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The Beginning. The AK-47.
After witnessing the potential in medium caliber rifles such as the Nazi regimes STG-44 (Storm rifle number 44) the Russian party wanted something similar, and Mikhail Kalashnikov delivered. The gas operated rifle was revolutionary but expensive. With the Type 2 AK having a milled receiver drastically increasing production costs. The AK platform was born. The rifle was submitted to the Russian government in 1947, giving it its number surname. -
We can go cheaper! The AKM
The milled receiver of the AK-47 was a frustration to the higher ups of the Russian government. And yet again Mikhail Kalashnikov delivered. The new AKM (M for modernized) was instead of made from stamped sheet steel. The government and the soldiers alive loved the rifle, and now their pockets did too. -
Bigger Mags, Bigger Barrel. The RPK
Squad automatic weapon. Usually thought as a belt fed, yet still relatively light machine gun. That one person in the squad with enough bullets to deny entry to an entire area with the squeeze of a trigger. The RPD was great, but the higher ups wanted something more modern. And the designers delivered. Larger, 75 round drum style mags. A longer and thicker barrel to ensure the gun doesn't malfunction when fired for long periods and a bipod mounted for mounted accuracy. -
Speed is power. The AK-74 and 5.45x39mm
The seventies. Hippies, Drugs, ... The Cold War...
Truly an unruly time of government power. In times of war and power comes new innovations in war. And one for the USSR was the 5.45x39mm cartridge. Designed to be small, fast, and lighter the higher ups were pleased. Mikhail Kalashnikov still delivered with a new variant of the AK platform in the new caliber. Just like its older brother, its number surname was the date it was born. And thus, the AK-74 was born. -
Aww. Look at the Baby! The AKS-74U
In 1973 the higher ups called again. They wanted something smaller. A carbine. A short rifle to say, yet not an SMG. The big leagues stepped up. Kalashnikov, Stetchkin, Simonov, and Dragunov all stepped up to the challenge! All that to make a short AK-74... While it was only really a shorter version of the AK-74, the original rifle was already adored by the military. Designed for paratroopers and special forces units the AKS-74U was loved for its ability to be small but still pack a punch. -
No More Wood! The AK-74M
Wood. Pretty, lovely feeling when carved properly, and the backbone of rifles since the concept was born. Now, it was no more. While pretty, its expensive. And plastic? Plastic is cheap and easy to make by now. Unfortunately "modernizing" a weapon means giving it plastic "tactical" furniture. Do I make the point I like wood on rifles? Sadly the Russian Government disagreed. -
Compact and Controversial. The OTs-14 Groza
Developed for the special forces and the sneaky type alike the OTs-14 Groza was a bullpup style of rifle, meaning the magazine/ feeding mechanism is behind the trigger system. Chambered in either 7.62x39 or the subsonic 9x39mm round, the Groza was controversial for its bullpup design. The odd reloading practices and typical lack of left hand shooter support left a bad taste to bullpups in general. -
Something New. Maybe. The AK-107
While she may look just like a normal AK (and she kinda is) the AK-100 types of rifles had a lot of work put into them. With a new gas system and recoil mitigation system the 100 series of rifles was well favored. -
Bullets, Lots of Em. The PP-19 Bizon
A weapon designed for counter terror groups and police the PP-19 Bizon was a highly experimental weapon design as an offshoot of the AKS-74U. Its large helical magazine holding 64 rounds of 9mm Makarov. While it was adopted and used the strange helical magazine was disliked for its unreliability. -
What are you Hunting? The Saiga-12
While not for military use, a sporting version of the AK was manufactured. The Saiga-12, a beefed up version of the AK-74 and chambered for 12-Gauge shells, the Saiga was intended for the hunting community. Named after the Saiga antelope native to the area, the Saiga was well liked and desired by hunting and sporting communities around the world.