AK-47 / AK-74 / Everything AK

This is the CW Gunwerks and JMac Customs Signature Series - 14.5" IMR Limited Edition Rifle, perfect for our Photo Of The Day. CW Gunwerks, based in Miami, Florida, builds each rifle with careful attention to detail. Partnering with JMac Customs, which designs and manufactures most of the components, the two companies focus on quality and precision.

In my series on the weapons of the South Caucasus, I have previously discussed the background of the region's territorial disputes. In this section, I will focus specifically on the AK-103. This firearm was designed in 1994, which is noteworthy because it was the same year the First Nagorno-Karabakh War ended with a ceasefire agreement.

WBP is releasing a new version of the Jack AK-47, now featuring Ukrainian KPYK parts for a modernized, lightweight tactical upgrade. Shown at IWA 2025, this updated Jack retains its Polish craftsmanship but now comes with KPYK handguards and stocks, known for their rugged, lightweight construction and enhanced modularity. With these upgrades, the WBP Jack is now optimized for tactical applications while maintaining AK reliability. Could this be the best modernized AK variant yet?

As the AK-12 assault rifles evolve, new models have been introduced to cater to modern trends favoring shorter rifles for urban operations. Recently, Kalashnikov Concern launched the compact models AK-12/15K and AK-12/15SK. These rifles were showcased alongside the entire AK-12 family at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025.

The Firearm Blog has so far covered many new weapons produced by the Vietnamese small arms industry, from assault rifles to sniper rifles, light machine guns, pistols, and some other unusual guns. Today, let’s talk about a rather interesting rifle that is being adopted in significant quantities by the Vietnamese military: the STV-022 stockless carbine. In the USA, such weapons are often called “rifle-caliber pistols”, but they are typically not employed by military forces.

The Arsenal AK-20 series is now available, bringing modern upgrades to the legendary Kalashnikov platform. Unveiled at SHOT Show 2025, the AK-20 features a free-floating barrel for superior accuracy, an adjustable gas system for suppressor optimization, ambidextrous controls, and M-LOK/Picatinny compatibility for customization. Available in rifle, pistol, and SBR configurations, the AK-20 is built to meet the demands of modern shooters. Check out our in-depth look at SHOT Show 2025!

Arsenal first showed their AK-20 concept rifles back at SHOT Show 2020. While retaining AK rifles’ renowned reliable mechanism, these rifles are designed to offer modern features like free floated handguard and adjustable gas system. Well, after five years, the first model of the AK-20 rifle, a 7.62x39 SBR, is finally available for purchase. Let’s take a closer look.

In part 1 of this series, I wrote about procedures I developed for upgrading AKs after working as an armorer in various Middle Eastern countries and evaluating many AK modernization projects. I divided all AK upgrades into three categories: Ergonomics (I), Technical Capabilities (II), and Sighting Systems (III). The first two were already covered in Part 1, and this article is dedicated to Category III — Sighting Systems.

The president of Kalashnikov's concern announced at a press release on October 8th, 2024, that state tests for the AM-17 had been completed. The rifle was developed by order of the Ministry of Defense, and full production is reported to start in 2025. The AM-17, a small-sized or compact assault rifle, was officially adopted in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the development of modern military weaponry.

The AK-12 is a modern iteration of the iconic Kalashnikov that has undergone significant changes since its inception. Designed to meet Russian Army needs, the AK-12 features several enhancements to improve its functionality and adaptability. Kalashnikov Concern has diligently worked on the finalized version of the AK-12, reflecting a commitment to continual refinement over the years. In line with this dedication, the organization is developing further iterations of the AK-12, culminating in the 2023 model, focusing on operational feedback from military use. These prospective advancements may enhance ergonomics and overall performance in diverse combat environments.

