AK-74

AK-74
Early AK-74 with Bakelite magazine and laminated wood furniture
Type	Assault rifle Carbine (AKS-74U)
Place of origin	Soviet Union Russia
Service history
In service	1974–present[1]
Used by	See Users
Wars	Soviet–Afghan War See other conflicts and wars
Production history
Designer	Mikhail Kalashnikov
Designed	1974
Manufacturer	Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash)
Produced	AK-74: 1974–1991 AK-74M: 1991–present
Number built	5,000,000 +[2]
Variants	See Variants
Specifications
Weight	AK-74: 3.07 kg (6.8 lb) AKS-74: 2.97 kg (6.5 lb) AKS-74U: 2.7 kg (6.0 lb) AK-74M: 3.4 kg (7.5 lb)[3] without magazine 30-round magazine: 0.23 kg (0.51 lb) 6H5 bayonet: 0.32 kg (0.71 lb)
Length	AK-74: 943 mm (37.1 in) AKS-74 (stock extended): 943 mm (37.1 in) AKS-74 (stock folded): 690 mm (27.2 in) AKS-74U (stock extended): 735 mm (28.9 in) AKS-74U (stock folded): 490 mm (19.3 in) AK-74M (stock extended): 943 mm (37.1 in) AK-74M (stock folded): 700 mm (27.6 in)
Barrel length	AK-74, AKS-74, AK-74M: 415 mm (16.3 in) AKS-74U: 206.5 mm (8.1 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	Cyclic: 650 (rd/min)[4] Practical: Automatic: 100 (rd/min)[5] Semi-auto: 40 (rd/min)[5]
Muzzle velocity	880–900 m/s (2,887–2,953 ft/s) (AK-74, AKS-74, AK-74M)[5][4] 735 m/s (2,411 ft/s) (AKS-74U)
Effective firing range	500 m (550 yd) ((AK-74, AKS-74, AK-74M point target) 800 m (870 yd) ((AK-74, AKS-74, AK-74M area target)[5] 400 m (440 yd) (AKS-74U)[6]
Maximum firing range	3,150 m (3,440 yd)
Feed system	30-round or 45-round RPK-74 detachable box magazine or 60-round casket magazine
Sights	Adjustable iron sights, front post and rear notch on a scaled tangent Flip-up sight and front cylindrical post (AKS-74U)

The AK-74 (Russian: Автомат Калашникова образца 1974 года or "Kalashnikov automatic rifle model 1974") is an assault rifle developed in the early 1970s by Russian designer Mikhail Kalashnikov as the replacement for the earlier AKM (itself a refined version of the AK-47). It uses a smaller 5.45×39mm cartridge, replacing the 7.62×39mm chambering of earlier Kalashnikov-pattern weapons.

The rifle first saw service with Soviet forces engaged in the 1979 Afghanistan conflict.^[7] The head of the Afghan bureau of the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence claimed that the CIA paid $5,000 for the first AK-74 captured by the mujahadeen during the Soviet–Afghan War.^[8]

Presently, the rifle continues to be used by the majority of countries of the former USSR. Additionally, licensed copies were produced in Bulgaria (AK-74, AKS-74 and AKS-74U), the former East Germany (MPi-AK-74N, MPi-AKS-74N, MPi-AKS-74NK) and Romania (Pușcă Automată model 1986).^[7][9][10] Besides former Soviet republics and eastern European countries, Mongolia, North Korean Special Forces, and Vietnamese People's Naval infantry use AK-74s.

Design details

The AK-74 was designed by А.D. Kryakushin's group under the design supervision of M.T. Kalashnikov and is an adaptation of the 7.62×39mm AKM assault rifle and features several important design improvements.^[7][11] These improvements were primarily the result of converting the rifle to the intermediate-caliber high velocity 5.45×39mm cartridge. In fact, some early models are reported to have been converted AKMs, re-barreled to 5.45×39mm.^[12] Compared to the preceding AKM the AK-74 has better effective range, firing accuracy (a main development goal) and reliability. The AK-74 and AKM share an approximate 50% parts commonality (interchangeable most often are pins, springs and screws).^[7][13][14]

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 to 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.^[15] Tests measured the free recoil energy delivered by the 5.45×39mm AK-74 rifle at 3.39 J (2.50 ft·lb), compared to 7.19 J (5.30 ft·lb) delivered by the 7.62×39mm in the AKM.^[16]

Early 5.45×39mm ballistics tests demonstrated a pronounced tumbling effect with high speed cameras.^[17] 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".^[18] 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.

