Kalashnikov AK-74M
Overview
AK-74M
Right side view of Kalashnikov AK-74M assault rifle.
Source: Concern Kalashnikov -
© GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Description
Introduction
The AK-74M is an assault rifle of Russian origin. Development took place in the Soviet Union and it was adopted by Russian forces just after the collapse of the USSR. The AK-74M was developed as a modernized universal variant of the AK-74, replacing all four full size variants of the AK-74.
Design
The AK-74M is a further development of the AK-74. It is a select-fire assault rifle using a long stroke gas piston mechanism and a rotating bolt. The AK-74M was able to replace all four full size AK-74 assault rifles by having a side folding stock and a scope mount on the left side of the receiver.. Externally the most notable difference is the use of black polymer handguard and stock instead of the wood that was used on the older AK-74. There are also various minor improvements in sturdiness, easier ability to mount a GP-25 or GP-30 grenade launcher and some changes to reduce production cost. The RPK-74 light machine gun received similar updates as the AK-74M.
Firepower
The firepower of the AK-74M is identical to the ealier AK-74. The AK-74M fires the 5.45x39mm Soviet round from a 30 round magazine. The 45 round magazine and 75 round drum developed for the RPK-74 light machine gun can also be used. Practical combat range is 300 m, but targets can be engaged out to 500 m.
Users
The AK-74M was adopted in large quantity by the Russian armed forces. Most older AK-74 have been replaced by the AK-74M in frontline service. Older Kalashnikov rifles can still be found in second line use and in stockpiles. The AK-74M was adopted by several nations. Most of the adopting states are former Soviet states, but also include nations such as Cyprus.
Media
AK-74M
Russian reconnaissance group soldier with AK-74M assault rifle.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
AK-74M
Russian soldier with AK-74M assault rifle.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
AK-74M + GP-25
Left side view of AK-74M assault rifle with GP-25 under barrel grenade launcher.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Details
Related articles
Kalashnikov AK-74
The AK-74M is the Russian modernized variant of the Soviet AK-74 assault rifle.
Kalashnikov RPK-74M
The RPK-74M is the modernized variant of the RPK-74 light machine gun and serves alongside the AK-74M.
Nikonov AN-94
The AN-94 was developed to supersede the AK-74M as standard issue assault rifle of the Russian military. It was formally adopted, but only a very small number of AN-94 were produced.
Kalashnikov AK-100
The AK-74M laid the foundation for the AK-100 series of assault rifles. The AK-100 series was developed for export sales.