Many years ago, when I just started writing for TFB, I published a big article: Red dots on AKs: Critical View: Part 1, Part 2, trying to summarise the information about the use of reflex signs on Kalashnikov rifles. Since then, the topic of AK rifle modernization has become even more prevalent: every day we are seeing updates on conflicts in the Middle East where all sides are using AK and actively trying to modernize them. The war in Ukraine is another modern conflict where both sides have AKs and try to get the most out of this weapon system, even turning it into anti-drone weapons.

Today I’d like to welcome Colonel Julian T. Urquidez—Director of Operations for the U.S. Army Futures Command. The U.S. Army Futures Command is a fairly new department of the Army that specializes in modernizing the Army’s arsenal, from next-generation combat vehicles to advanced small arms. While the Colonel is no longer involved with the Trigger Empire project we covered at TriggrCon 2024, he is here today to tell us about a new project that will hopefully see the delivery of the industry’s first mass-produced AK Forced Reset Trigger.

Welcome back to another TFB review. In recent years, the AK market has taken a hit with the loss of cheap 7.62x39 and 5.45x39 ammunition. Whether it’s because of import bans, supply problems because of world conflicts, or just higher demand over the last few years it can be rather tricky to get ammo for AKs like it was in the past. This week, I’m looking at the new 5.56x45 AK from Century Arms. There has been a push to create an AK that users can shoot easily without searching for paying a higher amount for ammo. 5.56 AKs could not only keep the AK market alive in America but also offer a cheaper option. Let’s take a closer look at the new Century Arms BFT556 AK.

The battlefield on the Eastern Front of World War II illustrated a horrific lesson—that victory can be won with tragic heroism and noble sacrifice. Still, ultimately, without technical and tactical innovation, it is a cruel waste of life. The Soviet Union learned quickly, changing tactics and developing vast small arms to combat the next war. With lessons fresh in their memories, new concepts were developed and evolved to change the world.

Typically, the first modification made to an AK is the trigger. Meridian Defense has introduced a new product known as the MDC-Combat Trigger. They have taken on the challenge of designing a new trigger, first implementing it in their rifle product line and now releasing it as an aftermarket trigger upgrade for the AK market. Meridian Defense is recognized for its high-quality work in building AK rifles, and they are now using their expertise to design an upgraded trigger specifically for the Kalashnikov platform.

Got Kalashnikov? If you want an AK-pattern rifle but want it made in the USA, dadgummit, then Century Arms has what you’re looking for. They’ve just expanded their US-built AK lineup to include the new BFT74 and BFT556 models.

Happy Halloween! If people can dress up for Halloween, why not firearms? In this Photo Of The Day we have a spooky Zastava Arms M90 semi-automatic sporting rifle. The images are taken by the talented Bravo42 Photography, who really knows how to get the attention going.

Luke C ( @BallisticAviation) is at TriggrCon 2024 to speak with Seth from KCI about their newest magazines. In addition to a new, shorter 20-round variant of their translucent Polycarbonate magazines, KCI is bringing out a new 5.56 AK-compatible 100-round drum magazine that's sure to please those in the "accuracy by volume" crowd. Both new magazines are set to be fully available for order through KCI and their distributors by early 2025.

Luke C (  @BallisticAviation  ) is in Wichita Kansas at TriggrCon 2024 talking with Jake from Mantis about their upcoming addition to the popular Blackbeard rifle laser dry-fire training system. The new AK-47 compatible variant will feature the same 60,000-round shot capacity as the AR-15 variant, but will now be compatible with virtually any AK-47/74 bolt pattern rifle or pistol. The two-piece system features the laser-bolt assembly and of course, the AK-style rock-and-lock battery magazine which also houses the Bluetooth module that integrates with the MantisX Training app.

Luke C ( @BallisticAviation) is on the scene in Wichita Kansas for TriggrCon 2024 with Trigger Empire and their new AK Compatible Forced Reset Trigger. The Trigger Empire AK Forced Reset Trigger (also known as the KONO) is slated to be one of the first commercially available forced reset triggers for the AK platform and will be compatible with a wide variety of AK styles including 5.56, 5.45, and 9mm AK variants from the most popular manufacturers. Today the two young company owners Alex and Jesus tell us all about how they've brought their designs together and plans down the road for three position selector kits as well.