Operating mechanism

The rifle's operation during firing and reloading is identical to that of the AKM.^[19] 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.^[20] Other minor modifications were made to the bolt and carrier assembly.

Barrel

The rifle received a new barrel with a chrome-lined bore and 4 right-hand grooves at a 200 mm (1:7.87 in) rifling twist rate. The front sight base and gas block were redesigned. The gas block contains a gas channel that is installed at a 90° angle in relation to the bore axis to reduce bullet shear at the port hole. A pair of support brackets are cast into the gas block assembly and are used to attach a BG-15c or GP-25 underslung 40 mm grenade launcher. Like the AK-47 and AKM, the muzzle is threaded for the installation of various muzzle devices such as the standard muzzle brake or a blank-firing adaptor, while a spring-loaded detent pin held in the front sight post prevents them from unscrewing while firing. The distinctive standard-issue muzzle brake features a large expansion chamber, two symmetrical vertical cuts at the forward end of the brake and three non symmetrical positioned vent holes to counteract muzzle rise and climb as well as lateral shift to the right much like the AKM's offset muzzle brake. A flat plate near the end of the brake produces a forward thrust when emerging exhaust gases strike its surface, greatly reducing recoil. The muzzle brake prevents backblast from reaching the firer, although it is reported to be harsh on bystanders as the muzzle gases are dispersed to the sides.^[21] The standard-issue AK-74 muzzle brake has been subtly revised several times since the 1970s,^[22]

Sights

Iron sights

The AK-74 uses an adjustable notched rear tangent iron sight calibrated in 100 m (109 yd) increments from 100 to 1,000 m (109 to 1,094 yd). The front sight is a post adjustable for elevation in the field. Horizontal adjustment requires a special drift tool and is done by the armory before issue or if the need arises by an armorer after issue. The "point-blank range" battle zero setting "П" on the 5.45×39mm AK-74 rear tangent sight element corresponds to a 400 m (437 yd) zero, compared to the 300 m (328 yd) zero for 7.62×39mm AKs.^[23][24] For the AK-74 combined with the 7N6 or 7N10 service cartridges the 400 m battle zero setting limits the apparent "bullet rise" within approximately −5 to +40 cm (−2.0 to 15.7 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.^[23]

Optical sights

While most Russian and CIS armed forces use the iron sights on the AK-74, many magnifying and non magnifying optical sights are available for designated marksman, Spetsnaz and other special purpose troops in their prospective militaries.^[25][26]

For the 5.45×39mm AK-74, the East German Zeiss ZFK 4×25, 1P29, Belorussian BelOMO PO 3.5×21P, PO 4×24P and the 1P78 Kashtan dedicated side rail mounted optical sights were developed. These optical sights are primarily designed for rapid target acquisition and first round hits out to 400 m, but by various means these optical sights also offer bullet drop compensation (BDC) (sometimes referred to as ballistic elevation) for aiming at more distant targets. The BDC feature compensates for the effect of gravity on the bullet at given distances (referred to as "bullet drop") in flat fire scenarios. The feature must be tuned for the particular ballistic trajectory of a particular combination of gun and cartridge at a predefined muzzle velocity and air density. Since the usage of standardized ammunition is an important prerequisite to match the BDC feature to the external ballistic behaviour of the employed projectiles, these military optical sights are intended to assist with field shooting at varying medium to longer ranges rather than precise long range shots.

