{"id":118644,"date":"2021-08-12T09:00:35","date_gmt":"2021-08-12T15:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/?p=118644"},"modified":"2025-06-25T14:15:13","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T19:15:13","slug":"all-about-the-ak-12","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/all-about-the-ak-12\/","title":{"rendered":"All about the AK 12"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>This is for all of you Kalashniblaster fans out there. We&#8217;re on the hunt for more intel on the AK 12, and we&#8217;re adding more as we come across it. Here&#8217;s what we have so far:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#service\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">The AK-12: Russia&#8217;s new Service Rifle<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#myths\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Gun Myths: AK-12 vs. M4 (Sort Of)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#6P70\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">6P70 AK12 \u2014 Russia\u2019s New Army Rifle<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#dozen\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Mikhail&#8217;s Dozen: the AK 12 Kalashnikov<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#kalashnikov-factory\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Inside look at the AK200, AK12 and AK15 at the Kalashnikov Factory<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<a id=\"service\"><\/a>\n<h2>The AK-12: Russia\u2019s New Service Rifle<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_117332\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-117332\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-117332 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-Garand-Thumb-Review.jpg\" alt=\"AK-12, Russian Service Rifle\" width=\"750\" height=\"423\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-Garand-Thumb-Review.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-Garand-Thumb-Review-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-Garand-Thumb-Review-400x226.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-Garand-Thumb-Review-150x85.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/423;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-117332\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Russia&#8217;s new service rifle, the AK-12.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you\u2019ve ever wished you grabbed a Russian AK before the import ban, go ahead and check out this article (you Garand Thumb fans will get it). We\u2019ve heard about the updated AKs for a while now, but uber reviewer Garand Thumb got his hands on one and put it through its paces. What follows is a typically thorough \u201ctip to butt\u201d review of the AK-12, with plenty of range footage, ending with some honest opinions.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_117333\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-117333\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-117333 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-AK74.jpg\" alt=\"Garand Thumb comparing the AK-74 and AK-12\" width=\"750\" height=\"427\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-AK74.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-AK74-300x171.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-AK74-400x228.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-AK74-150x85.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/427;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-117333\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The AK-12 (right) is essentially an updated version of the AK-74M.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_117336\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-117336\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-117336 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-system.jpg\" alt=\"AK-12 system\" width=\"750\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-system.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-system-300x192.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-system-400x256.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-system-150x96.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/480;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-117336\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The AK-12 System. (Photo credit: Special Operations)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_117335\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-117335\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-117335 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-upgraded-furniture-rail-system.jpg\" alt=\"Garand Thumb holding AK-12\" width=\"750\" height=\"425\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-upgraded-furniture-rail-system.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-upgraded-furniture-rail-system-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-upgraded-furniture-rail-system-400x227.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-upgraded-furniture-rail-system-150x85.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/425;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-117335\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">You can see the upgraded furniture and rail system.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Now, before you get excited, the ban hasn\u2019t been lifted and Papa Kalash\u2019s latest grandchild isn\u2019t going to be flowing into the country anytime soon. For the newer stuff, a great-nephew is about the best we can do for now. GT notes that some parts kits are available, but they are scarce, and you need a lot of proprietary stuff that you may or may not be able to get.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"text-center article-iframe d-flex flex-wrap justify-content-center\"><iframe title=\"AK-12, Russia&#039;s new Service Rifle\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ovtnjhOKhG0?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>So\u2026What\u2019s New?<\/h2>\n<p>The short version is that the AK-12 is a modernized AK-74M chambered in 5.45 x39. One new feature is the redesigned muzzle device, which GT says makes it a \u201csmooth shooter,\u201d but comes at the expense of heavy concussion directed at teammates or range pals, thanks to the aggressive brake.<\/p>\n<p>One good thing about it is the quick attach ability for suppressors. The furniture is new, as well. The handguard is equipped <a href=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/accessories\/lights-and-lasers\/weapon-lights\">with rails for lights<\/a> or grips and the pistol grip has much-improved ergonomics and a better angle.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_117338\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-117338\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-117338 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Russian-Soldier-Suppressed-AK-12.jpg\" alt=\"Russian solder with suppressed AK-12.\" width=\"750\" height=\"475\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Russian-Soldier-Suppressed-AK-12.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Russian-Soldier-Suppressed-AK-12-300x190.