AEK-971
| AEK-971 | |
|---|---|
 The primary model, AEK-971, chambered in 5.45x39mm. |
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| Type | Assault rifle |
| Place of origin |  Soviet Union Russian Federation |
| Service history | |
| Used by | various Russian LE Agencies |
| Production history | |
| Designer | S.I. Koksharov |
| Designed | 1980s |
| Manufacturer | KMZ (original), ZID (current) |
| Variants | AEK-971 AEK-971S AEK-972 AEK-973 AEK-973S |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 3.3 kg (7.3 lb) unloaded |
| Length | 965 mm (38 in) |
| Barrel length | 420 mm (16.5 in) |
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| Cartridge | 5.45x39mm (AEK-971, AEK-971S) 5.56x45mm (AEK-972) 7.62x39mm (AEK-973, AEK-973S) |
| Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt (balanced recoil system) |
| Rate of fire | 900 rounds/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 880 m/s (AEK-971, AEK-971S) 850 m/s (AEK-972) 700 m/s (AEK-973, AEK-973S) |
| Effective range | 400 m |
| Maximum range | 1000 m |
| Feed system | 30-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights (hooded front post and the V-notch open rear) |
AEK-971 is a Soviet / Russian selective fire assault rifle that was developed at the Kovrov Mechanical Plant (KMZ) by chief designer S.I. Koksharov in the 1980s. The primary model, AEK-971, uses the 5.45x39mm round fed from standard 30-round or larger magazines used by the AK-74 and similar weapons.
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[edit] Design details
The AEK-971 is based on previous AK rifles in internal design and layout, but is also equipped with a recoil-balancing mechanism by way of a counter-weight that negates the impulse of the gas piston and bolt carrier, resulting in more controllable automatic fire. Though losing an initial contract for production against the AN-94, the Russian Army has begun field trials of this weapon.[citation needed] It is approximately 0.5 kg lighter than AN-94, simpler in design and cheaper to manufacture.
[edit] Models and Variants
There are three different models: AEK-971, AEK-972 and AEK-973. The different models are most easily recognized by the different magazine curvature. The AEK-972 is chambered in 5.56x45mm and the AEK-973 in 7.62x39mm. The AEK-972 uses the magazines of the 5.56mm "100" series AK assault rifles and the AEK-973 all of the standard 7.62mm AK magazines.
The AEK-971 and the AEK-973 have one variant each: AEK-971S and AEK-973S. These are improved variants with a new trigger mechanism with the location of the thumb safety-selector lever on the right side, receiving additionally a three-shot burst fire mode, and an extended lightweight stock. When the stock is retracted, the shoulder rest connects with the pistol grip forming a streamlined structure which allows the weapon to be used without hampering the fire.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- OJSC "ZID" — official page
- Project "Abakan"
- Modern Firearms
- Russian Military Analysis
- Энциклопедия Оружия
[edit] External links
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