The standard Russian side rail mounted optical sight was the 4×26 1P29 Universal sight for small arms, an aiming optic similar to the British SUIT and SUSAT and Canadian C79 optical sights. When mounted the 1P29 sight is positioned centered above the receiver at a height that allows the use of the iron sights. It weighs 0.8 kg, offers 4× magnification with a field of view of 8° and 35 mm eye relief. The 1P29 is issued with a canvas pouch, a lens cleaning cloth, combination tool, two rubber eyecups, two eyecup clamps and three different bullet drop compensation (BDC) cams for the AK-74, RPK-74 and PK machine gun. The 1P29 is intended for quickly engaging point and area targets at various ranges and is zeroed for both windage and elevation at 400 m (437 yd). On the right side of the field of view a stadiametric rangefinder is incorporated that can be used to determine the distance from a 1.5 meters (4 ft 11.1 in) tall object from 400 to 1,200 m (437 to 1,312 yd). The reticle is an inverted aiming post in the top half of the field of view and is tritium-illuminated for low-light condition aiming.^[27][28][29]

The current Russian standard side rail mounted optical sight for the AK-74M is the 2.8×17 1P78 Kashtan, an aiming optic more similar to the American ACOG.^[30] When mounted the 1P78 sight is positioned centered above the receiver. It weighs 0.5 kg, offers 2.8× magnification with a field of view of 13° and 32 mm eye relief. The 1P78 comes in several versions for the AK-74 (1P78-1), RPK-74 (1P78-2), AKM (1P78) and RPK (1P78-3). The 1P78 is intended for quickly engaging point and area targets at various ranges and is zeroed for both windage and elevation at 400 m (437 yd). A stadiametric rangefinder is incorporated that can be used to determine the distance for a soldier sized target from 400 to 700 m (437 to 766 yd). The reticle consist of a main 400 m "chevron" (^), a 500 m (547 yd) holdover dot and smaller additional holdover chevrons for 600 m (656 yd) and 700 m (766 yd) and is tritium-illuminated for low-light condition aiming.^[31][32]

New features

The AK-74 was equipped with a new buttstock, handguard (which retained the AKM-type finger swells) and gas cylinder. The stock has a shoulder pad different from that on the AKM, which is rubber and serrated for improved grip. In addition, there are lightening cuts on each side of the buttstock. The buttstock, lower handguard and upper heatguard were first manufactured from laminated wood, this later changed to a synthetic, plum or dark brown colored fiberglass.

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.

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 rust-colored magazines are often mistakenly identified as being made of Bakelite (a phenolic resin), but were actually fabricated from two-parts of AG-S4 molding compound (a glass-reinforced phenol-formaldehyde binder impregnated composite), assembled using an epoxy resin adhesive.^[33][34][35] Noted for their durability, these magazines did however compromise the rifle's camouflage and lacked the small horizontal reinforcing ribs running down both sides of the magazine body near the front that were added on all later AK-74 magazine generations.^[35] A second generation steel-reinforced dark-brown (color shades vary from maroon to plum to near black) 30-round magazine was introduced in the early 1980s, fabricated from ABS plastic. The third generation steel-reinforced 30-round AK-74 magazine is similar to the second generation, but is darker colored and has a matte nonreflective surface finish. With the introduction of the AK-74M the fourth generation of steel-reinforced matte true black nonreflective surface finished 30-round AK-74 magazines was introduced. All AK-74 magazines have a raised horizontal rib on each side of the rear lug to prevent their use in a 7.62×39mm AK. The magazines can be quickly recharged from stripper clips. The empty weight of a 30-round AK-74 box magazine is 230 g (8.1 oz). The 45-round plastic box magazine of the RPK-74 light machine gun^[36] is also interchangeable with that of the AK-74. The empty weight of a 45-round RPK-74 box magazine is 300 g (11 oz). Further 60-round and later 50-round quad-stack 5.45×39mm casket magazines were developed.^[37]

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 allow a soldier to carry considerably more rounds for the same weight compared to the previous Soviet AK-47 and AKM and later 7.62×39mm chambered AK platform assault rifles.^[11]

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)[38]	11 magazines for 330 rounds 10.12 kg (22.3 lb)
AKM (1957)	7.62×39mm	16.3 g (252 gr)	ribbed stamped-steel 330 g (0.73 lb)	30-rounds 819 g (1.806 lb)[39][40]	12 magazines for 360 rounds 9.84 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)[39][40]	13 magazines for 390 rounds 9.62 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)[40][41]	18 magazines for 540 rounds 9.90 kg (21.8 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.