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Russian-Soldier-Suppressed-AK-12-400x253.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Russian-Soldier-Suppressed-AK-12-150x95.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/475;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-117338\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Russian Soldier Running Suppressed. (Photo credit: all4shooters.com)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Best of all, the AK-12 has a new design for the familiar AK dust cover. It\u2019s reinforced and much more stable, allowing for the mounting of <a href=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/accessories\/optics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">optics<\/a> on the integral top rail. The rear iron sights have also been moved to the back of the dust cover, creating a much better sight radius. All in all, GT says the new dust cover is \u201cmuch needed\u201d and \u201cprobably the most forward-thinking part of the new design.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While the AK-12 will accept <a href=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/all-magazines\/rifles\/magazines\/ak-magazines\">AK-74 mags<\/a>, it has a newly designed mag as well. This one features a clear polymer window and molded side grips similar to Magpul mags. The receiver is still recognizably an AK, but it is updated and not interchangeable with the AK-74. There is an enhanced safety lever with four positions: safe, full auto, 2-round burst, and semi-auto.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_117337\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-117337\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-117337 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-mag-change.jpg\" alt=\"AK-12 magazine change\" width=\"750\" height=\"428\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-mag-change.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-mag-change-300x171.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-mag-change-400x228.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-mag-change-150x86.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/428;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-117337\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Same ol\u2019 Mag Change.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>GT liked the trigger, which he says is \u201cmuch improved.\u201d Another improvement is the telescoping buffered stock, which looks a lot like the M4 stock system, but it\u2019s proprietary to the AK-12. It folds to the left. Looking for photos for this article, I ran across a different stock system than in the video. It could be, and probably is, that the Russian military uses more than one.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_117339\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-117339\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-117339 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Russian-solder-AK-12-alternative-stock.jpg\" alt=\"Russian Soldier with what may be an alternate stock design.\" width=\"750\" height=\"423\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Russian-solder-AK-12-alternative-stock.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Russian-solder-AK-12-alternative-stock-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Russian-solder-AK-12-alternative-stock-400x226.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Russian-solder-AK-12-alternative-stock-150x85.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/423;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-117339\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Russian Soldier with what may be an alternate stock design.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>What\u2019s the Verdict?<\/h2>\n<p>Garand Thumb liked the rifle. I mean, it\u2019s a Russian AK, it\u2019s gonna be a lot of fun. But he tempers that by saying \u201cincremental modernizations are leading to a better rifle overall.\u201d Not exactly a ringing endorsement.<\/p>\n<p>He does say it\u2019s \u201cgetting closer to how an AR feels,\u201d thanks to the buffered stock and the muzzle device, but, as noted, the brake comes with a price. I think it\u2019s probably what we might expect. Kalashnikov produces a high-quality rifle, and it is no doubt serving the Russian military very well, but some feel the design is dated.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_117334\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-117334\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-117334 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Garand-Thumb-running-AK-12.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"423\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Garand-Thumb-running-AK-12.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Garand-Thumb-running-AK-12-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Garand-Thumb-running-AK-12-400x226.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Garand-Thumb-running-AK-12-150x85.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/423;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-117334\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Garand Thumb running that AK.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I love me some AKs, and I sure as heck would like to have one of these, but GT\u2019s final evaluation is likely spot-on: \u201cAn incredibly robust, well-designed rifle\u2026but behind the times compared to other modern military rifles.\u201d<\/p>\n<a id=\"myths\"><\/a>\n<h2>Gun Myths: AK-12 vs. M4 (Sort Of)<\/h2>\n<p><em>Bucky Lawson (June 2020)<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Well, the always-interesting crowd over at Kalashnikov Group have taken on the age-old (or older) question of which one is better, Kalashnikov or Stoner? Now, most of us will probably agree that the answer is subjective. There are so many variables that it just doesn\u2019t seem possible to name a clear winner, but \u201cKalashnikov Specialist\u201d Georgiy Gubich gives it a limited, but good, try and his take on it is pretty interesting. For the test, he uses a Russian AK-12 and an unknown (at least to me) AR variant that he says is close enough to the M4 for the purposes of the test, and that does appear to be the case. Also employed is standard issue ammo for both rifles in 5.56&#215;45 NATO and 5.45&#215;39 Russian. Unspecified Red Dot Sights optics are used on both.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_117927\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-117927\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-117927 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-M4.jpg\" alt=\"AK-12 and M4\" width=\"750\" height=\"423\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-M4.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-M4-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-M4-400x226.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-M4-150x85.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/423;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-117927\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">AK-12 and a Sort OF M4 Head to Head. The Sighting Parameters of the AK are Apparently<br \/>Classified.