Ak 5
Bofors Carl Gustaf · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1986
Also known as: Automatkarbin 5, AK5, Bofors Ak 5
Overview
The Ak 5 (Automatkarbin 5) is the standard-issue assault rifle of the Swedish Armed Forces, a licensed and modified version of the Belgian FN FNC. Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, it is a gas-operated, rotating-bolt rifle adapted for the subarctic Swedish climate with enlarged controls, an oversized trigger guard for gloved use, and a folding stock. Unlike the original FNC, the Ak 5 omits the three-round burst mode, offering semi-automatic and fully automatic fire only.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4500 g (158.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1008 mm (39.69") |
| Folded Length | 753 mm (29.65") |
| Barrel Length | 450 mm (17.72") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 910 m/s (2986 fps) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 675 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56 NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington (chamber compatible)
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Fire Selector
- Features: Folding Stock, Rotating Bolt, Ambidextrous Controls, Cold Weather Handling, Winter Trigger Guard
Variants
Service history
Operators
- Swedish Armed Forces · adopted 1986
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Operation Artemis (DR Congo) (2003)
Production
Production years: 1986-present
Domestic Swedish production began in 1987; the design has been progressively upgraded through the Ak 5C and Ak 5D variants.
Origin
Country of origin: Sweden
Designer: FFV Ordnance (based on the FN FNC by FN Herstal)
Notes
Numerous modernized variants have been fielded: the Ak 5B marksman rifle with a 4x telescopic sight, the Ak 5C with Picatinny rails and a collapsible stock, and the shortened Ak 5D for vehicle crews and special units.
Background
Selected after Sweden trialed candidates including the Galil and the FNC, the Ak 5 entered service in 1986 and replaced the older 7.62mm Ak 4 (a license-built Heckler & Koch G3) as the Swedish military's primary infantry rifle.