Russia’s largest firearms manufacturer, JSC Izhmash, unveiled its first model of the fifth-generation Kalashnikov assault rifle. The Russian Defense Ministry will tentatively call the new model the AK-12. Izhmash’s chief designer, Vladimir Zlobin, initiated the development and in 2011 saw completion of the assembly of this new weapon. “Researchers are currently field-testing the new weapon,” an Izhmash spokesperson said Wednesday.
AK-12 Kalashnikov Assault Rifle
Russia’s Interior Ministry has requested models of the AK-12 for testing. Izhmash is ready to arrange the deliveries of the new weapon for the Russian army as well, Interfax reports. Russian news agencies reported Wednesday that the Defense Ministry of Russia was not planning any purchases from Izhmash within the defense budget for 2012. Designers are developing the AK-12 for export purposes. However, it also meets the requirements of the Russian Defense Ministry, which has strict requirements regarding equipment for the Russian army. If there is an order, the enterprise will be ready to arrange the shipments of the AK-12 to the Russian Armed Forces and special units of the Russian Federation. The state tests for the rifle may begin at the end of 2012 or in the beginning of 2013.
“Developing the new family of automatic rifles is a priority for the further development of Izhmash. The company intends to regain its international market share,” officials said. For the time being, the company will test the AK-12 in-house. Designers could change the construction and ergonomics of the rifle as a result of the tests. “We will have to conduct many consultations with competent specialists who are interested in the creation of a state-of-the-art, effective and reliable Russian assault rifle,” Vladimir Zlobin, the designer of the rifle said. Vice Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin was the first Russian official to have seen the AK-12. Designers adapted the weapon to modern combat conditions, having preserved Kalashnikov’s unique qualities: simplicity, reliability, and relatively low production cost.
The AK-12 has classic a configuration, which creates a constructively simple automatic rifle with an option to mount powerful muzzles and large magazines. Designers created the new rifle as a basic platform, which operators can use for the development of nearly 20 different modifications for civil and military firearms. The caliber of cartridges used for the new rifles may vary from 5.45х39 to 7.62х51 millimeters.
Designers also enhanced the ergonomics of the new rifle, making the controls of the rifle ambidextrous. They also integrated Picatinny rails in the construction of the AK-12. The rails will be useful in mounting additional equipment.
The new rifle also has a folding stock, and a height-adjustable buttstock. Operators have the option to mount the charging handle of the AK-12 on either on the left or on the right, which makes the weapon comfortable for left-handed and right-handed shooters. A list of firing options includes three fire modes: single shot, three shot burst, and automatic fire.
To increase the efficiency of the single shot setting, the AK-12 is equipped with new iron sights that feature enhanced capabilities. The AK-12 also uses state-of-the-art coatings and materials. Designers will introduce over ten technological advancements and patents when they eventually release the various models of the assault rifle.
AK-12 Kalashnikov Diagram
The AK perfected! Of course there may be patent infringement issues but I’m sure the new Russian Federation will work them out-not!
Comment by Sivispace — January 26, 2012 @ 12:03 pm
LOOKS AND SOUNDS LIKE ONE OF RED JACKETS MODELS OFF HISTORY CHANNEL SONS OF GUNS
Comment by jimmie — January 26, 2012 @ 12:03 pm
Love how they put the rear sight assembly all the way back WHERE IT SHOULD BE, finally…close to the eye!
Does worlds for improving aim and accuracy down the iron sights!
Can’t wait to shoot this one, and the look is still undeiably Russian!
A Tough, ugly, beautiful piece of machinery.
Comment by Axeholes — January 26, 2012 @ 12:31 pm
Love how they put the rear sight assembly all the way back WHERE IT SHOULD BE, finally…close to the eye!
Does worlds for improving aim and accuracy down the iron sights!
Can’t wait to shoot this one, and the look is still undeniably Russian!
A Tough, ugly, beautiful piece of machinery.
Comment by Axeholes — January 26, 2012 @ 12:32 pm
I’d love one in .308.
Comment by John Driskill — January 26, 2012 @ 1:14 pm
[...] http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/blog/?p=18093Share [...]
Pingback by AK-12 « Weapon Blog — January 26, 2012 @ 1:22 pm
Looks Like I shall have to get one of these beautiful beasts
!!!
Comment by Brian "Spanky" Hubbard — January 26, 2012 @ 1:29 pm
If the thug in the White House doesn’t backdoor disarm us.
Comment by Sivispace — January 26, 2012 @ 1:55 pm
When and where will these be imported???
Comment by FightinBluHen51 — January 26, 2012 @ 2:05 pm
They probably won’t be imported. George H.W. Bush signed an executive order banning the import of “assault weapons.” I put the term in quotes because most of us know that an assault weapon must be capable of select firing. Rabid anti-gunner Josh Sugarman first bastardized the term back in the 80s in an attempt to demonize military pattern guns and the people who own them. The only way to get around that restriction is to manufacture the rifle in the U.S. or manufacture enough US parts and the receiver in the US and import the other parts. Naturally none of this has to do with crime control. It is just another of a long line of laws and regulations designed to disarm and pacify American Citizens.