Accessories

Accessories supplied with 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.^[42] The blade has a new spear point and an improved one-piece molded plastic grip making it a more effective fighting knife.^[42] It also has saw-teeth on the false edge and the usual hole for use as a wire-cutter.^[42]

Variants

AKS-74

The AKS-74 ("S"—Russian: складной; Skladnoy, or "folding"), 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.

AKS-74U

AKS-74U
Type	Carbine
Place of origin	Soviet Union Russia
Service history
In service	1979–present
Used by	See Users
Wars	Soviet–Afghan War See other conflicts and wars
Production history
Designer	Mikhail Kalashnikov
Designed	1979
Manufacturer	Tula Arms Plant
Produced	1979–present
Specifications
Weight	2.7 kg (6.0 lb)
Length	(stock extended): 735 mm (28.9 in) (stock folded): 490 mm (19.3 in)
Barrel length	206.5 mm (8.1 in)
Cartridge	5.45×39mm
Action	Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire	Cyclic: 650 (rd/min) Practical: Automatic: 100 (rd/min) Semi-auto: 40 (rd/min)
Muzzle velocity	735 m/s (2,411 ft/s)
Effective firing range	400 m (440 yd)
Maximum firing range	3,150 m (3,440 yd)
Feed system	30-round or 45-round RPK-74 detachable box magazine or 60-round casket magazine
Sights	Flip-up sight and front cylindrical post

In 1973, a design competition (codenamed "Modern"—Модерн) was started^[43] for the adoption of a fully automatic carbine.

This was no doubt inspired by observing the US experience in Vietnam with the XM177. The Soviet planners also 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 M.T. Kalashnikov (PP1), I.Y. 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.^[44]

In 1977 the GRAU decided to adopt Kalashnikov's model, which was largely a shortened AKS-74, because it was no worse than the competition in terms of performance, and promised significant production cost savings by utilizing existing equipment for the AK-74 line. A final round of large scale testing with Kalashinkov's model was performed by airborne divisions in the Transcaucasian Military District in March 1977. The AKS-74U ("U"—Russian: укороченный; Ukorochenniy, or "shortened") was officially adopted in 1979, and given the official, but seldom used GRAU designation 6P26.^[45] In 1993 production stopped.^[46]

In terms of tactical deployment, the AKS-74U bridges the 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 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.

The rifle's compact dimensions, compared to the AKS-74, 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 cyclic rate of fire rose slightly to 700 rd/min. In order to effectively stabilize projectiles, the barrel's twist rate was increased from 200 mm (1:7.87 in) to 160 mm (1:6.3 in) to adapt the AKS-74U for muzzle velocities of 720 m/s (2,362 ft/s) and higher. A new gas block was installed at the muzzle end of the barrel with a muzzle booster, which features an internal expansion chamber inside the cylindrical section of the booster while the conical end acts as a nozzle to increase net pressure inside the gas chamber by supplying an increased amount of propellant gasses from the barrel. The chrome-lined muzzle booster also burns any remaining propellant, which would normally reduce muzzle blast. However, due to the extremely short barrel and conical end of the booster, the muzzle blast is nevertheless extremely large and visible. The muzzle device locks into the gas block with a spring-loaded detent pin and features two parallel notches cut into the edge of the flash hider cone, used for unscrewing it using the cleaning rod stored under the barrel. The forward sling loop was relocated to the left side of the carbine and the front sight was integrated into the gas block.

The AKS-74U also has a different sighting system with a U-shaped flip sight instead of the standard sliding notch tangent rear sight. This rear sight has two settings: "П" 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)).^[47] 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 the barrel trunnion, 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 shorter than the analogous parts in the AKS-74.

