AEK-971

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AEK-971

AEK-971 chambered for 5.45x39mm
Type Assault Rifle
Place of origin Flag of Russia Russia
Service history
In service Field testing
Production history
Designer Sergey I. Koksharov
Designed Early 1970's
Manufacturer Kovrov Machinebuilding Plant
Number built >100 units
Specifications
Weight 3.3 kg (8.5 lb) empty
Length 965 mm (38 in)
Barrel length 414 mm (16.3 in)
Cartridge 5.45x39mm AEK-971
7.62x39mm AEK-973 / AEK-973S
5.56x45mm NATO AEK-972
Action Gas actuated, rotating bolt, balanced
Rate of fire 800 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity 880 m/s (2887 ft/s)
Effective range 400 m (366 yd)
Feed system 30-round magazine
Sights Hooded front post and the U-notch open rear

The AEK-971 is a Russian assault rifle made by the Kovrov Machinebuilding Plant now Degtyarev Design Bureau and designed by Sergey I. Koksharov. AEK-971 use 5.45x39mm M74 round from the standard 30 round magazines of the AK-74. Two other members of this series - AEK-972 and AEK-973 - fire 5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm, respectively, from 30 round magazines of the AK-101 and AK-47/AK-103. The updated AEK-973 receives a three-shot burst fire mode. AEK-973S (АЕК-973С in russian) is a modification with changed firing mechanism with the location of the thumb safety-selector lever on the right side and an extended light stock (to make the weapon less bulky). When the stock is retracted, a shoulder rest is being connected with the pistol grip, thereby forming a streamlined structure that doesn't hamper the fire. The AEK-971 has two fire modes; semi- and full-automatic. The modernised AEK-971 is also able to deliver fire with three-shot bursts. The AEK-971 is based on previous AK rifles in internal design and features but has the addition of a balancing mechanism. The rifle has a counter weight that negates the impulse of the gas piston and bolt carrier: this is the balancing mechanism and results in more controllable automatic fire. Though losing an initial contract for production against the AN-94, mainly due to being underdeveloped at the time, the Russian army has begun field trials of this weapon. The AN-94 assault rifle has slight edge over the AEK-971 only in short burst (2 rounds only) mode. In full-auto medium or long burst fire mode (3-5 or 7-10 rounds per burst) AEK-971 wins hands down, being also some 0.5 kg lighter than AN-94, simpler and cheaper to manufacture.

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v • d • e
AK-47 and derivatives
List of Russian weaponry

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