Comment by Sivispace — January 26, 2012 @ 2:13 pm
Looks like regular old commie crap to me…no thank you. I’ll stick to my AR!
Comment by Jasper Donnaly — January 26, 2012 @ 2:58 pm
If someone was breaking in my house, I would reach for my AK before my AR ANY DAY! boom first time, every time….. Now, if I wanted to shoot some long distance, it would be a toss up. Iron sights I can hit the target with both the AR and AK. I only have a scope for my AR and a red dot for my AK but I would bet if I put a scope on the AK, I could shoot pretty close to the AR and like Ive said before, I do not do any COMPETITION shooting so who cares if the MOA is slightly larger at 100/200/300 yards. Thats not self defense……
Comment by Robert Kendzierski — January 26, 2012 @ 5:14 pm
Can’t wait till we can get our hands on one or two ! The Russian’s are deffinatelly tough SOB’s, everything thay make, last forever
Comment by Jack — January 26, 2012 @ 5:16 pm
If the Pentagon were smart, they would scrapp the M-4 and buy these things in 7.62 x 51.
Comment by Walter — January 26, 2012 @ 10:20 pm
Better yet the Chytac round!
Comment by Sivispace — January 26, 2012 @ 10:26 pm
Typical Russian design – looks like ass, runs smooth like glass.
Comment by chilliwack — January 27, 2012 @ 12:21 am
I’m perfectly content with my HK-91 and its little brother the V-51 SBR.
Comment by Sivispace — January 27, 2012 @ 12:25 am
To whoever said this rifle is “commie crap” about a few comments up, remember to use TRAINED GUNMAN’S LOGIC.
In the case of you and your AR versus a skilled enemy rifleman and his semi/3-round burst/full-auto Kalashnikov, you’re gonna have the tougher time. Why?…Two words…SUPPRESSING FIRE!
In a one VS one 100yd or less fire fight, it’s not smart to go against a man who’s skilled in the art of tactically mixing semi & fully auto, when all you have is a 3 round burst AR.
About 8 out of 10 times, you’ll be advanced on behind a barrage of 7.62×39, and your pie will get sliced.
Don’t get me wrong, the M4 military standard AR is battle proven and better than the AK at longer distances, but getting closer and closer (WHERE THE MOST FIRE FIGHTS OCCUR) the Kalachnikov just has more of a tactical edge with various rates of fire.
Comment by Axeholes — January 27, 2012 @ 12:27 am
Looks like a beautiful,functional rifle.The AK has always been a fun rifle to accessorize and shoot.It’s simplicity and reliability are unequaled.Count me in to get one of these!
Comment by cree — January 27, 2012 @ 7:09 am
maybe the chinese will clone a semi-auto copy for export.
Comment by JoeSG — January 31, 2012 @ 2:55 pm
Beautiful. Absolutely 100% beautiful. As much as I hate to rain on my own parade, there likely won’t be importation of it for a few years, but I guarantee Century is going to work on an American receiver and import parts kits for us as soon as they can. As soon as these hit the market, sign me up. Always looking to expand my AK collection, and as of now none is complete without these bad larys!
Comment by Krazy Ivan — March 28, 2012 @ 12:47 am
Nice to dream but the alarm is already wound down, while you slept on. We will never see this wrapon even in demi auto. The import of parts gins is already.drying up and the vast majority of new buys of AR’s are lowest levelentry weapons. O
bama does not ned cpngress to limit wrapon sales and State no longer needs old com bloc nations to aid in empire building.State used yrade bills as incentives snd Hillary is dropping those armament articles as quickly as she can. You get Obama for 4yrs and you will lose most weapons for newbies. Of course modt a holes will be alright if grandpad in and sit on butts and screw future generations.
Comment by e Behind — September 8, 2012 @ 2:04 am
i want one !
Comment by Rick Rosado — September 8, 2012 @ 11:19 am
What the hell did e-behind say?
Comment by dickhead — September 8, 2012 @ 3:44 pm
e-behind said if we do not get rid of obummer and the other socialist like clinton, schummer, fienstine, lauthnburg, boxer, etc. that we are screwed as a free gun owning society. If some of the bills that are now introduced into congress are passed we will not be able to own ammunition or a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds for anything but a .22. With no ammo all guns are useless.
Comment by raazorblade — September 8, 2012 @ 6:18 pm
True that. They will just be dusty paperweights. Our backs are against the wall. It’s time to get organized and bury our representatives in paper.
Comment by Sivispace — September 8, 2012 @ 6:29 pm
I’m not following these last few comments about Obama. Where’s his gun control legislation?
Writ larger, I don’t really understand how this is such a perfectly partisan issue for so many people. By far the worst restrictions on gun ownership passed under G.H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan. Clinton’s “assault-weapons” ban pales in comparison, and furthermore was written to automatically sunset. And one more time for the slow ones….Obama has done nothing to restrict gun ownership.
Comment by huh — September 9, 2012 @ 12:07 pm
[...] [...]
Pingback by ロシアの新型アサルトライフル「AK-12」5.56㎜版と12ゲージ版も発表 - DNA — November 15, 2012 @ 6:09 am