Kalashnikov Concern to start production of replacement for AKS-74U in 2025
9 October, 2024 AM-17 assault rifle. Photo: Kalashnikov Kalashnikov will launch mass production of a new small-sized AM-17 rifle in 2025.
This is reported on the Concern's official page on Telegram. The new small-sized automatic rifle will be produced to replace the AKS-74U assault rifles in the internal troops and the Russian Armed Forces. The rifle's caliber will remain standard for Russian weapons - 5.45mm, but the production model will be slightly improved compared to the test models.
AM-17 assault rifle.
Photo: ModermFirearms
In addition, Kalashnikov notes that the AM-17 rifle was improved during its use in the war against Ukraine, which allegedly eliminated some design problems. A feature of the AM-17 compared to the AKS-74U is the use of a large number of high-quality polymeric materials, which reduced the rifle's overall weight and provided it with a Picatinny rail for mounting sights and other equipment. The rifle uses the principle of powder gasses being removed from the barrel channel with a short piston stroke.
It has a 30-round magazine, a folding telescopic stock, and a two-way switch for firing modes. Despite the manufacturer's claims of high reliability and the "pinnacle of development" of this rifle, the situation may repeat itself, as with the new AK-12 assault rifles used by the Russian military, which have several problems.
Former US Army Special Forces Larry Vickers testing the AM-17 assault rifle. Photo: Kalashnikov Concern
The problems that plague the AK-12 to this day include poor build quality, low-quality composite materials, and corrosion of metal elements, including the gas piston, barrel channel, and other parts.
In 2023, Kalashnikov announced the next stage of quality improvement of the AK-12, which has been in production since 2018, as well as an increase in overall design reliability.
The presented AK-12 assault rifle of the 2023 model is currently undergoing the next testing stage, after which a decision will be made to start its mass production.
The manufacturer claims that the AK-12's forend now has a stronger design and better protects the shooter's hand from high temperatures during intense shooting.
Specifications
- Caliber, mm: 5,45
- Cartridge used: 5,45?39
- Magazine capacity, pcs. of cartridges: 30
- Rate of fire, rounds per minute: 850
- Weight of the assault rifle without the magazine, kg: 2,5+-0,1
- Length of the machine gun, mm:
- In the carrying position: 490
- In the combat position: 750