Grad AR
State Factories North Ossetia · Assault Rifle · Limited Production · 2010
Also known as: Grad
Overview
The Grad AR is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.45x39mm, produced by State Factories North Ossetia since 2010.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3800 g (134.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 690 mm (27.17") |
| 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 | 899 m/s (2949 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1385 J (1022 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 847 m (926 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 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 | Black |
Calibers
- 5.45x39mm · primary — also known as 5.45 Soviet, 5.45x39
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Suppressor Compatible, Optics Rail, Ak 74 Magazine Compatible
Service history
Operators
- Military of South Ossetia · adopted 2010 · as Grad
Production
Production years: 2010-present
Produced in very limited numbers. Exact production figures unknown. Used in limited numbers by the Military of South Ossetia.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Notes
Very limited information is available about the Grad AR. The weapon appears to have been produced in small numbers for the Military of South Ossetia, possibly also originating from North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz). There are unconfirmed rumors of variants chambered in 7.62x39mm, 9x39mm, and 6x49mm, though only the 5.45x39mm version has been documented. The manufacturer is listed as 'State Factories North Ossetia' but the specific facility and designer(s) remain unidentified. The Grad's internal mechanism is essentially that of a standard AK-74 rearranged into a bullpup form factor, similar in concept to other AK-based bullpup conversions like the Groza and the Chinese Type 86S. The overall length of 690mm from Military Factory is used; one source lists 943mm which may represent a variant with suppressor fitted.
Background
The Grad is one of the most obscure modern assault rifles, originating from the small, partially-recognized republic of South Ossetia (or neighboring North Ossetia in Russia). Its existence highlights the continued appeal of the bullpup concept for making AK-platform rifles more compact without sacrificing barrel length, a design philosophy shared with the Russian OTs-14 Groza and Chinese Norinco Type 86S. The weapon's name 'Grad' means 'hail' in Russian, evoking the BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher system.