Russian arms manufacturer Kalashnikov has announced the mass production of his latest assault rifle, the AM-17. It is a weapon whose prototype has already been tested in Ukraine by Russian soldiers in recent years, but ‘new’ does not always equal modern. The AM-17 is based on a 1973 prototype that was scrapped in favor of the Russian forces assault rifle it will replace, the AKS-74Uwhich entered service in 1979.
According to the statement of the Kalashnikov Groupthe main advantages of the AM-17 include ‘new’ features such as extensive use of plastic, a folding telescoping stock, an ambidextrous fire mode selector, and the ability to switch the charging handle to either side of the weapon. Additionally, the rifle now uses the rail system Picatinny NATO standard for accessories, instead of the Soviet-era dovetail mount.
The Dragunov MA prototype versus the AKS-74U
Both the AM-17 and the AKS-74U, which it will replace, are compact 5.45mm assault rifles. Designed by Yevgeny Dragunovthe prototype of the AM-17 from the 70s, known then as Dragunov MAwas innovative for its time. It was largely composed of plastic and featured an innovative design that divided the weapon into two parts: a plastic lower frame and a steel upper frame that took all the stress.
The MA weighed 200 grams less than the AKS-74U, had a slightly longer barrel and a higher rate of fire: 100 more per minute than its competitor. It was also more ergonomic, with the firing mode selector located near the trigger guard and a stock that folded upward rather than sideways.
However, the initial design of the MA had reliability problemsnot due to the plastic components, but due to the firing mechanism and piston deformations in the gas operation system. A redesigned flash suppressor was also needed. By the time these modifications were in progress, the AKS-74U had already positioned itself in front of the Dragunov MA and It was adopted by the Soviet Army in 1979.
In 2017Kalashnikov announced that it would introduce the AM-17 as the replacement for the AKS-74U. Despite claims of innovation, The AM-17 essentially replicates many of the MA’s original design concepts with only slight updates.
This is the AM-17 compact assault rifle
The weapon has been developed by the division’s Design and Technology Center Kalashnikov Concern ‘to meet the requirements of modern automatic small arms’, the statement explains. Kalashnikov stands out as his main advance extensive use of high strength polymersalso in the structure of the receiver. ‘This technical solution allowed the use of components that meet contemporary standards for light weapons, staying within the mass and dimension parameters of the predecessor‘, says the company.
The main parts of the AM-17 are the receiver, with the barrel and stock – here foldable to the side – attached, the trigger housing and the handguard. The locking assembly, bolt carrier with bolt, and recoil mechanism are housed in the receiver. The trigger housing joins the grip, magazine and trigger assembly. The handguard incorporates the aiming point and a special shield that reduces its heating when shooting. The trigger housing and receiver are joined by cross locking pins that must be removed to disassemble the rifle.
The AM-17 is gas-powered, short-stroke action, and It is compatible with all types of 5.45 mm combat ammunition adopted by the Russian army. Its magazine capacity is 30 rounds, its weight is 2.5 kilos without ammunition, it measures 75 cm with the stock extended and 49 cm when folded, and its rate of fire is 850 rounds per minute.