AEK-973
Kovrov Mechanical Plant (KMZ) · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1985
Also known as: AEK-971-7.62
Overview
The AEK-973 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, produced by Kovrov Mechanical Plant (KMZ) since 1985.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3800 g (134.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 960 mm (37.80") |
| Folded Length | 720 mm (28.35") |
| Barrel Length | 420 mm (16.54") |
| Height | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Width | 45 mm (1.77") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 710 m/s (2329 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2010 J (1482 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 | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62x39mm Soviet, 7.62mm M43, .30 Russian Short
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
Variants
- AEK-973S — Compact
- A-762 (6P68) — Modernized
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Russian MVD (Ministry of Internal Affairs) · adopted 2000
Conflicts
- Second Chechen War (1999-2009)
Production
Production years: 2000-2006
Small batch production for Russian MVD troops. Estimated several hundred units manufactured before discontinuation. Superseded by the modernized A-762 (6P68) variant.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Stanislav Koksharov
Notes
The AEK-973 was developed alongside the AEK-971 during the Abakan rifle trials (1980s), intended as the heavier-caliber option for specialized roles requiring greater stopping power. While the AN-94 won the competition, limited numbers of AEK-973 were produced for evaluation and specialized applications. Compatible with all standard AKM magazines including 30-round steel/polymer magazines and 40-round RPK magazines. The balanced-action system proved particularly beneficial for controlling the heavier 7.62x39mm recoil, making sustained automatic fire significantly more accurate than conventional AKMs. Production was discontinued in 2006 but the design was later modernized and reintroduced as the A-762 (6P68) in 2018. The AEK-973S was a short-barreled variant with ~300mm barrel for close-quarters applications.
Background
The AEK-973 was the heavy hitter of the AEK family, chambered in the hard-hitting 7.62x39mm cartridge. Though production was limited, it proved the balanced-action system could tame even full-power intermediate cartridges, paving the way for the modern A-762 variant.