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View Full Version : Building a Fighting AK



EE_
6th February 2013, 12:52 PM
by David Merrill, MilCopp Tactical

This article should be considered an expansion of The Basics of the Fighting Carbine but AK-specific. Much of the information may appear to be regurgitated from either article but this is only for clarification’s sake.

Understand that some of this is can be somewhat vague. Due to the multitude of products and AK variants currently available, this article is not nor cannot be all exhausting without covering dozens and dozens of pages. I have named and highlighted proven products but many may feel scandalized that their pet products weren’t mentioned. Don’t fret, if it proves to be both durable and applicable, it most certainly can and will be added to later additions of this article.

The standard AK/AKM has been a monument in almost every major and minor war since it was conceived. It has been carried by men, women, and children. It has been carried by professional military men, conscripted fighters, and forced child soldiers alike. It is arguably the most ubiquitous rifle in the entire modern world with no clear second (largely due to Russian and Chinese third-world proliferation no doubt, but that isn’t the subject of this particular article).

To boil it down: In every continent, in every conflict, invariably it can (and will) be found in one fashion or form. There are many variations and build standards currently commercially available with their own individual nuances (some of which is properly addressed, most of which is disregarded as superfluous in this particular discussion).

In The Basics of the Fighting Carbine I gave the broad-stokes in regards to positive updates and advantages required. They were:

Quality Carbine

Reliable Magazines

Decent Sights

Sling Setup

White Light

Red Dot Sight (RDS)

This article will proceed along the same lines but be AK-specific with some additional aspects added.

More: http://www.milcopptactical.com/akfighting.htm

EE_
9th February 2013, 11:29 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK1-M3NmkeY

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RTR3BrzqlCw/TyHOJdTp2xI/AAAAAAAABV0/Y5srIlAO4E0/s1600/AK-12full.jpg

http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/5802/94845085.ad/0_8448c_8fdbd01f_XXL

hoarder
10th February 2013, 07:29 AM
I disagree with David Merrill about Tech Sights being too slow. The standard Tech Sights come with tiny apertures, one of which is higher for longer ranges. This aperture is interchangeable with standard A2 apertures. The modification of switcthing to an A2 aperture solves the problem of speed. I don't understand why he thinks the standard AK sight is fast, with or without filing the groove. In addition to the rear sight being so far from the eye, the sight radius is too short.

Short sight radius is what's wrong with the AR as well. They mounted the front sight 6" back from where it belongs. The front sight on the AK is far superior to the front sight on an AR. The AK front sight pin is 1/3 smaller diameter, has better shaped guards which are less likely to be confused with a sight post and is located just behind the muzzle.

With tech sights on an AK I can get smaller groups than I can with any iron-sighted AR. Long sight radius makes all the difference to me.

I noticed they moved the rear sight on the AK-12 back where it belongs. Not everyone prefers aperture sights, but I do. With aperture sights, the non-dominant eye doesn't have to work so hard and rear sight alignment is automatic.

EE_
10th February 2013, 08:20 AM
Testing
In January 2012, the Russian Deputy Defense Minister announced that the Russian Army would not be buying the AK-12, as they had millions of surplus AK-74 rifles, and over concerns of the financial state of Izhmash. Despite this, Russia began trials of the rifle on November 2, 2012. It was tested for its effectiveness when exposed to freezing cold, desert heat, humidity, dust, and impacts.[6] By November 23, trials were about 80% complete. During these initial tests, the AK-12 was found to have a "range of defects." The specific problems were not revealed, as they were considered "the developer's confidential information." Izhmash reported that the faults were fixable, and that the trials precisely highlighted weaknesses in the design for changes to be incorporated.[7] Preliminary tests of the AK-12 were completed on November 30, 2012. Izhmash is now working to fix problems with the rifle that occurred during the trials. Even though the Russian Army has stated they will not introduce a new rifle in the near future, state acceptance trials are to begin in early 2013, and conclude by mid 2013. Series production is due to begin by the end of 2013

Variants
A carbine (AK-12U), submachine gun (PPK-12), sniper rifle (SVK-12), and light machine gun (RPK-12) versions of the AK-12 are also planned, as well as an export version. Models for the civilian market are also being produced.[10] An experimental self lubricating nano-composite coating is also being tested on the AK-12 rifle.[10]

Other forms of modularity in the AK-12 system are likely to include interchangeable barrel lengths and calibers (5.45×39mm, 5.56×45mm NATO, 7.62×39mm and 7.62×51mm NATO).

Civilian version
In November 2012, Izhmash announced the 2013 release of the AK-12 for the civilian market. It is semi-automatic and will be available in .223 Remington and 12 gauge.