AEK-972
Kovrov Mechanical Plant (KMZ) · Assault Rifle · Limited Production · 1990
Also known as: AEK-971 NATO, AEK-971-5.56
Overview
The AEK-972 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Kovrov Mechanical Plant (KMZ) since 1990.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3750 g (132.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 960 mm (37.80") |
| Folded Length | 720 mm (28.35") |
| Barrel Length | 420 mm (16.54") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 922 m/s (3025 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1709 J (1260 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 900 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56x45mm, SS109, M855
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Balanced Automatics Recoil System, Counter Mass Mechanism, Side Folding Stock, Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Improved Accuracy Automatic Fire, Nato Magazine Compatibility
Variants
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Russian MVD (Ministry of Internal Affairs)
Production
Production years: 1990s-2000s
Extremely limited production. Manufactured primarily as evaluation samples and for specialized applications. Exact numbers unknown but estimated under 1000 units.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Stanislav Koksharov
Notes
The AEK-972 was primarily developed for export markets and specialized units requiring NATO ammunition compatibility. It uses a barrel with 1-in-7 inch (178mm) rifling twist optimized for the SS109/M855 62-grain NATO round. Compatible with all STANAG 4179 magazines including standard 30-round, 20-round, and high-capacity drum magazines. The AEK-972 was overshadowed by the more successful AEK-971 in 5.45mm and AEK-973 in 7.62x39mm variants. Very limited production numbers make this one of the rarest AEK platform rifles. The balanced-recoil system is particularly effective with the 5.56mm cartridge's lighter recoil impulse, allowing extremely flat shooting during burst fire.
Background
The AEK-972 represents Russia's attempt to crack Western export markets with a NATO-compatible variant of their revolutionary balanced-action rifle. Despite superior technical performance, it was eclipsed by established Western designs and remains one of the rarest AEK variants.