Are The Kalashnikov Days Numbered With The Adoption Of The AM-17?
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.
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The press release reported that the AM-17 was tested in the SVO Special Military Operation zone and received a positive review. Based on feedback from Russian military personnel, several changes were made to enhance its performance and usability. The announcement also notes that it can replace the AKS-74U, which entered production in 1979 and was discontinued around 1993. It also notes the SVO zone and not Ukraine, so this could also mean Western Russia, seeing as the conflict has widened into Russia proper.
Most of the weapon, including the receiver with appropriate supports, were made of high-strength polymer to meet modern requirements and trends. This eased manufacturing, reduced cost, and reduced the soldier’s weight.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has assigned the GRAU designation 6P74 to a class of weapons, including the 5.45mm AM-17 compact assault rifle and the 5.45mm assault rifle.
From several released photos, we already know that a class of weapons has been developed based on the AM-17. There has been photo evidence of compact and full-size assault rifles chambered in both 7.62×39 and 5.56 NATO, both for the military and the civilian market. The parallel development of the AM-17 was the suppressed small-sized or compact automatic rifle AMB-17 chambered in the subsonic 9x39mm cartridge. Due to the changed requirements of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the AMB-17 may have been shelved for now; this may be a simple financial decision or something more significant, seeing that most of the RF Army fleet of 9×39 caliber weapons has yet to see much modernization since their introduction.
History
The design of the new assault rifle was based on the MA experimental compact assault rifle, developed by Evgeny Fedorovich Dragunov, the creator of the SVD rifle. It should be noted that his work on the MA assault rifle was not part of the ‘Modern’ program, which resulted in the adoption of the AKS-74U. The MA was a project to explore modern materials and design concepts in small arms, mainly focusing on extensively using polymers and plastic materials in firearm construction. The development of the Austrian AUG rifle initiated the Soviet’s interest.
After the MA project was shelved, it was revisited in the 2010s and proposed for further development. The new project is named AM-17, a small-sized or compact assault rifle, and 2017 notating the year. The project was initiated in response to the Russian military’s request for a modern and more effective replacement for the AKS-74U for auxiliary units. This would also be a more effective and appropriate proposal for a Russian pilot escape and evasion kit survival weapon.
Construction and Design
The AM-17 is designed with adaptability in mind. Its receiver, made of high-strength polymer with aluminum and steel reinforcements, is a testament to its robustness. The layout, typical for modern weapons, features an upper or lower receiver, reminiscent of Kalashnikov’s 1946 AK-46 layout. The stock is adjustable and folds to the right side, catering to different user preferences. Safety is ambidextrous, and the charging handle can be put on either side, ensuring ease of use for all end users. This adaptability makes the AM-17 a versatile and user-friendly weapon.
The AM-17 is short-stroke gas-operated, which refers to previous Soviet developments by Fedor Tokarev and Sergey Simonov with their short-stroke gas-operated systems. A three-lug rotary bolt achieves the AM-17 locking. The fire control mechanism provides safe, semi-automatic, and full auto.
The AM-17 is designed with portability in mind. The choice of modern construction material aimed to reduce the weapon’s weight compared to existing systems. The AM-17 currently weighs 5.5 lbs. (2.5 kg), making it one of the lightest assault rifles in its class. This is before the end user adds their required attachments and suppressor. With the proposed suppressor, the system’s combined weight is estimated at around 6.6 lbs. (2.9kg). This lightweight design, packaged compact, makes the AM-17 a highly portable and maneuverable weapon. The AM-17 is 1.10lbs. (.5 kg) lighter than the AK-12 and has better ergonomics than the traditional AK-based rifle.
The top of the receiver is fitted with a 1913 Picatinny rail for sights and lasers; the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions appear to be equipped with M-LOK attachment points. One noticeable change from the prototype AM-17 is the change of the iron sights. Instead of being removable, they are now integrated into the upper receiver. The rear sight is the same as the AK-12 2023 diopter sight, and a hooded front sight is integrated into the fore-end, the design of which is similar to the earlier PPK-20 submachine gun.
Specifications:
Caliber: 5.45×39
Overall length: 29.5 inches (750mm)
Length fold: 19.2 inches (490mm)
Barrel length: 9.1 inches (230mm)
Weight: 5.5 lbs. (2.5 kg)
Capacity: 30 rounds
Rate of fire: 700-800 rpm
Future
The future of the AM-17 family of weapon systems points to its potential for broader adoption, both domestically and for export. Currently, the system features a modern design and Western attributes, typically taking longer for Russia to explore and recognize the advantages. Adopting the AM-17 in the 5.45 caliber indicates that this caliber still has a promising future. Additionally, Russia is experimenting with new 6mm cartridges, such as the 6.02x41mm, using the AK-22 as a test platform. Enhancements in the AM-17 caliber and features would make it increasingly justifiable for broader adoption, suggesting that the AK era may be numbered in Russian service.