The AKS-74U is significantly more maneuverable in tight quarters than the AKS-74; however, the significant decline in muzzle velocity to 735 m/s (2,411 ft/s) resulted in a 100 m (109 yd) reduction in effective range to 400 m (437 yd) (the effective hitting distance for a "running"-type silhouette target was reduced from 625 m (684 yd) to 360 m (394 yd)). The AKS-74U cannot mount a bayonet or standard under-barrel grenade launcher. However, a suppressed 30 mm BS-1 grenade launcher was developed specifically for that platform that fires a high-explosive dual purpose (HEDP) grenade. The grenades for the BS-1 are launched by special blank cartridges that are inserted into the grenade launcher via a detachable magazine. The majority of AKS-74U carbines were manufactured at the Tula Arms Factory rather than Izhmash. The AKS-74U also exists in a version featuring modernized synthetic furniture made from a black, glass-filled polyamide. The AKS-74U was also used as the basis for several other unique weapons, including the bullpup OTs-14 Groza specialist carbine which is now in limited service in the Russian military, and the Gepard series of multi-caliber submachine guns (none of which evolved past prototype stage).

In the United States, the AKS-74U is called a "Krinkov". The origin of this term is uncertain. A hypothesis was circulating that the name came from the mujahadeen 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.^[48] 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.^[8] Research by The Firearm Blog published in 2016 suggests that the name "Krinkov" is actually a Pashtun invention that came to the United States with accounts of the Mujahideen.^[49]

Specialized variants

The AK-74 is also available in several "night-fighting" configurations, equipped with a side-rail used to mount night vision scopes. These variants, the AK-74N, AKS-74N and AKS-74UN can be used in conjunction with NSPU and NSPU-3 (1PN51)^[50] scopes. The variants designated AK-74N2 and AKS-74N2 can use the multi-model night vision scope NSPUM (1PN58).^[51] The AKS-74UB ("B"—Russian: бесшумный; Besshumniy or "silent") is a sound-suppressed variant of the AKS-74U adapted for use with the PBS-4 suppressor (used in combination with subsonic 5.45×39mm Russian ammunition).^[52] Very little is known about this model.

AK-74M

In 1991 the Izhmash factory in the city of Izhevsk began full-scale production of a modernized variant of the AK-74—the AK-74M (M—Russian: Модернизированный; Modernizirovanniy or "modernized") assault rifle that offers more versatility compared to 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 skeletonized AKS-74 buttstock. Additionally the AK-74M features an improved muzzle device, 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. Each AK-74M is fitted with a side-rail bracket for mounting optics. The AK-74M would have been adopted by the Soviet Union as the standard service rifle, and has been accepted as the new service rifle of the Russian Federation.

AK-74M universal upgrade kit

An AK-74M universal upgrade kit consisting of a new safety, dust cover and furniture featuring improved ergonomics and rails to attach accessories like aiming optics, optoelectronic sights, laser sights, weapon lights and vertical fore grips and a new muzzle device had its official debut on May 9, 2015 in Moscow as part of the 2015 Moscow Victory Day Parade.^[53][54] The Kalashnikov Concern has further developed three sets of additional equipment for the modernization of 5.45×39mm and 7.62×39mm chambered AK-pattern assault rifles for normal military units, reconnaissance units, and special forces units.^[55] The Kalashnikov Concern announced it has a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence to deliver upgrade kits for their AK-74M assault rifles.^[56]

AK-100 series

The AK-74M was also the basis for the new Russian AK-100 family of Kalashnikov firearms: the AK-101 assault rifle and AK-102 carbine (both chambered for the NATO-standard 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge), AK-103 assault rifle and AK-104 carbine (both chambered for the 7.62×39mm round) and the 5.45×39mm AK-105 carbine. The AK-101, AK-102, AK-103 and AK-104 are destined primarily for export, while the AK-105 is slated to replace the AKS-74U with the Russian Armed Forces. Additionally, the 5.45×39mm AK-107 and 5.56×45mm NATO AK-108 rifles have a balanced recoil system to reduce felt recoil and muzzle rise. This balanced recoil system is derived from the AL-7 rifle.

