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The AK-74 is an assault rifle developed in the early 1970s in the Soviet Union as a replacement for the AKM. The rifle first saw battle in 1979 with Soviet forces in the Afghanistan conflict and is used by the majority of counties of the former USSR today. Mongolia, North Korean Special Forces, and the Vietnamese People's Naval infantry all use AK-74s.

AK-74 Design Details

The AK-74 is an adaptation of the 7.62mm AKM assault rifles and features a number of design improvements. These modifications were primarily the result of converting the rifle to the 5.45x39mm cartridge. The rifles operation during firing and reloading is identical to that of the AKM. The rifle received a new barrel with chrome-lined bore and four right-hand grooves. The front sight base and gas block were designed as well.

The newest features of the AK-74 include a new stock, hand guard, and gas cylinder. The stock has a different shoulder pad than the AKM, which is rubber and serrated for improved grip. In addition, there are weight-reducing lightening cuts on each side of the butt stock. The AK-74 gas tube has a spring washer attached to its rear and is designed to retain the gas tube more securely.

Accessories for the Ak-74 include a 6H4 and 6H5 bayonet, a quick loading device, three spare magazines, four 15-round stripper clips, a maintenance kit, cleaning rod and sling.

AK-74 Variants

AKS-74

The AKS-74 is a variant on the AK-74 equipped with a side-folding metal shoulder stock designed for use with air assault infantry. The stock is fabricated from stamped sheet metal and it machine pressed into a “U" shape and assembled by punch fit and welding.

ASK-74U

In 1979 a shortened carbine variant of the AKS-74 was adapted into service with the Soviet Army. The ASK-74U bridged the gap between submachine gun and assault rifle and was intended for use with special forces, airborne infantry, rear-echelon support units and armored vehicle crews.

AK-74M

The AK-74M is a modernized variant of the AK-74 that offered more versatility. The rifle features a new synthetic stock made from glass-filled polyamide that is shaped like the AK-74 and uses an improved muzzle device and reinforced dusk cover.

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