Posted on 02/24/2015 8:46:08 AM PST by Perseverando
The AK-74M has slowly earned its place as the most popular assault rifle currently in use with the various factions fighting for control over Syria. While originally acquired only in small numbers by Syria, recent deliveries ensured a now solid presence of this rifle in the war-torn country. The AK-74M is not only popular with forces of the Syrian Arab Army and the Republican Guard, but also with various other groups fighting for control of the country.
Syia acquired its first batch of AK-74Ms in the late 90s, albeit in very small numbers. This very first batch was believed to have been part of a deal struck with Russia in 1996, which would renew the military and technological cooperation with Russia after this had dwindled due to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The deal envisaged the delivery of a wide selection of small arms, anti-tank missiles, night vision equipment and ammunition for weaponry already in use by Syria. Included in the package were large numbers of AKS-74Us, smaller numbers of AK-74Ms, RPG-29s, PG-7VR warheads for the RPG-7 but also 9M113M Konkurs anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and even 9M117M Bastion gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles for use by Syria’s at that point recently upgraded T-55MVs.
Disagreements over Syria’s insistence on lower prices and extended payment schemes for future purchases and its debt to Russia led to the failure of a deepened relationship between the two countries. Nonetheless, much of the ordered weaponry did ultimately reach Syria.
The first public appearance of the AK-74M in was in 2000, when it was spotted being carried by a guard in front of the National Progressive Front (NPF) headquarters in Damascus. This AK-74M belonged to the first batch, and these along with AKS-74Us were mainly distributed to special units and personnel guarding places of high value. The amount of AK-74Ms was still too small to allow a wider distribution.
The second attempt to acquire AK-74Ms (at a more ambitious scale this time) took place in the years leading up to the Syrian Civil War. The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) launched an ambitious modernisation programme aimed at improving the protection and firepower of a part of its infantry force during this time.
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Is it chambered for 7.62? hat is the best round in my opinion for this weapon.
What does the “M” variation represent?
I believe it’s a 5.45xsomethingorother, similar to the 5.56 Nato.
AK-74 is 5.45x39.
The AK-74M uses the Soviet/Russian equivalent of the 5.56 MM NATO; 5.45 X 39 MM. It is an update of the AK-74. Kalashnikov was not happy when the Red Army came to and wanted a AK version of the M-16 firing the smaller round.
5.45×39mm
5.45x39
AK-74 with plastic side-folding buttstock and scope mount rail on left side of receiver.
M = Modernizirovanniy or Modernized in English. For most ubiquitous version of the AK-47 is the AKM-47 introduced in 1959.
No...5.45x39 which has much better range & accuracy than the 7.62x39.
Apparently steroids are big in the ISIS camp....
The AK-74 is an adaptation of the 7.62×39mm AKM assault rifle and features several important design improvements.[12] These improvements were primarily the result of converting the rifle to the intermediate-caliber high velocity 5.45×39mm cartridge, in fact, some early models are reported to have been converted AKMs, re-barreled to 5.45×39mm.[16] Compared to the preceding AKM the AK-74 has better effective range, firing accuracy (a main development goal) and reliability. The AK-74 and AKM share an approximate 50% parts commonality (interchangeable most often are pins, springs and screws)
Thanks.
It’s chambered in something like 5.6 ish. Very long skinny bullet and high velocity hence the compensator. It’s very unruly after it enters the human body.
Give me the simplicity of the AK-47. Best combat rifle in the world for my money.
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