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>AK-12 vs M4 \u2014 The Tests<\/h2>\n<h3>First up is recoil.<\/h3>\n<p>Gubich says that \u201cZealots of the Stoner sect\u201d insist that the AR has less recoil than the AK. He then goes through an explanation of recoil using a formula that addresses mass, velocity, and momentum to arrive at a number that shows the AK-12 to have less recoil.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_117930\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-117930\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-117930 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-recoil-formula.jpg\" alt=\"AK-12 vs M4 - recoil formula\" width=\"750\" height=\"419\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-recoil-formula.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-recoil-formula-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-recoil-formula-400x223.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-recoil-formula-150x84.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/419;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-117930\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Recoil Formula.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Now, I\u2019m not much on ciphering, so I\u2019ll let you watch that yourself. I do, however, think it\u2019s just a little disingenuous, since those claims are usually made when comparing the AR to an AK firing the venerable 7.62&#215;39, which does have a heavier felt recoil.<\/p>\n<p>My only issue is that he doesn\u2019t differentiate, nor does he reveal which chambering he\u2019s using, except by briefly mentioning the bullet weight, until much later in the video. But maybe I\u2019m being picky. He does point out that the AK-12 features a muzzle brake, while the AR only has a birdcage flash hider. For an opinion on the 7.62&#215;39 version of the AK-12, including a recoil comparison, check this out.<\/p>\n<h3>At the range.<\/h3>\n<p>Next up are range tests aimed at the idea that the AR has better ergonomics than the AK and whether it actually matters.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_117931\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-117931\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-117931 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-the-shootist.jpg\" alt=\"AK-12 vs M4 range shooting\" width=\"750\" height=\"225\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-the-shootist.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-the-shootist-300x90.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-the-shootist-400x120.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-the-shootist-150x45.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/225;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-117931\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Shootist.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Gubich times himself on the following tests with both rifles: One shot from low ready with the safety off; one shot from low ready with the safety on; and one shot with a mag change followed by another single shot. I would like to have seen a mag loaded with a single round, followed by a mag change and charging the bolt before the second shot, but it didn\u2019t happen.<\/p>\n<p>The averages from each rifle were remarkably similar, but I will say that it appeared to me that he was far more comfortable with the AK than the AR, which may have affected his performance a little bit. But honestly, that seems perfectly normal since he says upfront that he\u2019s a \u201cKalashnikov specialist\u201d and I don\u2019t think it made enough difference to say it invalidated the test.<\/p>\n<p>Gubich also noted, correctly, that his tests were under lab conditions and that the numbers did not reflect what a soldier would experience in the field, especially under fire.<\/p>\n<h3>Exposure testing, Russian style.<\/h3>\n<p>Gubich then goes outside, drops both rifles on the ground, kicks snow over them (because OF COURSE there\u2019s snow in Central Russia), and leaves them on a table in the open for a half-hour.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_117932\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-117932\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-117932 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-snow-ice-test-russia.jpg\" alt=\"AK-12 vs M4 snow and ice test.\" width=\"750\" height=\"393\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-snow-ice-test-russia.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-snow-ice-test-russia-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-snow-ice-test-russia-600x315.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-snow-ice-test-russia-400x210.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-snow-ice-test-russia-150x79.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/393;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-117932\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Snow and Ice Test. Because Russia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Both rifles had mags inserted but no round was chambered. When he came back, both rifles had ice on them.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_117933\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-117933\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-117933 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-ice-snow-test.jpg\" alt=\"AK-12-vs M4 ice and snow on the guns.\" width=\"750\" height=\"418\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-ice-snow-test.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-ice-snow-test-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-ice-snow-test-400x223.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-ice-snow-test-150x84.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/418;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-117933\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">After Being Left Out in the Cold for 30 Minutes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I don\u2019t want to ruin it for you, but the AK-12 shrugged it off and performed as expected. The AR\u2026not so much. Major issues with the charging handle and mag release. I do not have the experience to judge whether it was a valid field test. I\u2019ll let you watch it for yourself.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_117934\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-117934\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-117934 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-testing.jpg\" alt=\"exposure test\" width=\"750\" height=\"281\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-testing.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-testing-300x112.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-testing-400x150.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-vs-M4-testing-150x56.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/281;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-117934\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Left: Rifle is Fine. Right: Not So Much.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Testing for Accuracy.