AKS-74
Izhmash · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1974
Also known as: AK-74S, Avtomat Kalashnikova Skladnoy obr. 1974
Overview
The AKS-74 is a Soviet gas-operated, selective-fire assault rifle and the side-folding-stock variant of the AK-74, chambered in 5.45x39mm. Developed for airborne and mechanized troops who needed a more compact weapon, it replaces the AK-74's fixed stock with a triangular metal buttstock that folds to the left side of the receiver. It retains the AK-74's long-stroke gas piston, rotating bolt, and distinctive muzzle brake, which sharply reduces recoil and muzzle climb in automatic fire.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2970 g (104.8 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 940 mm (37.01") |
| Folded Length | 700 mm (27.56") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Sight Radius | 379 mm (14.92") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 900 m/s (2953 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1389 J (1024 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3150 m (3445 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.45x39mm · primary — also known as 5.45x39mm Soviet, 5.45mm Kalashnikov, 7N6
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Dust Cover Safety Lever
- Features: Side Folding Stock, Muzzle Brake, Rotating Bolt, Long Stroke Gas Piston, Chrome Lined Bore
Variants
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Armed Forces · adopted 1974
- Soviet Airborne Forces (VDV) · adopted 1974
- Russian Armed Forces · adopted 1991
Conflicts
- Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)
- Chechen Wars (1994-2009)
Production
Production years: 1974-present
Produced alongside the base AK-74 at the Izhmash plant in Izhevsk; total AK-74 family production runs into the millions
Origin
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Designer: Mikhail Kalashnikov
Notes
The 'S' (Skladnoy) denotes the folding stock. Early production used wooden furniture before a transition to plum and black polymer. The AKS-74N adds a side rail for night and IR optics.
Background
First seen publicly by Western observers during the 1979 Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, the AKS-74's folding stock and large muzzle brake made it an instantly recognizable symbol of Soviet airborne and special-purpose units.