AK-74
 |
AK-74 |
| Type | Assault rifle |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Soviet Union Russia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1978–present[1] |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | Soviet–Afghan War Nagorno-Karabakh War Georgian Civil War First Chechen war Second Chechen War War in Afghanistan (2001–present) 2008 South Ossetia war War in Donbass Various other conflicts in Asia and the Middle East |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Mikhail Kalashnikov |
| Designed | 1974 |
| Manufacturer | Izhmash (now Kalashnikov Concern) |
| Produced | 1974–present |
| Number built | 5,000,000 +[2] |
| Variants | AKS-74, AKS-74U, AKS-74UB, AK-74M, AK-101, AK-102, AK-103, AK-104, AK-105 |
| 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)[6] |
| Muzzle velocity | 880–900 m/s (2,887–2,953 ft/s) (AK-74, AKS-74, AK-74M)[7][8] 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)[9] 400 m (440 yd) (AKS-74U)[10] |
| Maximum firing range | 3,150 m (3,440 yd) |
| Feed system | 30-round or 45-round RPK-74 detachable box magazine |
| Sights | Adjustable iron sights, front post and rear notch on a scaled tangent Flip-up sight and front cylindrical post (AKS-74U) |
The rifle first saw service with Soviet forces engaged in the 1979 Afghanistan conflict.[11] 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 war in Afghanistan.[12]
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 (PA md. 86).[11][13][14] Besides former Soviet republics and eastern European countries, Mongolia, North Korean Special Forces, and Vietnamese People's Naval infantry use AK-74s.
Contents
- 1 Design details
- 1.1 Operating mechanism
- 1.2 Barrel
- 1.3 Sights
- 1.3.1 Iron sights
- 1.3.2 Optical sights
- 1.4 New features
- 1.5 Magazines
- 1.6 Accessories
- 2 Variants
- 2.1 AKS-74
- 2.2 AKS-74U
- 2.3 Specialized variants
- 2.4 AK-74M
- 2.5 AK-100 series
- 2.6 AK-12
- 3 Users
- 4 Gallery
- 5 See also
- 6 Notes
- 7 References
- 8 External links
Design details
The AK-74 is an adaptation of the 7.62×39mm AKM assault rifle and features several important design improvements.[11] These modifications were primarily the result of converting the rifle to the intermediate-caliber 5.45×39mm cartridge, in fact, some early models are reported to have been converted AKMs, re-barreled to 5.45×39mm.[15] 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 and produce relatively low bolt thrust and free recoil impulse, favouring light weight arms design and automatic fire accuracy.[16] Tests indicate the free recoil energy delivered by the 5.45×39mm AK-74 rifle is 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.[17] The result is a more accurate and reliable rifle than the AKM.[11] The AK-74 and AKM share an approximate 50% parts commonality (interchangeable most often are pins, springs and screws).Operating mechanism
The rifle’s operation during firing and reloading is identical to that of the AKM.[18] 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.[19] Other minor modifications were made to the bolt and carrier assembly.Barrel
An AK-74M muzzle device venting propellant gases
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 is done by the armory before 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.[22][23] 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.[22]Optical sights
For the AK-74, the East German Zeiss ZFK 4×25, 1P29, PO 3.5×21P, 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 the iron sights. It weighs 0.8 kg, offers 4x 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.[24][25][26]
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.[27] When mounted the 1P78 sight is positioned centered above the receiver. It weighs 0.5 kg, offers 2.8x 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.[28][29]
New features
The AK-74 stripped down to its major components.
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 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 AK-74 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 a two-part glass-reinforced polyethylene plastic molding, assembled using an epoxy resin adhesive.[30] Noted for their durability, the magazines did however compromise the rifle's camouflage.[30] A new steel-reinforced dark-brown (newer magazines are black) 30-round magazine was introduced in the early 1980s, fabricated from ABS plastic. 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[31] are also interchangeable with that of the AK-74.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.
| Rifle | Cartridge | Cartridge weight | Weight of empty magazine | Weight of loaded magazine | Max. 5,510 g (12.15 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)[32] |
6 magazines for 180 rounds 5,496 g (12.117 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)[33][34] |
6 magazines for 180 rounds 4,914 g (10.834 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)[33][34] |
7 magazines for 210 rounds 5,173 g (11.405 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)[34][35] |
10 magazines for 300 rounds 5,510 g (12.15 lb) |
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.Variants
AKS-74
The AKS-74. Designed for airborne infantry and equipped with a folding shoulder stock
AKS-74U
The AKS-74U carbine
An urban police foot patrol on duty in 2014 at the smithcraft festival
in Donetsk. The policeman in the photographs center is armed with a
AKS-74U.
AKS-74U with modernized synthetic black furniture
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 and armored vehicle crews. It is still used in these roles, but has been augmented by various submachine guns, and the AK-105. It is also 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 rear sight. This sight has two settings: "P" (calibrated for firing at 350 m (383 yd)) and "5" (used for firing at distances between 400–500 m (437–547 yd)).[37] 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 exisist 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.[38] 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.[12]
Specialized variants
The AK-74 is also available in several "night-fighting" configurations, equipped with a side-rail used to mount night vision sights (these variants, the AK-74N, AKS-74N and AKS-74UN are used in conjunction with NSPU and NSPUM sights). 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).[39] Very little is known about this model.AK-74M
AK-74M
AK-100 series
Main article: AK-100 (Rifle family)
The AK-74M was also the basis for the new Russian AK-100 family of Kalashnikov firearms: the 5.56 mm AK-101 assault rifle and 5.56 mm AK-102 carbine (both use the NATO-standard 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge), 7.62 mm AK-103 assault rifle and 7.62 mm AK-104 (both chambered for the 7.62×39mm M43 round) and the 5.45 mm AK-105
carbine (adapted to use 5.45×39mm M74 ammunition). The AK-101, 102, 103
and 104 are destined primarily for export, while the AK-105 is slated
to replace the AKS-74U with the Russian Armed Forces. Additionally, the AK-107 (5.45×39mm M74) and AK-108
(5.56×45mm NATO) rifles have a balanced recoil system to reduce felt
recoil and muzzle rise. This balanced recoil system is derived from the AEK-971 rifle.AK-12
Main article: 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. Minor flaws in the design
unveiled in preliminary testing coupled with a lack of interest from top
officials resulted in the AK-12 being passed over. The AK-74M remains
the standard service rifle of the Russian Federation.Users
Afghanistan[40]
Armenia[40] AK-74 are currently used as the main service rifles of the Armenian armed forces.
Azerbaijan:[40] AK-74M are manufactured under license by the Ministry of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan.[41][42][43]
Belarus[40]
Bulgaria: AR-M1 (variation of AK-74) and AKS-74U are manufactured locally.[44]
Cyprus: The AK-74M is used by the Cypriot National Guard (Greek-Cypriot forces)[45]
Georgia:[40] In use with M4 carbine in service in Georgia.
Jordan[40]
Kazakhstan[40]
Kyrgyzstan[40]
Lebanon[46]
Moldova[40]
Mongolia[40]
North Korea[47] Manufactured locally as the Type-88 and Type-98-1.
Poland: Kbk wz. 1988 Tantal manufactured locally, retired in 2005, some sold to Iraq.[1]
Romania: Manufactured locally.[1]
Russia: AK-74M is currently the main service rifle in the Russian Army.[1]
Soviet Union: First used during the Soviet war in Afghanistan in the early 1980s.[48]
Tajikistan[40]
Turkmenistan[40]
Ukraine[40]
Uzbekistan[40]
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.
