Tabuk Assault Rifle
Al-Qadissiya Establishments · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1980
Also known as: Iraqi AK, Al-Qadissiya Rifle, Tabuk AK
Overview
The Tabuk Assault Rifle is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, produced by Al-Qadissiya Establishments since 1980. Safety features include manual safety selector, hammer notch, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation. As a recognized participant in the global firearms industry, Al-Qadissiya Establishments applies modern manufacturing technology and quality control processes to deliver products that compete effectively in a market where reliability and performance are non-negotiable requirements for both civilian and professional end users.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3800 g (134.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 875 mm (34.45") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Height | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Width | 45 mm (1.77") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 720 m/s (2362 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2067 J (1525 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 900 m (984 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 620 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
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, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Bulged Trunnion 1 5mm, Zastava M70 Derivative
Variants
- Tabuk Sniper — Sniper
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Iraqi Armed Forces · adopted 1980 · as Tabuk
- Iraqi Republican Guard · adopted 1980 · as Tabuk
Conflicts
- Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)
- Gulf War (1990-1991)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 1980-2003
Exact production figures unknown; manufactured at Al-Qadissiya Establishments using Yugoslav-supplied machinery until the factory's destruction in 2003
Origin
Country of origin: Iraq
Discontinued: 2003
Notes
The Tabuk's manufacturing quality varied over its production life, with earlier examples being closely comparable to Yugoslav originals and later production (particularly during sanctions-era Iraq) showing declining quality control. The Tabuk Sniper variant featured an extended barrel (approximately 600mm) and scope mount, serving as Iraq's primary designated marksman rifle - an unusual role for a 7.62x39mm platform normally considered underpowered for precision shooting. Production ceased with the fall of the Ba'athist government in 2003 and destruction of the Al-Qadissiya factory. Captured Tabuk rifles were extensively documented by Coalition forces and many were brought back to the United States as war trophies. Compatible with all standard AKM/AK-47 magazines.
Background
The Tabuk was Iraq's domestically produced AK variant, built on Yugoslav Zastava M70 tooling sold during the Saddam Hussein era. Quality declined significantly during the sanctions period of the 1990s. Many captured examples were brought home by Coalition soldiers as war trophies after 2003.