Interesting Observations On The Kalashnikov

Via David

A while back we ran a story here on AP about the Indian Army working a deal with the Russians to domestically produce the AK-203, an AKM with a handful of upgrades in order to replace the 5.56 INSAS rifle, which is commonly viewed as a failure in combat. Its not really a shock, considering the reputation of the INSAS as unreliable as well as being heavy for what it is. The AK on the other hand, even in its most basic form, is fairly lightweight and I doubt anyone who’s been on the receiving end of one doubts its capabilities in combat.

But with that said, the AK is considered by many to be a dated platform. I don’t share that point of view, but its a data point nonetheless. As reliable as it is, the venerable Kalash was designed for the parameters of the era- and when implementing modern add-ons such as lights and IR lasers, most rail interfaces come up being compromises at best when compared to other purpose built designs that have come along since. So why in the world would an Army adopt it, in a retro intermediate caliber such as 7.62×39?

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