<\/h3>\n<p>Finally, Gubich addresses the \u201cmyth\u201d that the AR is more accurate than the AK. He fired both from a prone position, using the aforementioned ammo, at 50 meters.<\/p>\n<p>Both held groups that were close enough that it didn\u2019t matter. He claims the idea that the AR is more accurate comes from guys who shoot Gucci ARs with match ammo. You decide.<\/p>\n<p>He also briefly addresses the fact that the AR has a \u201cbolt stop\u201d that holds the bolt open on the last round, while the AK does not. Many feel this is a disadvantage for the AK, but Gubich says it is not. He tells of two incidents in which he suffered a stoppage due to a \u201cbolt stop,\u201d and concludes that \u201cThe bolt stop does not increase effectiveness.\u201d Again, you make the call.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_117935\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-117935\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-117935 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-vs-M4-accuracy-test.jpg\" alt=\"accuracy test\" width=\"750\" height=\"423\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-vs-M4-accuracy-test.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-vs-M4-accuracy-test-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-vs-M4-accuracy-test-400x226.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-vs-M4-accuracy-test-150x85.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/423;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-117935\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Accuracy Test was Pretty Much Even.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>AK-12 vs M4 \u2014 Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>I think that Georgiy Gubich has his opinion about which one is superior, but, in all fairness, he breaks it down like this: \u201cReduced weight (M4) versus less recoil (AK-12)\u201d; \u201cbetter ergonomics (M4) versus more reliable controls (AK-12).\u201d I also think his final conclusion is unarguable: \u201cI personally think the best one is the one you know how to use properly.\u201d Sigh. Still no verdict.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve never checked out the Kalashnikov Group YouTube Channel, you really should. Lots of cool (135) Gun Myths: Exploding Gas Tank \u2014 YouTube stuff and a pretty good sense of humor.<\/p>\n<p>Some of it\u2019s even in English!<\/p>\n<p>https:\/\/youtu.be\/DmA3XIEVs0s<\/p>\n<a id=\"6P70\"><\/a>\n<h2>6P70 AK12 \u2014 Russia\u2019s New Army Rifle<\/h2>\n<p><em>Patti Miller (June 2021)<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Want to know more about the AK-12 that the Russian Army has now? The gent over at Oxide did a quick review of the 6P70 model and had some good insights. According to him, this is a 545 type rifle that replaces the AK74M variations that they used to be issued. Throughout the review, it is apparent there he thinks there are problems with the new design.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"text-center article-iframe d-flex flex-wrap justify-content-center\"><iframe title=\"6P70 - AK-12 - Russia&#039;s New Army Rifle with Pointless Burst Fire that Ruins Everything\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Q79V_G5-uHs?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>While he states there are issues with the rifle, he says above all it\u2019s still fun to shoot and functions very well. The upgrades are only minor and seem odd given the other options the rifle company was considering. His main issue revolves around the two-round burst selection being<br \/>\nadded. It seems like it was more of a gimmick than an actually useful function for the rifle.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_116949\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-116949\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-116949 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/shooting-AK12.jpg\" alt=\"shooting the AK-12\" width=\"750\" height=\"420\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/shooting-AK12.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/shooting-AK12-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/shooting-AK12-400x224.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/shooting-AK12-150x84.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/420;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-116949\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Even with the perceived flaws with the AK-12, it still is a fun rifle to shoot.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In addition to the two-round burst option, they also added new accessory rails, a dust cover on the gas tube, an extended stock, windows in the magazine, and glowing followers\u2014both of which are used to track rounds remaining.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_116950\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-116950\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-116950 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-Fire-Selector.jpg\" alt=\"AK-12 Fire Selector\" width=\"750\" height=\"455\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-Fire-Selector.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-Fire-Selector-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-Fire-Selector-400x243.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-Fire-Selector-150x91.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/455;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-116950\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">For Oxide, the selector is not ergo friendly and way too crowded with four different options.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>But he spends most of his time focusing on the two-round burst option. While shooting the AK-12, he doesn\u2019t see much difference between it and the auto <a href=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/magpul-pmag-ak-74-5-45x39mm-30-round-magazine.html\">74<\/a> rifle. The overall design of the 12 seems like a holdover from balance recoil designs but doesn\u2019t actually have a balanced recoil. Even though there is low recoil, the heavy cycle design of the rifle makes it hard to stay on target in the two-round burst selection so you really can\u2019t hit two rounds in the same spot.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_116952\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-116952\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-116952 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-rounds-on-target.jpg\" alt=\"AK-12 rounds on target\" width=\"750\" height=\"446\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-rounds-on-target.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-rounds-on-target-300x178.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-rounds-on-target-400x238.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-rounds-on-target-150x89.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/446;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-116952\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The review states that it was harder to stay on target on the two-round burst than on full auto.