Photo: Video Snapshot
Well-known American analyst Mark Episkopos donated material on The National Interest website to a new Russian rifle to replace the AK-74. Earlier, representatives of the Kalashnikov Group informed about the development of the AK-12. This rifle will be a 5.45 × 39 mm round chamber and will use an improved gas-powered piston system.
“The weapon has a standard magazine with a capacity of thirty rounds, weighs 3.5 kilograms without ammunition and boasts a maximum range of 800 m,” writes Episkopos.
The new rifle will become a weapon of the Russian army for several decades. The AK-12 will be significantly lighter than the AK-74, will have an ergonomic pistol grip, Picatinny bar for placing sights and a folding stock. It is emphasized that the appearance of this weapon will bring the weapons of the Kalashnikov Group to a whole new level.