Saab Bofors AK-5
Saab Bofors Dynamics · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1986
Also known as: Automatkarbin 5, Ak 5, Ak5
Overview
The Saab Bofors AK-5 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Saab Bofors Dynamics since 1986. Safety features include manual safety selector, fire selector, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation. With over 379 years of firearms manufacturing experience, Saab Bofors Dynamics brings established expertise in metallurgy, machining, and quality control to every product in their lineup, ensuring each firearm meets the standards expected by today's demanding market of knowledgeable shooters and professionals.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4300 g (151.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1008 mm (39.69") |
| Folded Length | 753 mm (29.65") |
| Barrel Length | 450 mm (17.72") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Rotating Bolt |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 870 m/s (2854 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1513 J (1116 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 675 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Olive Drab |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO, .223 Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Fire Selector
- Features: Select Fire, Gas Operated, Long Stroke Piston, Rotating Bolt, Folding Stock, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Enlarged Trigger Guard, Cold Weather Optimized, Corrosion Resistant Finish, Chrome Lined Barrel, Flash Hider, Bayonet Mount
Variants
- AK-5A (Original Standard) — Standard
- AK-5B (Designated Marksman Rifle) — Marksman
- AK-5C (Modernized with Picatinny Rails) — Modernized
- AK-5D (Shortened Carbine) — Compact
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Swedish Armed Forces · adopted 1986 · as Automatkarbin 5 (Ak 5)
- Estonian Defence Forces · as Ak 5
- Czech Armed Forces · as AK-5
- Norwegian Armed Forces · as AK-5
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (ISAF) (2002-2014)
- Libyan Civil War (Operation Unified Protector) (2011)
Production
Production years: 1986-present
Exact total production unknown. The AK-5B designated marksman variant had limited production of approximately 5,200 units. The Swedish Armed Forces equipped all infantry units with variants of the AK-5.
Origin
Country of origin: Sweden
Notes
The AK-5 was adopted to replace the 7.62mm Ak 4 (Swedish-produced HK G3) as the standard Swedish service rifle. Key modifications from the base FNC include: removal of three-round burst mode, enlarged trigger guard for Arctic gloves, thicker polymer forend for better insulation in cold weather, enlarged buttstock and charging handle, and improved corrosion-resistant surface treatment. The AK-5B is a designated marksman variant with a 4x25.5 telescopic sight and adjustable cheekpiece, with approximately 5,200 units produced. The AK-5C (2006) is the current modernized variant featuring Picatinny rails, a shortened 350mm barrel, and no iron sights (relies on mounted optics). The AK-5D is a further shortened carbine for vehicle crews and special forces. Sweden is currently replacing the AK-5 with the FN SCAR-L as the Ak 6.
Background
The AK-5's development was driven by Sweden's unique military requirements: a rifle that could function reliably in temperatures plunging to -40 degrees Celsius during the long Scandinavian winter. Swedish troops nicknamed the enlarged trigger guard the 'mitten guard,' as it allowed firing with heavy Arctic mittens. The weapon's olive drab finish was specifically chosen to blend with Swedish pine forests rather than the standard NATO black.