AK74

The AK-74 is a Soviet assault rifle chambered for the 5.45×39mm cartridge. Designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov and produced by Izhmash beginning in 1974, it was issued to replace the 7.62×39mm AKM in many Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces. The new cartridge was intended to offer higher velocity, lighter recoil, and greater magazine capacity while preserving the reliability and ruggedness of the AK platform.

Design and features: The AK-74 uses a gas-operated, rotating-bolt action with a long-stroke gas piston. The receiver is of stamped and riveted construction, and early rifles had wooden furniture that was gradually replaced with polymer components on later variants. A distinctive slanted muzzle brake helps reduce muzzle climb. Standard magazines hold 30 rounds. Typical specifications include a barrel length around 415 mm and an overall length near 940 mm, with a weight approximately 3 kg depending on configuration.

Variants and adaptations: The standard rifle is the AK-74. Notable descendants include the AK-74M, a modernized version with polymer furniture and optional accessory rails; the AKS-74U, a compact carbine used by airborne and special units; and the RPK-74, a light machine gun variant chambered for the same cartridge. The 5.45×39mm cartridge has several armor-piercing and specialized rounds developed for various battlefield requirements.

Operational history: The AK-74 entered service with the Soviet Armed Forces in the 1970s and became widely adopted across the Soviet sphere and other countries. It remains in limited use in some forces and has been supplemented or replaced by more modern rifles in many operators, while the 5.45×39 platform continues in production in various forms.