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>He says the selector itself is also an issue, ergonomically. The crowded 4-position selector has a spring to keep the selector tight against the receiver that basically inhibits the ability to switch between options quickly. With the positions being too close together it causes him to miss the full auto or burst options often. He finds that the best way that to switch between fire selections is to actually go all the way down to single shot and then back up to the selection you want.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_116953\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-116953\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-116953 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-Cleaning-Accessories.jpg\" alt=\"AK-12 cleaning accessories\" width=\"750\" height=\"442\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-Cleaning-Accessories.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-Cleaning-Accessories-300x177.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-Cleaning-Accessories-400x236.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK12-Cleaning-Accessories-150x88.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/442;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-116953\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">It\u2019s not often that your rifle carries its own cleaning kit, but the AK-12 has one in the stock.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In regard to the upgrades for disassembly, the dust cover is now removed by a pin and no longer by a button. The gas tube is welded in place to keep the rail steady and has a port for cleaning. The lower handguard can be removed using punches that are held in the stock, along with a cleaning rod. The rifle grip also holds an oil bottle. He maintains that one would only need to mess with the punches if the polymer rails need to be replaced.<\/p>\n<p>While the AK-12 may be a transitional model to a better option for the Russian soldiers, it doesn\u2019t seem to be the case. He concludes that the features on the AK-12 could be just to show unjustifiable waste for the army with incremental upgrades from the previously issued rifle.<\/p>\n<a id=\"dozen\"><\/a>\n<h2>Mikhail&#8217;s Dozen: the AK 12 Kalashnikov<\/h2>\n<p><em>Bucky Lawson (June 2020)<\/em><\/p>\n<p>If there\u2019s one thing Kalashnikov does well (other than making baller rifles), it\u2019s self-promotion. They have one of the coolest channels on YouTube, a sweet website from which I am, unfortunately, not allowed to buy anything. An example of why I like the channel: Russian TV recently released an (almost) all-access program on the factory and the AK 12 rifle. The AK-12, for those who are unfamiliar, is in the fifth generation of Kalashnikov rifles.<\/p>\n<p>The TV show is called \u201cCombat Approved.\u201d I&#8217;d never heard of them until now, but it was maybe the best behind-the-scenes Kalashnikov program I\u2019ve seen yet.<\/p>\n<p>Even better, a good part of it is in English, so I only had to read subtitles some of the time. So I subscribed to their channel.<\/p>\n<p>The program is a nice balance of production, testing, and range work.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"text-center article-iframe d-flex flex-wrap justify-content-center\"><iframe title=\"Episode 173. AK-12. The new Kalashnikov\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EeFVyxJKlLw?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>AK-12 Production and Testing<\/h2>\n<p>The host talks briefly about the Izhmash factory, its size, and all that. Since all Kalashnikov rifles, plus Dragunovs and others, are made there, it is definitely a big place. But he quickly focuses on the area where the AK-12 is built from the ground up. We see barrel blanks, how they are bored and stretched, receivers, and gas systems.<\/p>\n<p>You see a little of each procedure, as well as how the rifle is assembled, which I found pretty interesting.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_118648\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-118648\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-118648 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Manufacture-AK-12.jpg\" alt=\"AK-12 in manufacturing process\" width=\"750\" height=\"382\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Manufacture-AK-12.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Manufacture-AK-12-300x153.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Manufacture-AK-12-400x204.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Manufacture-AK-12-150x76.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/382;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-118648\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Russian steel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_118674\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-118674\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-118674 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-press-fitting-barrel-receiver.jpg\" alt=\"Press fitting AK-12 barrel and receiver, before and after.\" width=\"750\" height=\"281\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-press-fitting-barrel-receiver.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-press-fitting-barrel-receiver-300x112.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-press-fitting-barrel-receiver-400x150.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-press-fitting-barrel-receiver-150x56.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/281;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-118674\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Press fitting the barrel into the receiver: during and after.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_118678\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-118678\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-118678 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-furniture-installation.jpg\" alt=\"Installing furniture on AK-12\" width=\"750\" height=\"447\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-furniture-installation.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-furniture-installation-300x179.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-furniture-installation-400x238.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-furniture-installation-150x89.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/447;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-118678\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Installing the furniture.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Depending on the day, the factory supervisor said they would turn out anywhere from 500 to 1000 AK-12s in each 11-hour shift. We also learn that the AK-12 is chambered exclusively in 5.45&#215;39, while the 7.62&#215;39 version is designated AK-15. I hadn\u2019t seen that before.<\/p>\n<p>Quality control is obviously a big deal, and each rifle goes through several steps in the process. Each stage of production is signed off by the technician who performs that step. Each technician also stamps the rifle. Those steps are confirmed by a supervisor who also signs off on it. Then, it goes to a military liaison officer who examines each rifle and approves it or sends it back.