DIO KLF
Defense Industries Organization · Rifle · In Production
Also known as: KL-7.62, KLF, Iranian AK, DIO KL-7.62 KLF
Overview
The DIO KLF is an Iranian gas-operated, select-fire assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, produced by Iran's Defense Industries Organization. It is the under-folding metal stock variant of the KL-7.62 family, an unlicensed Iranian copy of the Chinese Type 56, which is itself derived from the Soviet AKM/AK-47. The KLF distinguishes itself from its Kalashnikov ancestors by using hard polymer furniture in place of wood to reduce weight and improve heat resistance during sustained automatic fire, and by a ribbed receiver cover.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3800 g (134.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 895 mm (35.24") |
| Folded Length | 655 mm (25.79") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 715 m/s (2346 fps) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62mm Soviet, 7.62x39mm M43
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Selector Lever
- Features: Under Folding Stock, Polymer Furniture, Chrome Lined Barrel, Ribbed Receiver Cover, Select Fire
Variants
- DIO KLS - Fixed Stock
- DIO KLT - Side Folding Stock
Service history
Operators
- Islamic Republic of Iran Army · as KLF
- Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
Conflicts
- Syrian Civil War (2011-present)
Production
Domestically produced in quantity by DIO; exact figures not published
Origin
Country of origin: Iran
Notes
Often mislabelled the 'Iranian G3' in harvested lists; the KLF is in fact a 7.62x39mm Kalashnikov-pattern rifle and is unrelated to the 7.62x51mm NATO Heckler & Koch G3, which DIO also produces separately. The KL-7.62 series comprises the fixed-stock KLS, under-folding KLF, and side-folding KLT.
Background
Iran acquired large numbers of Chinese Type 56 rifles during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War, then reverse-engineered the design to manufacture its own KL-7.62 family, modernising it with polymer furniture rather than the traditional Kalashnikov wood.