ASh-12.7
TsKIB SOO · Battle Rifle · In Production · 2011
Also known as: ShAK-12, Shturmovoi Avtomaticheskii Kompleks
Overview
The ASh-12.7, also known as the ShAK-12 (Shturmovoi Avtomaticheskii Kompleks, or Assault Automatic Complex), is a Russian large-caliber bullpup battle rifle chambered in 12.7x55mm, developed by TsKIB SOO on request from the FSB as an ultimate close-quarters 'man-stopper' weapon for elite counter-terrorism units. The rifle uses a short recoil operated action with a rotating bolt, an unusual mechanism for a large-caliber battle rifle, and features a stamped steel receiver enclosed in a polymer bullpup housing. Multiple ammunition types are available including an armor-piercing round with an 18-gram steel-core bullet, a heavy subsonic lead-core round weighing 33 grams, and a duplex round carrying two 17-gram projectiles. The weapon is designed exclusively for close-quarters urban combat where maximum stopping power against barricaded or armored targets is required.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5200 g (183.4 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5800 g (204.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 675 mm (26.57") |
| Barrel Length | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Select Fire |
| Trigger Pull | 30 N (6.7 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 310 m/s (1017 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 864 J (637 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 380 mm (14.96") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 12.7x55mm · primary — also known as 12.7x55mm STs-130, 12.7x55mm ShAK-12
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Disconnector, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Bullpup Layout, Select Fire, Suppressor Compatible, Picatinny Rail, Forward Grip, Armor Piercing Capability, Duplex Round Compatible, Recoil Buffer
Variants
- ShAK-12 — System Designation
Service history
Operators
- Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) · adopted 2011 · as ShAK-12
- Russian Special Forces (Spetsnaz)
Conflicts
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
- Syrian Civil War (2015-present)
Production
Production years: 2011-present
Very limited production exclusively for FSB special operations units. Exact production numbers classified.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Notes
The ASh-12.7 uses 12.7x55mm ammunition that, while sharing the same caliber designation as the VKS Vykhlop's STs-130 cartridge, employs significantly lighter and faster projectiles optimized for the assault rifle role rather than the heavy subsonic rounds of the VKS. The light armor-piercing load (7g bullet at 770 m/s) is designed for maximum penetration, while the heavy subsonic load (33g) delivers devastating energy transfer at close range. The duplex round fires two 17-gram projectiles simultaneously for increased hit probability. An optional suppressor can be fitted for reduced signature operations. The weapon's extreme recoil from the large-caliber cartridge limits practical accuracy in automatic fire to very close ranges.
Background
The ASh-12.7 was born from the FSB's requirement for a weapon that could neutralize terrorists wearing body armor or hiding behind solid obstacles in hostage rescue scenarios. Its 12.7mm projectiles can penetrate barriers that would stop conventional rifle ammunition, making it the closest thing to a handheld anti-materiel weapon designed for room-clearing operations.