AK-19

Kalashnikov Concern · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2021

Also known as: Kalashnikov AK-19

Overview

The AK-19 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Kalashnikov Concern since 2021.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3600 g (127.0 oz)
Weight (loaded)3950 g (139.3 oz)
Overall Length935 mm (36.81")
Folded Length690 mm (27.17")
Barrel Length415 mm (16.34")
Action TypeGas Operated Long Stroke
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity30 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity920 m/s (3018 fps)
Muzzle Energy1700 J (1254 ft·lbf)
Effective Range800 m (875 yd)
Maximum Range1100 m (1203 yd)
Rate of Fire700 rpm
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist178 mm (7.01")
Number of Grooves4
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialPolymer
FinishMatte Black

Calibers

Features

Base model

Ak-12

Production

Production years: 2021-present

Newly introduced for export; no confirmed large-scale orders as of 2024. Marketed through Rosoboronexport.

Origin

Country of origin: Russia

Notes

The AK-19 supersedes the AK-101 as Kalashnikov's premium 5.56mm NATO export offering, featuring the same fourth-generation improvements as the AK-12 and AK-15 adopted by the Russian military. Key improvements over the AK-101 include the free-floating handguard (reducing barrel harmonics interference for better accuracy), rigidly fixed receiver cover (improving optics zero retention), and the birdcage-type flash hider with integrated suppressor mount (replacing the AK-74-style muzzle brake). Marketed through Rosoboronexport for nations using NATO-standard ammunition. The increased rate of fire (700 rpm vs 650 rpm on AK-101) reflects the updated gas system shared with the AK-12 family. No confirmed military adoptions as of 2024, though the rifle is being actively promoted at international defense exhibitions.

Background

Unveiled at the 2021 IDEX defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, the AK-19 represents Kalashnikov's latest bid to capture NATO-caliber export markets, superseding the 1990s-era AK-101 with all the ergonomic improvements of the AK-12 generation.