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_118677\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-118677\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-118677 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-supervisor-check-fitted-barrels.jpg\" alt=\"Supervisor\u2019s check on fitted barrels.\" width=\"750\" height=\"370\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-supervisor-check-fitted-barrels.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-supervisor-check-fitted-barrels-300x148.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-supervisor-check-fitted-barrels-400x197.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-supervisor-check-fitted-barrels-150x74.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/370;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-118677\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Supervisor\u2019s check on fitted barrels.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_118680\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-118680\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-118680 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-quality-check-assembly.jpg\" alt=\"Military Liason Officer doing quality check on AK-12.\" width=\"750\" height=\"281\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-quality-check-assembly.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-quality-check-assembly-300x112.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-quality-check-assembly-400x150.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-quality-check-assembly-150x56.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/281;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-118680\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Military Liaison Officers\u2019 quality check and assembly.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>One feature I noticed at this stage, that I hadn\u2019t seen before, is the <a href=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/range-gear\/gun-care\/cleaning-kits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cleaning kit<\/a> housed in the pistol grip.<\/p>\n<p>Also, note that the front sight has been integrated into the gas block. The rifle can be sent back by anyone in the process. Redundancy, in this case, is a good thing. The production standards are determined by the Russian government, as is to be expected.<\/p>\n<p>There are several tests performed in the factory. They didn\u2019t specify whether each rifle is subjected to these or just random samples from each batch, but I can\u2019t imagine testing every single rifle like this.<\/p>\n<p>First, we see the dust test, where a rifle is subjected to a dust storm in an enclosed room and fired by a technician in an environmental suit. Another room simulates a cold rainstorm and ice is allowed to form on the rifle before firing.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_118681\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-118681\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-118681 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-dust-test.jpg\" alt=\"AK-12 dust test\" width=\"750\" height=\"384\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-dust-test.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-dust-test-300x154.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-dust-test-400x205.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-dust-test-150x77.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/384;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-118681\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dust test.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_118649\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-118649\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-118649 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Water-Test-Hot-AK-12-Barrel.jpg\" alt=\"Water test on a hot AK-12 barrel.\" width=\"750\" height=\"496\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Water-Test-Hot-AK-12-Barrel.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Water-Test-Hot-AK-12-Barrel-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Water-Test-Hot-AK-12-Barrel-150x99.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Water-Test-Hot-AK-12-Barrel-400x265.jpg 400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/496;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-118649\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Water test on a hot barrel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>On the Range<\/h2>\n<p>Most of the range work was done by the production crew at an offsite range. They used an AKM instead of an AK-12, which we are told was unavailable. The factory range supervisor assures us that the AK-12 is built to the same quality standards as the AK-12, so the tests are valid. He was actually pretty nonchalant about it, almost like he thought it was a dumb question. Maybe it was.<\/p>\n<p>The range tests featured the ever-popular reliability tests with dirt, mud, water, old engine oil, physical stress tests, you name it. One I hadn\u2019t seen before was jacking up a car and then using two AKs as jack stands.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_118676\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-118676\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-118676 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-74M-jack-stand-test.jpg\" alt=\"The Jack Stand test with Two AK-74Ms.\" width=\"750\" height=\"281\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-74M-jack-stand-test.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-74M-jack-stand-test-300x112.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-74M-jack-stand-test-400x150.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-74M-jack-stand-test-150x56.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/281;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-118676\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Jack Stand Test with Two AK-74Ms. Nothing bent or broke.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Another test involved heating the barrel with a blowtorch until it&#8217;s red hot and fire it while the metal is still glowing. The AK, of course, kept right on firing. So, most of the tests are stuff we\u2019ve grown familiar with, but still fun to watch.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_118683\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-118683\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-118683 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Blowtorch-heating-AK-12-barrel.jpg\" alt=\"Heating AK-12 with a blowtorch before firing it red hot.\" width=\"750\" height=\"281\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Blowtorch-heating-AK-12-barrel.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Blowtorch-heating-AK-12-barrel-300x112.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Blowtorch-heating-AK-12-barrel-400x150.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Blowtorch-heating-AK-12-barrel-150x56.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/281;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-118683\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Heating the barrel for ten minutes with a blowtorch before firing it red hot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>So, what\u2019s the Big Deal?