AN-94 Abakan
Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) · Assault Rifle · Limited Production · 1997
Also known as: Avtomat Nikonova, 6P33, Abakan
Overview
The AN-94 Abakan is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.45x39mm, produced by Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) since 1997.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3850 g (135.8 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 943 mm (37.13") |
| Folded Length | 728 mm (28.66") |
| Barrel Length | 405 mm (15.94") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 900 m/s (2953 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1391 J (1026 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 370 m (405 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 700 m (766 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 196 mm (7.72") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.45x39mm · primary — also known as 5.45x39mm Soviet, 5.45mm Kalashnikov
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Burst 2, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Side Folding Stock, Hyperburst Mechanism, Two Round Burst 1800rpm, Recoiling Barrel, Cable Pulley Feed System, Optics Rail
Service history
Operators
- Russian Special Forces · adopted 1997 · as AN-94
- Spetsnaz · adopted 1997 · as AN-94
Conflicts
- Second Chechen War (1999-2009)
Production
Production years: 1997-present
Very limited production for Spetsnaz and elite units only. Too complex and expensive (2-3x the cost of AK-74M) for mass production.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Gennadiy Nikonov
Notes
The AN-94 is one of the most mechanically complex assault rifles ever produced. The hyperburst mechanism effectively puts two rounds through the same point of aim before recoil disturbs the shooter, dramatically improving hit probability at range. However, the internal complexity - featuring a recoiling barrel, cable-and-pulley feed system, and precision-machined components - made it 2-3x more expensive than the AK-74M and significantly harder to maintain in field conditions. Only limited numbers were produced for Spetsnaz and elite units. The weapon accepts standard AK-74 30-round and 45-round RPK-74 magazines. Despite winning the Abakan competition, the Russian military ultimately retained the AK-74M/AK-12 as its standard rifle due to the AN-94's cost and complexity disadvantages.
Background
The AN-94's hyperburst fires two rounds at an effective 1,800 rpm -- so fast that both bullets leave the barrel before the shooter feels any recoil from the first shot. This mechanical tour de force uses a recoiling barrel and cable-pulley feed system, making it one of the most complex assault rifles ever built.