In Part 1 of this article, I talked about the prototypes of Yugoslav AKs, in Part 2 we dived into the history of M70 rifles with milled receivers, Part 3 was dedicated to the most common Zastava M70, Part 4 went over rifles that Zastava developed during the collapse of Yugoslavia, Part 5 was about modern Serbian AKs. In this article, I want to talk about a little-known AK upgrade program developed in Serbia by a private company Reborn Arms.

FPV kamikaze drones have really changed the battlefield. They are small, fast, cheap and devastating against infantry and vehicles alike. The Russo-Ukrainian war is probably the conflict where these machines have been used most extensively and ever since the sides started deploying them, they have also been trying to come up with solutions for defense against FPV drones. Arguably the most effective, readily available and affordable counter-FPV tool at the moment is the good old scattergun. However, one major disadvantage of using shotguns is that you need to carry a separate shoulder-fired weapon. Attempts to make more compact and lightweight devices for anti-FPV warfare have resulted in the creation of things like the Ukrainian MSD-5 pepperbox or the 12 gauge barrel inserts for underbarrel grenade launchers. In this article, we’ll take a look at one of the latest anti-drone devices, a rifle attachment called Dronoboy developed by Russian company BRT (one of the leading suppressor manufacturers in Russia).

We have recently seen a series of Photo Of The Day where U.S. Marines shoot various foreign firearms, in equally foreign places, and today is no different. Above you see U.S Marine Corps Sgt. Caleb Sumerel, a Spring Hill, Tennessee native and a section leader with Mobile Reconnaissance Company, 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division as he sets into a defense while conducting bilateral training with Finnish coastal brigade forces during joint exercise Keksi 24 in Upinniemi, Finland, May 16, 2024. At least he got to go there in the summertime!

Luke C ( @BallisticAviation) is at GunCon 2024 hosted by @brownells  and @TheGunCollective  to talk with the guys from Stuff & Things. This company specializes in creating some pretty interesting AK accessories and conversion kits and their latest kit is the STizon magazine, a 9mm Luger helical magazine compatible with popular 9mm AKs like the PSA AK V, KP9, Draco, etc. Each magazine is sold in two different body configurations (clear polycarbonate or aluminum) and comes with all the necessary parts needed to convert your AK to use the magazine. 

At this year’s GunCon 2024 event at Brownell’s, Stuff & Things Inc. (also affectionately referred to as STInc USA) showed off their brand new STizon Kit, which is their take on the Russian PP-19 Bizon AK variant. The Russian Bizon was originally chambered for the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge and features a helical magazine that runs horizontally under the barrel assembly, allowing for more capacity and a shorter vertical profile. Stuff and Things have already had their pre-order option available, but their new STizon Kit will be shipping soon. Let’s see how the design has progressed.

In  Part 1 of this interview which was recorded in 2018, Travis Haley talked about his first gun, a Chinese AK rifle, and why he bought it. In Part 2 he discussed the pros and cons of this AK weapon platform in general. In Part 3, we talk about the upgrades for the AK platform that make it more effective.

In  Part 1 of this interview that I recorded in 2018, Travis Haley talked about his first gun, a Chinese AK rifle, and why he bought it. In Part 2 I asked him about the pros and cons of this AK weapon platform in general.

Previously, we published an interview ( Part 1 and   Part 2) with Jim Fuller, a gunsmith who had an immense influence on the AK community in the USA. Today we will publish the first part of my interview with Travis Haley, the person largely responsible for the creation of the modern manual of arms for the AK platform.

In the early 80s, Iraq Military Industry was quite impressive for a Middle Eastern country. With the help of Yugoslavia, the country produced several different AK-pattern rifles, light machine guns, and various sniper rifles.

In the first part of the interview, I spoke with Jim Fuller about his experience with Chinese AKs. In this chapter, he will talk about the early 2000s, when US companies just started to build the first American-made AKs.