<\/h2>\n<p>The AK-12 seems to be a typical Kalashnikov in terms of quality, reliability, and function, with a few upgrades, like furniture, <a href=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/gun-parts\/grips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">grips<\/a>, and mags. The Russians have always kinda been \u201cif it ain\u2019t broke, don\u2019t fix it\u201d when it comes to their small arms. Some believe the AK is dated, but there is much to be said for a thoroughly proven design that is gonna go \u201cbang\u201d every time.<\/p>\n<p>I thought the program was very interesting, especially the production stuff. There are also some cool segments in the factory museum, which traces the Izhevsk Arsenal all the way back to the Napoleonic Wars.<\/p>\n<p>They actually have a musket that served against Napoleon\u2019s invasion in 1812 and examples of other weapons throughout the history of the factory, including the actual test Kalashnikov that was accepted by the Red Army, in its original condition\u2014 the <em>first<\/em> AK-47.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_118690\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-118690\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-118690 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/napoleonic-flintlock.jpg\" alt=\"Napoleonic flintlock\" width=\"750\" height=\"415\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/napoleonic-flintlock.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/napoleonic-flintlock-300x166.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/napoleonic-flintlock-400x221.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/napoleonic-flintlock-150x83.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/415;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-118690\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Napoleonic flintlock made at the same factory.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_118692\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-118692\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-118692 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/first-officially-adopted-AK-47.jpg\" alt=\"The first officially adopted AK-47.\" width=\"750\" height=\"281\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/first-officially-adopted-AK-47.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/first-officially-adopted-AK-47-300x112.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/first-officially-adopted-AK-47-400x150.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/first-officially-adopted-AK-47-150x56.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/281;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-118692\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The first officially adopted AK-47.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_118693\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-118693\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-118693 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Historic-Izhevsk-Muskets.jpg\" alt=\"Historic Izhevsk muskets.\" width=\"750\" height=\"438\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Historic-Izhevsk-Muskets.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Historic-Izhevsk-Muskets-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Historic-Izhevsk-Muskets-400x234.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Historic-Izhevsk-Muskets-150x88.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/438;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-118693\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Historic Izhevsk muskets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_118694\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-118694\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-118694 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Historic-Izhevsk-Mosin-Nagants.jpg\" alt=\"Historic Izhevsk Mosin Nagants\" width=\"750\" height=\"388\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Historic-Izhevsk-Mosin-Nagants.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Historic-Izhevsk-Mosin-Nagants-300x155.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Historic-Izhevsk-Mosin-Nagants-400x207.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Historic-Izhevsk-Mosin-Nagants-150x78.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/388;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-118694\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Historic Izhevsk Mosin Nagants, among others.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It\u2019s noted that some Kalashnikovs are currently built on the same factory floor where those Napoleonic muskets were produced. Pretty sweet. They also roll in some footage of Russian soldiers training the Syrian Army and Russian operators in Syria.<\/p>\n<p>All-in-all, I enjoyed it. Maybe you will too. <a id=\"kalashnikov-factory\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-center article-image d-flex justify-content-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-118647 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-AK-15-russian-steel-1024x525.jpg\" alt=\"Russian rifles, the AK-15 and AK-12\" width=\"749\" height=\"384\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-AK-15-russian-steel-1024x525.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-AK-15-russian-steel-300x154.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-AK-15-russian-steel-768x394.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-AK-15-russian-steel-400x205.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-AK-15-russian-steel-150x77.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-AK-15-russian-steel.jpg 1160w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 749px) 100vw, 749px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 749px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 749\/384;\" \/><\/div>\n<a id=\"kalashnikov-factory\"><\/a>\n<h2>Inside look at the AK200, AK12 and AK15 at the Kalashnikov Factory<\/h2>\n<p><em>Patti Miller (July 2021)<\/em><\/p>\n<p>With the overall prevalence of the AK rifle in the world, wouldn&#8217;t it be interesting to see how they are made? Well, here&#8217;s something that&#8217;ll help quench your curiosity. Anna Knishenko, the host of <em>The Kalashnikova Show<\/em>, takes us on a tour for an inside view of the Kalashnikov Concern main factory in Izhevsk, Russia.<\/p>\n<p>Nicknamed the Armory of Russia, this town and factory produce nearly 10 percent of all small arms in the world and nearly all the small arms in Russia. In these two videos, Anna takes a look at the factory along with the AK-200 series rifle, the AK15, and the AK- 12 with its armory piercing rounds.<\/p>\n<h2>Inside the Kalashnikov Factory<\/h2>\n<p>The Kalashnikov Concern was originally an armory built by the decree of Alexander I in the early 1800s. For the last two centuries, high-tech weapons for the Russian military have been produced there. In the early 1900s, the armory was renamed for the renowned designer Mikhail Kalashnikov.