overall dimensions and power consumption of a Tefal iron? Damn, than ruin the brain, better fill up the Aimpoints, all the same, in terms of the cost of maintenance and the percentage of defects, it will become cheaper than the Cobra, especially since 15 Aimpoints are taken for the cost of one Hyperon !!!
Standard fire control handle. There is evidence that the soldiers of the Special Forces of the UFSIN of the UR have made for themselves ergonomic handles made of wood for a long time, and this speaks volumes. In fact, this issue does not require any "revolutionary transformations" of the structure and the like. The commercial grips are just enough to go into production. At the same time, the installation of such handles (Russian, Israeli or American) takes a small amount of time, and the costs are not high. However, the benefits of this innovation, in terms of the use of AK, can be significant.
Throat and slide stop. These are things that are needed for sports, but in order to apply them to arm the army, it will take a change in the format of the store, which has remained unchanged for over 60 years. It becomes clear that such costs are not entirely reasonable, of course, you can remake the machine to fit the NATO standard, copy Masada's shops. However, it is unlikely that anyone would dream of purchasing such a modification of the Kalashnikov, with a converted store, the cost of which will significantly exceed the cost of existing models.
Butt. The idea of placing a ramrod in the butt may seem interesting enough, but it is not a necessary innovation. The existing standard black stock AK100 is self-sufficient, it is universal and does not require any additions. Such as, for example, the slot for the strap of the GP30 butt pads, which do not yet exist as such.
Fuse. She is the sacred cow of modern tactics. The stock lever can be used at a fairly high speed. If you use a fuse with a flag similar to Vepr-12, then the removal speed will be at least not less than that of the AP15 fuse. Probably no more innovations are required. However, the modifications with the fuse on the left side and the action opposite to the natural movement is another attempt to remake the AK into the AP15. In fact, the fuse is not as often used and is most needed for carrying a weapon, so a normal switching speed is quite a sufficient option.
Mechanics. This item is the last in the list, but not the last in value. It is worth noting that when shooting at dusk or fast transfer of fire, the AK bar works and, at the same time, at a fairly high level. At the same time, a tritium insert in the Kalashnikov's front sight for shooting in low light conditions can become a completely justified and practical addition. At the same time, the cost of $ 70 on Brownels allows everyone to use this option. For the mechanics of the machine, R&D and a huge number of strips are not needed, as well as there is no need for reinforced locking of the receiver cover. Some additions are unnecessary, this should be taken into account.
In conclusion, it should be said that although the new Kalashnikov looks quite impressive in the photo. In fact, it does not have any fundamental differences from its predecessors. Not a large number of innovations have been implemented in it. In particular, it is a modified ergonomics. The loading handle located on the left and the reverse acting fuse are quite controversial.