AK-12

In 2010 a new variant, the AK-12 series, was unveiled. It differs in weight, introduces a new recoil compensation technology, and has improved ergonomics. The rear iron sight is rail-mounted and is moved all the way to the back of the upper receiver for enhanced accuracy, and the full top length of the weapon is covered in a Picatinny rail for easy mounting of accessories such as aftermarket iron sights and optics while the handguard has Picatinny rails on both sides and on its underside for mounting of tactical lights, laser sights and grenade launchers.

Comparisons

	Russia AK-74M[57]	United States М16А4[58][59]	Belgium FN SCAR L-STD[60]	Germany HK416 A5-16,5"[61]	Germany HK G36[62]	Austria Steyr AUG A3[63]	Italy Beretta ARX-160[64]	Switzerland SIG SG 550[65]
Appearance
In service	1991	2000	2009	2004	1995	2005	2009	1990
Weight, without magazine (kg)	3.4	3.26	3.29	3.56	3.77	3.9	3	4.1
Length (mm)	943	1000	889	951	999	745	950	998
Barrel length (mm)	415	510	355	419	480	455	406	528
Cartridge	5.45×39mm	5.56×45mm NATO	5.56×45mm NATO	5.56×45mm NATO	5.56×45mm NATO	5.56×45mm NATO	5.56×45mm NATO	5.56×45mm NATO
Action	semiautomatic, automatic	semiautomatic, 3-round burst	semiautomatic, automatic	semiautomatic, automatic	semiautomatic, automatic	semiautomatic, automatic	semiautomatic, automatic	semiautomatic, 3-round burst, automatic
Rate of fire (rounds/min)	650	700—950	550—650	850	750	680—750	700	700
Muzzle velocity (m/s)	880	948	870	890	920	992	914	911
Effective firing range (m)	500	550	500	500	600	500	600	600
Magazine	30 (45/60)	30 (20/100)	30 (20/100)	30 (20/100)	30 (100)	30 (42)	30 (100)	20 (5/10/30)
Standard sights	iron sights	dioptric	dioptric	dioptric	optical 3,5Х reflex	optical 1,5Х	iron sights	dioptric
Aiming optics mounting	Warsaw Pact rail	Picatinny rail	Picatinny rail	Picatinny rail	Picatinny rail	Picatinny rail	Picatinny rail	Picatinny rail
Grenade launcher	GP-25 GP-30 GP-34	M203 M320	FN40GL	HK AG36 M320	HK AG36	M203	GLX 160	GL 5040

Accuracy potential

The following table represents the Russian method for determining accuracy and it is far more complex than Western methods. In the West, one fires a group of shots into the target and then simply measure the overall diameter of the group. The Russians on the other-hand, fire a group of shots into the target. They then draw two circles on the target. One for the maximum vertical dispersion of hits and one for the maximum horizontal dispersion of hits. They then disregard the hits on the outer part of the target and only count half of the hits (50% or R₅₀) on the inner part of the circles. This dramatically reduces the overall diameter of the groups. They then use both the vertical and horizontal measurements of the reduced groups to measure accuracy. This method cannot be converted and is not comparable to western methods for determining accuracy.

