Russia's New Assault Rifle AK-12

http//www.military.com/video/guns/rifles/russias-new-assault-rifle-ak-12/1464674935001/


"The Kalashnikov AK-12 is the newest derivative of the Soviet/Russian AK-47 series of assault rifles and is proposed for general issue to Russia's armed forces.

The AK-12 rifle demonstration model was presented to Russian Prime Minister Vladmir Putin during his official visit to inspect the products of the Izhmash Arms manufacturing plant in Izhevsk. The rifle demonstrated to Prime Minister Putin was apparently a basic AK-74M in standard 5.45X39mm caliber, with some evidence of external modifications, most of which are consistent with the modifications favored by Russia's specialist, professional military units:

Picatinny rails --- allowing the attachment of modular accessories including advanced optical sight combinations, laser illuminators, flashlights, vertical foregrips, bipods and grenade launchers.

An improved adjustable telescoping buttstock is also fitted. The rear sight has been moved from the front of the reciever to the rear, and the combination selector lever/dust cover on the right side of the reciever has been replaced by a thumb-activated ambidextrous selector lever above both sides of the pistol-grip.

Firing modes include safe, semi, 3 round burst, and full-auto. To improve accuracy, the rifle has a new muzzle brake and the barrel has improved rifling."


May I add.... that this is one sweet-looking rifle. I thought the Russian's were thinking about going back to the 7.62 X 39, but I think that they made a good move in sticking with the 5.45 X 39. Still.... the muzzle brake has a significant flash signature.

P.S. -- I would appreciate it, if someone could get the link working --- from Shock and Awe

www.military.com...

It's interesting that Russia is keeping the 545 at this chance to introduce a large scale change
Drops hints though

reply to post by Erno86


Erno86,
Thank you for this share! I don't neccessarrily like guns because of what they do but I do like to learn about them and after knowing quite a bit about guns I realize, this is a very well thought out, tactical, intelligently put together gun. The Russia was not the first to make this so I heard though? Could be wrong though..
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and keeping us updated on military weaponry!

Interesting. Looks like a tricked up WASR mated with an Arsenal. The flash suppressor is odd, the slant brake has been by far the most effective brake surely they could have engineered better. The 5.45 is a better cartridge for select fire from the AK platform, muzzle rise from 7.62x39 is only good for area targets and support by fire. This would be an excellent urban weapon but for open areas on point targets the 5.45 leaves alot to be desired. I'll stick to God's Cartridge (7.62x51 / .308WIN) in a SCAR heavy.

One has to wonder what they are thinking here......The ideal cartridge for longer ranges is NOT the 545.
The rifle to some extent makes for tactics and strategy.
They have opted for a select fire (burst)capability in hopes of conserving ammo(which gets burnt up quickly in auto mode...)
This is a great feature.But what about ranges of 1000 neters?
These are not uncommon shots for a country that is flat rolling steppes for a large part,and range can be everything at times.

Originally posted by mretgis
Interesting. Looks like a tricked up WASR mated with an Arsenal. The flash suppressor is odd, the slant brake has been by far the most effective brake surely they could have engineered better. The 5.45 is a better cartridge for select fire from the AK platform, muzzle rise from 7.62x39 is only good for area targets and support by fire. This would be an excellent urban weapon but for open areas on point targets the 5.45 leaves alot to be desired. I'll stick to God's Cartridge (7.62x51 / .308WIN) in a SCAR heavy. [/quote
Interesting. Looks like a tricked up WASR mated with an Arsenal. The flash suppressor is odd, the slant brake has been by far the most effective brake surely they could have engineered better.

edit on 22-2-2012 by KingArthur because: addition

Just in time for WW3, However I would love to have one. :/

This thing better be thrown in a competition against the AK-200, which looks to be superior to the AK-12.

reply to post by Katharos62191


In some places, an AK-47 assault rifle can be bought for as little as . . . a bag of grain. They are easy to use: with minimmal training, even a child can wield one. They are easy to conceal and transport. Since they require little maintenance, they can last for decades.
---- UN SECRETARY - GENERAL KOFI ANNAN

That rifle hanging on the wall of the working-class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there.

