Arsenal AR-M1
Arsenal JSCo. · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1998
Also known as: Arsenal AR-M1F, Arsenal AR-M9
Overview
The Arsenal AR-M1 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Arsenal JSCo. This Bulgarian-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3650 g (128.8 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 940 mm (37.01") |
| Folded Length | 700 mm (27.56") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 m/s (3018 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1700 J (1254 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56 NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Side Folding Stock, Flash Suppressor, Illuminated Iron Sights, Nato Standard Ammunition
Variants
- Arsenal AR-M1F — Fixed Stock
- Arsenal AR-M9 — Modernized
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Bulgarian Armed Forces · adopted 1998 · as AR-M1
- Afghan National Army · adopted 2003 · as AR-M1
- Iraqi Security Forces · adopted 2004 · as AR-M1
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 1998-present
Large quantities supplied to Afghan National Army and Iraqi security forces under US-funded programs. Bulgaria is one of the world's largest AK producers with experience dating to 1958.
Origin
Country of origin: Bulgaria
Notes
Arsenal JSCo. (formerly VMZ Sopot) is one of the world's premier AK manufacturers, with production experience dating back to licensed AK-47 manufacture in 1958. Bulgarian AKs are renowned for good quality at competitive prices. The AR-M1 competes directly with the Russian AK-101 and Polish Beryl for NATO-caliber AK market share. Available in both 5.56mm NATO and 7.62x39mm configurations. The AR-M9 modernized variant adds Picatinny rails and improved ergonomics. Arsenal's US-based subsidiary (Arsenal Inc.) imports semi-automatic civilian variants that are among the most popular premium AK rifles on the American market. The AR-M1's deployment to Afghanistan and Iraq represented one of the largest NATO-caliber AK procurement programs in history.
Background
The Arsenal AR-M1 became a geopolitical tool when the US purchased tens of thousands of Bulgarian AK-pattern rifles in NATO caliber to arm Iraqi and Afghan security forces -- an ironic twist where American taxpayers funded Kalashnikov-pattern weapons for American allies.