<\/p>\n<p>Inside the factory, there is a collection of all significant weapons made there, including a pre-production AK-47. According to Anna, the AK-47 rifle was shown superior to the US Colt M16 in Vietnam and Afghanistan wars with American soldiers ditching their Colts to go with the Kalashnikov rifles instead.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_121216\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-121216\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-121216 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-Factory-inside.jpg\" alt=\"Anna Knishenko holding a production AK-12 inside the Kalashnikov factory\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-Factory-inside.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-Factory-inside-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-Factory-inside-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-Factory-inside-150x84.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/422;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-121216\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Anna Knishenko holds a production AK-12 inside the Kalashnikov Concern factory.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>According to Knishenko, the Kalashnikov rifle is the most widely used weapon, with more than 100 million rifles of various calibers in the world. All the rifles are made in the Izhevsk Kalashnikov Concern factory.<\/p>\n<h2>The New Chukovin Sniper Rifle<\/h2>\n<p>The first rifle Anna looked at was the new Chukovin sniper rifle. This rifle is one of the newest generation sniper rifles and was based on the famous Dragunov rifle. It was designed to use 7.62 Russian calibers, .308 Win, or .338 LaPua with 10, 15, or 20 round magazines. Thanks to the Picatinny rails, it is compatible with any accessory made in the world and has an effective range of roughly 1,200 meters with the standard ammo.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_121217\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-121217\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-121217 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-Chukovin-sniper-rifle.jpg\" alt=\"Kalashnikov Chukovin sniper rilfe\" width=\"750\" height=\"430\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-Chukovin-sniper-rifle.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-Chukovin-sniper-rifle-300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-Chukovin-sniper-rifle-400x229.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-Chukovin-sniper-rifle-150x86.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/430;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-121217\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Chukovin sniper rifle is the latest generation from the Kalashnikov family of rifles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>AK-200<\/h2>\n<p>Next Anna took a look at the AK200 series rifles. It also has the Picatinny rail added for accessory compatibility. It has been lauded for its high level of efficiency and accuracy, similar to all Kalashnikov rifles. Chambered in 5.45mm, it has a telescoping stock that can also be folded to the side along with transparent windows in the 30 round magazines to help to see how much ammo is left.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_121218\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-121218\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-121218 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-AK-200.jpg\" alt=\"Kalashnikov AK-200\" width=\"750\" height=\"426\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-AK-200.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-AK-200-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-AK-200-400x227.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-AK-200-150x85.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/426;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-121218\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Part of the 5th generation of the AK rifle family, it was designed to meet the specifications of the Russian Ministry of Defense.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>AK-12 and AK-15 Rifles<\/h2>\n<p>Next, she looked at the AK12 and AK15 rifles. Both are the 5th generation in the AK rifle series and were designed to meet the specifications of the Russian Ministry of Defense. The main requirements were to adapt the firearm to be used with different types of combat gear and compatibility with other combat equipment.<\/p>\n<p>The AK-12 is based on the AK-74 rifle and is chambered in 5.45mm. It was designed for the military and used in Ground and Airborne troops as well as the Marines. The AK15 is chambered 7.62mm making it an ideal rifle for the Russian Special Forces. It too has a Picatinny rail to allow accessories to be added, such as sights, lights, night vision scopes, or under-barrel grenade launchers.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_121220\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-121220\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-121220 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-AK-12.jpg\" alt=\"Kalashnikov AK-12\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-AK-12.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-AK-12-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-AK-12-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Kalashnikov-AK-12-150x84.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/422;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-121220\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Based on the AK-74 rifle, it\u2019s a natural fit for the Russian ground and airborne troops and the Marines.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The videos have test shooting throughout and end up with them testing a brand new AK-12. They tested the accuracy as well as the thought that it would shoot armory piercing rounds. They shot at a 5mm thick armored panel from 50 meters and all shots went clean through thus proving it right under those conditions.<\/p>\n<p>https:\/\/youtu.be\/zcOQS2zLS70<\/p>\n<p>https:\/\/youtu.be\/Uu6pLq9vITo<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This &#8220;Combat Approved&#8221; show about the AK-12 was maybe the best behind-the-scenes Kalashnikov programs we&#8217;ve seen yet. Check it out.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":119136,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2333],"tags":[1109,1529,2255],"class_list":["post-118644","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-firearm-reviews","tag-kalashnikov","tag-watch-and-learn","tag-ak-12"],"small_media_thumbnail":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AK-12-training-in-Syria-Russian-SOF-300x178.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118644","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=118644"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118644\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":441473,"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118644\/revisions\/441473"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/119136"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=118644"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=118644"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=118644"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}