PA md. 86
Cugir Arms Factory · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1986
Also known as: Pusca Automata model 1986, AIMS-74, PM md. 86
Overview
The PA md. 86 (Pusca Automata model 1986, 'Automatic Rifle Model 1986') is a Romanian selective-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.45x39mm, manufactured by Fabrica de Arme Cugir under the ROMARM umbrella. Developed in the mid-1980s as Romania's response to the Soviet Union's transition from 7.62x39mm to 5.45x39mm, the PA md. 86 is essentially a PM md. 63 (Romanian AKM) re-engineered for the smaller, higher-velocity cartridge. The rifle retains the proven Kalashnikov long-stroke gas piston action with rotating bolt, stamped steel receiver, and the distinctive Romanian integral forward grip on the lower handguard. Key improvements over the PM md. 63 include a side-folding metal strut stock, a flash hider replacing the AKM's slant compensator, and a four-position fire selector offering safe, semi-automatic, three-round burst, and full-automatic modes - the burst fire capability being a notable addition not found on standard AK-74 variants. The PA md. 86 became the standard service rifle of the Romanian Armed Forces.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3150 g (111.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3550 g (125.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 940 mm (37.01") |
| Folded Length | 735 mm (28.94") |
| 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 | 880 m/s (2887 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1328 J (979 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 196 mm (7.72") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Stamped Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 5.45x39mm · primary — also known as 5.45x39mm Soviet, 5.45mm Kalashnikov, 7N6
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Burst 3, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Three Round Burst, Side Folding Stock, Integral Forward Grip, Stamped Receiver, Flash Hider, Grenade Launcher Compatible
Variants
- PA md. 86-F — Folding Stock
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Romanian Armed Forces · adopted 1986
- Romanian Gendarmerie
Conflicts
- Romanian Revolution (1989-1989)
Production
Production years: 1986-present
Manufactured by Fabrica de Arme Cugir (ROMARM) in Cugir, Romania. Produced in sufficient quantities to serve as the standard Romanian military rifle. Export version marketed as AIMS-74. Exact production figures not publicly available.
Origin
Country of origin: Romania
Notes
The PA md. 86 is exported under the name AIMS-74. While it fulfills the same role as the Soviet AK-74, it was developed independently by Romanian engineers at Cugir rather than being a direct licensed copy, incorporating Romanian-specific features such as the integral forward grip inherited from the PM md. 63. The fire selector markings follow the pattern '0 - 1 - 3 - F' (safe, single, three-round burst, full automatic). Weight of 3.15 kg is from WeaponSystems.net; Military Factory lists 3.69 kg (8.14 lbs) which may include accessories. The side-folding stock reduces the overall length from 940mm to 735mm when folded. Romania has since adopted the PA md. 97 (in 5.56x45mm NATO) as part of NATO standardization, though the PA md. 86 remains in widespread Romanian service. The three-round burst mode distinguishes this rifle from most other AK-74 derivatives worldwide.
Background
The PA md. 86 is notable for being one of the few AK-74 derivatives to include a three-round burst fire mode, a feature more commonly associated with Western designs like the M16A2. Combined with the signature Romanian integral forward grip carried over from the PM md. 63, it represents Romania's characteristically independent approach to Warsaw Pact small arms - adopting the Soviet caliber while maintaining distinctly Romanian engineering features.