Breaking news: Kalashnikov presents new assault rifle prototype - AK-308
Today, Kalashnikov Group (Russia) presented new assault rifle prototype called AK-308 at the International Military-Technical Forum “Army-2018”
According to the press release: “Weapon is based on AK-103 with certain design features taken from AK-12 and is chambered for 7.62×51 round. At the moment, weapon is being prepared for trials. (…)
- Complete technical characteristics of the assault rifle:
- Cartridge: 7.62×51
- Weight (with magazine, without ammunition): 4,3 kg
- Overall length/with bayonet – 880-940 millimeters/ 1045-1105 mm
- Overall length with the folded stock: 690 mm
- Barrel length: 415 mm
- Stock: folding adjustable 4-position
- Magazine capacity: 20 rounds
- Sights: aperture sight
Video Here:
http://en.kalashnikov.media/embed/cjl24j0v30lag0947osfdwkbm
Author with a prototype of AK-308
Development of this weapon shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who is familiar with classic Izhmash product line. Saiga rifles chambered in 308 had been around for years both on Russian and US markets.
If you look closely at the video and pictures, you will see that video and photos feature two completely different generations of this battle rifle, which gives us a unique chance to track the changes made on the rifle during the development process.
In the video, the prototype has a traditional rear sight with hinged receiver covers, signature design feature of AK-200 series, described in the very good article written by our fellow TFB writer Hrachya.
Muzzle device is also completely different. In the video, standard AK 200 series birdcage flashider is used, and it is clearly leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to reducing flash.
On a next generation AK-308, flashider is considerably different
AK-308 “front end” resembles AK12 and features free-floating handguard, non-detachable gas tube and gas block with integrated front sight.
Also, markings on the selector are different. In the earlier prototype, standard Russian markings are used
In the later sample, markings are in English, “A” and “R” which only happens if that was a demand from a specific customer.
Markings in English may indicate that the weapon was developed exclusively for the foreign market and is not expected to ever be sold to Russian military or LE agencies. Rifle was demonstrated with a Russian made red dot 1P87, which tells us that this weapon is marketed as a battle rifle, not a DMR.
A lot of experts share an opinion that development of AK-308 is the result of many tenders issued in the recent years by India and Pakistan, with both countries demanding battle rifles in 7.62×51.
Vladimir Onokoy is a small arms subject matter expert and author of "From Balkans to Babylon: Zastava AKs of Yugoslavia, Serbia, and Iraq", the first English-language book about the history of M70 and Tabuk AKs. Over the years he worked in over 20 different countries as a security contractor, armorer, field analyst, product manager, and consultant. His articles were published in Recoil magazine, Small Arms Review, Small Arms Defense Journal, Overt Defense and Silah Report. He also worked as the historical consultant for movies and weapon history books, namely "Vickers Guide: Kalashnikov" series, and Ian McColum's "Small Arms of WW2: Soviet Union". You can contact him here vonokoybooks@proton.me
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Russian Viagra meddles in our erections.
Hmmmnnn, interesting. I wonder if the mako furniture will fit on it? Of course, if it did, we'd call this a Galil.