AK-74 short burst dispersion with 5.45×39mm 7N6 service ammunition[66]
Range	Vertical accuracy of fire (R50)	Horizontal accuracy of fire (R50)	Remaining bullet energy	Remaining bullet velocity
0 m (0 yd)	0 cm (0.0 in)	0 cm (0.0 in)	1,328 J (979 ft·lbf)	880 m/s (2,887 ft/s)
100 m (109 yd)	6 cm (2.4 in)	8 cm (3.1 in)	1,089 J (803 ft·lbf)	800 m/s (2,625 ft/s)
200 m (219 yd)	12 cm (4.7 in)	16 cm (6.3 in)	853 J (629 ft·lbf)	705 m/s (2,313 ft/s)
300 m (328 yd)	18 cm (7.1 in)	24 cm (9.4 in)	657 J (485 ft·lbf)	619 m/s (2,031 ft/s)
400 m (437 yd)	24 cm (9.4 in)	32 cm (12.6 in)	500 J (370 ft·lbf)	540 m/s (1,772 ft/s)
500 m (547 yd)	30 cm (11.8 in)	40 cm (15.7 in)	373 J (275 ft·lbf)	466 m/s (1,529 ft/s)
600 m (656 yd)	36 cm (14.2 in)	48 cm (18.9 in)	255 J (188 ft·lbf)	385 m/s (1,263 ft/s)
700 m (766 yd)	42 cm (16.5 in)	56 cm (22.0 in)	196 J (145 ft·lbf)	338 m/s (1,109 ft/s)
800 m (875 yd)	48 cm (18.9 in)	64 cm (25.2 in)	157 J (116 ft·lbf)	303 m/s (994 ft/s)
900 m (984 yd)	55 cm (21.7 in)	73 cm (28.7 in)	137 J (101 ft·lbf)	283 m/s (928 ft/s)
1,000 m (1,094 yd)	62 cm (24.4 in)	82 cm (32.3 in)	118 J (87 ft·lbf)	262 m/s (860 ft/s)

• R₅₀ means the closest 50 percent of the shot group will all be within a circle of the mentioned diameter.

In general, this is an improvement with respect to firing accuracy to the AK-47 and the AKM. The vertical and horizontal mean (R₅₀) deviations with service ammunition at 800 m (875 yd) for AK platforms are.

SKS, AK-47, AKM, and AK-74 dispersion at 800 m (875 yd)
Rifle	Vertical accuracy of fire (R50)	Horizontal accuracy of fire (R50)
SKS (1945)	47 cm (18.5 in)	34 cm (13.4 in)
AK-47 (1949)	76 cm (29.9 in)	89 cm (35.0 in)
AKM (1959)	64 cm (25.2 in)	90 cm (35.4 in)
AK-74 (1974)	48 cm (18.9 in)	64 cm (25.2 in)

The single-shot hit-probability on the NATO E-type Silhouette Target (a human upper body half and head silhouette) of the AK-47, AK-74 and M16A1 and M16A2 assault rifles were measured by the US military under ideal proving ground conditions in the 1980s as follows:

Single-shot hit-probability on Crouching Man (NATO E-type Silhouette) Target[67]
Rifle	Chambering	Hit-probability (With no range estimation or aiming errors)
		50 meters	100 meters	200 meters	300 meters	400 meters	500 meters	600 meters	700 meters	800 meters
AK-47 (1949)	7.62×39mm	100%	100%	99%	94%	82%	67%	54%	42%	31%
AK-74 (1974)	5.45×39mm	100%	100%	100%	99%	93%	81%	66%	51%	34%
M16A1 (1967)	5.56×45mm NATO M193	100%	100%	100%	100%	96%	87%	73%	56%	39%
M16A2 (1982)	5.56×45mm NATO SS109/M855	100%	100%	100%	100%	98%	90%	79%	63%	43%

Under worst field exercise circumstances, due to range estimation and aiming errors, the hit probabilities for the tested assault rifles were drastically reduced with differences without operational significance.

AKS-74U

AKS-74U short burst dispersion with 5.45×39mm 7N6 service ammunition[68]
Range	Vertical accuracy of fire (R50)	Horizontal accuracy of fire (R50)	Remaining bullet energy	Remaining bullet velocity
0 m (0 yd)	0 cm (0.0 in)	0 cm (0.0 in)	926 J (683 ft·lbf)	735 m/s (2,411 ft/s)
100 m (109 yd)	10 cm (3.9 in)	10 cm (3.9 in)	706 J (521 ft·lbf)	642 m/s (2,106 ft/s)
200 m (219 yd)	20 cm (7.9 in)	20 cm (7.9 in)	539 J (398 ft·lbf)	561 m/s (1,841 ft/s)
300 m (328 yd)	30 cm (11.8 in)	30 cm (11.8 in)	402 J (296 ft·lbf)	484 m/s (1,588 ft/s)
400 m (437 yd)	40 cm (15.7 in)	40 cm (15.7 in)	294 J (217 ft·lbf)	414 m/s (1,358 ft/s)
500 m (547 yd)	50 cm (19.7 in)	50 cm (19.7 in)	216 J (159 ft·lbf)	355 m/s (1,165 ft/s)

• R₅₀ means the closest 50 percent of the shot group will all be within a circle of the mentioned diameter.

