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.
(Article continues at site)
Looks like a Century Arms version.
Meanwhile, in the US, folks are developing the .300 Blackout.
Two ships passing in the night.
I’d rather have the Molot Vepr rifle than any of the present Russian military rifles. That may be a case of a free market product surpassing government products.
Apt description.
I always thought the 6.8 showed a lot of promise.
Included were AKS-74Us, AK-74Ms, RPG-29s, PG-7VRs for the RPG-7, 9M113M (ATGMs) and 9M117Ms for Syria’s T-55MVs
Got it.
Flatter trajectory and considerably faster.
I'm not convinced that is a practical advantage in 100yd or less tactical situations. Shooting from a bench with a scope, yes. Or farther out.
I believe it is an AK platform chambered for the lighter round. Can someone confirm that?
No, it is chambered for the 5.45 X 39MM.
It’s a sharp little round with a tungsten core, surrounded by lead and copper. It is specifically designed to punch through NATO spec body armor and tumble.
I bought one simply because the ammo was very cheap and came in SPAM cans.
The ammo (per Obama ATF about 3 months ago) is now deemed “armor piercing handgun ammo” (despite no pistol being made for it) and illegal to produce or import — so I am rather happy to be sitting on 20,000 rounds.
Apparently:
Bulgarian with a NoDak Spud receiver. Got it 6 years ago for less tha $300.00 with 3 magazines.
First time on the range I was punching through the target and raising dust out on the backstop berm.
It’s just as good as the 5.56 if not better (especially at longer ranges).
Friend of mine can hit a refrigerator sized target at 700 yards with it using iron-sights. I’ve never tried that though.
The rounds are smaller. 53 grains to 70 grains.
I missed out on that deal when they first flooded the market. Kicking myself about it now.
I ended up getting a few Saiga’s and converting them to the 5.5mm folder stock (AK-74M forgery). Best rifle I’ve ever shot!
AK 74 is 5.45 X 39. Very light fast round. It really snaps. I have a Bulgarian. Love it. Highly accurate right out of the box to 200 metres.
With an un-thrashed pic of Assad on the truck, I have a feeling that guy isn’t ISIS.
Nice.
For your average un or semi trained grunt, or an older civilian like myself, I really like the simplicity and tank like reliability of the AK platform. The 7.62 is a bigger and slower round, but some guy like me who would probably never be seriously going out past 150 yards.....
5.45 X 39 on an AK platform sounds like a nice match.
He may not be ISIS. Look at the picture of Assad on the vehicle. Also he looks very much like a white European or American. He definitely pumps a lot.
What happened to the red/orange magazine?
“he looks very much like a white European or American.”
Ever see an ethnic Syrian before? They look “white”. Lots of blue & green eyes—sort of Greek looking.
No, but there is a 7.62mm derivation, the AK-103.
And yet some apparently think that 7.62 may be still superior, at least in some certain regards-like penetration or knock down power.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.