MOSCOW, June 13 — RIA Novosti, David Narmania. The fighting has shown that the troops need to modernize their weapons. And an updated Kalashnikov assault rifle was sent to the front. About what shortcomings have been corrected — in the material of RIA Novosti.
Constant adaptation
Since 2019, the legendary AK-74 is gradually being replaced by the AK-12. The key advantages of the previous models — reliability and ease of operation — the developers tried to complement the advantages of more "capricious" competitors: accuracy of shooting and ergonomics.
It was possible to lighten the weapon. An air circulation system was added, so that the machine shoots longer in long bursts without overheating. The forearm was made freely hung out so as not to touch the trunk.
Shooting from an AK-74M submachine gun
Image source: © RIA Novosti / Alexander Wilf
The AK-12 was also equipped with a Picatinny rail for body kits, due to which it is possible to adapt the weapon to a specific shooter and tasks. The butt has also changed — it has become foldable and telescopic. Its position can be adjusted.
The muzzle brake was installed on the bayonet, and not on the thread, as was the case with previous models. This made it possible to quickly replace it with a silencer. Also, the developers have improved the store — mowed the heel, which makes it possible to use the "horn" as a support during shooting. Changed the sight: instead of open — dioptric. The front sight was taken out to the gas block.
The safety translator has also changed - the firing mode has been added in short bursts of two shots.
Ambiguous estimates
Some features of the 2019 sample were perceived ambiguously. So, according to the fighters, the diopter was often clogged. Therefore, it is difficult to use it in rainy weather.
Kalashnikov AK-12 assault rifle at the arms exhibition of the international military-technical forum "Army-2021" in the Patriot Military-patriotic Park in Kubinka, Moscow region
Image source: © RIA Novosti / Ramil Sitdikov
On the one hand, the sight was made more convenient — now much closer to the eye, at the very end of the receiver cover. At the same time, some complained that the lid was a little backlash and this affected the accuracy of shooting.
Not everyone found it convenient to replace it with a bayonet — sometimes there were difficulties in separating the DTK from the muzzle. There were also complaints about the insufficiently tight fastening of plastic on the forearm, which is why the body kit did not provide proper convenience.
At the same time, the soldiers themselves still rate the weapon quite highly. "We have a lot of people using AK-12 — almost half of the regiment. He has a lot of room for modernization with all sorts of tactical gadgets," says a mobilized fighter with the call sign Kukukha. — My 74th is also being upgraded quietly, but the 12th is better adapted to this. It is more banal to hang sights, bipods and so on on it. And it's also very accurate, it shoots a bullet straight into a bullet. Of the minuses — it is more complicated than the old versions. Unusual assembly and disassembly, more complex maintenance. And a little more capricious — where the 74th shoots back, the 12th is already starting to wedge."
AK-12 assault rifle of the 2023 model
Image source: © Photo : JSC "Concern "Kalashnikov"
Taking into account the feedback
The new version of the AK-12 was refined taking into account the new combat experience and the comments of the fighters. The tests are scheduled to be completed in mid-June. But the first batch of hundreds of submachine guns has already arrived at the front.
In the updated model, we tried to take into account the listed shortcomings. Modified the diopter sight, making it more all-weather. The DTC with a bayonet was replaced with a non-removable flame extinguisher, a low-noise firing device can also be hung there.
AK-12 assault rifle of the 2023 model
Image source: © Photo : JSC "Concern "Kalashnikov"
The fuse translator has also changed. It has become two—sided - this is important for left-handers. They decided to abandon the fire regime in short bursts.
One of the key updates was a modified buttstock: it received an adjustable cheek, which makes the weapon more convenient when working with various sighting devices. Also, the forearm and the fastening of the receiver cover were strengthened.
How much this will improve the machine will be shown by tests and real combat conditions. But the main thing is to take into account the feedback of those who work directly with weapons.