Users

•  Afghanistan^[69] The Mujihadeen nicknamed it the "Kalakov." ^[70][71]
•  Armenia^[69] AK-74 is currently the main service rifle of the Armenian armed forces.
•  Azerbaijan:^[69] AK-74M manufactured under license by the Ministry of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan.^[72][73][74]
•  Belarus^[69]
•  Bulgaria: AR-M1 (variation of AK-74) and AKS-74U are manufactured locally.^[75]
•  Cyprus: The AK-74M is used by the Cypriot National Guard (Greek-Cypriot forces)^[76]
•  Georgia:^[69] In use alongside the M4 carbine in service in Georgia.
•  Kazakhstan^[69]
•  Kyrgyzstan^[69]
•  Latvia AKS-74 and AKS-74U used by Latvian State Police and Customs services.
•  Moldova^[69]
•  Mongolia^[69]
•  North Korea^[77] Manufactured locally as the Type-88 and Type-98-1. Used by DPRK special forces.
•  Poland: Kbk wz. 1988 Tantal manufactured locally, retired in 2005, some sold to Iraq.^[78]
•  Romania: Manufactured locally as the PA md. 86.^[78]
•  Russia: AK-74M is currently the main service rifle in the Russian Army.^[78]
•  Soviet Union: First used during the Soviet–Afghan War in 1979.^[79]
•  Tajikistan^[69]
•  Turkmenistan^[69]
•  Ukraine^[69]
•  Uzbekistan^[69]
•  Vietnam: Used by the Vietnam People's Navy

Gallery

• 

  Soviet naval infantrymen carrying AK-74 rifles.

• 

  Soviet naval infantrymen with bayonet-equipped AKS-74 rifles.

• 

  VDV cadets wielding AK-74M rifles during the 2005 Annual Moscow Victory Parade.

• 

  Russian Airborne Troops (VDV) soldier firing an AK-74M rifle.

• 

  AK-74 with magazines and 5.45×39mm (7N6) ammunition can.

See also

• List of modern Russian Small Arms and Light Weapons
• List of assault rifles
• Comparison of the AK-74 vs M16A2

Notes

References

• Cutshaw, Charlie (1998). The New World of Russian Small Arms & Ammo. Boulder, Colo.: Paladin Press. ISBN 0-87364-993-1. 
• Kokalis, Peter (2001). Weapons Tests and Evaluations: The Best of Soldier of Fortune. Boulder, Colo.: Paladin Press. ISBN 978-1-58160-122-0. 
• McNab, Chris (2001). The AK47 (Weapons of War). Staplehurst, UK: Spellmount Publishers. ISBN 978-1-86227-116-6. 
• Walter, John (2006). Rifles of the World (3rd ed.). Iola, Wis.: Krause Publications. ISBN 978-0-89689-241-5. 
• Woźniak, Ryszard (2001). Encyklopedia najnowszej broni palnej – tom 1 A-F (in Polish). Warsaw, Poland: Bellona. pp. 25–29. ISBN 83-11-09149-8. 
• Monetchikov, Sergei (2005). История русского автомата [The History of Russian Assault Rifle] (in Russian). St. Petersburg: Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal Corps. ISBN 5-98655-006-4. 

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: AK-74 (category)

• Kalashnikov Concern/Izhmash—manufacturer's website 5.45 mm Assault Rifle AK74M
• Tula Arms Plant—makers of the AKS-74U carbine
• Modern Firearms
• Zastava M92
• Technical data, instructional images and diagrams of the AK-47M (Russian)
• AKS74-U muzzle flash with the flash suppressor removed (video) on YouTube