Beyond the temporary cessation of AK-74 purchases reported by Steve at The Firearm Blog recently, this article from RIA Novosti seems to suggest that the Russian military is looking for an entirely new replacement.
Military sources say the army is reserved about all these rifles, whether made in Izhevsk or Kovrov. They think these rifles are fine, but do not meet the modern requirements of the Russian army, which will define the performance specifications for the new gun.
I do read RIA Novosti daily, and am not surprised that the country would seek a new rifle. Russia’s defense spending has been increasing greatly over the last few years, and the Libyan conflict meant the cancellation of billions of dollars worth of arms contracts. In addition, international pressure caused the cessation of arms sales to Iran last year. Russia is very, very unhappy about all of this, and some of the slack might need to be picked up domestically.
I’d guess they’ll end up replacing the AK-74/74M with something like the AEK-971 or AK-107. The rifles with the reciprocating counterweight to the bolt carrier group. I don’t think they’ll be leaving the AK platform and the 5.45x39mm cartridge any sooner than the US will leave the AR platform and the 5.56x45mm cartridge. I also think the AN-94 has proven to be too complicated and too expensive for general deployment.
I think they want a new-looking, professional-appearing rifle for the new, professional army they are trying to reinvent themselves into. No existing platform fits these needs.
I linked over to the RIA Novosti, the best rundown of the story I have seen yet.
Also, it’s nice to see they are having as hard of time coming up with a replacement for their rifle/carbine as the USA. In the USA’s case, I’m not seeing anything coming out that is much of an improvement over the current issued rifles. In full disclosure, I’m a big fan of the AR15 style rifles.
One point in the article that did impress me is the continued popularity of the AK-47 (7.62X39) around the world and even with contractors who I assume can have their choice of whatever they want, but I do understand that logistics and blending in is important. I have never had any experience with the AK47/74 family of firearms, but have been tempted to try them, especially the 5.45X39 with the cheaper ammo still available for that model. Andrew as a gun guy what’s your experience/opinions been on the AK platform.
I think the AK is a good weapon for a conscript military. No, a great one. I think it’s more accurate than it is normally given credit for (still not very accurate), but this accuracy is harder to achieve on the fly than with other platforms. Its reliability and durability under harsh conditions are overrated. If sand gets in the side of the receiver, it will malfunction, and the malfunctions are not fixed by normal tap-rack-bang type movements. 7.62×39 ball, like 7.62×51 ball, has underwhelming terminal performance.
…I guess I shouldn’t bother with the AR vs AK video that I was planning on.
I enjoy your videos. An AR vs AK video from a straight shooter would no doubt be interesting and informative. If as you say most people overrate the reliability of the AK, I personally think most underrate the reliability of the AR.
I am not a member of the Russian defense community. All of this is my guess based on what I see.
Andrew Tuohy nailed the performance characteristics of the AK platform. For a conscript army, it is a good choice because it requires less maintenance to continue operation. The weak link is accuracy. It is an accurate weapon, but not as accurate as the other battle rifles fielded by other forces. A fairly simple weapons proficiency program given to any other soldiers with any other rifle will yield better results.
If the Russian Army is going to move from consript to volunteer/professional, then they will need develop a weapons platform that allows for better accuracy along with modularity in mission/accessories. I would expect to see rails and CCO-like features on whatever the next rifle will be.
Again, just my guess.
My guess is that they’re going to be transitioning to something NATO spec, possibly an AR platform even.
Just my $0.02. The Russian Army is trying to transition out of the Soviet method into a more professional style. They can do more with less that way.
What is the point of adopting an AR platform? The AK is a perfectly fine rifle.