Kalashnikov assault rifle model 2012 of the year
Not so long ago, the future of Kalashnikov assault rifles was vigorously debated. The Ministry of Defense stopped purchasing AK-74М and requested to create a new type, more suitable for modern requirements. And so, the first information about the new generation of Izhevsk machines appeared in the press.A new machine gun, in a number of sources it is referred to as AK-12 (Kalashnikov machine gun 2012 of the year), has now completed the final stages of development and has already begun production of an experimental series. Representatives of the Ministry of Defense, as expected, they will be demonstrated in early December. The details of the project are still classified, but some conclusions can be drawn based on various “leaked” facts.
Probably, the line of "Kalashnikov" 12 of the year will consist of several variants of machine guns and machine guns. We cannot exclude the possibility of creating a sniper rifle based on the AK-12 to replace the SVD. Like the 100th Kalash, weapon 12 will be created for different cartridges, first of all, under 5,45x39 mm and 7,62x39 mm. In addition, sometimes in the context of AK-12, a certain new cartridge is mentioned, so secret that its caliber is unknown to the general public.
Most likely, AK-12 will receive an updated ergonomics. It is not the first year in the arms environment that there is talk of the possibility of carrying out all operations with a machine gun with one hand, so the new Kalashnikov may well receive it. In any case, some sources say so. There is also unverified information that the AK-12 fire and handguard control grip will have an updated “anatomical” shape, and for convenience of replacing the store, the machine will receive a new latch.
The chief designer of the automaton, V. Zlobin, claims that the new weapon, like its predecessors, will have automatic venting. But at the same time, a number of measures were taken to mitigate the mechanism, which should improve accuracy and reduce the removal of the barrel when firing. It is not known exactly how this was done, but with a high degree of probability we can talk about the use of relevant developments on the themes AK-107 and AK-108. Recall, on these machines, increasing the stability of firing was provided by a piston-counterweight, which, under the influence of gases, went ahead. When moving, the counterweight impulse turned out to be equal to the piston impulse associated with the bolt group, due to which the total impulse of both pistons turned out to be zero. Shooting characteristics AK-12 is not yet called. Firstly, the project is still secret, and secondly, it is worth waiting for the tests, where the machine gun will show its real possibilities.
Like on the previous Kalashnikovs, the AK-12 will have fastenings for a bayonet and a grenade launcher. The side bar for an optical or night sight will also not disappear anywhere, but Picatinny's bars may well appear on the cover of the receiver and on the shank. There is no official confirmation or refutation of these details, but many users of automatic machines would be happy to receive a weapon with such “lotions”. Yes, and export prospects of machines with strips a little more than that of weapons without them. As for the main open sight, it is unlikely that it will undergo any changes other than technological ones. The design has been worked out over the years and completely suits both the manufacturer and the customer.
Separately worth staying at the store. Practice shows that the boxed with a capacity of 30 ammunition is the best option for the machine and allows you to effectively solve most tactical tasks. However, in “Izvestia”, in the article on the AK-12, some new box magazine is mentioned with the same dimensions as before, but on 60 cartridges. True or not - do not know until December. Probably, developing a new machine, Izhevsk designers conducted a survey on the most convenient and efficient store capacity. One should not forget that a large capacity implies a greater weight of the loaded weapon and, as a result, less usability. Some sources mention some possibility of replacing the store on the fly. What exactly is meant by these words is not clear, but a lot of shooters want the new “Kalashnikov” to finally get a slide delay.
In general, there are more questions about AK-12 than answers. Information that has become public knowledge is extremely scarce, and I want details now. But they still have to wait. Now the first prototypes are being assembled, soon they will be shown to the military, and the rifle testing of the machine will begin before the New Year. After the presentation, we should expect the first photos of AK-12, but the exact figures and data should appear in the public domain a little later.
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