----GEORGE ORWELL

I'm proud of my invention, but I'm sad that it is used by terrorists. I would prefer to have invented a machine that people could use and that would help farmers with their work ---- for example, a lawnmower.

---- MIKHAIL T. KALASHNIKOV

Interesting. Beyond a few cosmetics I noticed a more conventional thumb safety/selective switch. I would imagine not much is different inside though. No need really.

As for the US AR platform, we need to be totally on board with a full dedicated piston system along all branches and units in service. No mods. Just a total package. The impingement system will always be the achilles heel. Of our AR platform.

reply to post by Katharos62191


"After scores of modifications and adjustments, the new weapon was approved for production in 1947 with the name AK-47 [Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947], but work continued for several more years to improve the weapon before it would be officially issued to the Soviet Army.

Because their fast-moving parts are confined in such small spaces, automatic rifles have a tendency to jam. All it takes is a speck of dirt to clog the various movements or keep a round from being positioned properly in the firing chamber.

This is where Kalashnikov shined. The bolt rotated widely, making it easy for the round to find its proper place in the chamber. Think of trying to poke a pencil into a hole drilled in a piece of wood. It would be much easier if, when you got the pencil near the tip of the hole, even slightly askew, you rotated it. This turning action would slide the pencil in much easier than if you just poked it straight. This is one of the best parts of Kalashnikov's design.

In addition, rather than build components that fit tightly into each other, often a signature of professional gun makers, Kalashnikov went the other way, designing components with looser tolerances, more space between parts. Instead of dirt or sand clogging the gun, debris was thrown off in the firing process.

During one test, soldiers dragged the gun through what was called the 'sand baths.' Each rifle groove and slot was clogged with sand. 'I began to doubt that further shooting would proceed without failures,' Kalashnikov recalled. An engineer watching the test voiced similar concerns. But the gun fired flawlessly. 'The sand flying in all directions, like a dog shaking off water,' a team member shouted."

Quotes from: AK-47 --- The Weapon That Changed the Face of War, a book written by the author--- Larry Kahaner, Wiley Books

Everybody likes a nice pic when it comes to guns..

More on it here...

Kalashnikov AK-12 Unveiled

Apparently there will be a few different versions - the article mentions a "light model" ( 5.45x39mm, 5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm) and a "heavy model" (7.62x51mm)

reply to post by zatara


zatara --- Thanks for the great pic's --- Now I know, what I want for Christmas. Too bad.... that it can be only in my dreams; though I am a proud owner of a AK-47, and a AK-74 in semi-auto only.

Cheers,

Erno86

Originally posted by Erno86
reply to post by zatara

 

zatara --- Thanks for the great pic's --- Now I know, what I want for Christmas. Too bad.... that it can be only in my dreams; though I am a proud owner of a AK-47, and a AK-74 in semi-auto only.

Cheers,

Erno86

The nearest thing to a AK-47 we can buy in the Netherlands is this..

No surprise they have the heavy. Izshmash imports Saiga's in .308. I love that Saiga, it's the poor man's SOCOM, being a 1/4" longer but lighter weight... and still God's Caliber.

reply to post by Erno86


Finally they decide to upgrade something w/ technology...

What bout' the T-90??? Make it a T-100!!!

Marnes? Make it a M-99... Has auto follow function w/ every bullet.

Originally posted by Surtur
Just in time for WW3, However I would love to have one. :/

edit on 22-2-2012 by Surtur because: (no reason given)

so just go for one.

I'm kind of disappointed the AK-12 doesn't use the balanced recoil system the AK-107 has. It's one of the best developments in rifle design in recent years.

At least it can use those new 60 round mags.